More about: 5 Best Day Trips from Marbella
The best things to see or do in Marbella have everything to do with the touristic nature of this place. Which has established itself as one of the most visited corners of the Spanish coast. And which has also become a synonym of luxury and exclusivity for many millionaires who have found in some of its locations an ideal destination for the summer.
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 care to find for you some of the best getaways of hours or even half a day so that in your short or long stay in Marbella you can marvel at the beauty of the province of Malaga.
1. One day excursion to the Caminito del Rey with departure from Costa del Sol
Just an 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 viewpoints and spectacular views of the Gaitanes Gorge. In addition, the excursion includes a visit to picturesque villages such as Ardales, where you can take the opportunity to have lunch before the tour.
The excursion is in group and includes bus transfer and specialized 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 h total (3 h of walking).
- Means of transport: bus for large groups.
2. Via ferrata adventure excursion near Marbella
A few kilometers 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 specialized guide, safety equipment and transportation from Marbella. It is a small group activity, ideal for those looking for adventure in the mountains. No previous experience is necessary, but a good physical condition is required.
Details of interest
- Price: 60 € per person.
- Duration: approximately 4 hours.
- Level: different options according to experience and physical condition.
3. Excursion to Istan by Buggy
Istan is a small mountain village near Marbella, ideal for an off-road buggy excursion. This tour combines adventure and spectacular scenery, passing through paved roads and dirt trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the Embalse de la Concepción. The activity is guided by experts and safety equipment, such as goggles and bandanas, 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 environment of Marbella from a unique perspective.
Details of interest
- Price: 160 € per buggy (80 € per person if shared).
- Duration: between 2 and 2.5 hours.
- Means of transport: all-terrain buggy.
4. Day trip to Ronda
Ronda is a must-see destination close to Marbella, famous for its history and spectacular landscapes. A private trip to this city will allow you to visit El Tajo, the New Bridge and the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. In addition, you will have an expert guide who will accompany you throughout the tour, offering a more personalized experience.
These tours include pick up in Marbella and are designed for private groups, so prices may vary depending on the number of participants. It is recommended to book in advance and keep in mind that the activity is only available in the morning.
Details of interest
- 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 center, the Plaza de las Flores, the Castle of San Luis and the Route of the Artistic Murals. A guided tour of this city allows you to get to know its culture and enjoy its picturesque streets, usually touring them by bicycle or electric scooter.
The meeting point is in Estepona, so participants must arrange their transportation from Marbella. You can arrive by bus or cab, the latter option being faster if shared by several people.
Details of interest
- Price: 45 € per person (approx. 65 € with transport).
- Duration: 3 h tour + 2 h transfers.
- Means of transport: electric bicycle 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 possibility to see the price fluctuations depending on the selected date.
A tourist agency in one of Marbella's neighborhoods can also be an option if you feel more comfortable talking directly with 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 do not 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. And is that 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 too significant expense to enjoy it.
On the other hand, another tip I can give you is that if you travel with children evaluate if it really is 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 the behavior that characterizes them.
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 could be one of the best things to do in Marbella in summer because of the water conditions while a hiking tour could be one of the best things to do in Marbella in 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 known the most important attractions of the city center. The Costa del Sol and the mountains that surround it are one of the most beautiful places in Spain and specifically are one of the great tourist attractions of Andalucia.
So something that I can recommend is that you always start your trip enjoying the best tours of Marbella and with the time you have left you start enjoying the best excursions to the surroundings of the city. Since this way you are making sure to enjoy the most of the tourist destination you have chosen, but you are also knowing how to take advantage of your time to know everything that has been connected in some way with this special place.