Malaga city is a wonderful place to visit, full of monuments, activities, and an interesting history, both ancient and modern. However, Malaga offers much more as a province, with day trips to some of its many municipalities.
In addition to this, Malaga boasts fantastic connections to other provinces and abroad. For all these reasons, and to discover everything this land has to offer, we recommend hiring an all-inclusive car at Malaga Airport, so your only concern is enjoying the journey and the destination.
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The best one-day tours in Malaga
Arriving in the capital of the Costa del Sol and not taking any tour of Malaga would be a big mistake. The city is packed with countless monuments, museums, and corners you must see.
We recommend taking a FreeTour in the city center to explore the Malaga Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Picasso’s Birthplace, Plaza de la Merced, the Alcazaba, the Roman Theater, and many other spots. Whatever excursion in Malaga you choose, these essential landmarks won’t be left out.
But these are not the only highlights; Malaga has many facets. You can discover the museum side of Malaga, its Phoenician heritage, contemporary charm, artistic vibe, seafaring traditions, and so much more. Together, they shape the Malaga you can enjoy today.
If the tours in Malaga feel too short and you crave more culture to feed your curious mind, the rest of the province has plenty to offer.
Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas
We begin our excursions in Malaga with two cities of great beauty, renowned not only in the province but also throughout the country and beyond: Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas.
Ronda is a historic city with picturesque streets and spots wherever you look. As one of Spain’s oldest cities, it is a key destination for visits and excursions in the Malaga province.
Start your tour of Ronda at Spain’s oldest bullring, the iconic Maestranza bullring. On your way to the next stop, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, pass through the Alameda del Tajo and its impressive viewpoint, famously known as the “balcony of surprise.”
At Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, discover iconic buildings such as the town hall, the convents of Clarity and the Poor Clares, or the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor. The Mondragon Palace, home to the Ronda Museum, features Roman-era spirit and architecture and stunning Moorish gardens overlooking the Tajo Gorge and its New Bridge, nearly 100 meters above the Guadalevin River.
The House of the Moorish King, with its fantastic Arab baths, and the Ronda Walls are just a few of the many must-see stops on your tour of Ronda.
Ronda’s restaurants showcase much of the city’s rich gastronomy, featuring typical Andalusian dishes such as gazpacho, garlic soup, or oxtail. As for drinks, don’t miss the chance to try local wines, as Ronda is becoming a top producer of high-quality wine. For dessert, there’s no better choice than the yemas del Tajo (Tajo yolks).
About 17 kilometers away is the town of Setenil de las Bodegas, a quintessential white Andalusian village that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Nestled in the Sierra de Cádiz, Setenil stretches outward through the rocks that shape it.
Its picturesque white houses carved into the rock give the town a unique appearance, coupled with a culture, history, and natural beauty unmatched anywhere in the country. The town’s most iconic streets are Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra.
Once in Setenil, don’t miss the chance to taste its best culinary offerings, starting with its “masitas,” small burgers made with chorizo or salami dough. Continue with migas and the cortijera soup, made from stew broth, asparagus, tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Nerja and Frigiliana
Two of the most beautiful towns in Malaga province, which attract daily excursions from all over the country. Nerja is known as a tourist hotspot, thanks to its beaches, caves, historic center, and breathtaking views.
The town’s shift toward tourism began with the opening of its famous caves to the public in 1960. Since then, it has become a perfect destination for nature lovers, with its caves, Mediterranean views, and unparalleled natural surroundings, offering fantastic hiking routes.
Nerja boasts charming corners in its old town, as well as the iconic Balcon de Europa, offering the best Mediterranean views on the coast. Nearby, visit El Salvador Church, the Burriana Beach with its famous Tarzan Rock, and the Maro-Cerrogordo cliffs, not to mention the west side of the town with La Torrecilla Beach and Los Cangrejos Square.
When it comes to eat tapas in Nerja, don’t miss out on Nerja’s Victorian anchovies, sardines, and the town’s signature paella.
About seven kilometers away lies Frigiliana, another enchanting white village in Malaga province. Its stunning whitewashed appearance against the mountain slopes is more like a painting than a photo, explaining its popularity.
Inside the town, its white, steep, and spotless streets invite you to park your car at the entrance and explore every inch of this quaint and charming place. While you’re here, enjoy one of Frigiliana’s well-known and popular hiking routes.
Frigiliana’s main landmarks include the 16th-century Counts of Frigiliana Palace, the sugarcane molasses factory, the Tower, the historic district church, the remains of Frigiliana Castle, the Santa Fiora Botanical Garden, and the Plaza of Three Cultures.
After a great tour of the town, indulge in Frigiliana’s best cuisine at its finest restaurants.
El Caminito del Rey
The excursion to El Caminito del Rey is one of the most sought-after activities in the entire province of Malaga, and for good reason. Located in the municipality of Ardales, it ends in El Chorro.
For those unfamiliar with this attraction, we’ll try to describe it so you can get a clear idea. El Caminito del Rey is a path situated in the Gaitanes Gorge.
What makes it one of the most spectacular paths in the world is its location on the gorge. The path isn’t at the top but midway up the gorge, featuring wooden walkways suspended at a height of 300 meters.
During its more than seven kilometers, you’ll witness incredible views of unparalleled landscapes while testing your vertigo. Safety measures are critical, and your security is fully guaranteed.
The best one-day tours outside Malaga
Thanks to Malaga’s connections by land, sea, and air, day trips outside of Malaga are an exciting option. Here are some of the most beautiful places you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Malaga.
Granada and Sierra Nevada
Talking about Granada means talking about an ancient city with a history rivaled by few others in the world. A day trip to Granada is essential, and once there, a tour of the city center and its history is a must.
Seeing all of Granada in one day is nearly impossible, given the numerous monuments, corners, and experiences the legendary city holds. However, we can point out a few stops you shouldn’t miss during your excursion to Granada.
The Gate of Justice, one of the most famous entrances to the Alhambra, should be your first stop because the Alhambra itself must be your priority. Often considered the eighth wonder of the world, exploring it will take at least three hours. During this time, visit the Generalife Palace, the Charles V Palace, the stunning Nasrid Palaces, and the old Alcazaba.
Back in the city, Granada Cathedral is a Renaissance masterpiece, although it blends several styles. Next door, you’ll find the Royal Chapel, which houses the remains of the Catholic Monarchs, their daughter Joanna, Philip the Handsome, and the infant Miguel of Peace.
The Albaicin neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another magical place you can’t miss on your tour of Granada, along with Carrera del Darro, Cadí Bridge, the Bañuelo Arab baths, and the Mirador de los Carvajales. Continuing your journey, don’t miss the Monastery of La Concepción, the Zafra House, and the Paseo de los Tristes.
Finish your visit at the San Nicolas viewpoint, enjoying one of the best views of the Alhambra with Sierra Nevada as an unbeatable backdrop.
Sierra Nevada
A visit to Sierra Nevada is a must if you decide to take a day trip to Granada. Sierra Nevada not only offers snow-filled fun for the whole family and stunning beauty but also a wide range of leisure activities.
The excursions are highly popular and often include trips to the nearby villages of the Alpujarra region, as well as mountain tours. You can choose from various options, including 4×4 vehicles, bicycles, or snowshoes.
We also recommend guided hiking tours, as they reveal hidden gems and provide detailed insights into your surroundings.
Gibraltar
Before embarking on a day trip to Gibraltar, remember you’ll be visiting another country, so bring your ID or passport to cross the border.
Once there, the best option is to park in one of the private parking areas, near the Europa Point Lighthouse or a free parking spot close to the gas station. This way, you can explore Gibraltar’s seven square kilometers on foot.
Start your tour of Gibraltar with a walk through Casemates Square, leading to Main Street, its most important street, lined with shops, the Cathedral, King’s Chapel, the town hall, and the famous courtrooms where John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married in 1969.
Much of the Rock is a natural reserve, requiring a £10 fee to enter. Don’t worry about currency or language—they accept both pounds and euros, and English, Spanish, and the local “Llanito” dialect are widely spoken.
These £10 don’t cover visits to key attractions like St. Michael’s Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels, the Under Siege Exhibition, the Moorish Castle, the Apes’ Den, the WWII Tunnels, or the Old Jewish Cemetery. End your visit at Europa Point Lighthouse, one of Europe’s closest points to Africa, offering views of Morocco, our next destination.
Finally, although famous, we should warn you about the many monkeys in Gibraltar. While they’re used to people and sometimes steal items from tourists, some might be more aggressive than you’d prefer.
Morocco
We cross the Strait of Gibraltar to a new continent and step onto African soil. Our neighbor Morocco is an exotic country with fascinating history and breathtaking natural beauty.
If you choose to take a day trip to Morocco, you should know its main attractions, and there are many. The country boasts numerous ancient cities, combined with a rich culture that makes it an enticing destination.
Marrakech is a must-visit destination, where you can immerse yourself in its culture and explore its impressive palm groves. Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and their kasbahs are other mandatory stops, as are the Ouzoud waterfalls, the tallest and most beautiful in the country.
Visiting the Atlas Mountains is not just for adventurers. In its upper region, you’ll find part of the Toubkal National Park. The Ourika Valley in Sti Fadma, the Agafay Desert, and its Berber villages are just a few of our recommendations for your day trip to Morocco.
Moroccan cuisine matches the richness of its culture and history. Among the many options, here are some dishes you must try before leaving the country.
Tagine is Morocco’s most traditional dish, a stew made with lamb, beef, or chicken. Speaking of tradition, who could forget couscous? Made with semolina, vegetables, local spices, sauce, and chicken, lamb, or fish.
Mechoui, the most flavorful lamb in Moroccan cuisine, is tender and juicy. Don’t forget the bread—traditional Moroccan bread, called Khobz, is round and flat.
Something unique and different is Pastilla, a puff pastry filled with poultry, egg, almonds, and spices. The secret? It’s topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a perfect sweet and savory mix.
Excursion map of Malaga
Make the most of your day, whether inside the province or beyond Malaga, and to help you, here’s a map marking all the places we’ve covered so far.
