Marbella is the perfect base to explore the best of southern Spain. Beyond its sunny beaches and lively old town, you’ll find a world of unforgettable day trips within easy reach.
Wander the whitewashed streets of Mijas, soak up the history of Ronda, explore the vibrant art and culture of Malaga, or marvel at the dramatic scenery of Gibraltar.
Whether you’re after coastal charm, mountain adventures or cultural gems, these day trips from Marbella offer something special for every kind of traveller.
Why Take a Day Trip from Marbella?
Although Marbella offers plenty to keep visitors entertained, venturing beyond the city is what will allow you to see and experience the true wealth of southern Spain.
Here are two reasons why a day trip away from Marbella is worth it:
Easy Access to Cultural and Natural Gems
Marbella has a very well-developed infrastructure, making it easy to reach nearby destinations.
The road network around Marbella connects directly to several historic cities, scenic nature reserves, and coastal towns.
Whether you plan on venturing out of Marbella for the day by car, public transport, or as part of a guided tour, exploring the region and everything it has to offer is pleasant, rewarding, and surprisingly straightforward.
Perfect Getaways for Every Type of Traveller
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a laid-back beachgoer, or a culture lover drawn to history and heritage, Marbella’s surroundings offer the perfect getaway for every type of traveller.
Keep on reading to learn more about our top recommendations near Marbella.
Top Day Trips Within One Hour
Whether you’ve already experienced all the best things to do and see in Marbella or want to experience the region of southern Spain while you’re there, there are plenty of places to visit and things to see within just an hour’s drive.
Some of the top day trips around Marbella include:
Ronda: Clifftop Views and Historic Charm
The town of Ronda is one of Andalusia’s most iconic tourist destinations, thanks to the Puente Nuevo bridge, which offers some of the region’s most breathtaking views.
Spanning the dramatic El Tajo gorge, the bridge connects Ronda’s historic old town with the newer part of the city, and standing atop is an experience that can only be felt in person.
Ronda is also home to one of Spain’s oldest bullrings and a handful of small but engaging museums. It offers just enough for an unforgettable day out.
Mijas Pueblo: A Whitewashed Mountain Village
Located just 40 minutes away from Marbella, you’ll find one of Andalusia’s most picturesque white villages – Mijas Pueblo. Its winding cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies, and stunning views of the coast give this hillside village an effortlessly relaxed feel.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll naturally slow down and appreciate its beauty while strolling the streets, browsing the local craft shops, and admiring the stunning landmarks.
Estepona: Art, Beaches, and a Botanical Garden
Estepona is a stunning town located approximately 30 minutes southwest of Marbella. It’s best known for its seafront promenade, which is lined with sculptures, murals, and palm trees. This makes it ideal for a slow wander or a quiet day by the beach.
The Orchidarium in the town centre often surprises visitors with its modern glass architecture and lush tropical plants, which contrast beautifully with the traditional Andalusian charm of the old town just a short walk away.
Scenic Day Trips for Nature Lovers
If you’re someone who finds joy in wide-open landscapes, fresh air, and the soothing sounds of nature, then southern Spain has plenty to offer just beyond Marbella, including:
Sierra de las Nieves National Park
Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Sierra de las Nieves is just under an hour from Marbella and contrasts the coastline. This mountain range is characterised by pine forests, deep ravines, and panoramic peaks.
Some of the most popular activities that you can take part in include hiking, birdwatching, and photography. And while you’re out there, keep an eye out for the rare Spanish fir and native mountain goats – they’re beautiful but tricky to come by.
Caminito del Rey: Thrilling Hikes and Views
Once dubbed the world’s most dangerous walkway, Caminito del Rey has since been restored and is now a safe but exhilarating trail. The trail is suspended along a gorge in El Chorro, and the entire route takes between three and four hours to complete.
If you’re up for an adventure of a lifetime, make sure to book in advance and prepare yourself for some of southern Spain’s most jaw-dropping scenery.
El Chorro Lakes: Swimming and Kayaking
Near Caminito del Rey, you’ll find the El Chorro lakes, which are also known as the Ardales Reservoirs. It’s the perfect place to go to if you’re coming with your family or friends and are looking for a free and relaxing yet quality time together.
When at the lakes, you can swim, rent pedal boats, or even kayak as the waters are calm. The entire area is surrounded by pine forests and limestone cliffs, making for a fantastic spot for a lakeside picnic.
Cultural Escapes Worth the Drive
If you’re looking to experience the Andalusian culture for what it is, there are a handful of cultural escapes that you should consider while in Marbella. Our top cultural spots include:
Granada and the Alhambra
The city of Granada is about two hours away from Marbella, making it one of the longer day trips, but it is absolutely worth the early start. There, you’ll find the Alhambra, a sprawling Moorish palace and fortress complex, which is one of Spain’s most visited monuments.
Beyond the Alhambra, Granada’s Albaicín district, with its maze of narrow streets, offers further insight into the city’s Islamic past.
Córdoba and the Mezquita
The city of Córdoba is another worthwhile destination. It’s also just over two hours away from Marbella by car.
One of the city’s highlights is the Mezquita-Catedral (Mosque-Cathedral), a marvel of Islamic architecture that later incorporated Christian elements.
While in Córdoba, you should also explore the old Jewish quarter and the Roman bridge. Thanks to its compact city centre, discovering nearly everything of historical relevance is pretty manageable within a single day.
Málaga: Museums, Food, and Seafront Walks
Situated only an hour away from Marbella, the city of Málaga has evolved from being a gateway city into a destination in its own right. It boasts a growing collection of art museums, including the Picasso Museum and Centre Pompidou.
The old town is packed with tapas bars and hidden plazas, while the recently developed port area offers a breezy promenade and modern shops. If you’re interested in history, you can also climb the Gibralfaro Castle and get some of the best views of the city and the coast.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trips
To make the most of your day trips from Marbella, start by planning ahead. Some of the things you should consider include:
Best Times to Visit
Spring and autumn tend to offer the most comfortable temperatures for day trips, especially if hiking or outdoor sightseeing is on the agenda.
Summers can be hot, particularly inland, while winters remain mild but may see shorter daylight hours and occasional rain. Weekdays are often quieter at popular tourist spots, especially outside of school holidays.
How to Get Around (Car, Bus, Tours)
Marbella is very well connected. So, there’s no right or wrong way to travel. The easiest way to get around (in terms of convenience) would be by car.
However, if you’re travelling to a popular destination in the peak of summer, visiting by bus or as part of a guided tour might be better if you don’t want to deal with parking.
What to Pack for a Comfortable Day Out
That would depend on your mode of transport. If you’re going to be travelling by public transport or as part of a guided tour, we recommend that you pack as lightly as possible.
Before departing from Marbella, make sure to check the weather forecast and only take with you what you plan to wear. Besides essential clothing, you can also bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small snack or energy bar to keep you going throughout the day.
Explore More Day Trips from Marbella
All the day trips we mentioned so far in this article are on land. If you’re a sea lover and want to explore Marbella by sea in a private boat, we can arrange that for you.
Contact us, and we will provide you with all the information you need, including price and availability. Before you set off on your adventure, discover our rooms and suites to find the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
