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Latest update: 31 March 2025
Finished exploring downtown Málaga? Then, it’s time to leave the city behind and discover the surrounding area. Hike the King’s Path (Caminito del Rey) or take a day trip to Antequera, Ronda, or Córdoba. There’s plenty to do in the area around Málaga!
Brave the Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey was once known as the most dangerous hiking trail in Europe, but a lot of work has been done on safety, and now you can walk the King’s Path with peace of mind. Or, well… peace of mind… If you have a fear of heights like me, it can be quite nerve-wracking at times.
From Málaga, it’s about an hour by car to the north entrance of the Caminito del Rey. You can also get there by bus; another option is a tour. Even if you go on your own, I recommend joining a guide once you’re at the Caminito del Rey. That way, you’ll get interesting information about the King’s Path.
The path leads you along deep ravines, a small glass balcony, and a suspension bridge. Even on a cloudy day, I find it absolutely beautiful here. I’ve written about my experience in my blog about the Caminito del Rey.
A day (or more) in Antequera
The city of Antequera is about an hour’s drive from Málaga. So the Antequera-Málaga route is perfect for a day trip. Antequera is an entirely different experience from Málaga: much smaller, much quieter. Visit the Torcal de Antequera nature park, where you can take short walks among the rock formations and see the “dolmens” of Antequera. It’s convenient to do this visit by car; otherwise, some attractions are difficult to reach. Wondering if a day trip is worth it? Then, read my blog about what you can do in Antequera.
Tip! There’s also plenty to experience in the city. Discover the best things to do in Málaga.
Beaches around Málaga
The city beach of Málaga isn’t the most beautiful beach ever, but it’s fine for a few hours. If you really want to make a beach day of it, I recommend going further. You could go to Benalmádena, Marbella, Fuengirola, or the famous/infamous Torremolinos. I’m in Málaga during winter, so I skipped the beach resorts.
A day trip to Ronda
A trip to Ronda is a bit further away, about a 1.5-hour drive from Málaga. By train, you should count on two hours. A tour is also an option; you’ll see that these are often full-day tours because you also visit one or more white villages. If you go by car, you, of course, have that freedom. Many people combine a visit to Ronda with Sentenil de las Bodegas.
In Ronda, the famous bridge (Puente Nuevo) hangs over the deep gorge. But there are many more great attractions, so leave early: then you’ll have enough time to wander around at a leisurely pace, eat some tapas, and admire those fantastic views from the edge of the gorge. Read more about what you can do in Ronda.
A day trip to Córdoba
You can drive to Córdoba in almost two hours, but the train only takes about an hour. Córdoba is also a completely different city than Málaga. It also attracts quite a few tourists but is still somewhat more laid-back. The absolute highlight of Córdoba is the Mezquita, a mosque with a church inside. It’s mainly the countless horseshoe-shaped arches that attract attention. Additionally, in Córdoba, you shouldn’t miss the patios covered with flower pots.
I actually think it’s almost a shame to spend just one day in Córdoba. If you have the opportunity, I would stay overnight too. Why? I’ll explain in my blog about all the things you can do in Córdoba.
Car rental in Málaga
In the city of Málaga itself, you really don’t need more than your own two feet. For some of these attractions around Málaga, renting a car is more convenient. This time I’m in Andalusia with my own car, but otherwise, you could check out your options at Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars.
More Spain inspiration?
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always a popular choice. But you could also check Homecamper | campspace or Hostelworld for more options. HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Bus and train. If you want to travel by bus or train to or in Spain, Busbud and Omio are excellent companies for planning your transportation.
- Boat. You can take a boat from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, or take a ferry between the islands. Check out the options at Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Spain.
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