Málaga: a base for exploring Andalucía
6 Nights / 7 Days
Málaga has become a popular destination for short breaks, especially since the city centre and cruise port have undergone a complete transformation in the last few years. There’s plenty to see, including the Roman theatre, Cathedral, Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. The many excellent museums include the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou Málaga.
Málaga is also a good place to base yourself if you want to explore more of Andalucía on day trips, due to its excellent transport links.
Day 1
Once you arrive in Málaga, head to the pedestrianised area near the cathedral. It’s likely to be bustling, but things should calm down once the cruise passengers and other daytrippers head off.
Málaga Cathedral
Visit Málaga Cathedral, which was built on the site of the former main mosque. Construction began in the 1520s, but it was only completed in 1768, and some people still say it’s missing a second tower. During the 250 years it took to build the cathedral, tastes changed, so the building represents a synthesis of styles ranging from late Gothic through to Baroque.
Evening
Near the cathedral on Calle Cañon, La Bocaná is a good choice for light tapas and drinks. Heading towards the Roman theatre on Calle Alcazabilla, Uvedoble Taberna has a varied menu and pleasant outdoor terrace. There are plenty more restaurants in the area, but price and quality vary considerably, so it’s worth checking the menu and latest reviews before sitting down.
Day 2
On your first monring in Málaga, visit the Muslim Alcazaba and Gibralfaro that look out over the port, protecting it from intruders. On the way back down, take a leisurely stroll along La Malagueta beach and stop for grilled fish or seafood.
In the afternoon, take time to explore more of Málaga’s port and historic centre. Our VoiceMap audio tour The Making of Modern Málaga tells the turbulent story of Málaga’s industrialisation, decline and rebirth as a tourist centre in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Morning
Málaga’s Muslim heritage
Visit the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro for a taste of the period from 711 until 1487 when Málaga was under Muslim rule. Once the citadel where the city’s elite lived, the Alcazaba has many beautifully decorated rooms and courtyards.
On the hill above the Alcazaba, the Gibralfaro fortress offers unrivalled views of the city from its impressive ramparts. In the old gunpowder magazine, there is an interpretation centre which tells the story of the castle.
Lunch
If you’re feeling fit, it’s a very pleasant walk back down to the city from the Gibralfaro.
Once you’re down, head to La Malagueta beach for some grilled fish and seafood at a “chiringuito” beach restaurant.
Afternoon
Málaga’s port and historic centre
After Málaga’s new cruise port was opened in 2011, the city’s harbourfront has been transformed into one of the most popular places for visitors to go for a stroll or just hang out with a drink watching the world go by. Málaga’s historic centre, centred around Plaza de la Constitución, is also largely pedestrianised, so it’s very pleasant to get lost in its winding streets. Sights worth visiting include the wine museum ($) and the Roman theatre.
Evening
Several of Málaga’s hotels have rooftop bars or restaurants. For example, La Terraza de la Alcazaba is a good choice for a sundowner with views of the Alcazaba and the city’s skyline.
There are restaurants for all tastes and budgets in Málaga, including some with Michelin stars. If you have your heart set on a particular one, be sure to reserve a table in advance.
Days 3-5: Day trips
Málaga is a convenient base for visiting other destinations in Andalucía. Antequera and Córdoba make great day trips, and are easily accessible by public transport. Granada is also feasible as a day trip, although we always recommend setting aside more time for it if possible, particularly if you want to see both the Alhambra and the city. Staying on the coast, Marbella is also within easy reach.
Click on the links below for the day-trip itineraries:
Other recommended day trips from Málaga include:
- Nerja and Frigiliana: Nerja is a pretty seaside town and beach resort, and you can also visit the Nerja Cave, which was first inhabited 35,000 years ago. Just inland, Frigiliana is a pretty white village. There are organised tours from Málaga that combine a visit to Nerja, including its cave, with Frigiliana.
- Caminito del Rey: a dramatic walk through a spectacular gorge near Ardales north-west of Málaga. You need to book in advance.
- Book tickets here
- More information on this website, including what to do if there are no tickets available
- Ronda: a beautiful historic mountain town beside the dramatic Tajo Gorge.
If you’re not keen on so much rushing about, just take the time to relax on La Malagueta beach or sit in one of Málaga’s squares or parks and watch the world go by.
Evening
Mix with the great and the good in the iconic bar El Pimpi or get tapas in a traditional bar like Bodegas Tranca.
Day 6
On your last full day in Málaga, make the most of Málaga’s museums, including the Picasso Museum.
In the afternoon, if you’ve had enough of museums, catch the bus out to the tranquil La Concepción Botanical Garden.
Morning
Picasso Museum
Málaga is famous as Picasso’s birthplace, and the Picasso Museum offers a chronological tour of his work, covering all the main periods of his incredibly varied artistic output.
As well as the art museum, you can visit the house where Picasso grew up on Plaza de la Merced. It tells the story of Picasso’s early life and gives a fascinating insight into how the aspiring middle classes lived in Málaga in the late 19th century.
Lunch
Grab a casual lunch at the Atarazanas market or at one of the many bars and restaurants in the surrounding streets, including Málaga’s oldest bar, the Antigua Casa de Guardia.
Afternoon
An afternoon at the museum
While away the afternoon at one of Málaga’s many outstanding museums. Art collections include the Centre Pompidou Málaga ($), with high-quality modern and contemporary art, and the Carmen Thyssen Museum ($), which is a great place to discover local 19th and early 20th century art. The excellent Museum of Málaga houses the city’s collections of archaeology and art, and the Automobile and Fashion Museum ($) is also very popular.
La Concepción Historical Botanical Garden
If museums aren’t your thing, why not head to La Concepción. Once the home of one of Málaga’s wealthiest families, it is now a botanical garden with a beautifully laid out collection of plants from all over the world. It’s a short bus or taxi ride away from the city centre.
Evening
On your final evening, enjoy a meal in the historic centre or overlooking the harbour.
Day 7
If you have time, take in one last museum or do some last minute shopping.
Related audio tours
Save money with a tour bundle
If you have some extra days in Málaga, both Antequera and Marbella make excellent day trips. Our tour bundle covers all three cities.
Included audio tours:
- The Making of Modern Málaga: Two Centuries of Tragedy and Triumph
- Mediterranean Marbella: From Moorish Medina to Luxury Resort
- Romantic Antequera: The City of Ballad and Chronicle
Questions and answers
Málaga has lots of interesting museums and sights, including the Picasso Museum, Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre and Cathedral, and there’s a town beach – La Malagueta. It’s also a great base for day trips around Andalucía.
Málaga has great transport links, so there are lots of possible day trips, including the historic towns of Córdoba, Antequera and Ronda, as well as the seaside towns of Marbella and Nerja.
Yes, you can easily do the Caminito del Rey as a day trip from Málaga, either through a guided tour or independently. You can take the train to Ardales and then a shuttle bus to the trailhead. Remember, it’s essential to book your entry for the Caminito well in advance.