14 Day Trips From Marbella (A Local’s Top Picks)
Marbella is a beautiful destination, and there’s no doubt why many travellers choose to visit it – its pretty old town, golden-sand beaches, and vibrant atmosphere are among the reasons that make Marbella worth visiting.
However, if you’re staying in the city longer than a weekend, I highly recommend taking day trips from Marbella to some of the many incredible destinations within and beyond the Costa del Sol.
Some of my favourite excursions from Marbella are: Malaga and Ronda for cultural day trips, Ojen and Mijas Pueblo for discovering Andalusia’s white villages and Parauta for a day in nature.
Wondering about other epic day trips from Marbella? This list includes my favourite day trips from Marbella. All of them are under 2 hours one-way, so you can make the most of the day out!
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1. Ojén
• Distance: 20 minute drive
If you ask me what the easiest day trip from Marbella, regardless of the transportation, is, the answer is Ojen.
Not only is this village beautiful, but it is also a hidden gem. Many travellers miss this town when coming to Marbella or the Costa del Sol.
It’s a fantastic place to hike, enjoy the local cuisine and see the few sights this small town offers.
Go to its main square, where you can go inside the church, see an old fountain, visit Museo del Molino, and take in the town and mountain views from its caves (see photo on the left).
If you want to learn more about Ojen, check out this guide with all the details.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Ojén: You can either drive to Ojén or take the buses 080 or 082 from Marbella bus station.
2. Benahavís
• Distance: 25 minute drive
Benahavís is a lovely mountainside town easy to visit from Marbella if you have a car. You can expect lovely whitewashed and narrow streets, delicious food (it’s actually considered one of the best towns to eat in!) and beautiful nature.
I wouldn’t recommend visiting it in the summer because of the heat, unless you decide to go to Benahavis River (Guadalmina River). Here, you can do a river walk where you can swim, climb and admire the beauty of the canyons. This tour is a great option.
When visiting it at any other time of year, wander its streets and make sure to check out Hotel and Restaurante Amanhavis. The restaurant is very picturesque and offers delicious Mediterranean dishes.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Benahavís: There isn’t direct public transport to Benahavís from Marbella, so the best option is driving. The car journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
3. Fuengirola
• Distance: 30 minute drive
Fuengirola is one of the closest towns to Marbella, which makes it an easy day trip.
The best thing to do in Fuengirola is to visit the beach because it’s where you’ll find some of the best beaches in Costa del Sol.
Fuengirola has plenty of beaches, and the most popular is Fuengirola Beach since it’s close to the centre. However, you can also find quieter beaches like Carvajal Beach, which is just outside Fuengirola town.
Apart from spending a day on the beach, other activities in Fuengirola include visiting Sohail Castle, seeing the Mosque, and exploring the town centre.
Sohail Castle is the main attraction in Fuengirola. Walking on the walls of this castle is fantastic because you can enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.
If you’re planning to visit the castle in the summer, check online if there is any event going on. The castle sometimes hosts concerts and live performances.
If you’re visiting Fuengirola with kids, you want to check out Fuengirola’s Zoo (called Bioparc Fuengirola) and Aquamijas Water Park.
Overall, there aren’t many landmarks in the town, so you might want to spend the other half-day of your day in Mijas Pueblo. If you don’t have a car, the M-122 bus, which you can take at Fuengirola bus station, goes from Fuengirola to Mijas Pueblo.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Fuengirola: The easiest way to go to Fuengirola from Marbella is by car. The car journey only takes 30 minutes via AP-7. Alternatively, you can get the L-60 bus towards Fuengirola from Marbella Centre.
4. Mijas Pueblo
• Distance: 30 minute drive
If you’re looking for a traditional Pueblo Blanco (whitewashed town) to visit from Marbella, Mijas Pueblo is a fantastic option.
Mijas Pueblo is a charming town in the mountains between Benalmadena and Fuengirola. It’s known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, boutique shops and restaurants, and picturesque whitewashed streets.
One of the must-see attractions in Mijas Pueblo is Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a chapel with a cave shrine. Even if you aren’t religious, the chapel is definitely worth a visit for its beauty.
Next to the chapel, you’ll also find a stunning viewpoint overlooking the coast. It’s my favourite place to watch the sunset.
During your time in Mijas, don’t miss the opportunity to try “almendras garrapiñadas” (caramel almonds), a traditional snack in Malaga and its towns. You’ll usually see street vendors selling these.
In my opinion, Mijas is one of the best villages near Marbella and an excellent destination for nature lovers, with a few hiking trails that offer scenic views.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Mijas Pueblo: The fastest way to get there is by car. The car journey only takes 30 minutes via AP-7. You can also access Mijas Pueblo by public transport, but you’ll have to take two buses and walk.
5. Estepona
• Distance: 30 minute drive
Estepona is one of the best day-trip destinations from Marbella. Not only is it close, but it also offers a wide range of activities.
Start your day in Estepona by visiting Estepona Orchid House, a modern glass dome home to a botanical garden with orchids, other flowers, and a waterfall. It’s a lovely place to wander around and take photos.
Then make your way to Estepona Old Town. It won’t disappoint you! It’s considered the most beautiful old town in the Costa del Sol, with whitewashed buildings, flower pots, plaques commemorating local poets, and many other minor elements that make it so special.
After a walk with stops on the way to take photos, visit Plaza de las Flores de Estepona and enjoy some tapas on an outdoor terrace.
Other activities to add to your day trip are going on the street art route to see impressive murals across the town, or walking the beach promenade to contemplate the coastal views and see interesting sculptures.
For a family activity, check out Selwo Aventura, a safari park with over 2,000 animals and adventure activities such as ziplining, archery, and walking across suspension bridges. Selwo Aventura is about 15 minutes from Estepona by car.
Although it’s considered a family attraction, it’s for any traveller who loves animals. I’ve been to Selwo Aventura a few times, and I can say it’s much better than Selwo Marina in Benalmadena.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Estepona: The easiest way to get to Estepona from Marbella is by car. The car journey only takes 30 minutes via AP-7. Alternatively, you can take the L-79 bus from the Marbella bus station. The bus journey takes over an hour.
6. Casares
• Distance: 45 minute drive
Situated on a mountainside in the Sierra de Ronda, Casares is one of the best towns near Marbella. The town is home to historic buildings, museums and beautiful mountain views.
Start your day trip to Casares by visiting Casares Castle, a 9th-century fortress that served as a stronghold for the Moorish rulers of the time. You can learn about the influence of the Moors in the town and enjoy the stunning countryside views.
Don’t forget to explore the surrounding ruins and check out the beautiful viewpoints. I love spotting the eagles!
In addition to these activities, wander the centre of the town to discover other architectural features, such as the medieval Arco Arrabal, a Medieval arch, pretty streets, and viewpoints.
Casares won’t take you a full day, so I recommend either checking out Casares Costa or the town of Gaucín, a 27-minute drive away, which has even more stunning mountain views and Castillo del Águila (Eagle’s Castle).
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Casares: There are two options to travel from Marbella to Casares. The first option is to drive 45 minutes via AP-7, and the second is to take the L-77 bus, which takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
7. Malaga
• Distance: 50 minute drive
One of the best day trips from Marbella is to Malaga. There are many things to do in Malaga in a day – from visiting beautiful historic buildings to enjoying the food scene and relaxing at the beach.
Alcazaba de Malaga is an unmissable attraction. This impressive fortress-palace dates back to the 14th century and was influenced by Moorish architecture in southern Spain.
Walking through the Alcazaba is an experience – its jasmine-scented gardens, beautiful fountains, detailed architecture, and panoramic views make it one of the city’s best landmarks.
Other historic buildings to check out during your day trip to Malaga are the Roman Theatre, Gibralfaro Castle and the Cathedral of Malaga. However, if you don’t have much time, choose Alcazaba over Gibralfaro Castle because it has much more to see!
If you love museums, two important museums to visit in Malaga are the Picasso Museum Malaga and Carmen Thyssen.
In addition to these cultural activities, you can also try traditional dishes like “boquerones al limón” (fried anchovies with a splash of lemon) and wine in El Pimpi Bodega, walk on Muelle Uno (Malaga’s port), which is home to shops and restaurants and hit La Malagueta Beach.
The best way to end your trip to Malaga is to watch the sunset from Gibralfaro’s viewpoint, but if you don’t feel like walking up the hill, head to one of the rooftop terraces. Valeria Terrace is my go-to!
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Malaga: There are two options to travel to Malaga from Marbella. One is getting the Avanza L-307 bus, which takes 45 minutes and leaves you at Malaga bus station. The second option is to drive via AP-7 or the old road, which takes you along the coast.
8. Parauta and the Bosque Encantado
• Distance: 1 hour drive
If you love visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations, I highly recommend visiting Parauta. This small village located in the Sierra de las Nieves is charming in every sense.
Its cobblestone streets, white buildings, Moorish arches, and natural surroundings make it a special day trip from Marbella.
Although I love wandering its streets, my favourite part is the Enchanted Forest (Bosque Encantado), a 3.5 km hiking trail where you can find wooden statues like fairies, dwarves and other creatures. It’s a good place to visit with kids.
The best time to visit it is in November, when you can see the beautifully golden-brown leaves and spot chestnuts.
Since Parauta is small, visit nearby villages such as Juzcar and Igualeja.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Parauta: The only way to travel to Parauta from Marbella is by car. You’ll have to drive via A-397.
9. Gibraltar
• Distance: 1 hour and 10 minute drive
Marbella isn’t very far from Gibraltar, so you may want to tick off another place during your visit to Southern Spain. It’s a fun Marbella day trip for all ages.
Gibraltar is a very interesting destination to visit, and despite its small size, you’ll be amazed by its views, history and culture.
First, there are two languages in Gibraltar: British English and “Llanito”, a mixture of Spanish and English.
Second, it belongs to the UK, even though it’s on the Iberian Peninsula.
Third, its location makes Gibraltar a culturally rich place influenced by Spanish, British, Maltese, and Moroccan people.
An unmissable thing to do in Gibraltar is to go to Top of the Rock and Upper Nature Reserve Park, where you can see Gibraltar’s monkeys (macaques), go to St Michael’s Cave, walk in the Mediterranean Steps and get a breathtaking view of Spain, Gibraltar and Africa from one single point.
Other activities to do in Gibraltar in a day include wandering the city centre, home to many high-street shops and restaurants, visiting Sacred Heart Church and going to Catalan Bay – one of the most vibrant areas in Gibraltar.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Gibraltar: The car journey from Marbella to Gibraltar is 1 hour and 10 minutes drive via AP-7. Other transport options are getting two buses – Marbella to Algeciras and Algeciras to Gibraltar. While you might want to drive there, you can also take a private tour to Gibraltar.
10. Ronda
• Distance: 1 hour and 10 minute drive
Ronda is a popular day trip from Marbella and Malaga. This town is unique in many ways. It’s rich in culture, with an old town, picturesque views of the Tajo de Ronda (Ronda’s Gorge), and its wine, making it a fantastic day trip.
Ronda is home to many sights, and although it’s possible to visit the town’s main attractions in a day, it’s also a great place to stay a few days and soak up its vibrant atmosphere. If you’re visiting Ronda for a day, your itinerary will be packed with activities.
Start the day by exploring the old town of Ronda. Here you’ll find most of the attractions, including Palacio de Mondragón, a 14th-century museum that was once a royal residence.
Nowadays, this palace is home to the Archaeological Museum of Ronda, the perfect place to learn about the earliest human settlements in Andalucia and to contemplate pottery and other objects.
After this, have tapas at El Lechuguita, visit Hotel Don Miguel to taste Ronda’s wines. This place is one of my favourites to have a drink while contemplating the views of Ronda’s Bridge. Alternatively, opt for a wine tour and explore some of the best wineries in the province of Malaga.
Complete your day trip by watching the sunset in Tajo de Ronda, one of the most romantic places in Costa del Sol.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Ronda: You can either drive via A-397, which will take you approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes or take the Avanza L-304 bus from Marbella bus station. Also, you can book this full-day Ronda tour from Marbella.
11. Júzcar
• Distance: 1 hour and 10 minute drive
If you’re looking to visit a unique town, you need to visit Júzcar, known as “pueblo pitufo,” which translates as “Smurf Town.”
Juzcar was a whitewashed town. However, the town was painted blue after filming the Smurfs film.
Although locals could have repainted their houses white, they decided to leave them blue. Since then, it has become a popular town, and many tourists visit it every year.
One of the best things to do in Juzcar is to go on the Smurf graffiti walking route, in which you can see 14 different graffiti of Smurf characters as well as statues of Papa Smurf and Smurfette. This is a great route to take with kids.
During your visit to Juzcar, stop by the central square to enjoy some tapas and visit El Jardón or La Torrichela viewpoints.
On top of these activities, if you love hiking, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful hiking trails in this town, so it may be something else to add to your itinerary.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Juzcar: The only way to travel from Marbella to Juzcar is by car via A-397. It’s important to know that the road to Juzcar isn’t great, so I advise you to drive there only if you’re an experienced driver.
12. Setenil de las Bodegas
• Distance: 1 hour and 20 minute drive
Situated on the border between the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz, Setenil de las Bodegas is a picturesque whitewashed town that has become a popular day trip destination in recent years.
Although I don’t think there are many things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas, what makes it special is that some buildings have been built into the rock, which overhangs the river Guadalporcún. These two streets in Setenil are common spots for photos and food, as there are plenty of small tapas bars.
During your trip to Setenil, it’s worth checking out the viewpoints across the town. There are many of them, and each one offers a beautiful bird’s-eye view.
Since it’s a very small town, you’ll want to visit other nearby places like Ronda, Olvera, and the ruins of Acinipo on the same day to make the most of your day out.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Setenil de las Bodegas: The only way to get from Marbella to Setenil is by car. The car journey is between 1 hour and 20 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes.
13. Tarifa
• Distance: 1 hour and 20 minute drive
If you love water sports, especially surfing, Tarifa is the best day trip from Marbella for you.
This coastal town in the province of Cadiz is known as one of Europe’s best places to surf. The wind conditions are just perfect for practising this sport.
However, if you aren’t into surfing, there are many other fantastic things to do in Tarifa, such as exploring the town centre, horse riding on the beach, and visiting Baelo Claudia, an archaeological complex 30 minutes’ drive from Tarifa.
The beaches are gorgeous, but I’ve found them too windy every time I’ve visited Tarifa, so I prefer other coastal towns for a day at the beach.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Tarifa: Drive via AP-7 and Autovía del Mediterráneo/A-7 for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or take the Avanza L-530 bus, which takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
14. Granada
• Distance: 2 hours drive
Granada is one of my favourite day trips from the Costa del Sol because you can visit so many historical buildings and monuments in one day.
While you won’t see everything in one day in Granada, you can definitely discover some of its main attractions.
The most well-known attraction is the Alhambra, one of the top reasons to visit Granada.
This palace and fortress complex is one of a kind – its stunning Moorish architecture, manicured gardens and history will make you fall in love with it. I’ve visited Alhambra more than three times and been amazed by it every time!
On a day trip to Granada, you can also visit the Cathedral, walk in the Albaicín neighbourhood and end your day at the San Nicolás viewpoint.
It gets very busy, but the views and atmosphere are worth it. You can enjoy live flamenco while admiring the Alhambra.
🚗 How to get from Marbella to Granada: The quickest way to travel to Granada from Marbella is by car. The car journey takes 2 hours. You can also travel to Malaga by bus and get the train to Granada.
Conclusion on the best day trips from Marbella
There are many incredible places to visit near Marbella, so if you have time, go on one of these day trips.
My top advice is to rent a car, especially if you want to go on more than a day trip, because it’s difficult to access some places without one, and it can take much longer to get there.
Another option is to check out tours that take you to one or two places in a day, so you can see as many as possible. Of course, the downside is you won’t spend as much time as you want in certain places. This happens with tours most of the time.
On another note, you might have heard it’s possible to visit Morocco from Marbella. Although this is true, it’s worth knowing that you’ll spend most of your time travelling rather than exploring Tangier or Tetouan. I took the trip, and it was great, but a very long day.
Safe adventures!
Cristina x
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Things to do before your trip to Marbella
- Compare and book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport here.
- Book accommodation with Booking.com
- Have a look at this Malaga food guide to indulge yourself in eating the most traditional food in Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around the Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance; this is a must for any trip!
