Local guide
Marbella sits in the middle of Andalusia's best day trips: Ronda and its gorge, Málaga's museums, the white village of Mijas, the Rock of Gibraltar, even Tangier by ferry. From our studio in Marbesa (east Marbella, by the A-7) most are under 90 minutes by car, and several work without one using the bus or train. Here is each trip with real driving times, how to get there car-free where it applies, what is worth it and when to go.
Whitewashed lanes, flowers and good terraces around the Plaza de los Naranjos, 15 minutes by car or on the bus that stops 2 minutes from the studio. Best late afternoon, when the lanes are in shade and the terraces fill up.
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Luxury yachts, boutiques and buzz, 25 minutes away by car or bus. Go for an evening stroll along the marina; on Saturday mornings there is a street market by the bullring.
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45 minutes by car on the A-7/AP-7, or by bus from Marbella bus station (about 1 h). The Picasso Museum, the Pompidou, the Alcazaba, Muelle Uno and Calle Larios: easily a whole day. Avoid Mondays, when several museums close.
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About 1 h 15 by car up the mountain road from San Pedro, one of the most scenic drives in Andalusia. There is also a direct bus from Marbella (around 1 h 30). The gorge and the Puente Nuevo impress everyone; add the bullring and lunch on a terrace over the Tajo. Go early: by midday the coach groups arrive.
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A whitewashed, flower-filled village with sea views, half an hour by car. Park at the entrance and walk the lanes, the miniature museum and the viewpoint. Best in the morning or late afternoon; skip the midday heat in summer.
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The Rock is about an hour by car (bring your passport). Park in La Línea and walk across the border and the airport runway: the Barbary macaques, the nature reserve, St Michael's Cave and views of Africa. By bus: Marbella to La Línea, then on foot.
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The Nasrid jewel as a day trip, about 2 h by car. Buy Alhambra tickets weeks ahead; they sell out. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, and in winter you can see snow on the Sierra Nevada from the palaces.
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The Giralda, the Real Alcázar and the Santa Cruz quarter, about 2 h 30 by car. A long day but worth it; avoid July and August, when the city tops 40 °C.
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The Mezquita-Catedral and the old Jewish quarter, about 2 h 15 away. Best in May, when the patios open to visitors.
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The vertiginous walkway hung over the El Chorro gorge, about 1 h 15 by car. Tickets are limited and sell out: book ahead. Bring water and go in the morning.
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The Balcón de Europa, the Maro cliffs and a monumental cave, an hour up the motorway east of Málaga. Combine with the white village of Frigiliana, 10 minutes inland.
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Africa one ferry away: drive to Tarifa (about 1 h 15) and the fast ferry crosses the Strait in an hour. Passport needed. Tarifa itself, with its old town and kitesurfing beaches, is a trip in its own right.
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The Costa's garden: whitewashed old town, a murals trail and the Orchidarium, half an hour west by car or bus.
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