Best Day trips from Estepona

Estepona is a great base for exploring southern Spain. Within an hour or so, you can reach glamorous resorts, white villages and even Gibraltar. Some trips work well by bus, but a car makes everything easier. You can pick one up at Málaga airport or in town. Hire a car with Discovercars. Below, we share our favourite day trips, from dramatic gorges to wildlife and world-class museums. Before you go, read our Estepona travel guide and our list of things to do in Estepona.

Marbella: old town charm and seafront glamour

Marbella lies about 30 minutes east by car. Buses also run along the coast. Start in the Casco Antiguo, the pretty old town. Wander through the Plaza de los Naranjos, a square full of orange trees and café terraces. Next, stroll along the Avenida del Mar, where Salvador Dalí sculptures line the way to the beach. Finally, admire the yachts at Puerto Banús. Want more ideas? Read our guides to things to do in Marbella and where to eat in Marbella. You can also see our full list of day trips from Marbella. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Gibraltar: apes, tunnels and big views

Gibraltar is about 45 minutes away by car. It feels like a slice of Britain on the Spanish coast. The main draw is the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Here, you can meet the famous Barbary macaques at the Apes Den. You can also explore the World War II tunnels and cross the Windsor Suspension Bridge. Private cars cannot enter the reserve, so leave yours near the border and take a taxi or walk. Buy your entry tickets online at the Gibraltar Nature Reserve website to save time. Remember to bring your passport, and expect queues at the border in busy periods. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Casares: a white village on a hilltop

Casares is only about 25 minutes inland by car. Whitewashed houses spill down a steep hillside beneath the ruins of a Moorish castle. Climb up through the narrow streets to reach the castle. From the top, you can see the coast and, on clear days, even Africa. Afterwards, relax in a café on the Plaza de España. It is a calm and pretty change from the busy beaches. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Ronda: a town on the edge of a gorge

Ronda is the most dramatic day trip on this list. It takes about an hour by car along a winding mountain road. The Puente Nuevo bridge crosses a 100-metre-deep gorge and offers jaw-dropping views. Next, visit the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. It has a small museum too. Then stroll through the Alameda del Tajo park, which overlooks the gorge. Finally, see the well-preserved Arab Baths near the old bridges. Leave plenty of time, because the views tempt you to stop often. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Setenil de las Bodegas: houses under the rock

Many people combine Ronda with Setenil de las Bodegas. It lies about 20 minutes from Ronda, or around 90 minutes from Estepona. The village is famous for its homes built right under huge rock overhangs. Walk along Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra to see the best examples. Restaurants and bars sit tucked beneath the rock, so stop for lunch. It is a unique sight you will not forget. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Mijas: a hillside village with sea views

Mijas sits in the hills above the coast, about 50 minutes from Estepona by car. Whitewashed lanes, flower pots and craft shops fill the village. Look out for the burro taxis, which are small donkeys that carry visitors around town. Then visit the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a tiny chapel carved into the rock. Finally, stop at the Mirador del Compás for sweeping views over the Mediterranean. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Málaga: art, history and tapas

Málaga is about an hour away by car, and buses run there too. It packs a lot into one day. Climb up to the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress with lovely gardens. Then walk on to the Gibralfaro Castle for views over the port. Art fans should visit the Museo Picasso Málaga, as the artist was born in the city. Tickets for the top sights can sell out in busy periods, so buy tickets and skip the queue. Afterwards, finish with tapas in the old town. Read our guides to things to do in Málaga and where to eat in Málaga. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Plan your day trips

Most of these trips take a full day, so start early. Summer gets hot, so bring water and a hat. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking around hilltop towns. If you want to string several trips together, a rental car gives you the most freedom. Finally, remember to book popular tickets ahead during busy weeks. Whichever you choose, you will return to Estepona with great photos and plenty of stories.