Today I’m going to be touching on what I think are the best day trips from Malaga, for those who fancy nipping away for a day, to somewhere new/different.
Malaga’s got a lot going for it — sea views, sizzling sardines, and enough museums to make even the most culture-resistant traveller reconsider their stance on Picasso. But once you’ve ticked off the cathedral, maxed out your tapas intake, and found your “favourite” local café (which definitely knows you’re a tourist), it’s time for a little adventure.
Luckily, Malaga is surrounded by destinations so picturesque, so historically juicy, and so delicious, you’ll wonder why you ever left them out of the itinerary. Whether you’re after clifftop drama, whitewashed villages, or a mild adrenaline rush, these are the best day trips from Malaga — complete with real travel times, realistic costs, and a no-nonsense breakdown of what’s actually worth your precious holiday hours.
I’ve tested these myself (for science, obviously), so you can plan like a pro and smugly sidestep the tourist traps.
Nerja: Beaches, Balconies & Caves Worth Yelling About
If you like your day trips with a bit of sun, sea, and a subterranean surprise, Nerja is your spot.
This laid-back coastal town is about an hour east by car, or around 1.5 hours by ALSA bus (about €5–€8 each way). It’s famous for the Balcón de Europa — a promenade with dramatic sea views, ideal for dramatic selfies — and the nearby Nerja Caves, which are cool, mysterious, and full of prehistoric wall doodles.
What to do:
- Explore the town’s beaches — Playa Burriana is the main event
- Visit the caves (entry €13 with audio guide)
- Wander narrow lanes full of ice cream, jewellery, and “artisan” bits you’ll definitely never use again
Pro tip: The caves are impressively vast, beautifully lit, and only mildly spooky. I once nodded off during a classical concert inside. Acoustics: 10/10. Seating: very stone-heavy.
Ronda: Romance, Ravines & Ridiculous Views
Ronda isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a cliff-clinging masterpiece with serious wow factor. Two hours by train or car (around €12–€20 return), it’s one of Spain’s oldest towns and feels like a movie set dreamt up by a poet on holiday.
At the centre is the iconic Puente Nuevo, a staggering bridge that spans a 120m deep gorge. If you’re afraid of heights, this is your Everest. If you’re not — take the photo, then grab a glass of something local and feel smug.
What to do:
- Visit the bridge (obviously), and the viewpoints below it
- Tour the bullring (Plaza de Toros), one of Spain’s oldest
- Lunch at a clifftop restaurant and watch your main course arrive with a view
Wear: Comfortable shoes. I mean it. The cobbles are ready to claim ankles.
Mijas Pueblo: Donkeys Optional, Views Mandatory
If whitewashed villages are your thing (and honestly, why wouldn’t they be?), Mijas Pueblo is a charming little hilltop town just waiting for you and your camera.
It’s a 45-minute drive or just over an hour via train to Fuengirola and then a quick bus or taxi up the hill. The journey’s half the fun — especially when the reward is cute squares, craft shops, and views that stretch to the sea.
What to do:
- Explore artisan shops and locally made ceramics
- Walk the walls of the old fortress gardens
- Have a long, lazy lunch and debate whether to buy another straw hat
Warning: It can get touristy. But visit early or midweek and you’ll beat the worst of it.
Donkey taxis? Yes, they’re there. Whether you ride one or not is entirely your call — I preferred to feed mine a carrot and walk.
Caminito del Rey: For Those With Nerves Of Steel
This is the day trip for people who love a scenic walk… and don’t mind if it’s bolted to a sheer cliff face.
The Caminito del Rey (“The King’s Little Path”) is a stunning (and formerly terrifying) walkway through a gorge, about an hour from Malaga by car or via organised tour. It used to be dubbed the world’s most dangerous path — now it’s much safer, but still a thrill.
What to do:
- Hike the 7.7km path (2.5–3 hours), taking in views, vultures, and vertigo
- Snap dramatic photos on the hanging bridge
- Brag about it later over a well-earned cerveza
Tickets: Around €10; you’ll need to book in advance, especially during peak months.
Not for: Toddlers, flip-flop wearers, or those with a fear of heights (unless they like a challenge).
Bonus Ideas: If You’ve Got The Time
Fancy pushing the boundaries of “day trip”? Try one of these:
Granada
- 1.5–2 hours away
- The Alhambra alone is worth the journey
- Book tickets early or risk heartbreak
Córdoba
- About 1 hour by fast train
- Home of the mind-blowing Mezquita-Catedral, and probably the prettiest patios in Spain
Marbella
- 1 hour west
- Bougie beach clubs, fancy cocktails, and the people-watching of dreams
Final Thoughts: Day Trips Done Right
So, which is the best day trip from Malaga? Honestly, it depends on your vibe:
- Want wow-factor photos and ancient architecture? Ronda’s your girl.
- Craving sea views and chilled vibes? Nerja is perfect.
- Fancy a cute village with charm by the bucket? Mijas Pueblo wins.
- Looking to push your limits (and your GoPro battery)? Caminito del Rey will not disappoint.
And if you’re like me, you’ll plan to do one and end up doing three. Just wear comfy shoes, pack water, and leave of space for gifts in your suitcase — these places have a habit of sending you home with “a little something”… and not just sunburn.
