Malaga isn’t just a sunny city with great beaches; it’s also a fantastic hub for exploring some of southern Spain’s most intriguing sights and nearby countries. Its location on the Costa del Sol makes it a perfect starting point for day trips and cultural excursions. Whether you’re into history, wildlife, shopping, or just soaking up landscapes, Malaga’s tour options cater to all tastes.
One of our favorites is the From Malaga and Costa del Sol: Gibraltar Tour for its comprehensive experience — combining a scenic bus ride, a detailed rock tour, and plenty of free time to explore. Plus, the Full-Day Trip to Gibraltar scores high for its knowledgeable guides and the chance to see free-ranging Barbary macaques.
If you’re craving something a bit more exotic, consider the Day Trip to Tetouan, Morocco or the Private Gibraltar Tour, which offer personalized experiences along with the chance to explore both natural and cultural highlights. Below, we detail the top options, helping you pick the perfect tour for your trip.
1. From Malaga and Costa del Sol: Gibraltar Tour
Taking a bus from Malaga or the Costa del Sol to Gibraltar is the most straightforward way to see this unique British territory. This tour includes a trip up the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, with a dedicated rock tour option that explores the tunnels, caves, and the famous Barbary macaques. You’ll have enough free time — roughly 3.5 hours for sightseeing and another 5 hours for shopping or wandering — to truly soak in the atmosphere of this bustling, duty-free haven.
What makes this tour stand out is the flexible approach: with 15 pickup points and a detailed itinerary, it caters well to those who want a little of everything. Notably, many reviews praise the friendly, knowledgeable guide and the smooth border crossing. For a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and free time, this tour offers excellent value at just $38 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want to see Gibraltar’s highlights without feeling rushed, especially if you enjoy a bit of shopping and casual exploration.
2. From Malaga: Full-Day Trip to Gibraltar
This highly-rated tour combines a comfortable coach ride with an expert bilingual guide, making it ideal for those who prefer a guided experience. It offers about 5.75 hours of free time, during which you can visit the famous Barbary macaques, ride the cable car up the Rock, or explore St. Michael’s Cave. Many reviews mention the trip’s seamless organization and the engaging guide, Nico, who keeps the history and anecdotes lively.
For $38, you get a full, satisfying day out, with the added bonus of great reviews for value and professionalism. The itinerary’s flexibility lets you choose how to spend your time — whether on guided highlights or exploring independently. It’s a solid choice for first-timers or anyone wanting a relaxed, informative day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a guided, in-depth Gibraltar experience with ample free time for personal discovery.
3. From Málaga: Marbella, Mijas y Puerto Banús Guided Tour
This tour offers a luxury taste of the Costa del Sol’s most glamorous spots. You’ll see the whitewashed streets of Mijas, Marbella’s luxury hotels and beaches, and Puerto Banús’ high-end yachts and boutiques. It’s a full 8-hour tour, with plenty of free time to walk around each town. The guide’s helpfulness and the comfortable bus are frequently highlighted, and reviewers note the stunning scenery and the chance to spot celebrities in Puerto Banús.
While some think perhaps Puerto Banús could be trimmed to spend extra time in Mijas or Marbella, overall the trip provides a well-rounded experience for those interested in coastal charm and upscale lifestyle. At $56, the tour’s value is boosted by the quality of sightseeing and the spacious, air-conditioned bus.
Bottom Line: Ideal for luxury seekers and those wanting a relaxed day touring pretty towns with ample free time in each.
4. From Málaga: Gibraltar Day Trip
This is a straightforward, full-day adventure to Gibraltar, perfect for travelers who prefer a simple, hassle-free experience. It includes visits to the main sights, such as the Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael’s Cave, with flexible plans once you’re there. Many reviews mention the smooth organization and the professionalism of the guide and driver. You’ll have about 5 hours in Gibraltar, enough to see the highlights or enjoy some duty-free shopping.
For the budget-conscious or those short on time, this tour provides good value at around $38. The itinerary’s flexibility lets you design your own day — whether you want a quick overview or a leisurely exploration.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a full day in Gibraltar without a guided tour of every detail.
5. From Costa del Sol: Day Trip to Gibraltar with Guided Tour
This tour stands out for its comprehensive guided experience and the chance to see Gibraltar’s major attractions, including the famous Rock and St. Michael’s Cave. The itinerary includes a guided tour of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, and you get about 3.5 hours of free time to shop or explore further. Many travelers praise the guide Gael for his friendly, passionate explanations, which bring the sights to life.
At $111, it’s priced higher than some options but offers a full, engaging day, especially suited for those wanting expert insights along with sightseeing. The small-group feeling and guided nature make it perfect for travelers who prefer not to wander alone.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want detailed commentary and a guided exploration of Gibraltar’s highlights.
6. From Costa del Sol: Tangier Full-Day Tour by Ferry
For the adventurous, this full-day trip combines a ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar with a guided tour of Tangier, Morocco. The journey includes visits to the Kasbah, souk, and market stalls, with opportunities to see snake charmers and buy Moroccan products. It’s a longer, more immersive trip, ideal for travelers craving the exotic.
While the reviews are mixed, many appreciate the cultural exposure and the lunch provided at a local restaurant. It’s a good choice if you’re curious about Morocco and don’t mind a longer day of travel. Expect to spend around $194 for this experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a taste of Morocco and comfortable with a full, adventure-packed day.
$194 per person
7. From Málaga or Marbella: Private Gibraltar Tour
This private tour offers a flexible, personalized experience. You’ll visit highlights like the Nature Reserve, St. Michael’s Cave, and the Siege Tunnels, at your own pace. With a dedicated guide and driver, it’s tailored for travelers who value privacy and customization. Many reviews highlight the professionalism and the flexibility of the itinerary.
For $464, it’s a premium experience suited for families or groups wanting an intimate adventure. The full-day tour is excellent for those who prefer to skip crowded groups and enjoy in-depth exploration.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a customized, private exploration of Gibraltar with a knowledgeable guide.
8. From Málaga and Costa del Sol: Day Trip to Tetouan, Morocco
This full-day trip takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tetouan, offering a peek into Moroccan culture and history just a ferry ride away. The tour includes visits to the Medina, with plenty of time for shopping and exploring. It’s a longer, immersive experience perfect for cultural enthusiasts.
The trip costs $188 and includes transportation, a guide, and lunch. Travelers mention the lively markets and the chance to buy Moroccan crafts, making it a worthwhile cultural experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an authentic taste of Morocco without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you prefer guided commentary and historical insights, tours like the Full-Day Gibraltar or Guided Gibraltar are excellent. For those seeking a private, tailored experience, check out the Private Gibraltar Tour or the Private Highlights.
Budget travelers and those short on time might prefer the Gibraltar Day Trip, which offers a full day with minimal fuss. For the more adventurous, the Moroccan Ferry Trip to Tetouan provides an exotic cultural experience, but be prepared for a longer day.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, so you can lock in your preferred date and avoid missing out. Check availability and start times ahead of your trip to ensure a smooth experience.
Malaga’s proximity to both fascinating Spanish towns and distant Morocco opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re after a relaxed day in Gibraltar, a guided tour with rich commentary, or an exotic journey to Tangier, you’ll find something that suits your style and budget. Two or three standout options are the Full-Day Gibraltar for its balance of guided and free time, and the Private Gibraltar Tour for a personalized experience. Whatever you choose, early booking will help secure your spot for these memorable adventures.
Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to bring your curiosity and sense of humor — these tours are as much about fun as they are about discovery.