What to see and do in the province of Malaga? 10 must-sees

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Are you ready for a road trip in a converted van or motorhome on the Costa del Sol? But what about… What to do in Malaga Province? What to see? Where to sleep? We give you all the advice you need to prepare for your trip. Pack your bags, and all that’s left to do is choose one of our VW van campers or converted vans to set off on your adventure! A van road trip is a unique and unusual experience. You can visit the province of Malaga and discover the Costa del Sol, Malaga and the beautiful surrounding villages at your own pace. In a fully-equipped van, you’ll always be in touch with nature, with a new view every day. Explore beaches, natural parks, practice water sports or outdoor activities… Our vans are the ideal way to relax and unwind after 2 months of confinement!

 

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Travel itinerary and places to visit in the province of Malaga

1. Nerja, the Maro coast & Frigiliana
2. El Chorro – Caminito del Rey
3. Sierra de las Nieves
4. El Torcal natural site
5. La Cueva del Gato
6. El Rio Chillar
7. Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
8. Village of Mijas
9. Ronda and the new bridge
10. Montes de Málaga Nature Park

 

1 – NERJA: COASTAL VILLAGE AND ITS FAMOUS CAVES

What to see and do in Nerja

Nerja is one of our favorite coastal villages. We recommend a visit to the Balcony of Europe (Balcón de Europa), located in the heart of the village and the main tourist attraction. It’s a vantage point with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. You should also visit the Cueva de Nerja. This cave, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, was discovered in 1959. It contains paintings that could be the oldest work of art in the world, dating back 42,000 years.

The beaches of Nerja

In Nerja, you can enjoy magnificent beaches such as Plage del Salón and Plage de Calahonda, located very close to the Balcony of Europe. Strolling along Calahonda Beach, you’ll come to another, smaller and quieter beach: Chorillo Beach. If you fancy a barbecue, Plage el Playazo is the only beach that allows it. At 1,800 meters, it’s the longest beach in the area, and the sunsets are magnificent. You can easily park your van and spend the night there.

Maro Cliffs Natural Site

Maro is a tropical paradise to the east of Nerja. Torre de Maro is a good destination to put in your GPS as a waypoint. It’s a magnificent place, filled with pine groves, beaches and secret coves with transparent waters… An incredible blend of blue and green. Maro is the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking, diving and exploring the seabed. Some of Maro’s finest beaches: Cantarriján, Playa de las Alberquillas, Cala el Cañuelo.

Where to sleep in Nerja in a converted van or camper van?

The cliffs (Alcantilados) of Maro Cerro are a true natural wonder. On this road between Nerja and Almuñécar, you’ll find paths where you can park and/or spend the night. Splendid places to cook in front of the sea, in your van, and wake up to a breathtaking view and a relaxing atmosphere.

Frigiliana, a magnificent white village

This charming “pueblo blanco” is located in the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda y Alhama, just 7 km from Nerja. Don’t miss the historic center of Barribarto, listed as a Historic-Artistic Complex in 2014, or its Archaeological Museum. If you’re a keen hiker, there are many routes starting from Frigiliana.

 

2 – Explore the splendid Chorro and tackle the Caminito del Rey

What to see and do in El Chorro?

El chorro is a fascinating natural site in the heart of the mountains, with an immense turquoise lake: el Embalse de Guadalhorce. El Chorro is part of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Nature Park, north of Malaga. Take the A-357 towards Ronda (from Málaga), for about an hour’s drive. Here you can enjoy a wide range of sporting activities: hiking, kayaking, sand-up paddling, surfing, pedal-boating, climbing, paragliding… There are also picnic areas where you can have barbecues and enjoy good times with family and friends.

Finally, Chorro is an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway in a converted van.

Near El Chorro, between the towns ofAntequera, Ardales and Álora , lies the famous Caminito del Rey. This incredible via ferrata stretches 8 km from the El Chorro dam to the Conde de Guadalhorce lake . This magnificent site offers impressive natural scenery, criss-crossed by paths and footbridges perched over 100 m high. The entire route can be completed in around 4 hours.

Where to spend the night in Chorro in a campervan or motorhome?

The Caminito del Rey nature reserve has a special parking area for motorhomes, but overnight parking is not permitted. If you’re looking for a service area for motorhomes and caravans, we recommend theAntequera municipal area, which is free of charge and offers a range of services. You’ll be able to visit Antequera, with its rich cultural heritage that’s sure to enchant you. If you’d prefer to stay at a campsite, I’d recommend the Parque Ardales campsite, near the Caminito del Rey, which has all the services you need for motorhomes.

Bear in mind that the Caminito del Rey attracts a lot of visitors. You’ll need to book your tickets in advance. We advise you to do so via their website: click here.

 

3 – Hiking in Sierra de las Nieves

What to see and do in Sierra de las Nieves?

The Sierra las Nieves Natural Park, known for its pine forests and floral diversity, offers a multitude of hiking routes. It is also home to a number of protected animal species, including the wildcat, golden eagle and otter.

Some incredible places we recommend in the Park: the Guadalevin River, the Genal Valley, Sierra Blanca, Reservatauro and some typical villages: El Burgo, Monda, Tolox, Parauta, Yunquera and Ronda.

Where to sleep in Sierra de las Nieves?

It’s the perfect destination for a van holiday, with plenty of options for sleeping in some of the world’s most wonderful places. Here, you’ll make the most of the adventure, without having to stray too far off the beaten track. You’ll start your day surrounded by nature, with a leisurely lunch in the park, where you can also plan a few activities to take your mind off everyday life.

4 – Le Torcal, a natural site unique in Spain

Visit Le Torcal

Declared a World Heritage Site, the Torcal d’Antequera is a spectacular natural site covering 1,171 hectares. Composed of rock formations and fossils, this enchanted place is known for the peculiar shapes of its rocks, produced by erosion on limestone. The site was declared a Nature Reserve Park in 1989. It offers a wealth of caves and chasms, as well as numerous subterranean forms dating from the Secondary or Mesozoic Ages. This environment is home to a wide variety of animals, including foxes, badgers, rodents and rabbits, as well as a wide variety of plants. It’s a great idea for a family outing.

Where to stay in Torcal?

You can spend the night near the entrance to El Torcal Park, in your converted van. Just a few kilometers from the visitor center, you’ll find a free parking lot overlooking the countryside. A quiet, natural setting, where you may be surprised by a few curious goats. Don’t forget to stop off in Antequera for a good porra, a thick local gazpacho served with tuna and hard-boiled eggs.

 

5 – The Cueva del Gato, a natural paradise

Visit the Cato cave (La Cueva del Gato)

Another place renowned for its natural beauty is the Cueva del Gato, located in the Sierra de Grazamela Natural Park. It lies precisely between the municipalities of Montejaque and Benaoján.

La cueva del Gato is part of the Hudidero-Gato caving site , one of the largest in Andalusia, with 10 kilometers of underground paths. If you visit on a hot day, you can cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear lake and discover the waterfalls of the Guadiaro River. The prolific vegetation gives you the feeling of being in a small natural paradise, perfect for enjoying and discovering the wonders of Malaga Province.

6 – Water rafting on the Chillar river (rio Chillar)

What to do in Rio Chillar

Another refreshing excursion we recommend is the trail along the Chillar River, from its bed to the dam. This activity combines hiking and swimming, and is ideal for families. The trail runs through the Parque Natural de las Sierras Tejada, Almija and Ahama, north of the municipality of Nerja.

To park your van or camper at Rio Chillar, we recommend the free municipal parking lots on Calle Mirto in Nerja. All you have to do is walk along the river to find the first freshwater cascades and small bodies of water. In all, the path is 8 kilometers long. We advise you to bring waterproof shoes, a swimsuit and sun protection. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch before you set off, so you can make the most of your day in the great outdoors.

7 – The beautiful village of Mijas

What to do in Mijas

Located 30 kilometers from Malaga, Mijas is one of the most beautiful white villages on the Costa del Sol. It boasts typical Andalusian charm, with its small white houses, narrow pedestrian streets and friendly atmosphere.

The village can be divided into 3 parts: Mijas Pueblo, situated in the hills (430 m above sea level), Las Lagunas, which is the most modern part, and La Cala, which lies on the coast with a variety of pretty beaches.

The “burro-taxi” (donkey-taxi) is a popular way to visit Mijas Pueblo through its narrow streets.

It’s difficult to spend the night in this charming village, because of its narrow streets and the difficulty of parking. You can, however, park at the entrance to the village and walk up. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Benalmadena. You can then take the opportunity to visit the town, which is also full of authentic charm. Here, we recommend a visit to the mirador of the Buddhist Stupa, Colomares Castle and the Benalmadena Papillonneraie. You can also take advantage of Benalmadena’s coastline, which is distinguished by its extensive seafront, leading to the most popular tourist area: the seaport (Puerto Maritimo).

8 – Explore the immense Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

What to do in the Sierra de Grazamela Natural Park?

Arriving in a van or camper van and getting lost in this vast expanse of nature is a real wonder. This natural area offers a wide range of sporting activities for the whole family: water sports, adventure activities, mountain biking and, above all, hiking. As well as rock climbing and abseiling, you can go zip-lining, bungee jumping, archery, hot-air ballooning or paragliding.

The park is located between Malaga and Cadiz and covers 13 municipalities, 5 of which are part of the Province of Malaga: Benaoján, Montejaque, Cortes de la Frontera, Jimera de Libar y Ronda.

Visually, the landscape resembles the Garganta Verde canyon (province of Cadiz), with its depths riddled with chasms and caves. The Hundidero-Gato complex, for example, is the largest cave in Andalusia, and home to the largest population of bats in Spain.

Biosphere reserve and hiker’s paradise

Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazamela Natural Park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with its many signposted itineraries. Fascinating spots to visit include the Pilata Cave, Garganta Verde and the Acinipo Mine. It’s a great idea for anexcursion in a converted van, where you’ll find an infinite number of natural places to spend the night and rest in the midst of nature.

The vegetation of this natural park consists of an immense forest of different oak species. Access is restricted to the Pinsapar area, due to the presence of this species of tree, which is protected because it is rare on the territory. The high vegetation also supports a dense fauna, including deer, ibex and otter, which can be found in the Majaceite river.

Visits to this park are indicated by numerous itineraries to be done on foot, by bike or even in the water or in the air, if you like adventure sports. One of the most representative sites is La Cueva de la Pileta in Benaoján, renowned for its archaeological sites, which constitute a natural museum worth visiting.

 

9 – Ronda, the most beautiful white village to visit in the Province of Malaga

What to do and where to stay in Ronda in a converted van?

Ronda is one ofthe most beautiful white villages (“pueblos blancos”) in the province of Malaga. It has a special charm, all the more so if you go there in your 4-wheeled hotel: your campervan rented from Vanbreak ;). You can spend the night at the Ronda campervan park, which is 1 km from the town center and costs €10/night, services included. You can also choose to park in a public parking lot in the village. It’s free, it’s quiet and it’s only a 10-minute walk to the historic center and its magnificent panorama.

The village of Ronda is divided by an impressive natural ravine where the river Tajo flows through. The spectacular 18th-century bridge links the two parts of this medieval town. We recommend you visit The Alameda del Tajo and its panoramic views, the Plaza de Toros, the Arab baths, the Casa del Rey Moro, the city walls and the Porte de Almocábar.

 

10 – Montes de Málaga Nature Park: a wonderful, relaxing place

What to do in the Montes de Malaga Natural Park ?

The last must-see site we recommend visiting in the province of Málaga is this magnificent Pinewood Nature Park, located near the capital of the Costa del Sol. A trip close to Malaga, but well worth it, with breathtaking views. The Mirador de Cochino, for example, offers an extraordinary panoramic view of a verdant forest and Málaga, with the sea glistening in the distance. An area of peace and tranquillity, perfect for a picnic. The mountains of Malaga are a hiking paradise, and if you’re lucky, you may even come across the famous chameleon. Possible itineraries: Picapedreros, Cerrado, Las Contadoras, Pocopan y Torrijos. Don’t forget to refresh yourself at the Queen’s Spring on the way back to Málaga.

Now you’ve got the route to visit the highlights of the Malaga province! If you’d like to explore further afield, take a look at our road trip ideas for Andalusia or Portugal, departing from Malaga.