If you’re keen to experience the Costa Del Sol and have adventures in Andalucia, here are some day trips from Malaga and day trips from Marbella for you to consider. The mild temperatures in this part of Spain during winter make it an ideal time to go outdoors and explore away from the heat of summer. So break out from the beaches of Marbella and sidle away from the city of Malaga! I was lucky enough to explore the Costa del Sol with Jet2holidays
El Torcal De Antequera
El Torcal de Antequera is a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range located south of the city of Antequera, about a 70-minute drive from Málaga or 90 minutes from Marbella It is known for its unusual landforms and is one of the most impressive karst landscapes in Europe. In July 2016, this area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It has also been declared a special protection area for birds, and is a must-visit for birdwatchers, twitchers and ornithologists alike. Sparrowhawks, common kestrels, peregrines, griffon vultures, Bonelli’s eagles can often be seen in the skies, and at night, little owls and eagle owls. Other birds are those commonly found in rocky areas and cliffs, like crag martins, black wheateaters and red-billed choughs.
El Torcal de Antequera
Covering an area of almost 12 square km, El Torcal Park has some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe. 100 million years ago, this whole area was under the sea.
Ammonite imprint
Ammonites were sea creatures and became extinct around 65 million years ago. It’s mind-blowing to think this imprint is that old and is located around 1000 metres above today’s sea level. Nature, eh.
There are three signposted walks in the area. Green is the easiest and shortest route, followed by yellow, with the red route being the longest.
On clearer days, you can see the African coastline.
On clear days, you can see the African coastline.
Caminito Del Rey
El Caminito del Rey is known as the most dangerous path in the world, and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Spain and Málaga. Wind through a steep canyon and take in its incredible views, its fascinating history and its undeniable spectacularity on this must-see excursion to the Caminito del Rey when you’re in Malaga or Marbella. If you haven’t booked an excursion, please arrive early in the morning as there’s only a certain amount of tickets allocated per day. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
El Caminito del Rey
The walk is more than 3 kilometres long, built on the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge, and takes in one of the most beautiful natural enclaves in the province, just 30 kilometres north of Malaga capital.
El Caminito del Rey
Find out how the canyon was excavated by the river Guadalhorce and, in some stretches, this incredible route reaches 105 metres high but only 1 metre wide.
El Caminito del Rey walkway.
Tip: Go to the toilet before you arrive. There are only 2 toilets at the entrance – nothing on the walk, and the queues for the loos are insanely long! Also, bring a drink with you. Winters are cooler and perfect for walking, but in summer it will be hot!
The queue for the toilet!
Ronda
Ronda, a historic city built around a steep canyon (El Tajo) is probably best known for its views and ‘new bridge’ rising up 120 metres from the floor. It’s called the new bridge even though it was completed in 1793!
New Bridge, Ronda
There are plenty of other viewpoints in the city to take photos of the dramatic landscape.
Breathtaking views
Another great view.
Ronda is also home to the oldest bullring in Spain (Plaza de Toros de Ronda). Although still legal in this part of Spain, attendances are dropping and the ring is now used more often for equestrian events. I am against bullfighting and would NOT recommend anyone to attend such an event.
Ronda bullring
There are lots of other things to do in Ronda, but my time there was limited, and I would like to go back and see more. You can book your trip to Ronda from either Malaga or Marbella here.
Benalauria
Benalauria is a pretty much unheard of village. With a population of around 500, it’s tiny. Benalauría is 143 kilometres from the city of Malaga.
Benalauria, Spain
Set with the copper forest in the background, its roads are too narrow for cars. A pleasant way to spend the afternoon here is to walk around the whitewashed, quaint streets and perhaps visit the 18th-century olive oil museum/factory or pop into the local winery and try some local wine and payoyo cheese.
Olive oil factory, Benalauria
Where to stay: I stayed at the Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach with Jet2holidays– a modern and elegant hotel surrounded by gardens, koi-filled ponds and right next to the beach.
Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach
The rooms had ample power sockets and USB chargers, and mine had a rooftop jacuzzi.
How to get there: Fly to Malaga with Jet2 from several UK airports including Manchester and Leeds Bradford. Jet2 have a generous 22kg luggage allowance. Flights, hotels or the whole shebang can be booked here at Jet2Holidays
Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Jet2 and Vista Costa Del Sol – massive thanks to them.[jr_instagram id=”2″] 
However, the thoughts and opinions in this post are as always, my own.