5 scenic escapes within 2hrs of Marbella

• Table of contents
• 5 Otherworldly Destinations within 2hrs of Marbella
• Tarifa
• Casares
• Nerja
• Benaoján
• Cortes de la Frontera
• Five ways to escape the routine without leaving Andalucía

A coastal marvel in the Cádiz province, and one of the most striking scenic escapes on the Costa de la Luz, where the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean converge.

Known as the “Kitesurfing Capital of Europe”, Tarifa sits roughly 70 km west of Marbella, about a 75-minute drive along the AP-7 and N-340. It is one of the world’s premier spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing, particularly at the Valdevaqueros and Los Lances beaches, which host several renowned surf schools, suitable for both novices and seasoned surfers. At the far end of Valdevaqueros beach, you can climb the impressive sand dunes, and even drive through them via the A-2325 road. Another great beach spot, which has more privacy and sand dunes of its own, is the Bolonia beach. There are also impressive Roman Ruins to explore just behind the Bolonia beach, complete with a roman theatre, columns, and aqueduct.

Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, climb white-golden sand dunes, enjoy whale watching in the Strait of Gibraltar and ride horses through the surf at sunset. Stay at luxurious laid-back hotels such as the Hurricane Hotel or Punta Sur, or experience your getaway in true surfer style at the various camp sites.

Just 45 minutes from Marbella, heading inland from Estepona along the AP7 and MA8300 roads, sits this stunning hilltop pueblo blanco offering a fairytale panorama over the Genal Valley. If you’re looking for impressive views and a good spot for watching birds of prey, the viewpoint from the top is one of the best places around!  Perched on a steep hillside, Casares embodies the classic pueblo blanco aesthetic, but with a striking beauty. From a distance, the whitewashed buildings appear stacked like sugar cubes, beneath the backdrop of the Iglesia de la Encarnación church, built in 1505, and the ruins of an Arab castle at the crest of the hill.

The steepness of the labyrinth of streets through the village is not for the faint hearted, but it’s well worth the workout. Known to be one of the prettiest walks through a Spanish village, with its Andalusian arches, mystical gardens and charming shops, it’s really the view from the top that draws you here.

After you’ve explored to your hearts content (not forgetting a visit to the castle ruins), there are more marvels to be found in the area. At the bottom of the valley by the Rio de Manilva, about a 20-minute drive from Casares village you will find sulfurous springs where legend says Julius Caesar himself once bathed. Open to the public, you can either bathe (if you can tolerate the sulfuric smell), or simply admire the puente romano (Roman bridge) and nearby aqueduct.

Perched on a promontory, Nerja provides spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean landscape on the eastern edge of the Costa del Sol. Kayak and snorkel in crystalline coves, and see the Caves of Nerja, a geological wonder of cathedral-scale stalactites and prehistoric paintings.

A scenic 60-minute drive east along the coast from Marbella, Nerja boasts the iconic Balcón de Europa, a famous viewpoint where sweeping sea views meet the curve of the Mediterranean horizon. Descend from the viewpoint to the sandy Burriana Beach, complete with chiringuitos, kayak rentals and a lively promenade.

For a special treat, head into the popular NYABAKAT bakery, offering fresh Swedish pastries and specialist coffees, conveniently located on the seafront along the Camino de Burriana street. Further east from here are the Caves of Nerja, a network of caverns stretching for some 5 km, renowned for Palaeolithic paintings dating back 42,000 years, which were drawn onto colossal stalactites. After exploring underground wonders, sample sweet local muscatel wine at a bodega in nearby Frigiliana before returning along the scenic coastal road. If you’re staying a while, there is a fantastic 15 km hike from Frigiliana to Nerja Caves, which covers part of the GR249 route, which involves crossing the Chillar river. 

Built in two distinct halves on the northern edge of the Sierra de Libar, Benaoján has the original village to visit, clinging to a steep mountainside, and a lower settlement spreading out around the Guadiaro valley’s railway station.

Nestled at the foot of an impressive karst limestone landscape, located 1hr and 45 minutes inland from Marbella, Benaoján is a real hiker's paradise. With trails that change from dramatic stacked karst formations to flattened open meadows filled with tall grass, to lush olive groves amidst hillsides flush with wildflowers and turquoise rivers. Sometimes you think you’re in Switzerland, other times you look around and feel you might be in outer space.

Just below the village, there is a legendary railway, perhaps what the area is best known for: The Algeciras–Ronda railway, affectionately dubbed “Mr Henderson’s Railway” after the British engineer who championed its construction in the 1890s. This romantic railway can be followed on footpaths for a 7.5 km section which starts at the old station and leads to Jimera de Líbar—a walk of moderate difficulty taking around three and a half hours. Equally compelling is the hike to the Cueva de la Pileta from Benaoján station: a 7 km round-trip that leads you to prehistoric cave art, subterranean chambers and the valley’s dramatic karst formations.

Not to be missed when visiting Benaoján is the standout dining destination and hotel Molino del Santo, a beautifully restored 18th-century water mill offering inventive Andalusian cuisine in a riverside setting where the sound of the strong rapids fill the air, and a charming alfresco terrace decorated with flowers overlooks the groves, providing an incredibly picturesque setting for lunch or evening meal.

Cortes de la Frontera lies on the edge of the Alcornocales Natural Park, home to Europe’s largest cork-oak forest. Covering over 170km², the municipality is one of the largest in Málaga province.

A quick 25 minute drive from Benaoján, taking the MA-8041 road which follows the route of the Guadiaro river, passing the Cueva de la Pileta on the right hand side, you soon reach the town of Cortes de la Frontera. The town’s territory spills almost entirely into Los Alcornocales Natural Park, a 1,677 km² biosphere reserve, famous for being one of the world’s most extensive and biodiverse cork-oak forests.

The natural park offers trail networks for all levels: from gentle forest loops showcasing towering oaks, to more demanding ascents up Pico del Aljibe (1,092 m). In town, the 18th-century town hall is an impressive architectural site, and notable example of neoclassical design, whilst the Church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario) anchors a peaceful plaza lined with traditional family-run restaurants, ideal for sampling local game stews and wild mushroom dishes after a day on the trails.

Each of these destinations provides a perfect day trip or weekend escape, allowing you to experience the remarkable diversity that makes this part of Andalucía so special. From Mediterranean beaches to mountain peaks, and prehistoric caves to Roman ruins, the region's natural and cultural heritage creates endless opportunities for exploration.

So the next time you find yourself seeking a change of scenery from Marbella's glamorous coastline, remember that adventure awaits just a short drive away. Pack a picnic, lace up your hiking boots, or grab your swimsuit. The only question that remains is: which of these scenic escapes will you explore first?

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