Malaga Marbella and Ronda Spain

Transportation from Málaga airport: We decided to take the train to our AirBnB. It was only €2.50 per person and our host recommended it. It took us half an hour (by car it would be about 10 minutes and €30). Our AMAZING host picked us up from the train station to save us from walking up hills with our bags. They actually have a private elevator from the street up to the apartment. This is helpful for day to day needs. We didn’t need to walk up and down the hill as long as you have the keys! TRANSPORTATION : For transportation we wanted to try to use public because the prices were so reasonable but the distances combined with the unreliable schedule of the buses all morning made us realize if we really wanted to have our freedom to enjoy the few days we have, we needed to rent a car. We spent around 4 hours trying to find a place that was open and could actually help us, and eventually we ended up at Good Morning rent a car. The guy was very friendly and gave us lots of recommendations for things outside of the car rental. We rented for 4 days and we were given a day free so we spent €115 in total . The deposit is €400 which is a bit steep but as long as there are no issues with the return then it’s not a problem. The guy was kind enough to even drive us to the train station to get back to the airport. If you need a car in the Benalmádena area, I highly recommend them!

ACCOMMODATION: we chose an AirBnB. This is usually the way I prefer to stay. I like some privacy and the ability to have control over my own time table most of the trip. We did consider two resorts, and trust me there are PLENTY to choose from, but ultimately (especially with COVID) we decided that an AirBnB would be best. Our host are truly amazing, I cannot stress this enough. Both of them are so friendly and informative. They gave us a quick tour of the surrounding area, and made sure we had everything we could need for our stay (bathrobes, toiletries, towels, sunscreen, yours mat, shopping bag, iron, a complete welcome packet and a welcome bottle of local wine on ice !). Our hosts were so quick to respond to any messages and gave lots of recommendations. The apartment itself was lovely. Downstairs we had the living room and kitchen , with washer and fire place that leads into the bedroom. You can then go up to the roof via a spiral staircase. Up top there is the hot tub with wonderful views of the ocean! They also have a private infinity pool. My only complaint is that I didn’t realize how far we were from the actually cities of Marbella and Malaga. It was a trek to go to either city (1hr + by public) which is once again where the recommendations for a car really come into play.

Benalmádena Spain is where we decided to call “home base” for our trip. When originally planning our vacation we were mostly looking into Marbella. However when I went to book the flights I realized the airport was in Málaga (the larger region) and there was some distance between these two cities. I also knew we wanted to visit some other cities on day trips and Benalmádena was a great central hub for all of these different locations.

A great place for the views and drinks

Cathedral de la Encarnación de Málaga: The cathedral is tucked away with a little courtyard in front of it. You almost just stumble upon it while walking through the streets. Unfortunately when we arrived it was not open until much later in the day, but I have heard it is worth a visit inside. Even if you can’t go inside you can enjoy the gorgeous architecture from the massive entrance. It is an iconic national landmark with a 16th century baroque facade, ornate choir stalls and a museum.

Castillo de Gobralfaro: One of my favorite things to visit around the world are castles. The one in Málaga was very impressive. It has wonderful views of the harbor and only cost €3.50 to enter or €5.00 if you want to combine it with the Alcazaba. Building commenced in 1528 but wasn’t completed until 1782 due to issues with funding. I highly suggest to add it to your list if you are visiting Málaga and want some wonderful views from up above. You can see the entire city below as well as the Alcazaba and the harbor.

Stroll through the beautiful streets to see the Spanish influence in architectures style the gorgeous fountains scattered throughout the city.

Atlantis sunset Lounge: While we were strolling around the harbor we decided that it would be nice to sit and have a relaxing drink in the sunshine and we stumbled upon Atlantis sunset lounge. It’s a rooftop bar with a nice view of the harbor and very comfy lounge seats. We only spent around half an hour here for a quick break but it seems like a wonderful place to go for drinks later in the evening. I’m sure during the right season the sunset views are gorgeous. They do not have food but do have the typical complimentary bar nut mix and that came with our drinks. Drinks prices For us we’re White wine €3.00 and a Desperados beer €3.00.

Casa Don Curro Pastries : on our way back to the car we passed by this tiny little shop which had delicious looking pastries in the window. I couldn’t resist and we went inside to meet this sweet man who spoke zero English and adored our failed attempts at anything other than numbers for Spanish. We got 3 churros, and 3 other pastries for only €5.50. He even gave us a free one and samples of the prosciutto.

Marbella is known for being one of the playgrounds of the rich and being extravagant. While it does live up to that reputation, it’s not all it has to offer. The Casco Antiguo (old town) was an enchanting surprise filled with balconies, flower boxes, churches and cafes aplenty. Marbella has a rich history that was once home to Phonecian, Visigoths, Romans and Moors. The old town is truly a historical legacy of the Islamic era 8th-15th century and the subsequent Christian conquest. The Islamic tradition of creating patterns, pictures designs out of pebbles/stones in the beautiful streets.

Plaza de Toros de Ronda: I suggest starting the city adventure at the bullfighting arena, one of the oldest arenas in Spain. It’s said that Ronda is the birth place of bullfighting. The arena was built in 1785 by the same architect who built the Puente Nuevo.

St Mary Major church: this beautiful church is found in Duchess of Parcent Square. The construction of the church took almost 200 years and presents a mixture of gothic and renaissance styles. Go I side to see the Gothic style nave and columns and it’s two floor renaissance style choir and beautiful baroque elements.

Puente Nuevo: the true highlight of little Ronda is definitely the Puente Nuevo bridge that spans across the El Tajo gorge. If you’re wondering why it’s called the “new bridge” it’s because it was built in 1759 and that’s new by Andalusian standards. The spectacular bridge is nearly 100 meters high. But the true magic is from the viewpoints below. To get this view , first head for the Mirador de María Auxiliadora along the south Davide of the gorge. The path down into the gorge is noticeable and there are natural stopping points along the way. It’s a steep incline down so expect the trek back up to be a little tough but I would say it’s not too bad for even the average adventurer. The view however is worth it in order to truly admire the beauty and stature of the bridge.

Hands down the best tapas and my meal of our trip!! Everything is fantastic !!!

Alameda Park: if you walk towards the coastline from old town you most likely will walk right into Alameda park (we just stumbled directly into it before I realized where we were). If you want to escape the heat or sun for a little bit this tiny jungle of a park is a great place to do it with its tiled benches and fountains.

Puerto Banus is the Harbor where you walk in and see the yachts and massive sailboats you always dream of owning. They have lots of restaurants, shops and other things to keep you entertained if “window shopping” for your favorite personal cruise liner isn’t your cup of tea.

We were told that Teocadero was an absolute must visit restaurant if you want amazing food, nice views and a lovely dinning experience. After having a romantic dinner here I must say, I can fully endorse that statement. It is on the pricey side so don’t expect to pay anywhere close to a “normal” dinner price (if you’re like me I love to find budget friendly places with great taste and sometimes struggle when I see higher prices). I would say it is fairly priced, but expect to pay for the fine dining experience. However that being said, I have to say it is well worth it for a special occasion. Everything about our time there was wonderful, I honestly have no complaints at all. Highly, highly recommended to everyone who can splurge for one meal.

Castillo Monumento Colomares: this miniature castle was one of the coolest things we went to and it was a total surprise for me from my partner. He told me to drive and didn’t tell me where we were going and when I saw it as we came down the hill I was so shocked! I absolutely adored this place. Highly recommend going and checking it out, you only need about half an hour to 45 minutes to really walk the full grounds. Bonus, there’s a little dog that greets you and “guards the gate” inside. Entrance was €2.50.