Great Daytrips From Malaga - Spain

Perhaps Malaga owes some of its worldwide popularity to the fact that Picasso was born here, or maybe it’s simply because the city and its neighbouring areas have so much to offer to a diverse range of interests and tastes. From Baroque architecture and striking Moorish fortresses to miles of sandy beaches and a never ending pub and club culture, there is something for everyone in Malaga.

When you have exhausted the city’s wealth of offerings, Andalusia will not disappoint with a range of attractions to keep you aptly active for as long as you have.

Benalmadena is only a short 12-mile (19km) journey from Malaga International Airport and offers visitors a welcoming list of things to do. One of the best ways to get a wide spanning view of the Andalusian countryside is on the cable car, which ascends 700 metres into the mountains. The landscape is a masterpiece of white-washed houses among the luscious green of pine forests.

If you don’t feel thoroughly invigorated by the splendour of the natural views, visit Tivoli World. This amusement and theme park is built with intermittent walkways, gardens and fountains, over 30 rides and fantastic themed shows for a full day of entertainment for all the family.

Selwo Marina is a fascinating, underwater, walk-through park with a range of species from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Located along several miles of Andalusia coast, Benalmadena’s promenade is the prime location to enjoy the lapping of the Mediterranean waves and watch the world pass you by.

Around Malaga, there are number of towns and cities that have expanded simply through tourism. Most are charming places with large selections of bars, restaurants and of course, prime seaside locations. Fuengirola and Torremolinos are two, both located a matter of minutes from Malaga.

Fuengirola is probably best-known for its five miles of sandy beaches, but it is also a great place to go for some of the best markets in the region. Tuesday is the day for the lively and large street market, while Saturday is the day for bargain hunters with a great boot leg market.

Torremolinos was once a sleepy fishing village, but it has rapidly expanded to become one of Spain’s top tourist draws. It hosts a number of tacky yet highly entertaining attractions, including Aqualand, Crocodile Park and Magic Palace, where three internationally respected performers give daily shows, perfect for all the family.

A tour of the white towns and villages hidden in little pockets throughout the mountains of Andalucía will transport you back in time. The picturesque boroughs offer an insight into the tranquil life of locals and their traditions, having changed little in many years. Although many of the villages, including Mijas, Frigiliana and Ronda, are accessible by bus, it is worth renting a car to explore the countryside at your leisure.

Besides the charm and relaxed ambience of the villages, the scenery along the winding roads is spectacular, with each corner turned uncovering yet another breathtaking sight. Frigiliana is widely and officially considered the most picturesque village in Spain, with a wealth of history, documented on tile plaques in each section of the town. Bring a picnic for an easy afternoon of relaxation or sample some home cooked rural specialties.

Granada, about 90 minutes drive from Malaga is the capital of the region and another of Andalusia’s treasures, an ancient and curious place with its main attraction being the Alhambra. This is a brilliant compound of mighty palaces and beautiful gardens offering some outstanding examples of Moorish architecture.

The hill opposite the Alhambra is a labyrinth of narrow streets and those unmistakable white-washed houses. A rewarding stroll to the top offers breathtaking views of the city’s beloved monument. Granada has a decent selection of shops, restaurants and cafés overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After, why not treat yourself to a glass of Spanish wine and enjoy the quiet buzz of this historic oasis?

Tarifa, about 112 miles (180kms) from Malaga, is a haven for adventure and nature tourists alike. The rugged coastline of the most southern tip of Europe is not only a surfer’s paradise, but nature lovers will find an abundance of plant and animal life. There is a host of adventure activities to choose from, including horseback riding, hand gliding, kite-surfing, rock-climbing and diving.

The town itself is a charming oasis of narrow cobbled stone streets and 8th century buildings, with a number of quaint caféés, tapas bars, some cool surf shops and trendy clothing stores, making Tarifa one-of-a-kind in Andalusian Spain. On a clear day, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Rif mountains of Africa, across the ocean.

If you are more drawn to the glitzy glamour that Spain has to offer, Marbella is the place to go. A 28-mile (45km) journey will transport you into a cosmopolitan world of small town charm. This is Spain’s answer to St Tropez, with an ambience of refined sophistication, art galleries, stately buildings, chic bars and bistros.

It is a bustling hub of activity day and night, and the pristine coastline and one of the most pleasant promenades in the region offer visitors the perfect spot to watch the who’s who of Marbella’s rich and famous. There is a spectacular amphitheatre which hosts summer performances and everything in sport is available from tennis and golf to sailing and horseback riding. The Marbella nightlife is alive with alfresco bars, live music venues and discos open until the early hours of the morning.