Day trips from Málaga

Before you go: train, bus or car

Almost all of these trips can be done by public transport. Trains leave from María Zambrano station (some Cercanías trains also from Centro-Alameda), and intercity buses from Málaga Bus Station, next to María Zambrano.

If you're staying at Cuarteles, Centro-Alameda is a minute away, María Zambrano about 10 and the bus station about 11 (approx.). If you'd rather drive, Trinidad has paid parking in the same building, west of the river, so you can leave the city without crossing the Old Town.

Caminito del Rey

This is a walk of about 8 km along walkways through the Gaitanes gorge. It's linear and one-way, from north to south, and takes 3–4 hours. You need a ticket bought in advance (€10 general or €18 guided tour, approx.), and under-8s are not allowed in; older children should bring ID to prove their age.

Without a car, take the train to El Chorro-Caminito del Rey station (Álora). According to Renfe, on weekdays there are 5 trains from Málaga to El Chorro and 6 back. A shuttle bus, which you book, runs from the south end to the north entrance. By car it's 59 km, just over 50 minutes according to the official website; the Visitor Reception Centre car park costs €2 a day (approx.).

Ronda

Home of the Puente Nuevo bridge over the gorge of the Guadalevín river, Ronda is one of the classic day trips. By car it's about 100 km, roughly 1 h 40 min without traffic. Buses also leave from Málaga Bus Station: check companies and timetables with the station.

Nerja and Frigiliana

Nerja, on the eastern coast, is famous for the Balcón de Europa and its caves. ALSA runs direct, frequent buses from Málaga city; Nerja's bus station is on Avenida de Pescia. By car it's about 57 km and 50 minutes (approx.).

Frigiliana is a whitewashed village about 5 km from Nerja as the crow flies. ALSA links Nerja with Frigiliana, so you can see both in one day; by car from Málaga it's about 50 minutes (approx.).

Antequera and El Torcal

Antequera is home to the Menga and Viera dolmens, part of the Antequera Dolmens Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016. The archaeological site closes on Mondays (unless the next day is a public holiday); from September to March it opens Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 to 15:00. Entry is free for EU citizens and €1.50 (approx.) for everyone else.

By train, AVE and long-distance services from María Zambrano stop at Antequera-Santa Ana, about 15 km as the crow flies from the centre of Antequera, so you'll need a taxi or other transport from there. By car it's about 50 km and 45 minutes (approx.).

El Torcal is a nature reserve of limestone rock formations, with a visitor centre at Torcal Alto and waymarked paths. It's easiest by car (about 1 hour) and pairs well with the dolmens.

Granada and the Alhambra

Renfe runs AVE and long-distance trains from María Zambrano to Granada, and ALSA runs buses between Málaga and Granada. By car it's about 128 km and 1 h 45 min without traffic (approx.). It's the longest trip in this guide, so set off early.

The monument opens from 8:30 to 18:00 in winter and 8:30 to 20:00 in summer. Entry to the Nasrid Palaces is at a fixed time, with a maximum of 300 people every half hour, so plan your journey to arrive with time to spare.

Mijas

Mijas Pueblo is a whitewashed village in the hills above the Costa del Sol. Without a car, take the C1 Cercanías train to Fuengirola (the end of the line) and then the M-122 bus run by the Málaga Metropolitan Transport Consortium up to Mijas. By car it's about 31 km and 30 minutes (approx.).