Attractions Nearby Marbella, Day Trips and Excursions

(Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain)

For those looking to explore the many attractions located outside of Marbella, a number of day trips and excursions are available. Amongst the most popular attractions nearby Marbella, the Calahonda Beach (Playa de Calahonda) is one of the area's finest beaches and offers a range of water sports. A number of notable cities and resorts are also within reach of Marbella, with the attractions of Malaga, Torremolinos, Granada and Seville often being popular with visitors from Marbella.

Lovers of horses should be sure to visit the Costa del Sol Equestrian Art School (Escuela de Arte Ecuestre de la Costa del Sol), which is close to Marbella and offers a range of horse-related attractions. Families in the Marbella area should be sure to head for the Selwo Animal Park (Parque de la Naturaleza Selwo), which is a vast zoo / safari park, with spacious landscaped animal enclosures and playground areas for children.

Malaga

Malaga stands to the east of Torremolinos and Marbella, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Just 58 km / 36 miles from Marbella, Malaga is known for its many spectacular beach attractions, including La Malagueta Beach (Playas de La Malagueta), La Misericordia Beach (Playas de La Misericordia), Las Acacias Beach (Playas de Las Acacias) and Chanquete Beach (Playas del Chanquete). Located around the scenic Bahia de Malaga (Bay of Malaga), this thriving resort is just a short drive from Marbella. Many visitors staying in Marbella choose to visit Malaga to enjoy the endless historical attractions, such as La Alcazaba - a 9th-century Muslim palace, the 14th-century Castillo de Gibralfaro - complete with museum and stunning views, and the countless spacious public squares, such as the Plaza de la Constitución, the Plaza de La Merced and the Plaza y Acera de La Marina.
Visit Attractions in Malaga - more information about attractions in the Malaga area.

Torremolinos

One of the most famous resorts on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol, Torremolinos lies between Malaga and Marbella, with a population of approximately 53,000. Torremolinos is just 47 km / 29 miles from Marbella and can be reached in around 30 minutes. Home to an excellent selection of beaches, the most popular beaches in Torremolinos are within easy reach of Marbella and include Playamar Beach, La Carihuela Beach, Montemar Beach, El Saltillo and also Los Alamos Beach. The resort of Torremolinos caters well for tourists and contains many excellent attractions for all ages. Often considered a suburb of Marbella, some of the best attractions in the Torremolinos area include the Paseo Maritimo de Torre del Mar - a spectacular seafront promenade, Tivoli World - one of the area's oldest and most popular theme parks, Aqualand - with both fast rides and water slides, Benalmadena Marina - lined with restaurants and bars, and the nearby Sea Life Centre - with a host of aquatic attractions and marine life.
Visit Attractions in Torremolinos - more information about attractions in the Torremolinos area.

Granada

The vibrant city of Granada is sited to the northeast of Marbella and is within driving distance. Located approximately 182 km / 113 miles from Marbella - a journey time of less than two hours, Granada features a population of around 240,000, with many ancient attractions which are often a popular alternative to the coastlines of Marbella. Much of the city is dominated by the 13th-century fortress of Alhambra, which stands high above central Granada. A major university city, Granada University (Universidad de Granada) contains a spreading campus with around 60,000 students. Other attractions which are always popular with visitors from Marbella include the eye-catching Albayzin Walls (Murallas del Albayzin), and the Historic Baths (El Banuelo), both of which are around 1,000 years old. Shopping and restaurants are also a major part of life in Granada, with Tapas bars and eateries throughout the city.
Visit Attractions in Granada - more information about attractions in the Granada area.

Seville

Known locally as Sevilla, Seville has become Spain's fourth-largest city and is the capital of the Andalusia area, within driving distance of Marbella. Situated approximately 267 km / 166 miles northwest of Marbella, Seville can be reached in just over two and a half hours and has a population of around 720,000. Much of the city is pedestrianised, with many top attractions and historical landmarks standing close to each other. Top Seville attractions include the vast Parque Maria Luisa in the city centre, the semicircular Plaza de Espana, Seville's 15th-century cathedral, the scenic River Guadalquivir, and a good selection of notable museums and art galleries.
Visit Attractions in Seville - more information about attractions in the Seville area.

Selwo Animal Park (Parque de la Naturaleza Selwo)

Address: Autovia Costa del Sol, Las Lomas del Monte, Estepona, 29680, Costa del Sol, Spain
Tel: +34 902 190 482
The Parque de la Naturaleza Selwo is worthy of a visit and is a particularly popular family attraction. Offering around 250 acres / 100 hectares of safari park, favourites here include lions, giraffes, elephants, camels and many other animals, from all over the world. Selwo Animal Park is split into distinct areas, with a large lake, an adventure playground, more than 2,000 animals and the biggest walk-through aviary in Europe.
Open hours: daily, October to March - 10:00 to 17:00; April to September - 10:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Calahonda Beach (Playa de Calahonda)

Address: Carretera de Cádiz, 29600, Costa del Sol, Spain
Close to Marbella, Calahonda Beach is a popular day trip and offers almost a mile of sandy beachfront. One of the most outstanding beaches in this part of Spain, Calahonda Beach caters well for tourists, with other attractions including swimming, snorkelling, a nearby bar and parking areas.

Costa del Sol Equestrian Art School (Escuela de Arte Ecuestre de la Costa del Sol)

Address: Carretera Nacional 340, Rio Padrón Alto, Estepona, 29680, Costa del Sol, Spain
Tel: +34 95 280 8077
The Costa del Sol Equestrian Art School stands in nearby Estepona, just 34 km / 21 miles from Marbella. Famous throughout the area for its horse shows and riding demonstrations, other attractions at the school include pony trekking, horse riding lessons, a restaurant and seasonal competitions.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge