Best day trips from Benalmádena
Benalmádena makes a brilliant base for exploring the rest of Andalusia. Mountains, historic cities and whitewashed villages all sit within easy reach. Better still, most trips take under an hour by car or train. Below, we’ve rounded up the best day trips from Benalmádena, from Picasso’s birthplace to a dramatic mountain gorge. Let’s dive in.
Málaga
First up, Málaga is the obvious choice, and it’s only 20 minutes away. This buzzing city blends history with a thriving arts scene. Start at the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress with stunning gardens and city views. Next, head to the Museo Picasso Málaga, home to 285 works by the city’s most famous son. Queues build quickly, so it’s worth booking tickets online in advance.
Afterwards, wander through the old town and stop by the Mercado Central de Atarazanas for a bite to eat. Trains run regularly between Benalmádena and Málaga, making this an effortless trip. Check connections. If you’d rather drive, the journey along the coast road takes around 25 minutes. Hire a Car. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. For more inspiration, take a look at our full guide to Málaga, including where to eat and a handy 3 Day Itinerary.
Marbella
Next, consider Marbella, roughly 40 minutes down the coast. It’s known for its glamorous marina, Puerto Banús, and a genuinely charming old town. Wander the cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo and find Plaza de los Naranjos, a pretty square lined with orange trees.
Later, stroll along the Paseo Marítimo, a lengthy promenade dotted with beach bars and sculptures. Marbella doesn’t have a train station, so driving is the easiest option here. Hire a Car. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Read our complete guide to Marbella for more, including a 3 Day Itinerary and where to eat once you arrive.
Ronda
For something more dramatic, head inland to Ronda, about an hour and a half away. This mountaintop town straddles the El Tajo gorge, and the views are genuinely breathtaking. Don’t miss the Puente Nuevo, the 18th-century bridge spanning the ravine.
Once you’ve admired the bridge, visit the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, complete with a fascinating museum. Advance booking isn’t essential, but it’s worth buying skip-the-line tickets online during busy summer months. Driving is by far the easiest way to reach Ronda from Benalmádena. Hire a Car. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Discover more with our guide to Ronda.
Mijas Pueblo
Closer to home, Mijas Pueblo sits just 20 minutes inland and makes for an easy half-day trip. This whitewashed hillside village is famous for its donkey taxis and sweeping coastal views. Wander through the Plaza de la Constitución and pop into the tiny Plaza de Toros, one of the smallest bullrings in Spain.
Afterwards, browse the boutique shops lining the winding streets, and stop for a coffee with a view. The drive up from Benalmádena is short and scenic. Hire a Car. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Find out more in our guide to Mijas.
Nerja and Frigiliana
Finally, combine two gems in one trip: Nerja and Frigiliana, both around an hour east along the coast. Start in Nerja at the Balcón de Europa, a clifftop viewpoint with fabulous sea views. From there, head just outside town to the Cueva de Nerja, a vast prehistoric cave system with cave paintings and dramatic rock formations. Booking is highly recommended, since tickets can be bought online for a fixed entry time, helping you skip the queue.
Afterwards, drive up to Frigiliana, widely considered one of Spain’s prettiest villages. Its steep, flower-filled lanes are perfect for an afternoon wander. A car gives you the most flexibility for this two-stop trip. Hire a Car. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Read more in our guides to Nerja and Frigiliana.
Whichever trip you choose, each one shows off a different side of Andalusia. Pair a couple together, and you’ll have a full week of exploring beyond Benalmádena’s beaches.