The Ultimate Andalusian Base: How to Day Trip from Málaga
Recently I stayed in Málaga for 5 days as part of a short trip. I only really wanted to go to Gibraltar to get another country off my list but I liked Malaga so much that I ended up staying 4 more nights. I also stayed at the advice of some other travellers I met at my hostel. Here is why it’s day trips galore
The Perfect Home Base: Why Settle in Málaga?
Before we even get to the day trips, you need to know that Málaga itself is a gem. The biggest advantage for me was the feeling of having a 'home' to return to each evening without the hassle of packing and unpacking. But it was the city's vibe that truly sold me.
I experienced this firsthand when my train was delayed and I arrived at midnight. Instead of a deserted city, I found streets patrolled by police, a city centre still brightly lit, and people casually relaxing at bars and cafés. There was even a queue for a gelato shop! I felt completely comfortable walking to my hostel. This sense of safety, combined with shops staying open late (around 10 pm) and a general vibrant atmosphere, makes Málaga an incredibly welcoming city to come back to after a long day of exploring.
The Day Trip Powerhouse: Exploring Andalusia
This is where Málaga truly shines. Its central location and excellent transport links put the best of Andalusia right at your doorstep. All the major cities are accessible by train or bus in under 3 hours. As long as you're prepared for an early start (think 6-7 am) and a late return, you can have full, incredible days out. Though you can get away with 8am starts as most attractions don’t open till 10am.
Pro Tip: Book your train, bus and tourism tickets in advance! Using sites like Renfe (for trains) or Omio can save you money and guarantee you a seat, especially during peak season.
Here are some of the best day trip destinations from Málaga:
Gibraltar (Book a day tour)
I highly recommend a booked tour for Gibraltar. It simplifies the border crossing from Spain and often includes a guided minibus tour of the Rock's key sights (like St. Michael's Cave and the famous apes), saving you major logistical headaches.
Seville (2 hours by train)
Home to the stunning Plaza de España and the world's largest Gothic cathedral. A must-see for its sheer grandeur. Crucial: Book tickets for all attractions in advanced during summer seasons
Granada (1 hour 45 min by bus)
Where you'll find the breathtaking Alhambra palace. Crucial: You must book tickets for the Alhambra months in advance, as they sell out completely.
Córdoba (1 hour by train)
Famous for its mesmerising Mezquita-Catedral, a unique mosque-cathedral filled with hundreds of iconic striped arches.
Madrid (3 hours by train)
Even Spain's capital is reachable for a long but rewarding day trip to see the Royal Palace or the Prado Museum.
Smaller Gems: If you have more time, areas like Ronda, known for its spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge, and Jaen, the world's olive oil capital, are also worth a visit.
To give you an idea of how it works in practice, here was my trip:
Day 1 - Gibraltar Day Trip: A long but fascinating day exploring a unique corner of Europe.
Day 2 - Málaga: A recovery day spent exploring Málaga's own historic centre and Alcazaba.
Day 3 - Málaga: Enjoying the city's beaches, museums, and fantastic food scene.
Day 4 - Seville: An early train out to spend the day soaking in the beauty of the Andalusian capital.
Day 5 - Granada: A bus trip to see the magnificent Alhambra before heading back to Málaga.
Gelato shop at 12am still got a line!
Recommendations for Your Days in Málaga
On the days you're not travelling, there's plenty to do, see, and eat in the city.
Activities
Málaga FC Match: If you can get tickets (€30), the energy at a local football match is electric and totally worth it! (Link to tickets here)
Bullfighting: While a controversial spectacle, bullfighting is a traditional part of the August Feria de Málaga for those interested in experiencing it. (Schedule can be found here)
Where to Stay
TOC Hostel: I stayed here for my entire trip. It's clean, well-priced, and perfectly located. Tip: The 8-bed dorms are much larger and have two showers/toilets, making them a better choice than the 6-bed dorms which only have one.
Food and Drink
Specialty Coffee
Next Level Specialty Coffee & The Lab by Next Level: For serious coffee lovers who appreciate a perfectly crafted cup.
Syra Coffee: A great spot for a quick, high-quality coffee to go.
Concept 30 - Wellness Café: Excellent coffee with healthy breakfast and brunch options.
Must-Try Gelato
Eccolo Gelato: Delicious, artisanal gelato with creative flavours.
Casa Mira: One of the oldest and most famous in Málaga, a truly traditional experience. Try the turrón!
Santinis Gelato: A classic spot beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Food
Mercado de Atarazanas: More than just a market; it's a feast for the senses. Grab a seat at one of the tapas bars inside for the freshest seafood lunch imaginable.
There wasn’t really many places that WOWed me interms of restaurants so much that I would recommend, but most places had good and above average food so go on Google Maps and have a look for something that interests you!
The Final Verdict: Pros vs. Cons
Is this travel style for everyone? Here's the honest breakdown.
Pros:
You have a solid base to come "home" to, leaving heavy luggage in one place.
Incredible flexibility to plan your days based on weather or mood, thanks to frequent transport.
Accommodation in Málaga is often cheaper than in cities like Seville or Madrid.
You get to truly enjoy Málaga's safe, vibrant nightlife.
Cons:
Overall, this method can be more expensive than booking one-way travel and cheaper accommodation in each new city. You're paying for convenience.
I wouldn’t suggest this if you are on a very tight budget. But if you value convenience, dislike constantly moving your luggage, and want a relaxing and stable home base, using Málaga as your hub is an amazing way to experience Southern Spain.
Getting to and from Málaga Airport (AGP)
Málaga is a great entry or exit point for your Spain trip, with an airport that has excellent international and domestic connections. Getting there is easy:
Bus: The 'A' Express line runs directly from the city centre to the airport.
Train: The C1 line from the Centro Alameda station is also a fast and direct option.
Both the bus and train take about 30-45 minutes. Best of all, you can pay for your ticket directly on the bus or at the train turnstile by tapping your internationally enabled debit/credit card (Mastercard and Visa). An Uber or Bolt is also a quick 20-30 minute ride.
I think that overall, you should consider staying in Malaga if you have heavy bags (even I only had a single backpack) and would like somewhere to come ‘home’ to and don’t have to worry about bag storage. On day trips, you are able to just take your sling bag/daypack. I wouldn’t suggest doing this if you are tight on a budget and/or don’t have a large amount of luggage or have easily carriable luggage.
