Capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of Andalucia, from Ronda to Nerja, via Granada and Cordoba. Between picturesque white villages, idyllic beaches, historic heritage and exceptional cityscapes, there’s something for everyone!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 10 best excursions from Malaga to make your choice!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions in Malaga
Malaga enjoys a privileged location between the sea and the mountains, yet is perfectly connected to Andalucia’s main attractions. To make your visit easier, you can opt for organized tours. Before presenting our detailed reviews of each tour, here are our 3 favorites:
- Climb the Caminito del Rey: get your thrills and get away from it all on this lush hiking trail – see prices, availability and bookings
- Discover Ronda: explore one of Spain’s oldest towns built into the side of a cliff – see prices, availability and bookings
- Stroll through Frigiliana: stroll through this picturesque village, famous for its Moorish past and traditional crafts – see prices, availability and bookings
1. Surveying the Torqual de Antequera
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Parc Torcal d’Antequera, a geological masterpiece, is one of Europe’s most impressive natural sites. We loved walking through this labyrinth of stones and admiring the spectacular views over the surrounding valley! Once submerged under water, the rocks have been shaped by tectonic forces and erosion, sculpting this unique lunar landscape.
Walking through this karst landscape, over 150 million years old, is already extraordinary, but the experience becomes even more fascinating when you realize the presence of Neanderthal man, 5000 years BC.
What you will see
- Spectacular rock formations
- Panoramic viewpoints
- Local flora and fauna: you might spot goats, birds of prey or discover endemic plants.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion, which includes driving and hiking.
- Take a guided tour: see program and availability. The hike lasts about 3 hours, but by the time you get to the site, the activity lasts 5 hours.
- If you’re coming on your own, we recommend staying one night to enjoy Antequera the following day. In fact, the old town is full of beautiful sights and places to explore, such as the Alcazaba, and you can also visit the Dolmens d’Antequera. Read more in our forthcoming article.
2. Take to the skies at Caminito del Rey
Why do we recommend these tours?
Caminito del Rey is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a sublime natural setting! Cut into the side of a cliff for the construction of a dam at the beginning of the 20th century, this path has now been rehabilitated as a hiking trail.
We gave it a try and loved this shot of nature!
After an initial walk in the forest, we took narrow paths through breathtaking scenery, observing the flora and fauna along the way.
The ultimate challenge: crossing the 100m-high suspension bridge between the narrow gorges!
What you will see
- The rocky landscapes of the various gorges
- The Guadalhorce River, at the foot of the cliffs
- Local wildlife: if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some birds of prey!
How much time to allow
Allow half a day for this excursion (the hike lasts 2 hours for 7.5km in one direction, but you must add to this the travel time).
We strongly recommend the option of an organized tour for this hike to simplify your logistics. The ticket includes: bus transfer from Malaga, priority access to the site and guided tour (available in several languages).
Book your Caminito del Rey excursion now!
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
3. Discover Nerja and its caves
Why do we recommend this tour?
Get ready to plunge into a unique underground universe! Discovered by chance in 1959, the Nerja cave is home to impressive limestone formations and cave paintings. It’s hard not to marvel at the grandeur of the rooms and the magic of the stalactites and stalagmites, enhanced by the play of light.
The highlight of the show? The Cataclysm Hall features a natural column (the meeting of a stalactite and a stalagmite) 32 m high – the tallest in the world!
What you will see
- The various galleries for observing unique limestone formations and other cavities
- A virtual reality room to understand the history of the site and, above all, see the remains of rock art (no longer shown today for conservation reasons).
- The Nerja Museum’s collections of archaeological artefacts
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1 hour to visit the Grotte de Nerja.
- With this excursion, you can combine the discovery of the Nerja Caves with a visit to the village of Frigiliana – see program and availability.
- If you’re coming on your own, plan a day out to discover the pretty Moorish village of Nerja and why not take a relaxing break on the Nerja beaches!
Finally, if you’re particularly fond of caves, you can also take a trip to Benaojan in the Sierra de Grazalema to discover the Cueva del Gato, a spectacular network of caves, less well known but considered one of Andalucia’s most beautiful landscapes.
4. Take a break in a white village
Why do we recommend this tour?
The perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Malaga! An excursion to a white village offers a timeless interlude into the heart of Andalucia’s soul.
Generally perched on hillsides, these villages are enchanting with their cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and rich history blending Moorish and Christian influences. When you visit a white village, you’ll discover a peaceful atmosphere, spectacular panoramas and a taste of the local culture.
What you will see
Near Malaga, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the villages of:
- Frigiliana (1h by car): let yourself be tempted by this village perched at an altitude of 300m, with its picturesque streets and craft stores.
- Mijas (30min): another hilltop village with spectacular views of the Mediterranean and mountains.
- Nerja (45min): this cliffside seaside resort boasts a picturesque town center dressed all in white!
Need more inspiration? Read our article on Andalucia’s most beautiful white villages.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1 full day to stroll through the village and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Guided tours are available:
- Combined tours of Marbella and Mijas: see prices, availability and bookings
- A tour exploring Frigiliana and Nerja: see prices, availability and bookings
- A hike in the El Saltillo Gorge, including an exploration of the white villages by road: see prices, availability and bookings
5. Stroll around Ronda and admire its Puente Nuevo
Why do we recommend this tour?
Prepare to be transported by this city and its iconic Puente Nuevo, spanning a deep natural canyon. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from strolling along the narrow streets of the old medina, to discovering its flamboyant past, or simply admiring the breathtaking scenery it overlooks.
Ronda is also the ideal starting point for visiting the surrounding natural parks and their white villages. These include Setenil de las Bodegas (22min north of Ronda), or Grazalema, in the heart of the Sierra of the same name.
What you will see
- The 18th-century Roman bridge and its 3 arches
- The old town with its Hispano-Moorish heritage
- The Palacio de Mondragon built in 1314
How much time to allow
As Ronda is a small town, one day is enough to explore it, but you need to include the travel time to get there: 1H30 from Malaga. Read our article on visiting Ronda in 1 day.
- Departing from Malaga, most tour operators offer a combined tour of Setenil de las Bodegas and Ronda. Discover the rich history of Ronda before visiting the troglodytic houses of Setenil – see program and availability.
- If you’re travelling to Ronda on your own and want to explore the route of the white villages, we recommend spending two days there. Read our articles on where to sleep in Ronda and what to do in Ronda.
6. Discover Granada from Malaga
Why do we recommend this tour?
Situated at 680m above sea level, at the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada will leave you breathless. The city’s skyline is inseparable from the famous Alhambra, a palatial complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was on this hill that the last Muslims in Spain took refuge at the time of the Reconquista. Down below, you’ll stroll through neighborhoods with winding streets, such as Albaicín and Sacromonte.
What you will see
- The Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba
- The cathedral, considered to be the first Renaissance-style cathedral in Spain
- The beautiful Cartuja Monastery
- Numerous museums (Fine Arts Museum, Archaeological Museum)
How much time to allow
It takes 1h30 to reach Granada by car from Malaga. Allow a full day to visit the must-sees.
- Most organizers offer a guided tour of the Alhambra and also include an exploration of Granada’s historic center – see program and availability.
- However, we advise you to stay several days in Granada if you don’t want to visit just the Alhambra. Find our articles on the best hotels in Granada and the best attractions in Granada.
7. Admire Cordoba’s Cathedral-Mosque
Why do we recommend this tour?
It would be a shame not to take advantage of this pretty city on the banks of the Guadalquivir River! It is famous for its grandiose mosque-cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site that reveals Cordoba’s multicultural history. A leading cultural and scientific city in the Middle Ages, it was the birthplace of philosophers such as Seneca and Averroes. Jews, Catholics and Muslims lived there in harmony, so much so that by the 10th century, 1 million people lived there! We enjoyed strolling through the picturesque, narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter.
What you will see
Depending on your itinerary during the free period of your tour or during your personal getaway, you’ll be able to see:
- The Cathedral Mosque, Europe’s most impressive monument to Umayyad architecture
- The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a 14th-century fortress with beautiful gardens,
- The Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River
- Numerous museums and palaces
How much time to allow
Allow a full day for a trip to Cordoba, especially if you’re driving from Málaga (1h40 drive). By train, the journey takes just 50 minutes (more info here).
We particularly recommend these day tours:
- Discover Cordoba’s Cathedral Mosque with this tour including entrance to the monument and transfer from Malaga – see prices, availability and book.
- Excursion with guided tour of the synagogue: in addition to the services offered in the previous excursion, you can visit the small synagogue in the Jewish Quarter – see program and availability.
If you’re taking a trip on your own, we recommend that you spend at least one night in Cordoba to give yourself more time on site. Read our article on Cordoba’s top attractions and where to stay!
8. Escape to the beach
Why do we recommend this tour?
Malaga is a vibrant city that boasts a unique heritage as well as beaches. Be warned, however, that the beaches close to the city center are not the most beautiful, but if you go a little further out you’ll find some real nuggets:
- A 40-minute bike ride from Málaga takes you to the pretty spots of Playa Penon del Cuervo and Crique del Moral.
- Just 1 hour’s drive from Malaga, the pretty village of Nerja offers beaches set in steep coves. Among the most famous are Burriana Beach, with its fine sand and crystal-clear waters, and Canuelo Beach, with its pebbly sand and magnificent surrounding mountains.
- Just 2h30 from Malaga by car, Cabo de Gata Nature Park is one of our must-see Andalucia destinations. It’s home to a variety of wild beaches, each with its own special features, including La Plage de los Muertos, a long, straight stretch of sand, or the more secluded Crique Enmedio, which rewards hikers with its eroded fossil dunes.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for a beach excursion, so you can enjoy the beach at your own pace.
The program is simple: relax in the sun, relax, read and swim.
For those who can’t stand still, you can:
- Embark on a kayak trip to Nerja – see program and availability
- Cycling between the sea and the fishing village – see program and availability
9. Discover Sevilla from Malaga
Why do we recommend this tour?
You can’t come to Andalucia without visiting its beating heart, Sevilla!
With its rich historical heritage, lively neighborhoods and delicious restaurants, you’ll have no time to get bored. It’s hard to choose how to visit Sevilla in a day! But one thing’s for sure: you’ll love its authentic and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the Alfala and El Arenal neighborhoods, with their beautiful homes, trendy boutiques and colorful alleyways.
What you will see
- The iconic, shimmering Plaza de España
- The Alcazar, a complex of palaces and patios, has been a World Heritage Site since 1987.
- Notre-Dame du Siège Cathedral , with its 104-metre-high tower offering a panoramic view of the city
How much time to allow
Allow 1 full day to visit Sevilla, including the drive from Malaga (2h30 all the same!). Here are a few day tours:
- Excursion to Sevilla with guided tour of the Real AlcazarSee program and availability
- Sevilla boat trip: discover the wonders of Sevilla’s architecture from the water: see program and availability
Of course, we recommend spending several days in Sevilla, as there are so many cultural and heritage sites to explore! Read our articles on the best hotels in Sevilla and the best attractions in Sevilla.
10. Set course for Gibraltar!
Why do we recommend this tour?
Gibraltar lies at the southern tip of Spain, a 2-hour drive from Malaga. This 6.5km2 British enclave will not leave you indifferent. You’ll see many elements reminiscent of the UK: pubs, red telephone booths…The mix with Andalucia culture is quite surprising! The long, densely-populated town is dominated by a 426m rock, for which it has been classified as a nature reserve.
What you will see
- Main street, the long pedestrian street that makes up the city,
- The Gibraltar museum,
- Holy Trinity Cathedral, a 19th-century Anglican church,
- The changing of the guard at the official residence of the governors of Gibraltar (The Convent),
- Upper Rock Nature Reserve,
- The prehistoric Gorham caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How much time to allow
Plan to spend a day there. Here’s an idea for an excursion:
- Excursion to Gibraltar with visit to the San Miguel caves: enjoy superb views of Africa from the Punta de Europa, visit the San Miguel caves and explore the lively streets of Gibraltar – see program and availability
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Other excursions in Malaga
If you don’t have the time or energy for day trips, here are a few things to do in the city of Málaga itself that will give you a breath of fresh air!
- Visit the Botanical Gardens: located just outside the city center, the Jardin La Concepcion offers a green escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Take a boat trip: opt for a catamaran ride at sunset – see program and availability
- Go for a bike ride: Embark on a sportive day in the heart of the majestic Montes de Malaga Natural Park – see program and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Best restaurants
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Driving in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
