Europe » The 9 Best Day Trips From Malaga, Spain

The 9 Best Day Trips From Malaga, Spain

Looking for the best day trips from Malaga? After being wowed by the city’s magnificent history, art and buzzing foodie scene, head off on one of these day trips from Malaga. 

With beautiful hot summers and some of the warmest winters in Europe, the Costa Del Sol is a great region all year around. If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love delving into Andalusian delicacies including fried fish, local olives and tasty hams. Head a little way inland and you’re in a great wine region.

For history lovers there is plenty to keep you busy including Antequera’s 5000-year-old dolmens, Ronda’s spectacular bridge and enough churches and monuments to keep you busy for a lifetime.

Top 5 Things To Do In Ronda, Spain
Top 5 Things To Do In Ronda, Spain

Oh and then there’s the natural beauty. This region of Spain has it all. Stunning rugged mountain ranges, dry arid terrain, beautiful turquoise sea, rolling hills, and caves with 800,000 years of history. 

To make the most of your time in southern Spain, I’d recommend you spend a few days exploring Malaga, then hire a car or book onto day trips and enjoy some other great spots in the region. You could follow a 3 day southern Spain itinerary, or  simply plan some of the day trips from Malaga by public transport. One thing I would say: if you’re a first-timer to the region (and don’t speak the language) definitely allow yourself plenty of time!

I’ve popped together detailed guides on Ronda, Nerja, Cadiz, Seville and Antequera, but no doubt you’re deciding which would suit you best… so scroll down and have a read at your leisure all about the best day trips from Malaga. 


Best Day Trips From Malaga, Costa Del Sol

DAY TRIPS FROM MALAGA TO RONDA

Malaga to Ronda: 103km (approx. 1hr 30)

One of the best day trips from Malaga, it’s hard not to be blown away by Ronda. Built across the deep El Tajo gorge, it has the beauty, charm and history that many cities long for. I’ve travelled across a lot of Spain, and I honestly think Ronda is one of the most photogenic places I’ve visited… and wow is that a bold statement!

To make things easier, consider booking a tour from Malaga to Ronda. There are some great options, such as this full day tour, which includes transport, a guide and entry to Ronda’s bullring and wine cellars. 

Top Things To Do in Ronda

To plan your day in Ronda, I’d recommend reading my Ronda travel guide, which is packed full of tips on the best places to visit. For now though, here are the highlights…

Visit The Puente Nuevo

Ronda - one of the best day trips from Malaga, Spain
Ronda – one of the best day trips from Malaga, Spain

Walk in the Jardines De Cuenca

The gardens by Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain
One of the best day trips from Malaga – Ronda

Check out the stunning views

Breathtaking sunsets in Ronda, Spain
Breathtaking sunsets in Ronda, Spain

Tour the Plaza Del Toros

Ronda's famous bullring, Spain
Ronda’s famous bullring, Spain

Head off wine tasting at Bodega Joaquin Fernandez

Winery - Bodega Joaquín Fernández, Ronda, Spain
Winery – Bodega Joaquín Fernández, Ronda, Spain

Read more about my trip and find out my top things to do in Ronda.


DAY TRIPS FROM MALAGA TO NERJA

Malaga to Nerja: 57km (approx. 50 mins)

With its wonderful sub-tropical climate, the beautiful coastal town of Nerja is home to miles of sandy beaches, top seafood, ancient caves and what is proudly known as the Balcony of Europe. It feels like a proper Spanish holiday destination, complete with beach vendors, sunbathers and endless ice cream shops. I’ve heard it’s particularly busy in the winter time, as so many people choose to escape the bitter UK weather. 

Again, if you don’t fancy organising things yourself, or don’t have a car, Nerja is easy to visit on a guided tour from Malaga. I’d recommend this one, which also includes time in Frigiliana – a pretty town home to a Moorish old quarter, pretty streets and ceramic mosaics.

Top Things To Do in Nerja

To plan your day in Nerja, I’d recommend reading my Nerja travel guide, which is packed full of tips on the best places to visit. For now though, here are the highlights…

Spend the day at one of Nerja’s beaches

Perfect seaside views in Nerja, Spain
Perfect seaside views in Nerja, Spain

Look out over the Balcony of Europe

Enjoying the view in Nerja, Spain
Enjoying the view in Nerja, Spain

Explore Nerja’s incredible caves

Nerja's caves, Spain - an easy day trip from Malaga
Nerja’s caves, Spain – an easy day trip from Malaga

Snap a photo of Nerja’s aquaduct

Acueducto del Águila, Nerja, Spain
Acueducto del Águila, Nerja, Spain

Enjoy some delicious seafood at one of Nerja’s beachside restaurants  

Fried fish by the sea at La Barca Restaurant, Nerja, Spain
Fried fish by the sea at La Barca Restaurant, Nerja, Spain

Read more about my trip and find out my top things to do in Nerja. 


DAY TRIPS FROM MALAGA TO CADIZ

Malaga to Cadiz: 237km (approx. 2hr 40)

With vivid green water dotted with fishing boats, white buildings as far as the eye can see, skinny cobbled streets running from one side of the peninsula to the other, and a buzzy, local vibe with characterful tapas bars on street corners, Cadiz is one of my favourite cities in Spain.

It’s historic, with its Roman ruins and incredible forts, and offers great food and beautiful beaches too.

If you don’t fancy organising a trip, there are a few tours which will take you to both Cadiz and nearby Jerez. They include transport from Malaga plus some fun activities.

Top Things To Do in Cadiz

To plan your day in Cadiz, I’d recommend reading my Cadiz travel guide, which is packed full of tips on the best places to visit. For now though, here are the highlights…

Climb Cadiz Cathedral Tower

Amazing views from Cadiz Cathedral
Amazing views from Cadiz Cathedral

Hit La Caleta Beach

Cadiz - One of the best day trips from Malaga
Cadiz – One of the best day trips from Malaga

Visit Mercado Central

Crustaceans at Mercado Central, Cadiz
Crustaceans at Mercado Central, Cadiz

Walk the entire peninsula

Beautiful view of Cadiz
Beautiful view of Cadiz

Visit the castles 

Amazing views from Cadiz Cathedral
Amazing views from Cadiz Cathedral

Check out the Roman Theatre

Roman Theatre, Cadiz - easy to visit on a day trip from Malaga
Roman Theatre, Cadiz – easy to visit on a day trip from Malaga

Visit some amazing restaurants

La Tabernita, Cadiz
La Tabernita, Cadiz

Read more about my trip and find out my top things to do in Cadiz. 

Also check out my restaurant guide to Cadiz, which features my honest reviews of lots of the local restaurants. 


DAY TRIPS FROM MALAGA TO SEVILLE

Malaga to Seville: 205km (approx. 2hr 15)

Seville is SO quintessentially Spanish. It’s got sunshine and blue skies pretty much year all round. It has that feisty Spanish lust for life, with flamenco, live music and buzzing tapas bars around the city. It’s got the gourmet vibe with fancy markets serving tasty seafood and top wines. It’s got an old bullfighting arena, ancient ruins and some of the most beautiful architecture in the country with Plaza De Espana and the Real Alcazar de Seville. It’s a longer drive than some suggested day trips, but it’s a great contrast to Malaga, so definitely worth the effort. 

To make things easier, consider booking a tour from Malaga to Seville. There are some great options, such as this full day tour, which includes transport, a guided tour and a stop in Ronda. 

Top Things To Do in Seville

To plan your day in Seville, I’d recommend reading my Seville travel guide, which is packed full of tips on the best places to visit. For now though, here are the highlights…

Visit Seville’s beautiful cathedral and take in the history

The beautiful Giralda Tower, Seville

Climb the cathedral’s Giralda Tower for the best views of the city.

Views from the Giralda Tower, Seville
Views from the Giralda Tower, Seville

Explore the intricate beauty of the royal palace – the Real Alcazar De Sevilla

Real Alcázar de Seville
Real Alcázar de Seville

Don’t miss the Plaza De Espana – one of the prettiest buildings in Seville.

Plaza De Espana, Seville
Plaza De Espana, Seville

Enjoy the market at Mercado Lonja del Barranco

Mercado De Lonja Del Barranco, Seville
Mercado De Lonja Del Barranco, Seville

Read more about my trip and find out my top food experiences in Seville


DAY TRIPS FROM MALAGA TO ANTEQUERA

Malaga to Antequera: 51km (approx. 50 mins)

With an incredible rock resembling a man’s face, endless churches and monuments, dolmens dating back to 1800 BC, and beautiful views over the white city, Antequera is an incredible place for a day trip from Malaga.

I’d recommend starting in the town and enjoying the beautiful views over the white town, then head out to the dolmens and rock formations.  It’s the kind of place you can easliy explore on your own, but no doubt you’ll learn more if you book a guide. 

Top Things To Do in Antequera

To plan your day in Antequera, I’d recommend reading my Antequera travel guide, which is packed full of tips on the best places to visit. For now though, here are the highlights…

Marvel at the sight of Lover’s Rock

Lovers Rock in Antequera, Spain
Lovers Rock in Antequera, Spain

Wander the beautiful city

Antequera city and Lovers Rock, Spain
Antequera city and Lovers Rock, Spain

Check out the incredible limestone rock formations of El Torcal

 Go back in time at the ancient Dolmens  

Dolmens of Antequera, Spain
Dolmens of Antequera, Spain

Explore Antequera’s history at the Museu de la Ciudud de Antequera

Beautiful ceiling at Museo Municipal De Antequera, Spain
Beautiful ceiling at Museo Municipal De Antequera, Spain

Read more about my trip and find out my top things to do in Antequera.


Along with these amazing day trips which I’ve enjoyed, here are a few more I’d recommend…

Day trips from Malaga to the Caminito del Rey

You might have seen photos of the incredible walkways between a steep gorge in Spain. Well this is it! The Caminito del Rey is a route of vertigo-inducing footbridges just over 100m off the ground. As you walk the route, you’ll be able to take in the amazing landscapes of El Chorro gorge, spotting the River Guadalhorce below.

This is one of those tours which will definitely have you reaching for your camera too! N.B.  This route was closed for a while due to safety concerns, but has undergone lots of improvements and is now safe to visit again. 

Caminito del Rey, Spain
Caminito del Rey, Spain

Day trips from Malaga to Granada and the Alhambra

This day trip from Malaga to Granada is a great option if you’re interested in seeing the magnificent Alhambra! The palace is the most visited monument in Spain, built during the middle of the 13th Century. This tour showcases a little of Granada (including time to see the main streets and cathedral) as well as giving you an in depth guided tour of the incredible building.

Alhambra, Granada
Alhambra, Granada

Day trips from Malaga to Tangier, Morocco

Fancy visiting Africa while you’re on holiday in Malaga?! Whaaat? Yes, you can actually take a tour from the Costa del Sol to Tangier in Morocco. This trip transports you from your hotel in Spain to the ferry port in Tarifa, on the southernmost tip of the country.

Then it’s across the water to Africa for a special day of sightseeing. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch, explore the medina and learn about Arabic culture from a fully trained guide. What an incredible day out! 

Travel Talk Adventure Morocco
Shopping in the medina

Day trips from Malaga to Cordoba

I adored my time in Cordoba. It’s such a pretty city, filled with charm. I didn’t find it to be as touristy as many of the other places I’ve suggested, so it’s great if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

The city’s most famous landmark is La Mezquita, a stunning mosque dating from 784 A.D. It was once the Muslim capital of Spain, and there are fascinating tales from the city’s Arabic past. Visit on a day tour and you’ll benefit from a guide, although you could happily hop on public transport from Malaga and enjoy the day at your own pace. 

Cordoba, Spain
Cordoba, Spain

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing all the amazing things you can see and do on a day trip from Malaga. Which place has sparked your attention? Let me know below! 

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Best Day Trips From Malaga, Spain

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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