Malaga Spain

[karen blancfield]

As part of our trip Sep-Nov, we are flying in and out of Malaga. We have two weeks, and yet to decide whether we will stay around Malaga, hire a car or use trains which are fast to go long distances, eg up to Madrid

Anyone have recommendations for smaller towns to stay in the south where we could base ourselves and do day trips? We have done this from Nerja a couple of times. Cadiz was another excellent base we’ve used.

Any tips welcome. Thanks.

 

[RB]

We had a fantastic time in Malaga but also enjoyed the contrast of Canillas De Albaida- about a 2hr bus ride away. I put some details in my 2014 Trip Report starting around post 47- certainly a while ago but I think it would have retained it's character

 

[luckypierre]

As part of our trip Sep-Nov, we are flying in and out of Malaga. We have two weeks, and yet to decide whether we will stay around Malaga, hire a car or use trains which are fast to go long distances, eg up to Madrid

Anyone have recommendations for smaller towns to stay in the south where we could base ourselves and do day trips? We have done this from Nerja a couple of times. Cadiz was another excellent base we’ve used.

Any tips welcome. Thanks.

Have been to Malaga a couple of times visited Ronda on the way to Cadiz. Also stayed at Granada to visit the Al Hambra palace

 

[karen blancfield]

We had a fantastic time in Malaga but also enjoyed the contrast of Canillas De Albaida- about a 2hr bus ride away. I put some details in my 2014 Trip Report starting around post 47- certainly a while ago but I think it would have retained it's character

Thanks I’ll seek it out. Trip reports are a great way of saving info. I’ve done a few, always pleased when I find one I’d forgotten.

Post automatically merged: Jul 2, 2023

Have been to Malaga a couple of times visited Ronda on the way to Cadiz. Also stayed at Granada to visit the Al Hambra palace

I love all those places. Cadiz was a great place to spend a week, just the right size.

 

[jrfsp]

The Caminito Del Rey was a great day trip from Malaga

 

[karen blancfield]

The Caminito Del Rey was a great day trip from Malaga

Thanks I’ll check that out. I’ve noticed loads of road trips online but it’s terrific to have real recommendations.

 

[jakeseven7]

Alhambra in Grenada (8th wonder of the world...) is incredible to visit. Get there very early AM before the hordes. Was just amazing.

Personally, I don't love Malaga, there are some nice places further east that are 'less touristy' (well as much as you can get in that area of Spain!) like Estepona, but probably too far from where you want to be. Benefit for Malaga is obviously trains too like to Madrid.

 

[karen blancfield]

Alhambra in Grenada (8th wonder of the world...) is incredible to visit. Get there very early AM before the hordes. Was just amazing.

Personally, I don't love Malaga, there are some nice places further east that are 'less touristy' (well as much as you can get in that area of Spain!) like Estepona, but probably too far from where you want to be. Benefit for Malaga is obviously trains too like to Madrid.

Thanks, have had several visits to Granada. The small town of Nerja is a favourite, and last trip to Malaga we stayed up at the parador which was pretty special. Malaga is great for a couple of days, good airport and train access.

All recommendations gladly received. Stumbling on Cadiz was one of our best surprises!

 

[VPS]

I really enjoyed Cadiz and Malaga. Seville is a couple of hours away and you could easily spend 3-4 days there and then do some day trips

 

[karen blancfield]

I really enjoyed Cadiz and Malaga. Seville is a couple of hours away and you could easily spend 3-4 days there and then do some day trips

Yes had a lovely apartment there just pre covid, next to a huge convent. I got up early and went to mass, no other foreigners there. Those are the great things you stumble on as independent travellers, no fixed schedule. Lucky to be able to travel that way.

 

[clifford]

Well, karen, it seems like you already have the answers, but Marbella is a place to be for the rich and famous (and possibly oligarchs).

Then perhaps you might have a look at Tarifa and a day trip to Gibraltar (worthwhile if you haven't been there - the apes don't really like the peanuts).

 

[VPS]

Well, karen, it seems like you already have the answers, but Marbella is a place to be for the rich and famous (and possibly oligarchs).

Then perhaps you might have a look at Tarifa and a day trip to Gibraltar (worthwhile if you haven't been there - the apes don't really like the peanuts).

mmm I'm not sure I'd bother to go to Gibraltar unless you want to tick off another country

 

[clifford]

mmm I'm not sure I'd bother to go to Gibraltar unless you want to tick off another country

Gotta climb the mountain and feed the apes.

And it's a slice of England circa 1950.

 

[VPS]

Gotta climb the mountain and feed the apes.

And it's a slice of England circa 1950.

post war Britain wasn't pretty and apart from the caves and the apes I didn't find a lot appealing on the rock. Mind you having to stop on the runway while a plane took off was cool

 

[clifford]

post war Britain wasn't pretty

Not pretty, but the nostalgia hit me, as I'd lived in the UK in those times. Worth the experience for everyone, I think. But YMMV.

 

[karen blancfield]

Well, karen, it seems like you already have the answers, but Marbella is a place to be for the rich and famous (and possibly oligarchs).

Then perhaps you might have a look at Tarifa and a day trip to Gibraltar (worthwhile if you haven't been there - the apes don't really like the peanuts).

I don’t know Tarifa at all so will check it out. Somehow Gibraltar hasn’t ever attracted me. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[PERLHR]

Gibraltar for sure. So close and worth it even for the day. Lived there for 3 years and fondly remember the place. It's 1.20 mins drive from Malaga. However using the coastal road via Puerto Banus (where the rich hang out on their boats) and Estopona is worth it then use the auto route(motorway) home. Tolls will apply.

 

[justinbrett]

I've stayed in Marbella, it's really nice but basically Little Britain. Go for luxury but not to see Spain.

Sevilla is definitely worth a trip - rent a car if you can, the drive from Malaga is amazing and you can stop in some small towns in the mountains.

 

[karen blancfield]

Gibraltar for sure. So close and worth it even for the day. Lived there for 3 years and fondly remember the place. It's 1.20 mins drive from Malaga. However using the coastal road via Puerto Banus (where the rich hang out on their boats) and Estopona is worth it then use the auto route(motorway) home. Tolls will apply.

Thank you. I’ll reconsider based on your message.

I've stayed in Marbella, it's really nice but basically Little Britain. Go for luxury but not to see Spain.

Sevilla is definitely worth a trip - rent a car if you can, the drive from Malaga is amazing and you can stop in some small towns in the mountains.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Marbella had a beautiful old town square with colourful bougainvillea etc, away from the seafront with the swanky yachts. But yes not a place I’d choose to spend a few days, I prefer Malaga.