Are you spending a few days in Malaga and fancy exploring the superb Andalusian region? The area around Malaga is full of beaches, villages, nature parks and caves to explore.
The easiest way to explore the surrounding area is to hire a car. However, some destinations are accessible by bus from Malaga bus station. Here are 3 places to visit around Malaga.
The caves of Nerja
Less than an hour’s drive from Málaga, it’s an ideal day out with a change of scenery.
The Nerja caves were discovered in 1959 by 5 teenagers out for a walk, before gaining national and international fame. Several studies since then have brought to light paintings dating back to the Palaeolithic period.
They are divided into three sections: the tourist galleries, the large galleries and finally the more recently discovered galleries. As well as paintings, you’ll find stalactites, stalagmites and columns.
The largest of these is the Cataclysm Hall: its acoustic properties allow it to house and enhance the music at concerts held there in summer.
To get there, ask at the Malaga bus station, where there are regular bus services to Nerja. Alternatively, it’s best to hire a car.
They are open virtually all year round, so check their website for dates and times.
The Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey is an original and spectacular walk along a footbridge built into the side of a steep cliff in the El Chorro Gorge, in the Los Ardales Natural Park. It is one of the best places to go near Malaga if you like hiking.
A little history: this 3km-long, 1m-wide path was built in 4 years between 1901 and 1905 during the construction of two hydroelectric dams.
The hike offers spectacular views from this path carved into the rock, where you sometimes overlook a river for a hundred metres or so.
Previously known as the most dangerous path in the world, it was made safe in 2015 and is now accessible to families.
To get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga :
- by car: take the A-357 towards Cártama, which is 60 kilometres away and about an hour’s journey
- by train : there is a line to Caminito del Rey (50 minutes) from Málaga’s María Zambrano station, but check the timetable, as there are very few trains during the day and timetables are subject to change
- by bus : there are buses leaving from Malaga bus station, check the timetable, and there is a changeover.
Visit the Alhambra in Granada
Another magical destination from Málaga is Granada, with its superb Alhambra, a 1h30 drive away. You’ll need to plan ahead and book your ticket, otherwise you won’t be able to visit on the day.
The Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia, is a major palace of Islamic architecture with two groups of perfectly preserved 14th-century monuments. They are true architectural gems, surrounded by sumptuous gardens. A very popular destination, it’s a must-see when visiting Andalusia.
You can get there by train, bus or car or directly from Malaga airport to Grenada.
Now that you know places to see near Malaga, you’re ready to explore the surrounding area… and off you go!