Top 10 Day Trips from Malaga and the Costa Del Sol
From the iconic cities of Seville and Grenada to enjoying Marbella’s beach clubs and Andalucia’s white villages, bookmark these day trips from Malaga, Spain for your next visit to the Costa del Sol.
The Costa del Sol may be the destination of choice for many holidaymakers, but I am sure many visitors are unaware of just how many great places you can explore from its popular resorts. Why not combine a stay in Marbella with a day trip to Morocco, or swap glitzy Puerto Banus for one of Andalucia’s beautiful white villages? Many of these incredible places can easily be reached on day trips from Malaga or the Costa del Sol’s holiday resorts.
I have visited many of these places myself, although I still have a few left on my bucket list! I hope to tick them all off soon, and I hope this guide to the best places to visit from Malaga and the Costa del Sol will inspire you to explore some of them too.
1. Explore Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas
Ronda’s iconic deep gorge and the Puente Nuevo, the 18th-century New Bridge, have been attracting visitors all over the world. It is only a 90 minute drive from Malaga and most resorts along the Costa del Sol. While there is a train service from Malaga, it is not direct and takes over two hours.
Ronda’s old town has narrow streets, pretty plazas, as well as family-run wineries and tasty tapas bars, but there is also great shopping here, so there is more to discover than just the Puento Nuevo.
That said, most visitors come to Ronda to see this incredible architectural masterpiece. While the views from the bridge itself are impressive, it is worth hiking down into the El Tajo gorge for the best views. Allow around 20-30 minutes to walk down, and a little longer for the climb back up, but if, like me, you will be stopping for lots of photos along the way, I think you will need at least 90 minutes.
There is a new walkway Desfiladero del Tajo, to bring you to the bottom of the gorge. Tickets cost just €5 and it is suitable for 8+.
Setenil de las Bodegas was on my bucket list for many years, so when I realised it was only 20 minutes drive from Ronda, I knew we had to visit. This tiny white village is built along a narrow river gorge, and many of its houses and restaurants are tucked beneath enormous rock overhangs, giving the streets a dramatic and distinctive appearance.
It is one of the most remarkable villages I have seen and I can’t recommend a visit here enough – the short Instagram reel above should give you an idea of what to expect. Take time to enjoy some tapas or drinks and soak up the atmosphere, it is such a unique place to visit.
A tour that combines Ronda with the white village of Setenil de las Bodegas is arguably one of the best day trips from Malaga. I have selected two top-rated tours here.
2. Marvel at the Alhambra in Grenada
The Alhambra in Grenada is one of the Spain’s top attractions, so it goes without saying that a visit here is one of the best day trips from Malaga. You can catch a direct train from Malaga to Grenada, which takes about 90 minutes, but you must purchase tickets to the Alhambra in advance.
A day tour to Granada from Malaga is a great way to visit, particularly if you are staying in one of the resorts along the Costa del Sol.
Some tours include entrance to the magnificent Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens and Alcazaba, as well as some free time to explore Granada at your own pace, but there are others which don’t include entrance fees, so you need to pre book tickets independently.
3. Walk the Caminito de Rey
One of my favourite experiences throughout all my visits to Spain was walking the Caminito del Rey. This 7.7km cliff path walk offers spectacular views from beginning to end, with stunning gorges, canyons and cliffs around every corner.
Despite walking on walkways that hang over a sheer cliff face, I never felt scared at any time. It is not too challenging either, the walk takes approximately 2.5 hours, and you don’t need to be particularly fit to walk it.
Located just over an hour from Malaga, and most Costa del Sol resorts, it can be reached by car or by an organised tour. Tickets need to be booked well in advance as numbers are restricted, and you can go with or without a guide.
You can catch the train from Malaga to El Chorro station, but if staying in one of the resorts along the Costa del Sol it is probably best to book an organised tour, as prices are excellent and collection from your hotel is included. This is one of the best day trips from Malaga and the Costa del Sol, so don’t miss it!
Note, children under 8 are not allowed on the walk and it is not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights.
Read: Top Tips for walking the Caminito del Rey cliff path walk.
4. Book a Marbella Beach Club
No visit to Malaga would be complete without spending at least one day on the beach, so why not splash out and do it in style! A visit to one of Marbella’s many beach clubs is a great way to experience the essence of this fashionable resort. They are expensive, but some offer a full days entertainment with great food included. There are loads to choose from, each offering a slightly different vibe and clientele.
Read: Top things to do in Marbella
While Nikki Beach might be the most famous beach club in Marbella, its all-white decor, champagne parties and lively DJ sets tends to attract a younger clientele. We went for lunch with our teenagers and had a great time. It was one of the highlights of our trip for our teens and we loved the people watching and lively atmosphere too.
Note under 16s are not allowed in the pool or beds, but you can dine in the restaurant and join in the atmosphere. This short Instagram reel will give you a glimpse of what to expect!
Food was good, particularly the sushi, and was not outrageously priced, although it is €85 for a bottle of house wine! There is a 2 hour limit at the table, but you can stay on the beach afterwards.
The Beach House offers a more relaxed atmosphere, although it is still very lively, depending on the day and time you visit. I went to The Beach House for Sunday brunch with my girlfriends and loved it.
The food was excellent and atmosphere electric – people were dancing by 4pm, and the party continued all day, although it has an older clientele than Nikki Beach. I’m told the All Inclusive lunch on a Saturday is pretty wild though!
La Plage Casanis offers a similar vibe to The Beach House and is also located in the Marbella resort of Elviria
Top Tip: Make sure you pre book all Marbella beach clubs in advance!
5. Discover Tangier, Morocco
Explore two countries on one epic trip! A visit to Morocco is one of the most popular day trips from Malaga and the resorts on the Costa del Sol. It is possible to visit Tangier independently, with regular ferries from Tarifa, but as the port is around a 2 hour drive from Malaga, I think an organised excursion is the easiest option, unless you have a car. It also saves you having to navigate Tangier on your own when you arrive.
This top-rated private tour is hard to beat. Return transfers from your hotel in Malaga and the main resorts on the Costa del Sol are included, and a private guide will show you Tangier’s top attractions while sharing insights into its fascinating history and culture.
A camel ride along the beach at Cap Spartel – where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, visits to the souks in the Medina, breakfast, a traditional Moroccan lunch, and tea or coffee at the historic Continental Hotel, are all included.
6. Explore the Costa del Sol: Marbella, Mijas, Puerto Banus & Colamares Castle
If you are staying in Málaga and want a glimpse of the Costa del Sol, this full-day tour is a great way to see some of its best-known resorts and attractions in one day.
Start in the beautiful white village of Mijas Pueblo, where you will have free time to wander its pretty streets, enjoy breakfast and browse the local boutiques. From there, continue to Puerto Banús, one of the Costa del Sol’s most famous luxury resorts and a complete contrast to Mijas Pueblo. Stroll around the marina, admire the superyachts and see how the other half live!
Marbella sits somewhere between the two, combining a glamorous seaside setting with a gorgeous Old Town that is packed with character. You will have plenty of time to explore, and I highly recommend stopping at El Boquerón for some delicious tapas. Top tip: go there first, put your name down for a table, explore Marbella’s pretty side streets and return in time for lunch.
Read: Top things to do in Marbella
The tour finishes with a visit to the spectacular Colomares Castle, an elaborate monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and one of the most unusual attractions on the Costa del Sol.
Top Tip: Colomares Castle is one of the Costa del Sol’s top Instagram locations, so make sure you bring a powerbank for your phone, as you will be visiting here at the end of the tour!
7. Visit Nerja & Frigiliana
A visit to one of the many White Villages, (Pueblos Blancos), is one of the top things to do on the Costa del Sol. There are over 30 famous villages, and many more that you may stumble upon, and as the name suggests, you can expect whitewashed buildings and narrow streets, with most villages perched on hilltops with beautiful views.
Frigiliana is probably the prettiest white village that I visited. It is a picture perfect village with cobbled streets winding uphill, colourful doors, flowers hanging from balconies and gorgeous views down towards the coast. There are no major attractions that you have to see, the attraction is the village itself. There are little boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants tucked into the streets, and it is a lovely place to go for a long lunch or early dinner.
It is only about 10 to 15 minutes drive from Nerja so I suggest combining both for a super day tour from Malaga. Nerja is a large resort on the Costa del Sol that is situated east of Malaga city.
I holidayed here recently and loved its Old Town, crystal clear water and great restaurants. It is also home to the famous Balcón de Europa Hotel. Both are easily reached by car, but guided tours are also available which include visits to the famous Nerja caves.
Read: Top things to do in Nerja
8. Seville
Seville is the perfect combination of rich history, culture and gastronomy, and is known as the jewel in Andalusia’s crown and the birthplace of Flamenco. To be able to visit Seville on a day trip from Malaga is a great way to combine two of Spain’s most beautiful cities in one trip.
There is a direct train service, which takes about two hours, and you can book many local tours to take you to the highlights – the best of Seville bike tour is one of the most highly rated, and is only €35. Alternatively book a return coach tour from Malaga with free time in Seville and explore at your own pace.
The Plaza de Espana is a must visit as is the Royal Alcazar, but you can also choose to kayak along the river, shop till you drop, or enjoy some tasty tapas from its many great restaurants. See lots more ideas in our Seville travel guide:
Read: Top things to do in Seville
9. Cordoba
Cordoba is another one of the great day tours from Malaga or the Costa del Sol, and is easily reached in around 90 minutes by car or 50 minutes by train from Malaga. The star attraction is the magnificent Mezquita-Catedral, one of the most important examples of Islamic architecture in Spain.
Allow time to wander through the Jewish Quarter, cross the Roman Bridge – featured in the Game of Thrones, and explore Cordoba’s narrow streets. An organised day tour is a particularly easy option if you are staying along the Costa del Sol – I have linked one of the most popular tours below.
10. Gibraltar
Gibraltar is one of the most popular day trips from Malaga and the Costa del Sol, offering travellers the chance to visit Britain while holidaying in Spain. I went there when cruising from the port, and while it wouldn’t be my personal choice of Malaga day trips, I can see the appeal.
Climb the famous Rock of Gibraltar, visit St Michael’s Cave, meet the resident Barbary macaques, enjoy some shopping on Main Street, and take in the views – you can see Morocco on a clear day.
The best way to visit Gibraltar from Malaga is to drive ( 1 hour 45 mins ) or book an organised tour – there is no direct train service. Most tours just include transport, with free time to explore on your own, but I like the one I have linked below, which also includes a stop in the White Village of Mijas Pueblo.
I hope this post on day trips from Malaga and the Costa del Sol will inspire you to visit one of these fabulous places soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, accommodation facilities and attractions are subject to change.
Note some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
