road trip in spain

In this article we give you all the information you need about your road trip by camper van or camping car . What to see in Malaga Province? What to visit ? Where to sleep? everything! Prepare your bag and just choose one of our VW campervans or City Car burstner motorhomes for your vacation this year. Traveling on the road in a fully equipped camper van is a unique experience. It gives you the opportunity to visit the province of Malaga with total peace of mind, the Costa del Sol, Malaga capital and the villages of the interior side. You can always be close to nature and change your view every day. Explore beaches, discover natural parks, practice water sports or simply enjoy being outdoors. Our camper vans or camping cars are the perfect way to relax and not to worry about anything after two months of confinement 🚐😋 

 

TRAVEL ITINERARY AND PLACES YOU HAVE TO SEE IN MALAGA:

1. Nerja, the Coast of Maro & Frigiliana.
2. The Chorro Lake – The Caminito del Rey Path.
3. The Natural Park Sierra de las Nieves.
4. 4. The Torcal of Antequera.
5. The Cave of the cat (La Cueva del Gato).
6. The river Chillar.
7. Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
8. Mijas.
9. Ronda, new bridge.
10. Malaga Mountains- Natural Park.

 

1 – NERJA: THE COAST AND THE CAVE

What to see and do in Nerja?

Nerja is one of our favorite coastal towns. We advise you to visit the Balcony of Europe, it is located in the center of the town and it is one of the most touristic attractions of Nerja. It is a viewpoint with impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea. And, of course, you have to visit the Cave of Nerja. This cave is classed as a “Good of Cultural Interest”, it was discovered in 1959. Inside it, you will find the oldest work of art known to man (42000 years old), some of the largest rock formations around, and the numerous amount of speleothems present on the ceiling, floor and walls.

 In Nerja you can enjoy several beaches such as Playa del Salón and Calahonda, located right next to the Balcón de Europa. If you walk along the Playa de Calahonda, you will come to another smaller and more quiet beach, called Playa del Chorillo. If you like to barbecue on the beach, La Playa el Playazo is the only one where barbecue is allowed. With 1800 meters, it is the longest beach of Nerja and the sunsets are simply incredible. You can easily park your camper van and spend the night there.

Cliffs of Maro: Natural spot

Maro is a tropical paradise in the eastern part of Nerja. La Torre de Maro is a good point to put in the GPS as a destination for your trip. It is a wonderful location full of pine forests, many beaches, small secret coves with transparent waters, an incredible color mixed of blue and green. Maro is a perfect place for snorkeling, kayaking, diving and exploring the marine world in general. Some of its most beautiful beaches are: Cantarriján, Playa de las Alberquillas, Cala el Cañuelo.

Where to sleep in Nerja with motorhome or camper van?

The Cliffs of Maro Cerro are also a wonder of nature. On your way between Nerja and Almuñécar you can find small routes where you can park, spend the night, prepare your dinner in front of the sea inside your camper van or camping car and wake up with an exceptional and relaxing view of the sea.

Frigiliana, a beautiful white town

This charming white town of Malaga is located at the Natural Park of the Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda and Alhama, just 7 kilometers from Nerja. Do not miss the historic center of Barribarto, declared as a Historic-Artistic Site in 2014, and the Archaeological Museum. If you are passionate about hiking, you can depart on numerous routes starting from Frigiliana.

 

2 – EXPLORE THE EXQUISITE LAKE EL CHORRO AND FACE THE ADRELANINE IN EL CAMINITO DEL REY PATH

What to see and what to do in El Chorro?

El chorro is a fascinating natural space, a mountainous place with a huge blue lake: the Guadalhorce Reservoir. The lake belongs to the Natural Park of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes and is located north of Malaga, you need to take the A-357 towards Ronda from Malaga, it is only an hour away. Hiking, kayaking, standing paddle surfing, pedal boats, climbing, paragliding are the activities that you can practice in El Chorro. There are barbecue and picnic areas right next to the lake where you can spend happy moments with family or friends …

Finally, El Chorro is a perfect destination for a camper van or motorhome getaway to spend a full day there without any stress.

Near El Chorro, between the towns of Antequera, Ardales and Álora is El Caminito del Rey. This incredible route is about 8 kilometers long, from the Chorro dam to the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir. In this wonderful path you can enjoy an impressive natural site, walk trails and walkways over 100 meters high. The entire tour can be done in about 4 hours.

Where to sleep in El Chorro with a camper van or motorhome?

The Caminito del Rey Natural Park has a parking area for motorhomes, but it is not normally allowed to stay overnight. If you are looking for a motorhome service area, we recommend the municipal area of ​​Antequera, which is free and has various services. You can also visit Antequera which has an important cultural heritage and you will surely love it. If you prefer to be in a camping, you have one near the Caminito del Rey, it is located in Ardales, it is the Camping Parque Ardales, which has all kinds of services for motorhomes and camper vans.

Keep in mind that El Caminito del Rey attracts many tourists, therefore reservations have to be made in advance. We advise you to make your reservation on the website (click here).

 

3 – HIKING IN THE NATURAL PARK OF SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES

What to see and do in the Sierra de las Nieves?

You have a variety of hiking trails in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park known for its spanish fir forests and its variety of flora. In the park there are also species of protected animals such as the wild cat, the golden eagle and the otter. Some incredible places that belong to the Natural Park are: Guadalevin River, Genal Valley, Sierra Blanca, Reservatauro and some very beautiful villages: El Burgo, Monda, Tolox, Parauta, Yunquera and Ronda.

Where to sleep in the Sierra de las Nieves?

It is a perfect idea for an excursion in a camper van or camping car because you have many options to park and sleep in wonderful places, being very close to the trails to fully enjoy your adventure. Indeed, traveling by road in a camper van is the ideal plan for getaways of this type to start the day early after spending a good night. Wake up surrounded by nature, have breakfast in the same Natural Park, prepare your plans calmly to enjoy the day as much as possible.

 

4 – THE TORCAL, A UNIQUE NATURAL SITE IN SPAIN

What to see and do in the Torcal?

Declared as a World Heritage Site, the Torcal of Antequera is a spectacular natural area of ​​1,171 hectares. This place of  natural rock formations and fossils is a marvellous spot, known for its peculiar forms of rocks, product of natural erosion, on limestone rocks. It was declared as a park of the Natural Reserve in 1989. The Torcal has an enormous wealth of chasms and caves, as well as many underground forms that go back to the Secondary or Mesozoic Era. Different species of animals coexist in its environment, such as the fox, the badger, the weasel, the vole or the rabbit and an impressive variety of plants. It is a perfect idea for a trip with the family.

Where to sleep in El Torcal?

You can spend the night near the Torcal park entrance with the camper van or motorhome. A few kilometers away from the visitors center, there is a free parking space with a view of the countryside, a natural and quiet place and maybe you can have a surprise visit from some curious goats J🐐🐑. Don’t forget to stop by Antequera to eat a good traditional fritter.

 

5 – THE CAVE OF THE CAT: NATURAL PARADISE

What to do and see in the Cave of the Cat?

Another place that stands out for its beauty is the Cave of the Cat, located in the Sierra de Grazamela Natural Park. Precisely, it is between the municipalities of Montejaque and Benaoján.

The cave belongs to the Hudidero-Gato speological system, one of the largest in Andalusia with 10 km of underground routes. On hot summer days you can take a refreshing dip in the small lake with crystal clear waters and discover the waterfalls of the Guadiaro River. The lush vegetation creates a feeling as if you are in a small natural paradise, perfect for having a great time and discovering new wonders of Malaga.

 

6 – AQUATIC HIKING IN THE CHILLAR RIVER

What to see and do in the Chillar river?

Another refreshing summer excursion that we recommend you is hiking in the Chillar river. An adventure that combines hiking and swimming. It is a suitable  activity for family that runs through the Sierras Tejada, Almija and Ahama Natural Park, at the north of the municipality of Nerja. To park the camper van or motorhome, the best would be to use the free municipal public parking in Calle Mirto in Nerja. You just have to walk along the river and you will quickly find the first waterfalls and small pools. The entire route is about 8 kilometers. We recommend you to wear shoes that can get wet, swimwear and sun protection, and prepare your snacks in the camper van to have a good picnic that you will definetly enjoy a lot in nature.

 

7 –  THE BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE OF MIJAS

What to see and do in Mijas?

Mijas is 30 kilometers from Malaga, it is one of the most beautiful white villages of the Costa del Sol. It has a typical Andalusian charm, its white houses, its narrow pedestrian streets and its cozy atmosphere.

The town has 3 different parts: the village of Mijas (Mijas Pueblo), located in the Sierra at an altitude of 430 m, Las Lagunas which is the most modern part and La Cala which is on the coast and offers a variety of beautiful beaches. The donkey-taxi is a unique attraction in the village of Mijas that allows you to explore the narrow alleys of the town.

It is inconvenient to spend the night in this beautiful town because of its small and narrow streets which makes it difficult to park. You can park at the entrance to the town and walk up to the town. Another option is to go to Benalmádena and take advantage of its proximity to visit the village Benalmádena, which is an authentic beauty, and enjoy the incredible viewpoint of the Buddhist Stupa, The Castle of Colomares and the Butterfly Park of Benalmádena. You can also enjoy the Benalmádena Coast, which stands out for its extensive promenade that reaches the most touristic area: Puerto Marina.

 

8 – EXPLORE THE IMMENSE NATURAL PARK OF THE SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA

What to see and do in the Sierra de Grazamela Natural Park?

Arriving with your camper van or motorhome and getting lost in this impressive natural setting is a true wonder. This Nature Park gives you the chance to practice a wide range of sports for the whole family: nautical activities, adventure, riding bike and especially hiking. In addition to climbing and rappelling, zip lines, bungee jumping, archery, and hot air ballooning and paragliding are possible.

It is located between Malaga and Cádiz and has 13 municipalities, 5 of them belong to the province of Malaga: Benaoján, Montejaque, Cortes de la Frontera, Jimera de Libar and Ronda. The landscape seems aesthetically prepared in the canyon of La Garganta Verde, with great depth and full of chasms and interior caves. The Hundidero-Gato, for example, is the largest cave in the Andalusian territory and has the largest bat population in all of Spain.

Declared as a Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazamela Natural Park is a paradise for hiking lovers with many marked itineraries. Some fascinating places in the Natural Park are: Cueva de la Pilata, Garganta Verde, the Acinipo site. It is another idea of ​​a camper van or motorhome getaway where you have thousands of natural places to spend the night and relax in the heart of nature.

The vegetation of this natural park is made up of a huge forest of holm oaks, cork oaks and gall oaks. There is an area with limited visits, the Pinsapar, due to the scarcity of this tree in our territory. Its high vegetation also provides a fauna composed of forest animals such as deer, and the mountain goat, up to the otters of the Majaceite river. Visits to this park are marked by many itineraries to do on foot, by bicycle or even in the water or from the air, if you want to practice some adventure sports. One of the most representative places is La Cueva de la Pileta in Benaoján, which is recognized for the archaeological sites found here and which make up a natural museum worth admiring.

 

9 – RONDA, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WHITE VILLAGE TO SEE IN THE PROVINCE OF MALAGA

 What to see and do in Ronda?

Ronda is one of the most beautiful white towns in the province of Malaga, it has a special charm and even more if you travel  with your four-wheel hotel; your rented Vanbreak camper van or camping car. You can stay overnight in the motorhome area in Ronda, which is one kilometer away from the center with a price of 10€ per day with services included. You also have the option of parking your campervan in a parking area 10 minutes away from the historic center and it is free, quiet and has spectacular views.

The white town is divided by an impressive natural canyon where the Tagus river passes, the spectacular bridge from the 18th century connects the two parts of that medieval city. Some places to see in Ronda: the Alameda del Tajo and its views, the Plaza de Toros, the Arab baths, the Casa del Rey Moro, the walls and the Puerta de Almocábar.

 

10 – THE MOUNTAINS OF MÁLAGA NATURAL PARK: A NICE AND RELAXING SITE

What to see and do in the Natural Park of the Mountains of Malaga?

Finally the Mountains of Malaga, a natural pine park next to the capital of the Costa del Sol. It is definetly a must visit place with spectacular views. For example, the Mirador del Cochino that has a wonderful panoramic view of the green forest, Malaga and the sea shining brightly. A space full of peace and tranquility, perfect for hiking and enjoying a small picnic. The Montes de Malaga are a hiking paradise where if you are lucky you will cross the famous cameleon. Possible routes: Picapedreros, Cerrado, Las Contadoras, Pocopan and Torrijos. Don’t forget to cool off at the Queen’s Fountain on your return to Malaga.

Now you have a route for the most beautiful places to see in the province of  Malaga 💖🚐 🔝 If you want to travel further, you can take a look at our travel itineraries in Andalusia or Portugal, departing from Malaga.

Hope to see you soon  🤗