Marbella Road Trips.
The Costa del Sol’s popularity stems from its sunny climate, gorgeous coastline, and natural environment. While the region’s beaches, Mediterranean vistas, and coastal activities receive much attention, Marbella’s visitors and residents can also discover several stunning natural attractions nearby.
Outside Marbella but within a reasonable travel distance you can find a world of interesting places to visit. I’ll just mention a few. How about a visit to beautiful cities surrounding Marbella like Málaga, Ronda, Tarifa (kite surfing and amazing beaches), Cordoba (with its Mesquita – on the UNESCO World Heritage list), Granada (with its Alhambra etc – of course also on the UNESCO World Heritage list), Sevilla or even Madrid (just 2,5 hours with the high-speed train).
When spending your holiday or (even better) when you live in Marbella, you can enjoy the local beaches, the sea, the city it self but also many places, cities and events in the area and within Andalucia.
Andalusia is an enchanting destination that will leave a lasting impression on your heart. Its remarkable history, magnificent architecture, and delectable cuisine are sure to captivate you. Although you may initially set out for fun, you’ll find yourself hopelessly enchanted with this remarkable region. You can develop an appreciation for Andalusia at any time of the year, but autumn holds a unique charm all its own.
A fast, comfortable, and convenient helicopter service is at your disposal for chic inland excursions, providing the ultimate means to explore Andalucía’s countless attractions and experiences. Whether you’re looking to visit Málaga and Seville, hit the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada, tour wine estates in the interior, or explore the natural wonders and surf breaks of Tarifa, there’s no better mode of transportation than a helicopter. These aerial vehicles are also available for personal property viewings and tours of the area, offering a unique and luxurious way to discover Marbella’s stunning surroundings.
Another way to explore the stunning countryside surrounding Marbella is through horse riding, which provides an intimate and tranquil experience away from the crowds. These rides are in small groups and offer breathtaking views of nature and the night sky. Also, 4×4 safaris, cross-country buggy tours, picnics, and guided tours can be arranged. For those seeking an even more luxurious experience, glamping options are available to make the excursion unforgettable, all within a short distance from Marbella.
Beautiful natural attractions close to Marbella.
Below are some of our top picks:
Mountain ranges.
The area’s mountain ranges create a sierra curtain several kilometres from the coast, shielding the Costa del Sol from harsh winds and contributing to its pleasant microclimate. The Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Blanca, and Sierra de la Nieves nature reserves are among them. The Sierra Blanca is a favourite destination for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing enthusiasts. It is home to La Concha Mountain, which provides breathtaking views for climbers, and the Refugio de Juanar natural park, a popular spot for nature walks, hiking, and park barbecues.
Lakes.
Numerous nearby lakes and reservoirs offer serene and picturesque locations for strolls, lakeside picnics, and communing with nature. Some permit swimming, water sports, fishing, and boating, while all offer breathtaking views of mountains and seas. Well-known examples include the extensive Istán reservoir and the charming Turtle Lake near the heart of Nueva Andalucía.
Discover the soothing delight of thermal baths close to Marbella.
Embark on a rejuvenating day trip near Marbella and explore the healing wonders of the precious thermal baths. Visit the Roman Baths, or La Hedionda, in Casares, Manilva area. Indulge in warm waters with therapeutic properties, providing a divine experience for your body and soul.
Trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding.
Marbella, Benahavis, Istán, Estepona, and Ojén hills offer excellent trails for countryside walks, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The paths wind through farmlands, shepherd pastures, rocky terrain, wooded groves, and lush green valleys, providing glimpses of eagles and other birds, grazing goats, and occasionally, rabbits, squirrels, or deer. With abundant nature nearby, relish the outdoors by indulging in these activities.
Natural rock pools.
Marbella’s countryside boasts beautiful natural rock pools, providing a refreshing alternative to typical beach activities, where you can swim, canyon, and unwind. The top rock pools include the Benahavis gorge, about six kilometres inland from the coastal road near San Pedro Alcántara, and the El Padrón rock pools, a rural location near Estepona.
Marbella Road Journeys.
A road trip has a way of making us feel youthful and unfettered. Exploring the region is a thrilling experience due to its diverse offerings. Andalusia boasts a rich and storied history stretching back centuries, from the Roman Empire to the Moorish Kingdoms. This historical tapestry is reflected in the region’s architecture, art, and cuisine. A stroll through any of Andalusia’s cities will transport you back in time, especially in the autumn when the weather is just right, not too hot and not too cold, making it the perfect time for a leisurely walk.
Where should you go on your road trip? We recommend visiting a charming white-washed village nestled in the hills or taking a scenic drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda. If you need more inspiration, check out “Scenic Drives from Marbella.”
Driving down a winding road in an open-top vehicle beneath a brilliant Mediterranean sun is a delightful experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. Marbella offers just that, with breathtaking coastal roads, thrilling mountain trails, and picturesque sunsets. Even the highways boast magnificent panoramic views.
Scenic drives in Marbella that you should consider adding to your must-see list.
Marbella boast proximity to the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada, which is a two-hour drive away. Tarifa is an hour to the west of Marbella. It is known as Europe’s surf capital, and offers a range of activities from simply just going to the beach for a nice tan to kite-surfing.
Seville – The Enchanting Capital of Andalusia
Seville, the captivating capital of Andalusia, exudes a timeless Andalusian charm in every corner. Suppose you dream of residing in the birthplace of flamenco and experiencing the region’s most authentic art and lifestyle. In that case, Seville is undoubtedly the ideal place to call home in Spain.
Discover homes in Seville that retain the charming Moorish architecture, and depending on your choice of neighborhood, you can live near enchanting spots like the Alcázar, the Santa Cruz quarter, or the iconic Giralda. While the city’s hot summers may be a drawback, investing in a property with a swimming pool ensures that the heat becomes the least of your worries.
Marbella to Tarifa.
Head west from Marbella, turn up the music, and keep going until you reach Tarifa, a destination popular among surfers and thrill-seekers who drive the hour-and-a-half drive there every weekend. As you enter the province of Cadiz, you’ll be greeted by a distinct landscape that will invigorate you and take you away from the monotony of everyday life. The atmosphere begins to shift as you near the town, with towering windmills, pristine beaches, and peaceful cows grazing in the countryside coming into view.
Marbella to Ronda.
The scenic drive to the picturesque town of Ronda takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes along the A397. As you navigate the winding, mountainous roads, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Gibraltar on the horizon and the coastline below. Your journey into the heart of history begins before you reach Ronda, so sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Grazalema Road Trip.
Once only the realm of intrepid explorers, the mountainous regions beyond Ronda have been tamed in the past 2 years. Still spectacular and rugged, they are now accessible to BMW’s as well as 4 x 4’s. A weekend in the mountains is becoming an integral part of life for those Marbelli who don’t spend every spare minute on the golf course.
Accessible they may now be, but they retain their vast grandeur and awesome sense of wide open space which makes you marvel at the size and emptiness of Spain. The Junta de Andalucia is making a great effort to keep the local populations in their traditional homes, and is promoting “Rural Tourism” to create jobs in the villages. Walking holidays, cycling, bird watching, climbing and other energetic pursuits are enticing people to the new hotels and recreating village life
Nowhere is this more apparent than in Grazalema, 20km north west of Ronda. The Grazalema nature reserve of some 52,000 hectares encompasses eleven towns and villages, including Ronda. In many places the limestone rock has been cut out to create numerous chasms, caverns and caves, some famous for prehistoric remains. The Torreon is the highest peak in the park at 1,654m
The Rio Guadalete begins in these mountains creating 2 large reservoirs. The extraordinary abundance of water with rainfall on average of 2,500 litres per year and over 4,000 litres in rainy years produces a micro-climate and ecological richness unique in Andalucia, nowhere else is Andalucia so green. The village of Grazalema justifiably prides itself on being the cleanest in the province. With 5 hotels and a variety of restaurants, it is probably also the most enterprising. A cottage industry of fine wool blanket weaving, and a variety of local produce (the pickled garlics are to die for) adds to that reputation.
But it is it’s high location, tucked into a steep corner of a mountain, which creates the perfect environment for walkers. A variety of marked senderos (walks) exist for all levels of expertise. Some regions of the park are restricted and you need authorisation and possibly a guide, both available from the village tourist offices, or your hotel.
Malaga.
Malaga and its region are only two hours flight from London and offer exquisite artistic and culinary culture as well as beautiful outdoors and a memorable nightlife. Every day, the city and its province, which includes the famous Marbella, showcases to its residents and visitors an array of authentic spectacles, full of life and taste. These cities are true culture hubs with dozens of museums like that of Pablo Picasso or the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving. At night, their streets are transformed into real hives, attracting young and old to bodegas, bars and nightclubs that reside in the beautiful properties of Marbella and Malaga.
Fortunately the change of scenery does not stop there: Malaga offers walks along the harbor, relaxation sessions on the beach and the possibility to navigate on the Mediterranean Sea. All this is available all year thanks to its annual average temperature of 22 ° C.
Jerez.
The Jerez Horse Fair is an event where horses will be in the spotlight, and it’s highly recommended for anyone staying at the Costa Del Sol during May. The fair is the perfect occasion to express authentic Andalusian culture: spectators can sip on local wines, enjoy Andalusian delicacies as well as have the opportunity to practice their flamenco, as Jerez is the cradle of flamenco.
The Jerez Horse Fair has transformed into a true spectacle, consisting of numerous live flamenco performances; the fair has become completely different from the regular livestock market it was initially established as in the thirteenth century. Today the Jerez Horse Fair commences with fireworks on the night of the first Saturday in May, and the festivities continue for the following seven days: it is no surprise that the fair is considered one of the most captivating tourist events in this region.
The Route to Granada.
Granada is a stunning city in Andalusia, Spain, surrounded by the impressive Sierra Nevada mountains. It blends Spanish and Moorish cultures seamlessly and is known for the magnificent Alhambra, a UNESCO-recognized architectural wonder featuring intricate Islamic designs and breathtaking gardens. In winter, you can even enjoy skiing in the nearby mountains.
Granada offers a one-of-a-kind living experience with its bohemian lifestyle, charming streets like Albaicín and Sacromonte, and affordable housing compared to other cities. The city’s gastronomy is equally remarkable, boasting a wide array of tapas bars and authentic Andalusian cuisine.
Traveling from Marbella to Granada by car via the coastal motorway takes approximately two hours. On this journey, you will pass by popular tourist destinations like Nerja, which may inspire you to take a break. The scenic route of Costa Tropical provides a unique coastal driving experience, complete with breathtaking beaches and scenic twists and turns along the way.
Embark on an exhilarating quad bike safari to explore the wonders of Andalucía.
Beyond the typical quad bikes, there are even more adventurous options like dirt bikes and jeeps that offer exciting ways to explore the hidden gems of Andalucía. Venture off the beaten track into the scenic hills that serve as the backdrop to this stunning region. You’ll discover a side of Marbella that many beachgoers are unaware of. Traverse through ancient cork-oak and Mediterranean pine forests, choosing your preferred mode of transportation and holding on tight for an unforgettable journey!
In Pursuit of Wine: Andalucía’s Stunning Vineyards and Bodegas.
If you’re a wine lover or just seeking to enjoy a beautiful vineyard, look no further than Andalusia’s wine region. While Jerez, the birthplace of sherry, may be a well-known destination, don’t miss out on the charming town of Montilla in Cordoba. Explore the picturesque wine route connecting Montilla and Puente Genil, filled with rich history and an abundance of wineries and bodegas to visit.
Andalucia attract international buyers.
Andalucia is the go-to destination for high-end buyers interested in equestrian and wine estates, rural country houses and modern farmhouses even historic mansions.
Lovely rural properties in Andalucia are available for purchase, perfect for your dream getaway.
Nestled in mountain ranges, authentic Spanish fincas offers breathtaking panoramic views that extend down to the glistening Mediterranean Sea, making it the perfect dream home for its future owner.
Discover the definitive selection of Marbella’s best mansions, villas and luxury apartments.
Marbella is a major destination for international luxury real estate hunters. This is where affluent buyers can find a broad selection of upscale properties and a growing supply of new build homes. We are glad to help you out!
LuxuryForSale.Properties Real Estate.
At LuxuryForSale.Properties, We are at the forefront of the burgeoning real estate market in Marbella, providing quality service instead of quantity, where we prioritize clients, customer service, and quality in every aspect of any operation.
Marbella boasts diverse real estate options, including newly constructed, refurbished, and older properties that maintain their original charm and elegance. With such a wide variety of propositions available, there is something to suit all tastes in this area.
Feel free to contact anyone in our knowledgeable team for consulting about buying a property in Marbella, we’re eager to help you find your ideal property. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll go above and beyond to find it for you.
