A lot of people travel from around Europe and the world to visit Marbella and its shoreline, staying at resort hotels, renting properties or at their own apartments and villas. They are drawn by the weather, beaches, social life and many diversions of this area, but for fulltime residents and visitors alike, there are also many other experiences to discover within a short distance. We’ve put together three suggested daytrips from Marbella that will put a smile on your face.
For many who know the Costa del Sol, the historic country town of Ronda – at about 45 minutes from Marbella – is an ideal must-see daytrip. Why? Well, the road that winds up from Marbella into the interior offers a spectacle of beautiful mountain scenery at just a few kilometres from the coast. Once past the escarpment you reach the fertile rolling valleys of the Ronda region, with its farm houses, wine estates and little white-plastered villages dotted against wooded hillsides. Ronda itself stands at the heart of such a valley, surveying all from the commanding position of the rocky outpost upon which it stands – and has stood since early times.
You know a town has history when it’s Puente Nuevo (new bridge) dates back to the 18th century, and the iconic bridge that connects two parts of the town reflects this perfectly. In Ronda you will find atmospheric Moorish palaces, soothing gardens and courtyards, a pretty bullring that is officially recognised as the birthplace of the sport, elegant Baroque churches and buildings, ambient squares in which to enjoy refreshments as you soak up the sun, charming traditional eateries and impressive panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Dating back to before Roman times, it is a treasure trove of history, wine, country food and atmosphere.
The regional capital is a major city and port, which in recent years has also become an important international destination for culture, gastronomy and art. This seaside city has lovely beaches and shore-side eateries, fantastic museums and classical architecture, and a historic centre full of elegant pedestrian streets and squares lined with shops, restaurants and cafés. Málaga is a fantastic experience with big city ambience at less than an hour east of Marbella, and one you certainly won’t want to miss! Book a night in one of the downtown hotels, and give yourself the time to find out just why so many people have made it one of their favourite Mediterranean destinations.
This charming city synonymous with sherry, flamenco and the proud Andalusian equestrian tradition is a true exploration at about two hours’ drive from Marbella. The route takes you on excellent motorways through the beautiful Parque de los Alcornocales nature reserve before you enter this classic Andalusian city full of historic buildings, evocative streets and squares, and winemaking bodegas that welcome visitors. There are many first-class restaurants and tapas bars here, as well as country estates, lively markets and a wonderfully authentic town centre that is never far from good food and sherry wine, flamenco and the real Andalucía.
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