- Best day trips from Málaga Summarized
- Ronda: One of the Best Day Trips from Málaga for Dramatic Scenery
- Nerja: Ideal Day Trip for Relaxation
- Granada: Best Day Trip from Málaga for History
- Júzcar: Best Day Trip for Families with Kids
- Antequera: Perfect Day Trip for the Outdoorsy Traveler
- Benalmádena: For Unique Architecture
Málaga is the capital of the beautiful Costa del Sol, or “Coast of the Sun”, region of Spain. The area gets about 300 days of sunshine per year, so take advantage of the weather and explore as much as possible.
Málaga is known as the gateway to Costa del Sol, so pick up a SIXT rental car in Málaga from the airport or the main train station, brush up on our driving tips for Spain, and hit the road on the best day trips from Málaga.
Best Day Trips from Málaga Summarized
Before we dive into the details, check out the highlights of the best day trips from Málaga:
| Destination | Distance from Málaga | Drive time | Route | Highlights |
| Ronda | 62.1 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes | A-357 and A-367 | El Tajo gorge and Puente Nuevo bridge |
| Nerja | 38 miles | 50 minutes | A-7 | Balcony of Europe viewpoint, Caves of Nerja |
| Granada | 78.3 miles | 1 hour 40 minutes | A-92 | Alhambra, Albayzín neighborhood |
| Júzcar | 72.1 miles | 1 hour 50 minutes | AP-7 and A-397 (toll road) | Blue village, Smurf-themed art |
| Antequera | 31.2 miles | 50 minutes | A-45 | Hiking in El Torcal de Antequera nature reserve |
| Benalmadena | 12.1 miles | 30 minutes | Autovía de Circunvalación de Málaga | Castillo de Colomares |
Ronda: One of the Best Day Trips from Málaga for Dramatic Scenery
- Distance from Málaga: 62.1 miles
- Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Main route: A-357 and A-367
Head inland from Málaga to the cliffside town of Ronda in Spain’s Andalusia region. It’s one of the region’s many White Towns, but it stands out because of the dramatic El Tajo gorge that splits it in two. The two sides are connected by the famous Puente Nuevo, or “new bridge.” A visit to Ronda isn’t complete without taking in the views from the bridge and heading down into the gorge to take some photos from below.
SIXT Pro Tip: Aside from scenery, Ronda is rich in history—visit the Arab Baths and the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings.
Nerja: Ideal Day Trip for Relaxation
- Distance from Málaga: 38 miles
- Drive time: 50 minutes
- Main route: A-7
This laid-back coastal town is home to a viewpoint that was crowned the “Balcony of Europe” by King Alfonso XII. True to its name, Nerja offers incredible scenery both from the viewpoint and the nearby beaches. Calahonda Beach is best for rocky beach lovers, while Burriana Beach boasts plenty of space on the sand.
SIXT Pro Tip: Those looking for a little adventure should also take a trip underground into the Caves of Nerja to see the massive and gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites.
Granada: Best Day Trip from Málaga for History
- Distance from Málaga: 78.3 miles
- Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Main route: A-92
Granada is easily one of the best day trips within 2 hours of Málaga for history buffs. This city is home to the famed Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and perhaps the best-preserved Arab palace in the world. Built in the 13th century by the last Muslim rulers in the region, the palace became a residence for Spanish royalty after the Reconquista. For more fascinating architecture, explore Albayzín, Granada’s oldest Moorish neighborhood.
SIXT Pro Tip: Alhambra is one of the country’s most famous landmarks, so book your tickets well in advance.
Júzcar: Best Day Trip for Families with Kids
- Distance from Málaga: 72.1 miles
- Drive time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Main route: AP-7 and A-397 (toll road)
The village of Júzcar was one of Spain’s White Towns until it was painted blue in 2011 for the premiere of the Smurfs movie. This unique color became so popular that the city decided to keep it, and now it’s one of the most picturesque villages in Spain. It’s the perfect destination for families with kids as there’s still some Smurf-themed art painted on walls across the city. It’s also difficult to reach by public transport, making this one of the best day trips from Málaga by car.
SIXT Pro Tip: If you don’t want to spend the whole day here, it’s the perfect addition to an Andalusian road trip, as it’s not that far from Ronda.
Antequera: Perfect Day Trip for the Outdoorsy Traveler
- Distance from Málaga: 31.2 miles
- Drive time: 50 minutes
- Main route: A-45
Antequera is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a good hike. The El Torcal de Antequera nature reserve, situated in the Sierra del Torcal mountains, boasts unique limestone rock formations dating back to when the entire area was covered by sea water; it’s not uncommon to find fossils and seashells when hiking up even to the highest points. There are plenty of hiking trails for all levels that offer amazing scenery and gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.
SIXT Pro Tip: Since its history dates back to the Roman Empire, there are also plenty of historical sites to see here, including the Alcazaba Moorish fortress.
Benalmádena: For Unique Architecture
- Distance from Málaga: 12.1 miles
- Drive time: 30 minutes
- Main route: Autovía de Circunvalación de Málaga
This small town is just a quick trip south along the coast from Málaga and is known for the Castillo de Colomares. Built in the 1980s and 1990s as a tribute to Christopher Columbus, the castle’s architecture is a mix of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic styles, which makes it look like something out of a storybook. The structure tells a story: Small carvings and symbols relay the details of the journey Columbus made to the Americas.
SIXT Pro Tip: Combine this stop with a trip to Marbella for a longer day of exploration.
