Marbella Puerto Banus and Mijas Day Trip from Malaga

Marbella Old Town and Plaza de los Naranjos

Marbella is known for glamour, but its old town is a small, charming maze of whitewashed houses, flowerpots and narrow lanes. At its centre stands Plaza de los Naranjos, the Orange Square, laid out in the 16th century and lined with orange trees, cafés and historic buildings, including the old town hall and the small Ermita de Santiago chapel, one of the town's oldest churches.

You have around an hour and three quarters of free time in Marbella to wander the lanes, sit in the square, walk to the seafront promenade and see the sculptures by Salvador Dalí on Avenida del Mar. It is an easy and rewarding Marbella day trip from Malaga, and the old town is at its prettiest in the morning light, before it fills with visitors.

Puerto Banús, the Costa del Sol's Glamorous Marina

Puerto Banús was opened in 1970 and quickly became one of the most famous marinas in Europe. Just west of Marbella along the Golden Mile, it is lined with luxury yachts, designer boutiques, sports cars and lively terraces, and it has a strong seaside atmosphere. People come here to walk the waterfront, watch the boats and enjoy the show as much as to shop.

On our Puerto Banús tour, you have time to stroll along the quay, admire the yachts, take photographs and, if you wish, look into the shops or stop for a coffee. Even if luxury is not your style, the setting is unusual and colourful, and it gives a very different feel to the traditional Andalusian villages you see later in the day.

Mijas Pueblo and the CAC Mijas

Mijas Pueblo is a whitewashed village set on the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas, with wide views across the coast to the sea. Its flower-lined streets, small squares and craft shops make it one of the most charming white villages on the Costa del Sol. Visitors like the donkey taxis, the small bullring and the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a chapel carved into the rock.

Your visit includes entry to the CAC Mijas, the Centre for Contemporary Art and Culture, where you can see works by artists such as Dalí and Picasso, including prints and ceramics. You then have free time in the village, and Mijas is a good place to stop for lunch or a walk to the viewpoints. Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets slope.

Pickup Points and Practical Information

The tour is designed around easy pickup points: Malaga city centre, Torremolinos centre, Benalmádena Puerto Marina, the Playamar beach area of Torremolinos, Fuengirola centre and Benalmádena Costa near Los Maites. Choose the one closest to your accommodation when you book. The whole trip lasts between six and a half and eight hours, depending on the pickup point, and includes a guide on the coach.

To get the most from your day, bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water and some money for lunch, since food is not included. The best time for the trip is spring and autumn, but summer is fine with a hat. The order of the stops and the free time can change slightly, depending on traffic and the day.