13 Towns in Malaga You Need To Add To Your List
The province of Malaga is home to beautiful towns, villages, attractions, museums and exquisite cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for a summer getaway, a short city break or starting a road trip in the south of Spain, Malaga won’t disappoint you.
Marbella, Torremolinos and Benalmadena are a few of the main tourist coastal towns in Malaga, but if you’re all about visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations and discovering hidden gems, you’ll find them in Malaga too.
If you’re up for a lively atmosphere, travelling to Malaga and Costa del Sol in summer is your best option; however, you can also experience a relaxed holiday during the winter.
In this blog, you’ll find a mixture of famous and lesser-known towns and villages that will make you fall in love with Costa del Sol, what to do, how to get to each destination and tips from a local.
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Before diving into these fantastic towns, my top tip is to rent a car. It gives you the freedom to explore as many as you can at your own pace. While public transport is good in some areas of Malaga, you can’t reach some of these destinations by bus or train.
My friend and I recently went on a short road trip around Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz with Helle Hollis car rental, and we couldn’t have been happier.
The pick-up and drop-off process was straightforward, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.
1. Antequera
Antequera is an underrated town on the east side of Malaga. This town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and green landscapes.
Whether you want to sightsee, try local dishes, or go hiking, Antequera offers experiences for travellers of all kinds.
This beautiful town has a few monuments and historical buildings worth visiting, especially La Alcazaba de Antequera, a Moorish fortress where you can learn more about the town’s history.
Next to this castle is an arch and a viewpoint for a birds-eye view of the town and the Peñón de los Enamorados (the Lover’s Rock).
If you’re into archaeology, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Antequera Dolmens Site. It’s the most impressive archaeological site in the province of Malaga.
Last but not least, don’t leave Antequera without eating a good “mollete” (Antequera’s bread), to which you can add anything from olive oil and Serrano ham to butter and jam.
Local Tip
If you don’t have much time to visit Antequera or you don’t want to worry about getting there, check out this great day trip from Malaga to Antequera in which you’ll visit Antequera Natural Park and the Dolmens Site.
2. Benalmadena
Benalmadena is the best coastal town in Malaga to visit with children. It has many family-friendly attractions and activities to have the ultimate summer holiday. You can do anything from water activities to seeing animals.
Parque de la Paloma is a fantastic park in the heart of Arroyo de la Miel. It has a beautiful lake with ducks, swans, and turtles, a children’s playground, two cafes, and plenty of green spaces for picnics.
What I love most about this park is that you come across many animals, like rabbits and chickens, wandering freely.
For other animal encounters, you can head to Selwo Marina, Sealife or the butterfly park.
If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, go on the cable car that takes you to Calamorro Mount, where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful panoramic views.
Although the Arroyo de la Miel area is where you’ll find most attractions, it’s worth visiting Benalmadena Pueblo (Benalmadena’s old town).
The old town is charming and home to Castillo de Colomares, an impressive monument in the shape of a castle dedicated to Christopher Columbus’s adventures. It’s one of the most picturesque attractions in Benalmadena.
3. Comares
Near Velez-Málaga, Comares is a lovely whitewashed town which is often underrated. Many tourists don’t know about this place and its beauty, so it’s a great place to discover if you love visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations.
One of the best things to do in Comares is to wander its town centre. You can find different monuments and historical buildings here, such as Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and Monumento al Fiestero, and walk through Puerta de Malaga.
As you wander the town centre, pay attention to the incredible Arab architecture found in buildings and arches, and stop by a bar to enjoy some tapas on an outdoor terrace.
History lovers must take the ceramic panels route to learn about the history behind Comares.
If you chase beautiful views when you travel, you’ll also love Comares. There are a few viewpoints, including the popular Mirador de Comares (Comares viewpoint), which offer breathtaking views of the mountains.
4. Estepona
Located next to Marbella, Estepona is another charming coastal town to add to your Malaga road trip.
The town is more underrated than Marbella, but Estepona has many incredible things to do, and it’s a better option for travellers who want a calmer place near the coast.
Some of the best things to do in Estepona are visiting El Orquidario (The Orchid House), wandering the historic old town characterised by whitewashed houses, hanging down flowers and pots, and having a meal alfresco at Plaza de las Flores.
The historic centre is one of my favourites in Costa del Sol, and if you’re looking for a nice place to enjoy breakfast or brunch, I recommend MOM Brunch & Coffee.
In the summer, hit the Rada beach for a relaxing day at the beach. In the winter, go for a beautiful hike in Natural Park Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja.
Local Tip
If you love safaris, visit Selwo Aventura. This safari park is home to tigers, lions, monkeys, hippos and giraffes, among other animals. In addition to this, you’ll also find adrenaline-inducing activities like going to the zip line. It’s a great place for adults and kids, too. Get your tickets here.
5. Frigiliana
Frigiliana has been awarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, and there’s no doubt why – its lovely old quarter and panoramic views make it so unique.
This mountainside town doesn’t have as many attractions as other towns near Malaga; however, visiting Frigiliana is an experience.
The town is divided into two parts: the new and the old quarters. The new part is a residential area, whereas the old quarter is where you’ll find all the monuments and points of interest.
When you visit Frigiliana, take your time to explore the beautiful whitewashed and cobbled streets, home to houses with turquoise doors and window frames that resemble a Greek-style town.
Also, admire the stunning beach and mountain views from the various viewpoints across town, and have lunch or a refreshing sangria on a rooftop terrace. I highly recommend La Tahona! They serve delicious sangria jars and mushroom croquettes.
During your time in Frigiliana, you can also window shop at the boutique independent shops, where you can find local ingredients like sugar cane honey.
Local Tip
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the town. The cobblestone and hilly streets can be challenging to walk on with heels or flat shoes.
6. Fuengirola
Located between Benalmadena and Marbella, Fuengirola is another coastal town popular among travellers and expats.
The main attraction in Fuengirola is the Castillo de Sohail. Inside the castle, you won’t find much to see; however, it’s worth visiting for the views you can get as you walk on the walls. During the summer, the castle is sometimes closed for events like concerts.
When visiting Fuengirola, you may also want to check out BIOPARC Fuengirola’s Zoo, a great attraction to visit with kids, see the street art (photo above) or walk in the promenade at sunset.
Another good reason to visit Fuengirola is its beaches. The town has family-friendly, shallow-water beaches where you can enjoy water activities, too.
If you love a good shopping centre, just outside the town, you’ll find Miramar Shopping Centre, which has plenty of shops, restaurants and a cinema.
7. Juzcar
If you’re looking for a unique town to visit in Malaga, Juzcar ticks all the boxes.
It used to be a whitewashed town until the Smurfs film was filmed here. The town was painted blue, just like the Smurfs, and after the film was recorded, the locals decided to keep their houses painted blue.
They didn’t know this would attract so many tourists, and the town has become well-known since then.
One of the best things to do in El Pueblo Pitufo (the Smurf town) is to go on the Smurf graffiti walking route.
There are 14 graffiti pieces of different Smurf characters, and you’ll also see statues of Papa Smurf and Smurfette.
Once you complete this route, have some tapas at the central square and go to El Jardon or La Torrichela viewpoints.
In addition to these activities, there are a few hiking trails in this town, so it may be something else to add to your itinerary.
8. Marbella
Marbella is a popular summer destination in Costa del Sol known for its luxurious atmosphere, incredible beach clubs, glamorous properties, and parties.
However, Marbella is home to me, and I can assure you it offers many other things – from sightseeing to scenic walks and exquisite cuisine.
If you love sightseeing, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Marbella’s Old Town. It’s home to pretty whitewashed and cobbled-stone streets, monuments and the ruins of a former castle. It’s one of the most charming places in the town.
Marbella has also become a foodie destination; there are many good places to eat in the town, including several Michelin-star restaurants that serve traditional cuisine with innovative techniques and fusion dishes.
During the summer months, head to the beach. Marbella has all sorts of beaches – family-friendly beaches, party beaches and virgin beaches where you can disconnect from the hustle of the town.
Despite being a top summer destination, it’s worth visiting Marbella in winter if you want to avoid the crowds and the extreme heat, as well as experience a tranquil atmosphere.
9. Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is one of the most beautiful towns near Malaga. This town is nestled in the mountains located between Benalmadena and Fuengirola.
The town itself doesn’t have many attractions. However, some reasons you may want to visit Mijas include its impressive coastal views, its charming independent shops and restaurants, and its picturesque whitewashed streets.
A must-see attraction in Mijas Pueblo is Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a chapel with a cave shrine. Even if you aren’t religious, it’s a beautiful place to visit.
Next to the chapel, you’ll also find a viewpoint overlooking the coast. It’s a magical place to visit at sunset.
Here, you’ll often come across street vendors selling almendras garrapiñadas (caramel almonds), a traditional snack in Malaga and its towns. They are extremely sweet and crunchy, but I love their smell.
Mijas is also an excellent place for nature lovers. There are a few hiking trails with scenic views.
10. Nerja
Located on the east side of Malaga, Nerja is a beautiful coastal town where you can enjoy a summer holiday.
Nerja has some of the best beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol, and water activities like kayaking, canoeing and scuba diving are very popular in the area.
But there’s much more than beaches in Nerja. You can also visit the impressive Cuevas de Nerja (Nerja’s Caves), which have unique stalactites you won’t find anywhere else in Spain, and visit Museo de Nerja to learn more about this town and its people.
By visiting Nerja, you’ll also see one of the most magical viewpoints in the province of Malaga. Balcón de Europa viewpoint offers beautiful views of the coast and mountains. The area is very lively too, especially during the summer months.
11. Ronda
Ronda is a mountainside town well-known for its impressive bridge in the gorge of El Tajo. The bridge is the main landmark in Ronda, and travellers from around the world come to the town to take pictures of it.
Nevertheless, Ronda has many other attractions in the old quarter – from the archaeological museum to beautiful churches and cute streets.
Another symbol of Ronda is the bullring, the oldest in Spain. It’s worth seeing even if you don’t enjoy bullfighting, like me.
If you are a food and wine lover, you’re in the right place. You can try traditional dishes like rabo de toro (oxtail stew) or book a wine tour. Ronda has excellent wineries where you can taste the local wine.
Local Tip
Ronda is very close to Setenil de las Bodegas, a lovely whitewashed town built under a cliff, so you can add it to your itinerary, too. The town isn’t huge, so a couple of hours will be just enough.
12. Torre del Mar
Torre del Mar is one of the main tourist destinations on the eastern side of Costa del Sol. However, you’ll realise that many of these tourists are Spaniards who come from different cities across Spain.
The town is known for its beaches that have all the amenities you need, as well as water activities and its lovely promenade.
There aren’t many attractions and monuments in this town, so it’s mainly a place to spend the day at the beach or enjoy the delicious traditional food of the area, like fried fish.
Near Torre del Mar, you’ll also find the Aqua Velis Water Park, a great place to visit with friends or family, and El Ingenio Shopping Centre, ideal for those who love shopping.
13. Torremolinos
Torremolinos was once a poor fishing town that slowly became a popular resort with plenty of accommodation near the beach.
One of the best things to do in Torremolinos is to visit its beaches, which are well-equipped with lifeguards, public toilets and chiringuitos (beach restaurants).
In addition to its beaches, visit Torremolinos town centre to window-shop, spot street art, and discover some small monuments that tell the story of this town.
Other must-see places in this coastal town near Malaga are Parque de la Batería (Battery’s Park), located near the La Carihuela neighbourhood, and Molino de Inca Garden.
Local Tip
One of the best places to go for a romantic walk and enjoy the sunrise or sunset in Torremolinos is Punta Gatuna.
Map with all the mentioned towns in Malaga
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this article.
Frequently asked questions about towns in Malaga
What are the main towns in Costa del Sol?
The main towns in Costa del Sol are:
– Torremolinos
– Benalmadena
– Fuengirola
– Marbella
– Estepona
– Nerja
What are the whitewashed towns of Malaga?
Some of the whitewashed towns of Malaga are:
– Frigiliana
– Mijas Pueblo
– Gaucín
– Ronda
– Casares
Conclusion about towns in Malaga
Overall, Malaga is sometimes seen as an airport destination, but this is a misconception because not only Malaga, the city, has much to offer, but so do its surrounding towns.
If you have any questions about visiting any of these towns near Malaga, leave a comment below or ask in my Facebook group.
Safe adventures!
Cristina x
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Top things to do before visiting these towns near Malaga Spain
- Check out 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 with Helle Holis to travel with ease around Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance; this is a must for any trip!
Other travel guides about Malaga
- Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
- Best Free Things To Do In Malaga
- Unique Things to Do in Malaga for Couples
- Beautiful Castles in Malaga and its Surroundings
- Incredible Festivals in Malaga
- Best Malaga Food Tours
- Where To Stay in Malaga: Best Hotels and Areas
- The Perfect 1 Week Costa del Sol Itinerary
- Beautiful and Secret Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol
- Malaga Travel Budget Calculator and Expert Tips
