Valencia to Malaga Road Trip: 12 Exciting Stops to Make With Dozens of Places to Visit

Spain is a country that was made for road trips, both short and long in all directions. The Valencia to Malaga road trip is just one example that provides a nice opportunity to explore some of southern Spain’s most beautiful scenery and way of life.

Traveling by road between Malaga and Valencia is easy and safe. The main road that I suggest you take is well maintained and for the most part free (with a couple of small stretches being tolls). And when you take detours, there are impressive views of different landscapes and interesting towns to explore together with some fascinating local and unique Spanish experiences.

Going on a drive from Valencia to Malaga is a great way to explore a bit of the Valencia shoreline and some of Murcia as well as contemplate the beauty of the east coast of Andalusia which stretches along the mountains.

Besides renting a car, make sure you check the requirements for driving a car in Spain as a foreigner. For some nationalities, having an international driver’s license is a must. 

And then if you want to do Valencia to Granada road trip, feel free to use this route too. It takes a little longer than going directly away from the coast, but it is well worth it!

So, here is a quick guide to a big Valencia road trip and to a visit to must-see places between Malaga and Valencia. There are many spots where to stop but I highlight my favorite ones that are worth your time and drive!

Where to Rent a Car in Valencia (or Malaga)

When in Valencia or Malaga, Mark and I always rent cars through two companies, either through DiscoverCars or LocalRent (depending on the season) comparing prices and seeing which one has better deals.

If you need to go down into the nitty gritty of Valencia car hire, then don’t miss my brief guide to renting a car and driving in Valencia. And then if in Malaga, see this post about where to rent a car in Malaga – airport or city center. Otherwise, just browse through the offers and see what is available today:

Cheap Car Rentals in Valencia and Malaga:

Things to Know Before Going on a Valencia to Malaga Drive

First things first. Before I get to talk about all the stops on the Malaga to Valencia road trip, here are a couple of things to know:

The network of gas stations along the Spanish roads has a strong presence, including the road between Valencia and Malaga. My recommendation is that you use Repsol as your gas/diesel station.

Distance between Malaga and Valencia

With 625 km between Valencia and Malaga, if your goal is to get from point A to point B, you could do this in one shot as the drive would take about 6 hours. The Valencia-Malaga distance is not that bad but, there are so many things to do between these two cities, you can take weeks doing this road trip.

This is why, with that in mind, I recommend you plan your drive in that way where you can not just quickly cover the distance and see a few major cities along the way but where you can actually pause for a little longer and immerse in daily Spanish life, discovering hidden gems and lesser-popular towns.

So here is the way I would recommend you structure your journey.

Map of Stops Between Valencia and Malaga

12 Exciting Stops to Make on a Road Trip from Valencia to Malaga

Gandia

The first stop I recommend you to make after leaving Valencia to drive to Malaga is a seaside resort town Gandia in the southern part of the Valencia region. Its charm the town gets thanks to the port and the picturesque mountains surrounding the settlement from all sides.

Gandia is famous for its beautiful beaches and historic castle. There are not a lot of attractions and nightlife. Nevertheless, every summer several thousand Europeans tend to come here to relax on the seashore, surrounded by beautiful nature.

When you visit on a road trip to Malaga, take a stroll along the beach, relax in a seaside cafe, and explore the castle for a unique and memorable experience.

What To Do in Gandia

Well, there is not a ton of things to do in Gandia, yet, this town can surely keep you busy.

Once you get here, visit at first the Walls of Gandia. In the 16th century, these walls protected the city from invaders and surrounded the city center. The Alqueria del Duc is a medieval fortification of Muslim origin.

Then go to the castle of Bairen or San Juan. It only costs 2 euros to enter to walk around and get views of the town and sea. Or, you can better devote time to visiting the Ducal Palace of the Borjas. It is an incredible piece of architecture with an interesting story behind it. You can get an audio tour in different languages for under 10 euros.

Another thing not to miss is a promenade of Gandia. It is considered one of the widest and most beautiful in the Valencia region. There you can take a walk, sit in one of the cafes, pop into a small boutique shop, and also admire the bright flowers in the flower beds. You’ll find many benches and sun loungers on the embankment as well as exercise machines and playgrounds for children.

There is a port on the left side of the promenade – you won’t be able to see large ships here, but there are a lot of snow-white yachts and sailboats.

Denia

This town is known for its excellent seafood and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. When visiting on a drive from Valencia, try the local paella dish, visit the castle, and take a boat tour for a full experience of the area.

Denia is a port town also known for its cozy beaches, comfortable family hotels, a huge number of restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine, and its numerous archeological sites.

Denia literally exudes the spirit of antiquity with a high number of archaeological and ethnological museums, castles, old fortresses, and ancient streets. They all create a special atmosphere. Here you can make a quick stop when driving from Valencia to Granada or to Malaga or even spend a few days long vacation, combining a beach holiday with sightseeing.

The most recent award to this city has been from UNESCO. Denia was declared the Creative City of Gastronomy just like San Sebastian in northern Spain. This is the main reason why you should visit and eat here before you continue with the road trip to Malaga.

What To Do in Denia

First, walk toward the port along the street Marques del Campo. It is a convenient and pretty street where you can do some shopping.

The Denia coast has been one of the most important anchorages in the Mediterranean since Roman times. The modern port began to take shape at the beginning of the 20th century, and it expanded until it became the great port that we see today. Ferries depart from here to many of the Balearic Islands with Ibiza being the closest one.

From the port, find the neighborhood ‘Baix La Mar’ or neighborhood of the Fishermen. This area seems like it comes out of a fairytale with a small maze of low-rise colorful houses, making it the perfect spot for photos.

The castle nearby is astonishing and it only costs 3 euros to enter. On your way there see the castle tunnel. This tunnel was built during the Spanish Civil War to protect the citizens from aerial attacks.

Finally, as you walk along the pedestrian street of Loreto, you will find the beautiful bell tower of the Church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto which was built in 1683. The church stands next to the Convento de las Agustinas, which came into operation in 1604.

Restaurants that deserve a visit in Denia are Casa Federico, in the port and Tasca Les Monges on Loreto street.

Benidorm

On a stretch between Valencia and Murcia, by the coast, there is an interesting destination that you also don’t want to miss. An incredible city built of skyscrapers, something completely unusual in this part of the country which is often called “Spanish Las Vegas” and “European Miami”.

Benidorm is considered one of the key resorts of the Costa Blanca, and above all, stands out among the other resort towns of the coast and the whole country with its many skyscrapers. The rapid development of the tourism industry and construction in the 60s turned the once small fishing village into a modern resort, a real Mecca for tourists in the region.

You can find absolutely everything in this city and have a wonderful vacation, not just a quick stop on a road trip. Although be aware of the prices, as it is a very tourist place (unless you are visiting the Valencia region in winter). This city is famous for its nightlife, beaches, and theme parks.

What To Do in Benidorm

Well, you may like it so much that you may want to stop here for a night and devote more time to this city. There are really a lot of things to do.

Only spending a day at Terra Mitica theme park or Terra Natura park is going to take some time. Visit these parks for wildlife and waterpark activities.

Then don’t miss the two best viewpoints of the city such as The balcony of the Mediterranean and the Cross of Benidorm. Both offer great views of the sea and the city. Visit the old town and the local markets. Stroll along any of the beaches and if you spend the night there, enjoy a night out at one of the city’s many clubs.

All the Mediterranean coast of Valencia Autonomous Comunity is known for delicious rice dishes, so make sure to try one of them in Benidorm. This city has great options for where to eat, but can also be very tourist oriented.

Elche

After Benidorm, Elche is going to be a very different stop. It is one of the oldest cities in Spain, which began its history in 5000 BC and one of the important tourist centers.

Despite some remoteness from the sea, Elche has beautiful centuries-old palm trees, gardens, exquisite architecture of ancient palaces, and mysteries – it holds a religious holiday every year.

Among cities, Elche is rather small but it is also famous for its shoe-making industry and for the Palmeral de Elche (one of the largest palm trees in Europe which is considered a symbol of the city), which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What To Do in Elche

If there was time only for two things, I would highly suggest that you visit the Palmeral and the Huerto del Cura. The first one is a huge palm grove, a vast area with numerous palm trees. It is one of the largest palm groves in Europe. And second place (also known as the Priest’s Garden) is a beautiful botanical garden with a remarkable collection of palm trees. Another (or very similar) garden like that in Europe is in Tenerife North.

Other places I love is Basilica de Santa Maria (the one you can see in the photo) built on a square Plaza de Santa Maria and Altamira Fortress, medieval fortress overlooking Elche and offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

For wine lovers, drive to Bodegas Faelo winery to take a tour and wine tasting. This is a family business that has been making great wines for over 100 years. Just before you go, get in touch with them on their website and make a reservation.

Restaurants worth mentioning are Restaurante Mesón El Granaino, Restaurant Els Capellans, and La Lateria Gastrobar. This last one offers an outstanding Spanish omelet (Tortilla de patatas) on Wednesdays and Thursdays and also amazing tapas.

Murcia

Murcia is the capital of the autonomous community (State) with the same name “Murcia”. Even though this region is located by the coast, Murcia’s closest beach is Torrevieja, in the province of Alicante with its beautiful beaches. But I recommend you visit this destination not for the beach.

Murcia is an underrated small city with a population of around 440,000 people. This was one of the main Roman cities that not only had incredible history and architecture but also one of the best Spanish cuisine options.

Murcia has a climate with hot summers, mild winters, and relatively low precipitation. So if you are driving through it on a hot summer day, it may be better to skip it. But during any other time of the year, it is a nice point of interest where to stop on this drive.

What to See in Murcia

The Cathedral of Murcia is the number one thing to see here. This religious building is Gothic style but has elements of the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassic styles.

The pedestrian streets of Plateria and Traperia are the main arteries of the old town. Traperia, refers to trapos, or cloths, as this was once the focus of the Jewish community’s garment trade. Trapería goes from the cathedral to Plaza de Santo Domingo, formerly a bustling market square. The name Plateria refers to plata (silver), as this street was the historical focus for the commerce of rare metals by Murcia’s Jewish community.

Highly recommend visiting the Casino de Murcia, located in Trapería. It is a social club erected in 1847, with a sumptuous interior. It also includes a Moorish-style patio inspired by the royal chambers of the Alhambra, in Granada.

Visit The Puente de Los Peligros (the Dangers bridge) or the modern Puente de Calatrava (from the architect Calatrava, same that designed the Dove entrance of the World Trade Center in NYC).

Places to eat while in Murcia: El Chato. This restaurant focuses on local and autochthonous ingredients with modern preparation and presentation. They have a wide selection of wines from the region as well. Try the empanadilla de pastel murciano. This is a stamp from this city.

Also, you can head to Plaza de Las Flores. This plaza is packed during the day as most locals come here for an aperitivo (meal before lunch) or lunch itself. But you shouldn’t miss this place as it is open during dinnertime as well.

Another thing is to do a bar crawl. The local way is going from bar to bar and trying different tapas. Start with seafood tapas and finish with some morcillas (blood sausages) and other meat dishes.

Cartagena

At first, I thought for a moment if it is worth adding Cartagena to a list of places where to stop on Valencia to Malaga drive (or Valencia to Granada drive if you are heading there).

But then I decided to definitely include it as Cartagena is one of the most interesting cities in Spain with the greatest monumental heritage and rich history. It is also one of the largest natural harbors in the world, rich in mineral mines. For thousands of years, this city has been considered one of the most profitable places on the planet.

From the Roman ruins, museums, and beautiful beaches to colonial buildings and bustling nightlife, Cartagena is definitely a must-visit, whether you want to make it a quick or a short stop.

What To See in Cartagena

If you are planning to spend only a few hours in Cartagena as part of a road trip, then visit the Roman Theatre, explore the Punic Wall, and take a dip in the Mediterranean sea for a day filled with history and relaxation.

If you enjoy marine life, stop at ARQUA, Marine Underwater Archaeology Museum. After all, Cartagena is the Spanish Navy Capital.

The city center has a melting pot of buildings and it is a very walkable city. But before leaving Cartagena, you must stop at this unique attraction that many don’t even know to exist: Batería de Castillitos. Since you have a car, it will be easy to reach it.

It is an installation that mixes frivolous architecture with meaty and sinister artillery guns. You will be surprised when seeing this entire area. For a unique swim in summer, head to the still pristine beach of Calblanque… not the easiest to get to, but totally worth it.

Mojacar

And now, after leaving Cartagena, you are going to arrive in a diverse and sunny region of Spain – Andalucia. The first place where I suggest you make a stop is Mojacar, one of the lesser-known towns full of beauty and incredible vibes.

Mojacar is divided into a 9^th-century old traditional village of white-washed houses and tiny winding streets on top of the hill, while its beach is a modern area with bars and restaurants on the coast.

What To See in Mojacar

Everything is relatively close in Mojacar pueblo, so park your car and get ready to walk up and down the hills.

A walk along the town is a must. There are white houses with picturesque stores and at the center of town is Plaza Nueva where you have some of the best views of the area. Feel free to sit down here on one of the bar terraces and enjoy some refreshing drinks or coffee while you take the view in.

Visit the Iglesia de Santa Maria (church), la fuente publica de Mojacar (public fountain), and la casa de la Canana. The latter one is a house/museum that showcases how houses and life were in the first half of the 20^th century in Mojacar. In the house, there are 200-year-old decorations and tools from that particular time in history. This place is perfect for unique photographs.

After your mystic journey in the pueblo, head down to the beach. The sea in this area is very different from the Valencia-Alicante coast. You will see more waves and wind in this part of Spain.

Find El Cid eatery for lunch. This chiringuito, which are Spanish restaurants/bars on the beach, has a very relaxed atmosphere and offers delicious food along with Flamenco shows during the peak season.

If they have shrimp from Garrucha (a town nearby), do not hesitate to order them. They can be pricey, however, they are absolutely the best shrimps you can eat in the south. They are grilled with olive oil and garlic and served with lemon. These will be the most unforgettable shrimps you will ever have!

Cabo de Gata

As you continue your drive to Malaga, it is time now to change the scenery a bit and go from cities and towns to a nature reserve. Cabo de Gata is that place, a region that has stunning natural parks and wildlife.

What To See in Cabo de Gata

If time allows and you have a desire, make a stop in the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata for a unique look at Spain’s wildlife and landscapes.

All of Cabo de Gata is filled with natural wonders. Therefore, you shouldn’t miss some of its beaches even if the access doesn’t seem very friendly.

La Playa de Los Muertos (The beach of the Dead Ones) doesn’t have the most inviting name, but you will forget about it once you submerge yourself in the turquoise waters. Cala Raja is another great beach to enjoy.

El Mirador de la Amatista (which you can access by car) is a viewpoint that gives you the feeling as if you were at the end of the world. There is a beautiful lighthouse in Cabo de Gata but the road is along cliffs, undoubtedly this will bother those that suffer from vertigo.

On the way back from the viewing platform to the highway, you can make a few more stops in the towns of Nijar and Rodalquilar. They are small towns worth a stop for their craft and miner past.

Motril

By now you can be tired from all the stops that you made. So here is a good opportunity to drive for almost 2 hours while physically relaxing in the car seat and enjoying coastal views from the road.

The next stop you should make is Motril, a city famous for its stunning beaches and delicious cuisine. Depending on the time of the year when you visit (in winter, it is always rather quiet and summer is full of people) will define how much time you should spend there.

What To See in Motril

Go to Plaza de Espana, it is the vibrant center of this town where you will find many of the attractions such as the City Hall, the theater of Calderon de La Barca, and the Church of the Encarnacion. They all show the distinctive architecture of this town from the Granada region.

The Church of the Encarnacion in particular was built on top of a mosque in the early 1500s and is something interesting to look at.

If visiting in summer, take a dip in the Mediterranean and/or walk along the port of Motril for a breezy and relaxing afternoon.

Nerja

After Motril, a short drive will bring you to one of the most romantic corners of Andalusia – Nerja which features a picturesque seaside façade made up of beaches, coves, and precipitous cliffs.

The main reason to visit Nerja is for its stunning beaches and cave systems. But if you have more time, in its historical center you can also see wonderful examples of folk architecture, picturesque boulevards, and nice museums.

What To See in Nerja

If you can allocate only a few hours to the exploration of Nerja, then you may want to choose to see the Caves and the Balcony of Europe, the viewpoint where everyone takes pictures. It is a beautiful viewpoint of the Mediterranean Sea, which occupies the place where there was a fortress and then the Lower Castle of Nerja.

The balcony overlooks the sea and beaches, and downstairs is a restaurant with great views.

After stopping by the famous Nerja Caves and balcony, relax on the beach and try the local seafood for a full and unforgettable experience.

Since you will be driving, I recommend you also check out one of the following beaches. Since they are a bit outside of the town of Nerja, expect to find much more tranquil and beautiful beaches compared to the ones you will find in the town:

• Playa el Cañuelo
• Cala del Pino
• Playa de las Alberquillas
• Playa Molino de Papel
• Playa La Caleta de Maro
• Playa de Maro

Frigiliana

Frigiliana is a small, charming, and peaceful village near Nerja, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountain range, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is very popular thanks to its whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowerpots and narrow cobblestone streets between them.

The village has a rich history dating back to Moorish times and is known for its Moorish quarter (Barrio Morisco), which is a well-preserved example of Moorish architecture in Spain.

But if you are tired after all the prior stops or if you are on a very tight itinerary and have stopped in Mojacar, then it may make sense to skip Frigiliana and return later here on a day trip from Malaga by car and visit it together with other places in the Malaga region.

What To See in Frigiliana

First of all, explore the narrow streets of the old town. Every street is full of history and charm with vibrant flowers. Take in the views of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea as you wander through the maze-like streets. Then stop by the fountain with the remains of three major religions co-living together in one space.

Something unique and very Instagrammable in Frigiliana is the mini and colorful doors in some of the white houses. It is such a colorful contrast.

Next, walk up to the Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana. This building, built in the 16th century, houses the only sugar cane honey factory in Europe and a beautiful craft shop at the door. Try the local dishes and relax with a glass of wine for a full and memorable experience.

Torrox

The last stop that I suggest you make on the drive to Malaga from Valencia is the small town of Torrox, famous for its pretty beaches and historic town center.

However, if you feel that you had enough (and if you are spending more than a couple of days in Malaga city), save this post for later and return to Torrox on a day trip from Malaga, considering how close its location is. You can always combine it with a stop in Frigiliana and Nerja mentioned above.

Just like Mojacar, you have Torrox town (historic center) and Torrox beach. Drive from one to another is almost 5km in distance.

What To See in Torrox

Once in Torrox, take your time to walk around the old Torrox town. The City Hall, the Church of the Encarnacion, and the Arab Torreon are some of the places you should check to see the many cultural and religious influences of this area.

On Torrox beach, you will see the lighthouse and a long beach full of chiringuitos (do you remember what it means?) where to eat sardines on a stick (espeto de sardinas). Just put the word ‘chiringuito’ on a map and you’ll see different locations by the sea.

This area gives you the perfect scenario to relax, take a wonderful sunset, and finish your long road trip between Valencia and Malaga.

More Accommodation Options for Malaga to Valencia Road Trip

If you went through the entire post, you should have noticed how packed with action this southern Spain road trip itinerary is. To be able to see a lot, you’d need to plan a Malaga Valencia route in a way where you can stay overnight somewhere on the road.

And for that, I have a few tips for your possible stay. Here are a few options for places to stay on a road trip between Valencia and Malaga:

Alicante

Alicante is famous for a couple of things – beaches, a historic fortress Castle of Santa Bárbara atop Mount Benacantil, and for hosting festivals like the Hogueras de San Juan. As a destination on the stretch of the drive between Malaga and Valencia, it is not really worth your time. But it has quite good accommodation and is an excellent place where to stop for the night.

You can choose from a variety of hotels, apartments, and hostels (depending on a budget and travel style), but my top picks are:

• Hotel Smile & Co – a boutique hotel ideally located within walking distance of all the attractions ($)
• Boutique Hotel Sierra de Alicante – another nice hotel, but in the vicinity of the city ($-$$)
• Suites del Mar by Melia – romantic and relaxing property with a privileged location and fantastic sea views ($$-$$$)

Murcia

Murcia is an excellent place where to stop for the night if you plan to be in the city on the previous or next day. Otherwise, it can be too much of a hassle to drive around trying to find parking.

My top picks for accommodation options in Murcia are:

• Catalonia Conde de Floridablanca – 4* all-suites highly elegant hotel in the center of Murcia. What makes it special is the staff and spacious rooms ($-SS)
• Bajo El Cejo – a small rural boutique hotel in a nature park outside Murcia. Here you will have the most peaceful stay ($$)
• Parador de Lorca – unique hotel in an unexpected location with sensational architecture embedded in ruins of the old castle ($-$$)

Cabo de Gata

Cabo de Gata can be a good place where to stop between Valencia and Malaga if you want to do a bit of hiking, swimming, and snorkeling while on a road trip. 

It has options for unique stays on a budget in the middle of nowhere, like a small family business with many spa services MiKasa Agua Amarga & SPA or Hotel Villa Maltés with both excellent service and installations.

More Road Trips in Spain

• Best Road Trips to Take From Madrid – if you look forward to seeing central Spain
• Barcelona to Andorra Drive – scenic road trip you didn’t know about
• Best Road Trips in Tenerife – in the north and in the south
• Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Spain – to add to a road trip 
• Driving in Gran Canaria – best road trips to take this year

More Travel Resources for Travel in Spain

• Top things to do in Cordoba – must-have experiences to get the most of a visit
• Is Madrid a nice city? – should you visit?
• Madrid in winter travel guide – what it’s like
• Introduction to northern Spain – where is the best place and why to go
• Tenerife South or North – which one is better for you?
• Visiting Spain in winter – what to be ready for
• Barcelona travel tips – 50 things to know before you go
• What to pack for Spain – tips for every season