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 mix of famous and lesser-known towns and villages that will make you fall in love with Costa del Sol, plus what to do, how to get to each destination, and tips from a local.
This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.
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 several 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 bird’s-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 trying a good “mollete” (Antequera’s bread), which you can top with anything from olive oil and Serrano ham to butter and jam.
Local Tip
If you don’t have much time to visit Antequera or 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 everything from water activities to animal encounters.
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 seeing animals like rabbits and peacocks wandering freely.
For other animal encounters, head to Selwo Marina, Sealife or Monowa (the butterfly park).
If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, take the cable car up Calamorro Mount for 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 or its beauty, so it’s a great spot to discover if you love 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. A few viewpoints, including the popular Mirador de Comares (Comares viewpoint), 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 flowers and pots, and having a meal alfresco at Plaza de las Flores.
The historic centre is one of my favourites on the 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, head to Rada beach for a relaxing day. 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. You’ll also find adrenaline-inducing activities like the zip line. It’s a great place for adults and kids, too. Get your tickets here.
5. Frigiliana
Frigiliana has been named one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, and there’s no doubt why; its lovely old quarter and panoramic views make it 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 residential, while the old quarter holds all the monuments and points of interest.
When you visit Frigiliana, take your time exploring the beautiful whitewashed, 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 independent boutiques, where you can find local ingredients like sugarcane honey.
Local Tip
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the town. The cobblestone, hilly streets can be challenging to walk on in 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 from 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 on the promenade at sunset.
Another good reason to visit Fuengirola is its beaches. The town has family-friendly, shallow-water beaches where you can also enjoy water activities.
If you love a good shopping centre, you’ll find Miramar Shopping Centre just outside the town, with 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 like the Smurfs, and after the film’s promotional launch, locals decided to keep their houses blue. They didn’t know it would attract so many tourists, and the town has been well known ever since.
One of the best things to do in El Pueblo Pitufo (the Smurf town) is to take the graffiti walking route. The route features 14 graffiti pieces of different Smurf characters, animals and fairy-tale-like characters. In the past, you could also take photos with the Papa Smurf and Smurfette statues, but they’re no longer there.
Once you complete this route, have some tapas at Casa El Bandolero and enjoy the views from La Torrichela.
In addition to these activities, the town has a few hiking trails, so you can add something else to your itinerary.
8. Marbella
Marbella is a popular summer destination on the 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 much more, 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 town’s most charming places.
Marbella has also become a foodie destination; there are many good places to eat in 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, party, and virgin beaches where you can disconnect from the hustle of the busy areas.
Although it’s a top summer destination, it’s worth visiting Marbella in winter if you want to avoid the crowds and extreme heat and enjoy 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, you may want to visit Mijas for its impressive coastal views, charming independent shops and restaurants, and 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 magical 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 the Costa del Sol, and water activities like kayaking, canoeing, and scuba diving are very popular.
But there’s much more than beaches in Nerja. You can also visit the impressive Cuevas de Nerja (Nerja’s Caves), with unique stalactites you won’t find anywhere else in Spain, and visit Museo de Nerja to learn more about the 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 Ronda’s main landmark, and travellers from around the world come to take pictures of it.
Nevertheless, Ronda has many other attractions in the old quarter, from the archaeological museum to beautiful churches and charming 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 love food and wine, you’re in the right place. 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 is plenty.
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 many of these tourists are Spaniards from different cities across Spain.
The town is known for its beaches, which have all the amenities you need, plus water activities and a lovely promenade.
This town has few attractions or monuments, so it’s mainly a place to spend the day at the beach or enjoy delicious traditional food, like fried fish.
Near Torre del Mar, you’ll also find 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 beachside accommodation.
One of the best things to do in Torremolinos is visit its beaches, which are well-equipped with lifeguards, public toilets and chiringuitos (beach restaurants).
Beyond the beaches, visit Torremolinos town centre to window-shop, spot street art, and discover small monuments that tell the town’s story.
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 for a romantic walk and to enjoy 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 get directions to each location 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 that is a misconception: not only does Malaga city have 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
Don’t forget to save these towns in Malaga on Pinterest for later
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
