Are you looking for the best excursions from Benalmadena?
If you’re not sure which one to choose, or what destination is worth your time, this article will tell you everything you need to know before booking your excursion.
How do I know?
I’ve been living next to Benalmadena (in Fuengirola) since 2020, and have visited nearly all of the destinations on my list.
In this article, I have reviewed the options available and shortlisted ten best excursions that will be definitely a highlight of your stay in Benalmadena.
Let’s have a look at what they are.
No time to read the article?
In that case, I recommend the most popular excursion: Caminito del Rey is a spectacular easy hike with nearly 2500 reviews and 4.7 / 5 rating. A must-see while staying in Benalmadena!
Best Excursions from Benalmadena
Benalmadena, on Costa del Sol, is one of the most popular resort towns offering plenty of activities, sandy beaches, and great transport connections (all just 15 minutes away from Malaga international airport).
If you’re staying in Benalmadena, you’re in luck – there are many local excursions you can book in just a few clicks that will allow you to explore all the highlights of Southern Spain conveniently and cost-effectively.
In this article, you will find the best ten options, all with a pick-up directly in Benalmadena.
Below is a quick reference guide, followed by detailed information on each excursion option. I did not list the prices as they tend to run promotional discounts and seasonal prices, so it’s best to check directly on the website for accurate pricing.
Quick Guide to Excursions from Benalmadena
- First-time visitors of Southern Spain: Seville, Granada, or Cordoba
- Family trip: Granada, Nerja
- Solo traveler: any of the destinations
- Authentic experiences: Nerja & Frigiliana, Ronda & Setenil, Caminito del Rey
- History enthusiasts: Seville, Granada & Cordoba
- Photo-friendly destinations: Seville, Granada, Nerja & Ronda
- Nature enthusiasts: Caminito del Rey
EXCURSIONS FROM BENALMADENA
Part 1: Highlights of Southern Spain
In this section, you will find the most popular and ‘essential’ must-see places in Southern Europe.
1. SEVILLE WITH ROYAL ALCAZAR
Rating: 4.2 / 5
Duration: 10 – 11 hours
BOOK HERE
Seville is the capital city of Andalusia and one that has a real gem to be discovered – the Royal Alcazar of Seville. It’s the oldest actively occupied royal palace in Europe, with stunning rooms and impressive gardens.
As part of this excursion, you discover the Royal Palace of Seville, and explore the old town (Santa Cruz) with a guided walk. Lastly, you will also take a stroll through the famous Plaza de Espana (see picture above).
This excursion also has a 3-hour slot of free time included, in case you would like to see more of the landmarks like the cathedral or sit down to taste some local tapas.
- Cancel up to 24 hours before for 75% refund
- Transport to and from Seville
- Tickets & tour of Royal Alcazar included
- English and Spanish speaking guide
- Great value for money trip
2. CORDOBA & LUCENA EXCURSION
Rating: 5 / 5
Duration: 10 – 12 hours
BOOK HERE
Cordoba is part of the Andalusian Golden Triangle (together with the cities of Seville & Granada), and a must-see if you have time spare while staying in Benalmadena.
This excursion is perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace – just one thing I would recommend before securing your date is checking that you can get tickets to Cordoba Mosque for your selected dates. Especially in summer, they sell out quite quickly, but you might be able to get some on the spot.
The other place I recommend exploring is the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, near the famous Mosque of Cordoba. As a bonus point for this trip, you also get to see the famous stunning village of Lucena near Cordoba.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now and pay later option
- Transport to and from Benalmadena
- Free time in Cordoba
- Free time in Lucena
- English & Spanish speaking guide
- Available once a week
3. RONDA AND SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Duration: 8 – 10 hours
BOOK HERE
Two of the most famous small towns are covered as part of this exciting excursion.
You will get picked up from Benalmadena and, after a two-hour journey, arrive in Setenil de las Bodegas, the famous town under the rock. In there, homes and restaurants are carved into cave-like settlements, offering you a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Later, you will enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour of the spectacular town of Ronda, with the oldest bullring in Spain and enjoy the most spectacular views from the ancient Puente Nuevo towering over El Tajo gorge. You will also have three hours to explore on your own.
A trip to remember!
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now and pay later option
- Transport to and from Benalmadena
- Available three times per week
4. GRANADA AND ALHAMBRA EXCURSION
Rating: 4.3 / 5
Duration: 10 hours
BOOK HERE
Visit the old capital of the Nasrid Kingdom, stretching at the foothills of Sierra Nevada.
Granada is one of the most spectacular cities in Southern Spain. It will allow you to explore the Arab influence on the Spanish continent, and there is no better place to do that than in the ancient Alhambra.
As part of this excursion, you will also visit the Alhambra monument with Generalife Gardens, and have free time to explore the city on your own.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now and pay later option
- Includes entrance & guide for Alhambra
- Free bottle of water
- Transport to and from Benalmadena
- Available three times per week
5. NERJA CAVES & FRIGILIANA EXCURSION
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Duration: 7 hours
BOOK HERE
Visit one of the most beautiful white villages of Andalusia, the pretty town of Frigiliana, stretching high up in the hills overlooking the town of Nerja.
For those keen on photography, it doesn’t get much better than the pretty white-washed streets of Frigiliana with sweeping views of the sea.
While there are no landmarks as such, as part of this trip, you will also get to see the stunning caves of Nerja, and the town itself with the famous Balcony of Europe viewpoints.
The coastline of Nerja is something completely different to what you would see in Benalmadena and it’s well worth the short trip!
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now and pay later option
- Entry tickets to Nerja caves
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- A glass of wine in Frigiliana
- Available once per week
EXCURSIONS FROM BENALMADENA
Part 2: In Search of Adventure
Want something a little more adventurous? You will find a few options in this section.
6. CAMINITO DEL REY TOUR
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Duration: 6 – 10 hours
BOOK HERE
Want an excursion that will leave a lasting impression and photos that will attract many questions?
Caminito del Rey is the one!
This ‘pathway of the King’ was once one of the most dangerous hikes in the world and now boasts the title of the most popular natural attraction in the region of Malaga.
Take a hike through a wooden platform perched on the edge of Gaitanes Gorge, while admiring spectacular views and listening about the history of this natural wonder from the local guide. Don’t get discouraged by the use of the word hike – it’s more of a pleasant walk rather than anything that would require excellent fitness levels.
This tour also includes a stop in the pretty village of Ardales, where you can buy breakfast before continuing to the trail’s entrance.
You can check the itinerary and all details by clicking the button below.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- book now & pay later
- pick up & transport from Benalmadena
- tickets to Caminito del Rey
- tour guide (English & Spanish)
- children under age of 8 not allowed
- safety equipment
7. GIBRALTAR EXCURSION
Rating: 4.3 / 5
Duration: 9.5 hours
BOOK HERE
Fancy leaving the country for a day? You can do exactly that by visiting Gibraltar, the British territory known locally as ‘the Rock’.
This very popular excursion has two options: plan your own program and enjoy the free time in Gibraltar, or book the upgraded excursion with a tour of the Nature Reserve, a highlight of a trip to Gibraltar.
In the Nature Reserve, you can witness the famous Gibraltar monkeys running around, walk on the elevated glass platform known as Skywalk, or see the wonders of nature in St Michael’s Cave.
Whichever you choose, this excursion is the most hassle-free and affordable way to see what Gibraltar offers.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- book now & pay later
- passport necessary
- pick up & transport from Benalmadena
- entry to Gibraltar by bus (waiting time may be necessary at borders)
- bilingual guide
- free time or book the Nature Reserve tour
8. MOROCCO DAY TRIP (TETOUTAN)
Rating: 4.3 / 5
Duration: 10 – 15 hours
BOOK HERE
Discover the African continent on an easy day trip from Benalmadena!
This tour will take you to Morocco via the ferry from Algeciras (45 mins journey), where in the beautiful city of Tetoutan you will experience the following:
- visit of the local Tetoutan Medina (UNESCO world heritage site)
- free time for shopping in the commercial area
- visit the old Jewish quarter of Mellah and the Hassan II Square
- enjoy a local lunch (not included in price)
- visit a traditional Moroccan Berber farmhouse
A fabulous adventure on a day out from Benalmadena.
This tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours (for full refund) and a book now pay later option. It’s definitely on my personal wishlist for this year!
EXCURSIONS FROM BENALMADENA
Part 3: Cultural Excursions
9. MIJAS, MARBELLA & PUERTO BANUS
Rating: 4.2 / 5
Duration: 8 hours
BOOK HERE
The millionaire’s playground and a traditional Andalusian village, all in one day. How does that sound to you?
This exciting excursion will take you to the pretty hilltop village of Mijas Pueblo (one I visit frequently), and the flashy seaside resort town of Marbella, with the famous Pueto Banus. Experience the world of luxury and a traditional white-washed village with the smallest bullring in Spain.
How is that for an exciting day trip?
Bonus points – these two destinations are close to Benalmadena, so you won’t spend too long time sitting on the bus.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- book now & pay later
- passport necessary
- pick up & transport from Benalmadena
- available once a week
10. JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA EXCURSION
Rating: no rating (new)
Duration: 10 – 12 hours
BOOK HERE
Sample the famous Jerez brandy and visit a local winery as part of this new excursions from Benalmadena.
As your first stop, you will visit the famous Ruta del Toro with its numerous ranches with free-ranging bulls, and after, drive directly to Jerez. In Jerez, you will see Bodegas Domecq, one of the most prestigious wineries in the area, which will include a tour and sherry tasting.
Your time in Jerez will also include a Flamenco show and some free time to explore independently.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- book now & pay later
- passport necessary
- pick up & transport from Benalmadena
- available once a week
BONUS: CULTURAL WONDERS OF MALAGA
Here is a little bonus for those who would like to see what Malaga has to offer.
Below are links to some of the most popular cultural places of interest. You will need to arrange your own transport to Malaga, but that’s pretty simple as you can take the local commuter train C-1 from Arroyo de la Miel. Detailed instructions are in this article.
PICASSO MUSEUM
The most popular museum in Malaga. If you’re visiting in the summer, I highly recommend getting your tickets in advance as it will save you a lot of time waiting outside the museum for your tickets.
BOOK HERE
PICASSO BIRTHPLACE
A lesser known highlight of Malaga, but one that will teach you more about the artist’s life. The museum above is more focused on his work and doesn’t tell you too much about his personal life.
BOOK HERE
CARMEN THYSSEN MUSEUM
Another must-see for any art lovers visiting Malaga – this museum is a short walk from the Alcazaba, so you can easily squeeze both into a single-day visit.
BOOK HERE
ALCAZABA & GIBRALFARO
No visit to Malaga would be complete without visiting two of its most famous monuments.
You can get a combined ticket that includes entry to both or book a guided tour in advance. If you’re going on your own, I recommend getting a taxi up to Gibralfaro castle and then visiting Alcazaba. Otherwise, you’re facing a very steep uphill walk on your own.
ALCAZABA + GUIDED TOUR: BOOK HERE
OLD TOWN GUIDED WALK
If you want to know more about Malaga, the best way to learn is to book a guided walking tour of the old town. It’s not just an enjoyable and educational walk, but you will also see all of the major monuments and sights.
BOOK HERE
Excursions in Benalmadena
If you fancy booking some adventure in the town itself, here is a list of those you might have missed!
- Dolphin Watching boat tour
- Mount Calamorro cable car tickets
- Benalmadena boat rental
- Benalmadena hop on hop off bus ticket
- Benalmadena Fuengirola ferry ticket
- Benalmadena Aquarium visit
Final Words
I hope you found plenty of exciting excursion options for your stay in Benalmadena.
As you can see from the selection, you can easily book trips to the big cities or enjoy some unique experiences very close to the city, without spending hours on the bus. For those who want something completely different, you can even visit the African continent!
If you have any questions that have not been answered in this article, I will be happy to help you out – leave a comment below!
Explore More in Benalmadena
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Benalmádena, Spain: Best Local Guide
Best Benalmadena Boat Trips: Expert Travel Tips
Castillo de Colomares: The Fairy Tale Castle in Benalmadena
Paloma Park, Benalmadena – Spain
Best Car Rental Benalmadena: Local Expert Tips
The Best Benalmadena Restaurants: Top Picks by a Local Expat
15 Fantastic Things to Do in Benalmadena: Recommended by a Local
Fuengirola or Benalmadena: Which is Better to Visit?
Benalmadena or Torremolinos? Which is Better to Visit?
Transport Guides for Benalmadena
Benalmadena to Marbella: Your Insider Transport Guide
From Benalmadena to Seville: Your Detailed Transport Guide
How to Get from Benalmadena to Fuengirola, Fast & Easy: Local Transport Guide
Malaga Airport to Benalmadena: 6 Best Travel Options
From Malaga to Benalmadena: Your Detailed Transport Guide
Southern Spain Travel Planning Guide
Is it safe to drive in Spain?
YES! The roads in Southern Spain are generally in very good condition, with modern highways connecting the biggest cities. To rent a car, I highly recommend Discover Cars, which will get you the best deals on your car rental for your trip.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO DRIVE?
PUBLIC TRANSPORT — Southern Spain has a well-established and modern network of trains and buses. To get the cheapest bus or train tickets, take a look at Omio to find the timetables and prices.
DAY TRIPS — If you don’t like the hassle of using public transport, local travel companies offer many day trip options from almost all the destinations in Southern Spain. You can check them out here.
WHERE SHOULD I BOOK MY ACCOMMODATION?
BOOKING.COM — I have been using booking.com for all my trips in Spain and abroad, and have never had any negative experiences. Their reviews are very accurate and you get the best deals even on apartments, not just hotels.
ARE THERE LUGGAGE STORE OPTIONS IN THE CITIES?
YES — If you would like to leave your luggage behind to explore the city on your last day, before heading to the airport, you can use Radical Storage service, which lets you book luggage storage options in almost all the destinations in Southern Spain.
DO I NEED TO BUY A LOCAL SIM CARD FOR THIS TRIP?
YES – You can, of course, use your own card if you have roaming data available. If you want to avoid surprising extra charges from your operator, you can use a service like Airalo, where you can buy digital packs for e-sim cards, avoiding the hassle of sourcing local physical sim cards and extra roaming charges anywhere you go.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.