My favorite way to experience Europe is by taking road trips. Having a car gives us the freedom to make detours whenever we feel like it and adds a level of flexibility to our travels.

This time, we flew into Málaga and picked up a rental car. Although we ended up seeing more of Málaga at the end of the trip, I wanted to start this blog post there as I guide you through a short tour of Málaga, Marbella, Gibraltar, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, and Ronda.
- Aida

Málaga

Málaga was much bigger than I initially expected, and we spent most of our time strolling through the streets of the old city. It was filled with tourists at every corner, reminding me of my time in Rome. There were countless restaurants, mostly catering to visitors, and souvenir shops selling everything from Picasso-inspired magnets to flamenco dresses for young girls.

I considered visiting the Picasso Museum, but the long line quickly changed my mind, and to be fair, I have never been a huge Picasso fan. Instead, I wandered through the streets, admiring the mix of Moorish and Andalusian architecture and soaking in the city’s vibrant energy.

Fun fact: Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded by the Phoenicians nearly 3,000 years ago.

Marbella

Marbella truly has one of the most beautiful neighborhoods that I have ever seen. Nestled between rolling hills and lined with endless palm trees, it reminded me of San Diego, California.

To be honest, I was underwhelmed by the beach. I am sure there are people who love it, but personally, I am not a fan of high-rise buildings lining the shore, especially when the sand is not particularly inviting.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a very unique and interesting place. It is a UK territory connected to Spain, so you literally need to go through passport control to enter. Once you are on the other side of the border, everything is written in English, and the currency is no longer the Euro but the Pound.

Its unusual status comes from history: Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht, and Spain has been trying to reclaim it ever since. The dispute continues today, keeping the border and local politics tense. Gibraltar’s location at the entrance to the Mediterranean has also made its port extremely important for trade and military strategy, serving as a key stop for ships and a hub for maritime activity.

Tarifa

Tarifa is the southernmost town on the Spanish mainland and sits just a short distance from Punta de Tarifa, the actual southernmost point. From here, you are only about 14 kilometers from the African continent, making it the closest point in Europe to Morocco.

The influence of centuries of Moorish rule can be seen in the architecture, with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and ornate details that give the town a distinct North African feel.

Tarifa is also famous for its strong winds, which make it one of the world’s top spots for kite surfing and wind sports, adding a lively and adventurous vibe to the town.

Vejer de la Frontera

Vejer de la Frontera was an unexpected stop. We were on our way to Cádiz when we spotted it from afar and decided to make a detour and I must say, it was well worth it.

This white city reminds me of the towns in Apulia, Italy. Its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and flower-filled balconies make it simply quaint and charming. Perched on a hill, the town also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby coast, giving it a peaceful, timeless feel.

Ronda

Ronda is built on cliffs that rise dramatically above deep gorges. The town’s location was originally chosen for defense. Its steep cliffs and narrow access points made it nearly impossible for invaders to attack. You can get beautiful views from the bridge area, but when I was there, I couldn’t stop wondering how incredible the aerial view must be (excuse me while I go watch some drone footage on YouTube).