In recent years, the Spanish city of Malaga has become more and more popular. It offers a rich cultural and historical heritage, the endless sea, and the generally relaxed atmosphere of the south, which attract tourists from all over the world. However, this is not all – this city is also a very convenient starting point for those who want to see a little more. Pick up 7 seater car hire Malaga airport and make the most of your trip. You can plan long journeys, but if you have a family vacation, it’s better to explore the nearest places. Now check out some great activities to enjoy near Malaga!
1.Try to see Africa from the funicular in Benalmadena
Distance from Malaga: 23 kilometers
Travel time: 33 minutes
The fans of panoramic views and thrills should definitely take a ride on the Teleferico Benalmadena funicular. Take an audio guide and hear on the way about the highlights of the Costa del Sol. In 15 minutes of climbing Mount Calamorro, you will see the whole of Benalmadena, the Strait of Gibraltar with white yachts, and in very good weather you will even see Africa.
At 771 meters above sea level, you will find not only the most breathtaking views of the surroundings but also an exotic bird of prey show. Bald eagle, caracara, and royal buzzard will clearly show why UNESCO included the ancient art of bird hunting on the list of World Cultural Heritage.
2.Feed the peacocks and rabbits at Park de la Paloma
Distance from Malaga: 24 kilometers
Travel time: 35 minutes
Pick up your hire car and go to Benalmadena to get closer to the nature. Clean, well-groomed and very cozy Park De la Paloma will welcome you with flowering trees and cute animals. Here rabbits jump and turtles crawl in the grass, while chickens, roosters and peacocks roam under the palm trees. In a small reservoir, seagulls, ducks, swans and pelicans are splashing and asking for your photo shot. You can easily stay there for the whole day, having a snack in cafes placed right on the territory. The entrance to the park is free of charge.
3.Visit the Castillo de Colomares
Distance from Malaga: 29 kilometers
Travel time: 36 minutes
Castillo de Colomares was built for the 500th anniversary of Columbus with chic, inspiration and a sense of humor. The designers mixed Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish styles with the architectural traditions of Spain, and in honor of the famous voyager, they gave the castle the shape of a ship and then aged the result.
The castle looks ambiguous but is remembered on the fly. The smallest chapel in the world is also located there: the area of Santa Isabel de Ungria in Colomares is less than two square meters.
4.See how cacti bloom
Distance from Malaga: 45 kilometers
Travel time: 46 minutes
Casarabonela is the next destination you can reach with a hire car. Alien-like cacti and succulents growing in the Mora i Bravard Botanical Garden look like they are about to show their tentacles. Plants like the local microclimate so much that they bloom with great pleasure – and then they seem completely unearthly. The garden’s collection contains more than two thousand botanical species, and you can spend a day to look at everything. At the end of the walk, it’s pleasant to relax with a cup of coffee in a local cafe or buy a cactus in order to settle it later on your windowsill.
5.Soak up the sun on the beaches of Nerja
Distance from Malaga: 58 kilometers
Travel time: 50 minutes
The resort of Nerja will delight you with 15 beaches, a couple of which will certainly enter toy your personal top-list. Most of the beaches are covered with dark sand, while pebbles are less common.
Start with the best beaches: the largest and quietest is Playa el Playazo, and the well-equipped is Playa de Burriana. The wild Chorillo beach is hidden among the rocks, the Maro with diving sites and a waterfall is often chosen by divers. At the same time, Caletilla is nestled right under the Balcony of Europe, a picturesque area above the sea.
It’s great to enjoy the sunrise there in the morning, but in the evening the Balcony is occupied by a huge number of tourists and well-fed local cats.
6.Wander the caves of Cuevos de Nerja
Distance from Malaga: 60 kilometers
Travel time: 50 minutes
You will obviously not regret if you drive your hire car a little deeper into Nerja. The majestic Cuevas de Nerja was accidentally discovered by curious boys 60 years ago. Scientists have found that ancient people lived here 25 thousand years BC. Now about a third of the cave is accessible for visits.
The lower gallery is divided into several rooms with unique names. In the center of the Hall of Catastrophes, there’s a 32-meter-high column – one of the tallest stalagnates in the world. In the Ballet Hall, you’ll find a great natural amphitheater with stunning acoustics.