Málaga is much more than sun, beaches and city life. Just a few kilometres from the capital, a completely different landscape begins...

Málaga is much more than sun, beaches and city life. Just a few kilometres from the capital, a completely different landscape begins, where mountains, white villages, hiking trails and traditional cuisine reveal another side of the province.

Colmenar, located at the gateway to the Montes de Málaga, is an excellent starting point for travellers who want to discover inland Málaga while still being within reach of some of the province's best-known attractions.

From here, you can plan day trips, drive along mountain roads, discover small villages in the Axarquía or explore unique natural landscapes.

If you are planning a getaway, here are 10 places to visit near Málaga that you can include in your trip.

1. Colmenar, gateway to the Montes de Málaga

Before setting off to explore the province, it is well worth starting in Colmenar itself.

This Málaga village retains the peaceful character of inland Andalusia and offers travellers a different way to experience Málaga, away from the busier tourist areas of the coast.

A stroll through its streets allows you to discover traditional architecture, explore some of its most characteristic corners and enjoy a gastronomy closely connected to local produce.

Honey has played an especially important role in the history and traditions of Colmenar, to the extent that bees and beehives have become part of the municipality's identity.

Colmenar is also a perfect base from which to explore the Montes de Málaga and the Axarquía.

2. Montes de Málaga Natural Park

One of the great attractions of this area is its proximity to the Montes de Málaga Natural Park, an ideal destination for anyone looking to combine their trip with nature and tranquillity.

Its mountain roads, forests, hiking trails and viewpoints offer an enormous contrast to the sun-and-beach image usually associated with Málaga.

It is particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy hiking, cycling, motorcycle routes, photography or simply driving at a relaxed pace while taking in the scenery.

It also provides an opportunity to combine nature and gastronomy, one of the most characteristic experiences of inland Málaga.

3. Málaga city

Staying inland also gives you the opportunity to spend a day discovering the city of Málaga.

The historic centre is home to many of the city's must-see attractions. You can stroll along the famous Calle Larios, visit Málaga Cathedral, explore the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre, or continue towards the port and Muelle Uno.

Málaga also has an excellent cultural, gastronomic and shopping scene, so it is worth allowing several hours to explore the city at a relaxed pace.

After a day enjoying the atmosphere of the capital, returning inland allows you to experience a completely different side of Málaga.

4. El Torcal de Antequera

El Torcal de Antequera is one of the most distinctive natural landscapes in the province.

Its remarkable limestone formations, shaped by nature over millions of years, have created a spectacular landscape.

There are several routes through the area, making it an interesting destination both for hiking enthusiasts and for travellers who simply want to enjoy its scenery and viewpoints.

Before travelling, we recommend checking the weather conditions and the latest information regarding access and routes.

5. Antequera, history in the heart of Málaga

A visit to Antequera combines heritage, history and gastronomy in a single excursion.

The town has an impressive monumental and archaeological heritage. Among its best-known attractions are the Alcazaba and the Dolmens of Antequera.

Its streets, squares and churches make the historic centre well worth exploring at a leisurely pace.

Antequera and El Torcal can also be combined in the same day, making this one of the most complete excursions into inland Málaga.

6. Discover the Axarquía

The Axarquía region of Málaga is an area of mountains, valleys and white villages that retains much of the traditional character of the province's interior.

Here, the journey itself can become part of the experience: mountain roads, small villages, viewpoints and landscapes that invite you to stop along the way.

Rather than choosing just one destination, you can plan a route and visit several villages in the same day.

It is a wonderful way to discover a different side of Málaga and explore places that are less familiar to visitors who only experience the capital or the Costa del Sol.

7. Comares, a balcony over the Axarquía

Thanks to its elevated location, Comares is one of the most distinctive villages in the Axarquía.

Its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and views across the surrounding landscape make it particularly enjoyable for a peaceful day trip.

One of the best experiences is simply walking through the village and stopping at its various viewpoints.

It can also be included as part of a driving or motorcycle route through several inland villages of Málaga.

8. Riogordo and rural Málaga

Riogordo is another interesting stop for travellers looking to discover the rural character of the province.

The village retains traditional Andalusian architecture and offers an atmosphere very different from the major tourist destinations along the coast.

It can easily be visited as part of a route through the Axarquía and combined with other nearby villages to create either a half-day or full-day excursion.

Here, the attraction is not simply about visiting monuments, but about enjoying the scenery, the streets and the relaxed pace of life in inland villages.

9. Caminito del Rey

For travellers looking for a different kind of experience, the Caminito del Rey has become one of the major attractions in the province of Málaga.

Its route through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge and its famous walkways provide a spectacular experience.

Unlike some of the other excursions on this list, a visit here requires more advance planning.

We recommend checking ticket availability, opening times, access conditions and any possible restrictions through the official channels before organising your visit.

10. A road trip through inland Málaga

Not every excursion needs a famous monument as its destination.

One of the best ways to discover inland Málaga is simply to travel along its roads, pass through small villages and stop whenever the landscape catches your eye.

The Montes de Málaga and the Axarquía offer countless possibilities for travellers who enjoy driving and discovering places beyond the most common tourist routes.

It is an especially attractive option for motorcyclists, cyclists and travellers who enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

Discover another side of Málaga from Colmenar

Málaga can mean beaches, museums and city life, but it can also mean mountains, small villages, hiking trails, gastronomy and roads winding through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the province.

Staying in Colmenar allows you to combine both experiences and plan a different excursion every day.

You can discover the Montes de Málaga, explore the Axarquía, visit Antequera, experience El Torcal or spend a day in Málaga city before returning to the tranquillity of the countryside.

Hotel Balcón de los Montes: your starting point

At Hotel Balcón de los Montes, in Colmenar, you will find an ideal base from which to discover this other side of Málaga.

After a day exploring the province, you can return to the hotel, relax and enjoy the cuisine in our restaurant before planning your next adventure.

If you are thinking of visiting Málaga and would like to combine the city with nature and traditional inland villages, check our availability and book directly with us.

We look forward to welcoming you to Colmenar, at the gateway to the Montes de Málaga.