Are you looking for the best day trips from Malaga? Do you need a private guide and transport?
In that case, this article is exactly what you’re looking for.
Below, you will find seven hand-picked private tours of the best places with a local guide, all within easy reach from Malaga. All of these have fantastic reviews and are guaranteed to be a trip that you won’t forget!
How do I know?
I have been living on Costa del Sol, in Southern Spain, since 2020, and visited all of the destinations on this list.
With my personal insights and first-hand experience, I can recommend destinations and experiences that will be truly worth your time and ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
Shall we check what they are?
No time to read the article?
Skip right to the most popular day trip option: Caminito del Rey private tour will be the highlight of your stay in Southern Spain!
With 5 / 5 ratings and glowing reviews, this breathtaking path is a nature lover and a photographer’s dream come true. — BOOK HERE —
7 Malaga Private Day Trips
The best way to see what Southern Spain offers is by booking a private day trip.
No need to navigate through the local traffic or share transport with twenty other tourists – a private guided tour with a local insider will ensure you get the most out of your day trip from Malaga.
Below you will find a quick summary with my recommendations, followed by a full list of the destinations and all the details you need to plan your trip!
Most Popular Private Day Trips: Overview
- Private Day trip from Malaga to Caminito del Rey – for adventure seekers, off the beaten path
- Private Day trip from Malaga to Ronda – essential white town experience
- Private Day trip from Malaga to Granada – a highlight of Southern Spain, first-time visitors
- Private Day trip from Malaga to Mijas Pueblo – short distance white village trip, stunning views
- Private Day trip from Malaga to Seville – a highlight of Southern Spain, first-time visitors
- Private Day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar – off the beaten path, adventure seekers
- Private Day trip from Malaga to Cordoba – a highlight of Southern Spain, history lovers
MALAGA PRIVATE DAY TRIPS
1. Private Day Trip to El Caminito del Rey
Rating: 5 / 5
Duration: 5 – 6 hours
BOOK HERE
If you want a short drive trip that delivers top marks on the experience chart, this guided hike is exactly what you’re looking for.
Caminito del Rey is the famous hiking path on elevated wooden platforms perched on the side of a gorge. Once the infamous ‘most dangerous hiking path in the world’, today the most popular natural attraction in the Malaga region.
Don’t worry, though. No hiking experience or professional gear is needed! The path is more of a pleasant walk without much climbing, apart from one elevated section at the end.
If you’re scared of heights or suspension bridges, you may face both as you climb the platforms. I am not great with heights and managed pretty well – the views are rather distracting, so instead of focusing on what’s under your feet, you enjoy the scenery and taking hundreds of photos.
Caminito del Rey tours are an absolute highlight for anyone staying on Costa del Sol and you shouldn’t miss your chance to plan this perfect day trip too!
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now and pay later
- 7 language options for tour guide
- Hotel pick up included
PS: if you don’t see Malaga as the pick up option on the date you selected, check a different date – it may be sold out for that location!
MALAGA PRIVATE DAY TRIPS
2. Private Day Trip to Ronda
Rating: 4.9 / 5
Duration: 5 – 9 hours
BOOK HERE
Ronda offers not just spectacular views but also a chance to visit one of the most unique villages of Andalusia. This picturesque town, split by the El Tajo gorge, with an ancient Roman bridge connecting the city, is one of the most visited destinations from Malaga.
Ronda is not only known for its historical sights, like one of the oldest bullrings in the country (plaza de toros), but also as a bustling wine region, a beloved source of inspiration for famous writers (including Hemingway) and the place to watch the most spectacular sunsets.
Enjoy a private tour of this spectacular place with a local tour guide, and if you have time spare, pay a visit to the nearby Setenil de las Bodegas, the famous village where homes are carved into rocks.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now & pay later
- Hotel pick up from Malaga
- Four language options for tour guide
- Includes free time in Ronda
MALAGA PRIVATE DAY TRIPS
3. Private Day Trip to Granada (Alhambra)
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Duration: 9 hours
BOOK HERE
If there is one city that’s a must-see in Andalusia, my vote will go to Granada (I’ve already visited four times!).
Home to UNESCO world heritage sites, like the famous complex of Moorish palaces – Alhambra, with stunning views of Sierra Nevada mountain range, and a historic old town stretching up in the hills, Granada is a city where you can witness the influences of Islamic heritage on architecture and Spanish culture.
This tour includes entrance tickets and a three hour guided tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, with some free time to explore on your own.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now & pay later
- Hotel pick up from Malaga
- English speaking guide
- Entrance & guided tour of Alhambra
MALAGA PRIVATE DAY TRIPS
4. Private Day Trip to Mijas Pueblo
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Duration: 4 hours
BOOK HERE
Another private day trip option that is only a short drive away – one of the prettiest white villages near Malaga, Mijas Pueblo.
Stretching up in the hills overlooking Fuengirola and the Mediterranean Sea, Mijas Pueblos is a traditional small town with narrow streets, the smallest bullring in Spain, and cute corners to be discovered everywhere you walk.
Enjoy the spectacular views from Parque Murillo, experience the atmosphere of a bullring, and take a guided walk through the pretty streets. All of this is waiting for you with the help of a local expert guide.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now & pay later
- Hotel pick up from Malaga
- Museum entrance included
- Four language options for tour guide
- Available 7 days a week
MALAGA PRIVATE DAY TRIPS
5. Private Day Trip to Seville (Royal Alcazar)
Rating: 5 / 5
Duration: 9 hours
BOOK HERE
Topping the list of the most popular day trips, together with Granada, is the capital of Andalusia – Seville.
This day trip is focused on the highlights of Seville – the old town (Santa Cruz), Plaza de Espana (photo above) and the crowning glory and main attractions: the Royal Alcazar of Seville and the Cathedral of Seville, with a guided tour of the palace included in your day trip.
This is a full day tour, so prepare with comfortable shoes and get ready to experience this beautiful city with detailed insights from a local guide.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now & pay later
- Hotel pick up from Malaga
- English speaking guide
- Tickets to monuments included
- Private transportation
MALAGA PRIVATE DAY TRIPS
6. Private Day Trip to Gibraltar
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Duration: 4 – 8 hours
BOOK HERE
The British territory of Gibraltar, stretching near the Strait of Gibraltar and sharing borders with Spain, is an exciting day trip opportunity you shouldn’t miss!
As part of this popular day tour, you get a chance to experience Gibraltar at its best.
See the highlights of the Nature Reserve, like the St Michael’s Cave, take a walk through the glass suspension viewing platform known as the Skywalk (photo above), and witness the famous Gibraltar monkeys running freely between the tourists.
Practical note: Don’t forget you will need your passport and check your entry requirements to Gibraltar here (free to enter for all EU residents). There may be some waiting time required to cross the borders.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now & pay later
- Hotel pick up from Malaga
- English speaking guide
- Available 7 days a week
- Book as half day tour or full day tour
MALAGA PRIVATE DAY TRIPS
7. Private Day Trip to Cordoba
Rating: new (no rating)
Duration: 7 – 9 hours
BOOK HERE
Cordoba is part of the Andalusian ‘golden triangle’, together with the cities of Granada and Seville. If this is you already visited the previous two, Cordoba will be a nice way to round up the experience of Southern Spain.
The main attraction: the mosque-cathedral of Cordoba (world heritage site), with an entrance ticket and guided tour included in this day trip.
This full-day tour with a private tour guide will show you the pretty narrow streets of the old town, and help you explore the Islamic influences in Spain.
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now & pay later
- Hotel pick up from Malaga
- Entrance & Guided tour of the Mosque
- Free time in Cordoba
- English speaking guide
MALAGA PRIVATE DAY TRIPS
Bonus: Morocco Private Day Trips from Malaga
Fancy leaving the country completely? Why not hop over to an entirely different continent, even for a day?
There are a few great options for exploring Morocco with a private local guide and transport, here is my top pick:
Tangier, Tetouan, or Asilah Private Tour from Malaga
Discover one of three idyllic Moroccan towns on a wonderful day out from Malaga.
- Express ferry crossing to Morocco
- Expert guide through your chosen city
- Pick up and drop off in Malaga
- Local historian guide with expert knowledge
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Book now and pay later
Tips for Booking Malaga Private Day Trips
There are a number of local companies and independent tour guides offering private day trips from Malaga.
You should be careful and check the reviews of the tour operator and the details of the cancellation policy before booking.
Here are a few practical notes to help you plan a fantastic trip:
- Most tours I included here have a free cancellation policy for a full refund, up to 24 hours before the trip.
- This is great if you’re unsure about your plans and can change your mind if needed. Super helpful especially for trips in winter when the weather can change quickly, and you can cancel without losing your money.
- Private Walking Tour included – nearly all of these trips include a private walking tour that will tell you everything you need about the destination, and it’s something you would have to pay extra if you decide to travel to the destination on your own
- Shuttle bus or private transportation – check the details on the trip page to make sure you’re happy with the transport option offered. Some companies use mini buses, while others provide more luxurious transport options.
- Entrance tickets with a guided visit to the most important monuments are normally included with a private day trip.
- In the summer tickets to these monuments are notoriously hard to get, so having a private guided tour will save you the hassle of sourcing the tickets last minute on your own.
- Flexibility about your itinerary – after booking your trip, check with the tour company beforehand if you want to make some changes to the itinerary.
Private Tours in Malaga You Shouldn’t Miss Out
The city of Malaga is not just a tale of beautiful beaches, stunning historic sights like Malaga Cathedral or the Roman theater, or a place where you can learn about the local cuisine – there is so much more to experience!
If you’re looking for private tours in the city center or a trip that will take you somewhere more unique, here are the most popular private tours of Malaga! These tours are a great choice whether you’re staying in the city, or need a day tour from your cruise ship in the port of Malaga – take a look!
Private Walking Tour of Malaga – all the highlights of Malaga easily explored with an expert local guide.
Private Malaga Hidden Gems Excursion – uncover the best sights and hidden gems with a local expert.
Frequent Questions Answered
Here are some common questions about booking day trips or Malaga in general. If you didn’t find your answer here, leave a comment below the article and I will be happy to help!
What area of Spain is Malaga?
Malaga is located in Southern Spain and belongs to the autonomous community of Andalusia.
Is Malaga a walking city?
Yes, Malaga can be a walking city, but that depends on how far you want to explore. You can explore central Malaga – the old town – easily on foot, but the rest of the city is fairly spread out so you will need at least a bike to explore.
Can you see Morocco from Malaga?
You cannot see Morocco from Malaga. On a very clear day, and if you’re on a high ground, you might be able to see the Rock of Gibraltar, but you won’t see as far as Morocco.
How many days do you need to visit Malaga?
You need one or two days in Malaga to see all the highlights. If you’re only going to or from the airport, give yourself a few hours to see at least the Alcazaba and Picasso Museum.
Explore More in Malaga
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3 Fantastic Vineyard Tours in Malaga
5 Best Electric Bike Tours in Malaga
13 Best Walking Tours in Malaga: Local Expert Tips
10 Best Malaga Catamaran Tours to Book
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.
