Malaga Day Trips
Travel Excursions From Malaga
Whether you are spending a day or a few hours in Malaga (cruise ships) or you are staying in Malaga, the Andalusian city is the perfect starting point for exploring southern Spain.
You have organized tours to Marbella, Ronda or Mijas. In fact, I’d go so far as to say the Malaga Day Trips on this page will be the best part of your stay in Malaga.
Malaga Day Trip: Mijas
Located in the mountains above the coast, this charming village is a cluster of whitewashed buildings nestled into the mountainside. Mijas offers a glimpse of village life with its narrow cobblestoned streets and whitewashed buildings.
This is the perfect example of an old Spanish village on the coast that has managed to retain its old-world charm. Visit the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a chapel made of rock that offers both views of the village and the coast below. Wander through Mijas with its craft shops and take a famous donkey tour through the village. The Parroquial Church is located in a park with lovely views of the coast, and on a clear day, you can see straight across the Mediterranean to Morocco. The Bullring, located just across from the church, is the only square bullring in Spain.
Those who are fit can walk up the narrow streets through the neighborhoods to experience true village life. Take time to sit in a café and have a drink, or enjoy one of the many restaurants in Mijas.
Malaga Day Trip: Marbella & Puerto Banus
Marbella is located on the western Costa del Sol at the foot of the Sierra Blanca Mountain, approximately an hour drive from Malaga. Marbella is a favourite destination for Europe´s jetset and Middle Eastern royalty.
Once a small seaside village, Marbella became an important tourist destination in the 1970´s. The modern part of the city boasts a beautiful sea side promenade with a variety of cafes and restaurants. On a clear day you can see Gibraltar and Morocco across the sea. The old quarter of the town center has maintained its old charm and is pedestrian only and has white washed buildings and narrow cobblestoned streets. The center of the old quarter is the Plaza de los Naranjos where cafes line this orange tree filled square.Explore the maze of narrow passages lined with tourist shops, posh boutiques and lovely restaurants.
Puerto Banus is a few minutes’ drive from center Marbella. In Puerto Banus, have a stroll and see some of the mega yachts owned by royalty and the rich and famous.
The marina boasts more than 900 moorings. You can browse among the many boutiques or have a meal or drink at one of the many restaurants in the marina.
Malaga Day Trip: Ronda
Spend a day touring Ronda, one of the most beautiful and historic towns in Andalusia. Ronda is a mountain top city nestled on the dramatic El Tajo Gorge, which separates the old and new parts of the city. Ronda is one of Spain´s oldest towns dating back to Islamic times when it was an important cultural city. Hemingway described Ronda as the most romantic town in Spain.
Cross the impressive Puente Nuevo bridge, Ronda´s most famous landmark, which straddles the deep Gorge and connects the Moorish part of Ronda with the modern part of the city. Here you can truly appreciate the rugged gorge and the beautiful country landscape. There are many attractions worth visiting in Ronda. The Arab Baths, built at the end of the 13th century, are the best preserved in Spain.
The old wall and gate to the city give a unique glimpse into Ronda´s Islamic past. The Palacio de Mondragon houses the municipal museum and has some spectacular gardens. It was built and residence of the Moorish King Abomelik and used later as a residence for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabelle. The city also has some impressive churches including the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor. The Jardines de Cuenca (Cuenca Gardens) should not be missed as they are located on ledges over the Tajo and offer spectacular views of the countryside and city. Ronda is said to be the home of modern bullfighting so a visit to its famous bullring cannot be missed.
The bullring is one of the oldest and most impressive in Spain. There is a museum and guided audio tour of the bullring.