THINGS TO DO

The best day trips from Marbella by car

Marbella is one of the best bases in Andalusia: mountains, white villages and even another country are all within a day's drive. These are the trips we'd do first, with a car to make the most of them.

The best day trips from Marbella by car
  1. 1

    Ronda

    60 km · 1 hr

    The cliff-top town and its dramatic gorge bridge — the scenic mountain drive is half the appeal.

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  2. 2

    Caminito del Rey

    75 km · 1 hr 15

    A thrilling cliff-side walkway above the El Chorro gorge; book the timed entry in advance.

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  3. 3

    Mijas Pueblo

    30 km · 35 min

    A classic whitewashed village with panoramic views, just up the hill from the coast.

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  4. 4

    Gibraltar

    75 km · 1 hr

    The Rock, the apes and duty-free shopping — bring your passport for the border.

  5. 5

    Nerja & Frigiliana

    120 km · 1 hr 30

    The Balcón de Europa and a perfect white village, on the quieter eastern coast.

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  6. 6

    Granada

    175 km · 1 hr 45

    The Alhambra is a long but unforgettable day; book tickets well ahead and start early.

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See it all by car

All of these are far easier with your own car than by tour bus. A compact automatic handles the mountain roads comfortably.

Frequently asked

For the old town and Puerto Banús you can walk. But the best beaches sit between towns, and the white villages and day trips — Ronda, Mijas, Gibraltar — are awkward by bus. A compact automatic handles the coast road and the climbs comfortably and pays for itself over a few outings.