Spain - Marbella
 

Hi - we are currently in Marbella for 5 days and were wondering if we could have recommendations for days trips - on the list so far are:

Granada - 2h
Malaga - 45mins (Picasso Museum)
Mijas - 30mins
Ronda - 1h (part of the Pueblos Blancos, you may want to explore more of it: http://www.andalucia.com/province/ca...iz-pueblos.htm)

Thinking a day each for Granada, one for Malaga, one for Ronda and maybe some of the other white villages? Any recommendations would be great of things to do and maybe a place for lunch in each of the above.

Also is Mijas worth the trip. Someone recommended a palace somewhere - where they said book in advance as it get's busy so was wondering what that was?

thanks so much especially given the late planning - also we are a biggish group - 4 couples and 2 kids under 3 ...........

alok

IMO, the Alhambra in Granada is the best attraction in the area. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, otherwise they might be sold out:

http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/ticketsale.asp
http://www.ticketmaster.es/nav/landi...bra/index.html

I think the Alhambra is the "recommended palace".

Ronda is very close to Marbella and it is a scenic drive. You may extend your trip to Marbella by driving to Arcos de la Frontera (west of Ronda) which is another beautiful white town. With Ronda and Arcos, you will see tow of the best.

Mijas is a picturesque village close to Marbella. Visit it, if time allows, on your way back from Malaga.

by all means do not miss the Alhambra in Granada. It will take several hours and be sure to get your tickets as far in advance as possible. The Alhambra is an incredible sight.

train to Seville?
Cadiz

'train to Seville?' - As there is no station in Marbella, this would be about a circuitous three hours each way by public transport, including a bus ride to and from the nearest station 30kms. away.
As the op has come up with those times to wherever I presume they are driving.

Do a google and take a look at the white villages (including the blue one) nearby that you like the look or sound of and have a day tour.

Antequera perhaps.

Don't bother with Mijas. Go to Ojen which is just above Marbella. The nearby Refugio de Juanar, hotel and hunting lodge, is great for a drink and meal.

Thanks all. Unfortunately just checked tickets for the Alhambra and they're sold out including for the private tours. Any suggestions on way around this? Will do the white villages tomorrow.

Very much recommend a visit to Malaga city itself. Genuine Andalucian atmosphere and loads more to see and enjoy than the Picasso museum. Right in the city center you have the newly excavated Roman theater, the 8-11th century Moorish Alcazaba, the wonderful 16th century Cathedral, Picasso's birth home and a load of other museums such as the Carmen Thyssen and the newly opened Pompidou centre.

Articles in international newspapers about Malaga in the past two weeks:

Telegraph: "Malaga. Spains best kept Secret": http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...pt-secret.html

NYT: "Málaga, Spain’s Self-Appointed New Arts Hub": http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/25/ar...-hub.html?_r=0

The Guardian: "City of museums: Málaga bets on culture to draw tourists and talent": http://www.theguardian.com/world/201...-culture-spain

When in Malaga, I always have some tapas or a meal (lunch or dinner) in traditional and no fuss El Cortijo de Pepe: http://no.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant...Andalucia.html

For some more cutting edge, go to Dom Vinos a little out of the city center: http://azahar-spain.com/azahartapas/dom-vinos/

Or for the freshest fish and seafood with the locals, go to one of the many seaside restaurants in El Palo/Pedregalejo a little east of the city center. Buses in 10 and taxi in 5 minutes: http://www.andalucia-travelguide.com...galejo-malaga/