More about: 5 Best Day Trips from Marbella
The best things to see or do in Marbella have everything to do with the touristy nature of this place. It has established itself as one of the most visited corners of the Spanish coastline. It has also become a synonym of luxury and exclusivity for many millionaires who have found in some of its locations an ideal summer destination.
On the other hand, there are hundreds of excursions that take you from Marbella to other nearby communities so that during your visit to the region you can enjoy all the attractions that this corner of the Andalusian coast has to offer. So in this publication I have taken it upon myself to find for you some of the best short or even half-day trips so that during your short or long stay in Marbella you can marvel at the beauty of the province of Malaga.
1. Caminito del Rey day trip departing from Costa del Sol
Just one hour from Marbella, in the mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, lies the impressive Caminito del Rey. This hiking route combines hanging walkways, glass viewing platforms and spectacular views of the Gaitanes Gorge. The tour also includes a visit to picturesque villages such as Ardales, where you can take the opportunity to have lunch before the hike.
The tour is in a group and includes a bus transfer and a specialised bilingual guide. The hike is about 3 km long and is suitable for people over 8 years old. It is recommended to bring water and some food, as the route requires some physical effort.
Details of interest
- Price: 68 € per adult, 50 € for children from 8 to 11 years old.
- Duration: 8 hours in total (3 hours of walking).
- Means of transport: bus for large groups.
2. Via ferrata adventure tour near Marbella
A few kilometres from Marbella, in the middle of nature, you will find some of the most exciting via ferratas in Andalusia. These climbing routes, equipped with steps, suspension bridges and safety cables, allow you to ascend rocky walls while enjoying spectacular views. Depending on the level of difficulty, you can choose between more accessible routes or challenges that will test your endurance and dexterity.
The excursion includes a specialised guide, safety equipment and transport from Marbella. This is a small group activity, ideal for those looking for adventure in the mountains. No previous experience is necessary, but you do need to be in good physical condition.
Details of interest
- Price: 60 € per person.
- Duration: approximately 4 hours.
- Level: different options depending on experience and physical condition.
3. Excursion to Istán by Buggy
Istán is a small mountain village near Marbella, ideal for an off-road buggy tour. This tour combines adventure and spectacular scenery, passing over paved roads and dirt tracks leading to viewpoints overlooking the Embalse de la Concepción reservoir. The activity is guided by experts and safety equipment, such as goggles and scarves, is included in the experience.
The buggies are shared between two people, splitting the cost if you travel with a co-driver. This is a perfect excursion for those who enjoy adrenaline and want to discover the natural surroundings of Marbella from a unique perspective.
Details of interest
- Price: 160 € per buggy (80 € per person if sharing).
- Duration: between 2 and 2.5 hours.
- Means of transport: all-terrain buggy.
4. Day trip to Ronda
Ronda is a must-see destination near Marbella, famous for its history and spectacular scenery. A private trip to this city will allow you to visit El Tajo, the New Bridge and the Bullring, one of the oldest in Spain. In addition, you will have an expert guide who will accompany you throughout the tour, offering a more personalised experience.
These tours include pick-up in Marbella and are designed for private groups, so prices may vary depending on the number of participants. Advance booking is recommended and please note that the activity is only available in the morning.
Interesting details
- Price: from 150 € per person (50% discount for children from 10 to 17 years old).
- Duration: between 6 and 8 hours.
- Means of transport: minibus or private car depending on the group.
5. Excursion to Estepona
Estepona, located on the Costa del Sol, is a perfect destination to explore its historic centre, the Plaza de las Flores, the Castle of San Luis and the Route of the Artistic Murals. A guided tour of this town allows you to get to know its culture and enjoy its picturesque streets, usually by bicycle or electric scooter.
The meeting point is in Estepona, so participants must arrange their transport from Marbella. You can arrive by bus or taxi, the latter option being quicker if shared between several people.
Details of interest
- Price: 45 € per person (approx. 65 € with transport).
- Duration: 3 h tour + 2 h transfers.
- Means of transport: electric bike or scooter.
How to book a tour from Marbella?
There are different ways to book an excursion from Marbella and all of them are valid depending on your interests and preferences. However, an online booking will always be a convenient alternative due to the fact that there are great benefits such as free cancellation of the purchase or the possibility to see the price fluctuations depending on the selected date.
A tourist agency in one of Marbella's neighbourhoods can also be an option if you feel more comfortable talking directly to a travel agent. The problem with this alternative is that there is no guarantee that you are paying for the cheapest service available if you don't intend to tour all the establishments in town.
Tips for an excursion from Marbella
There are several tips I can give you when thinking about a Marbella excursion, but the best of all will always be to choose an alternative that suits your tastes and interests. Marbella is a destination that has a lot of situations to offer to all tourists, from extremely luxurious activities to events and plans that have everything to do with nature without involving a significant expense to enjoy it.
On the other hand, another tip I can give you is that if you are travelling with children evaluate if it is really an activity for the whole family. The reality is that there are hundreds of activities to do in Marbella with children and not necessarily a long excursion is the most appropriate situation for them depending on their ages and behaviour.
The weather conditions of the date you are choosing is also very influential when deciding the type of activity or excursion you book. For example, a sea walk might be one of the best things to do in Marbella in the summer because of the water conditions while a hiking tour might be one of the best things to do in Marbella in the winter because of the ambient temperature.
Why is it advisable to go on an excursion from Marbella?
On the other hand, there is the fact that an excursion in Marbella is always an appropriate plan if you have enough time to enjoy yourself in the surroundings of the city when you have seen the most important attractions of the city centre. The Costa del Sol and the surrounding mountains are one of the most beautiful places in Spain and specifically one of the great tourist attractions of Andalusia.
So one thing I can recommend is that you always start your trip by enjoying the best Marbella tours and with the time you have left over you can start enjoying the best excursions to the surroundings of the city. This way you are making sure you get the most out of the destination you have chosen, but you are also making the most of your time to get to know everything that is connected in some way to this special place.