Historic centre
The best choice for seeing everything on foot: the Alcazaba, the cathedral and the museums are a few minutes away. It is lively at night, so choose your street carefully.
Itinerary · Málaga
Malaga in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary
3-day itinerary for Malaga: the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, the cathedral, the Picasso Museum, the Soho, Muelle Uno and the beaches of La Malagueta and Pedregalejo.
- 3days
- 12stops
- 6Areas
This 3-day itinerary is designed for anyone visiting Malaga for the first time who wants to combine history, museums and the sea without rushing. The first day is devoted to the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and the cathedral; the second to Picasso and the shopping centre; and the third to the beach and contemporary art.
From the airport, the quickest option is the Cercanías C1 train: it leaves from the T3 station and reaches María Zambrano in about 8 minutes and Málaga Centro-Alameda in about 12. There is also the EMT Airport Express Line (Línea Exprés Aeropuerto), which goes to the centre and is paid for on board, and the taxis outside arrivals, which take about 15-20 minutes.
Tips
- Book the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou in advance, especially in high season.
- Go up to Gibralfaro first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon: the slope is really noticeable in the midday heat.
- Try the espetos de sardinas at a beach chiringuito; they are the city’s most typical dish.
- Lunch is late and dinner starts from nine o’clock. Order a portion of pescaíto frito (fried fish) to share.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and a bottle of water; the centre is pedestrianised and you do everything on foot.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in very busy areas, such as Calle Larios and the port.
Day 1
Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and the old town
Teatro Romano
Historic centre
Start at the foot of the Alcazaba, where the seating of a Roman theatre from the 1st century BC survives. It is a short stop, but it helps you appreciate that Malaga has been inhabited for more than two thousand years.
Alcazaba
Historic centre
The Moorish fortress climbs in terraces between courtyards, fountains and gardens. Allow plenty of time to explore it unhurriedly, and book your ticket in advance in high season.
Castillo de Gibralfaro
Gibralfaro hill
A path links the Alcazaba with the castle, at the top of the hill. The climb is steep, but the reward is the best views of the port, the bullring and the whole city.
Catedral de Málaga
Historic centre
Known as La Manquita (the one-armed lady) because one of its towers was never finished, this Renaissance cathedral deserves a visit inside. If you fancy it, there are tours that include the roof.
Day 2
Picasso, Calle Larios and Muelle Uno
Casa Natal de Picasso y plaza de la Merced
Historic centre
The Plaza de la Merced is a good spot for a coffee, and on one of its corners stands the house where the painter was born. It is small and can be visited quickly.
Museo Picasso Málaga
Historic centre
The museum occupies the Palacio de Buenavista, on a narrow street in the old town, and brings together works from different periods of the artist's career. Book in advance and avoid the middle of the day.
Calle Larios y mercado de Atarazanas
Historic centre
Calle Larios is the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare, ideal for strolling and shopping. A few minutes away, the Atarazanas market, with its horseshoe-arched gate, is a good place for a bite of fish and fruit.
Muelle Uno y Paseo del Parque
Port
At sunset, a stroll along the port with its shops, terraces and sea views is a good way to finish. If you come via the Paseo del Parque, you will pass through tropical gardens right next to the town hall.
Day 3
Beach, espetos and contemporary art
Playa de la Malagueta
La Malagueta
The city's urban beach is a few minutes from the centre, with chiringuitos (beach bars) where you can try espetos de sardinas (grilled sardine skewers). It is ideal for a sunny morning or a walk along the seafront promenade.
Pedregalejo
Pedregalejo
Following the coast eastwards you will reach this former fishing district. Its chiringuitos and fried-fish restaurants are a classic place for lunch, and you can get there by city bus or on foot along the shoreline.
Centre Pompidou Málaga
Port
Its colourful cube beside the port can be seen from afar. It is one of the few Pompidou venues outside France and fits in well in the afternoon, after the sun of the beach.
El Soho y arte urbano
Soho
This district beside the port has filled up with murals by street artists. Stroll its streets and end the day with dinner on one of its terraces.
Málaga
Where to stay in Málaga
La Malagueta
A quiet option between the centre and the beach, with a seafront promenade and good restaurants. Convenient if you want to combine city and sea.
Soho
A modern atmosphere beside the port, with street art, bars and a good walking connection to the centre and to the María Zambrano train station.
Itinerary · Málaga
More Málaga itineraries
5 days
Málaga in 5 days
- Day 1 Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and the cathedral
- Day 2 Picasso, Calle Larios and Atarazanas
- Day 3 The port, the Soho and contemporary art
- Day 4 Beach, chiringuitos and gardens
- + 1 day
7 days
Málaga in 7 days
- Day 1 Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and the cathedral
- Day 2 Picasso, Thyssen and Calle Larios
- Day 3 The port, the Soho and contemporary art
- Day 4 La Malagueta beach and the seafront promenade
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Malaga?
Three days are enough to see the monuments of the centre, one or two museums and spend a day at the beach. With more time you can add day trips such as Nerja or Antequera.
What is worth booking before you travel?
The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou often have queues in high season, so book in advance.
Can you do this itinerary without a car?
Yes. The centre can be covered on foot, and the eastern beaches are reached by city bus or on foot along the shoreline.
Photo credits
- Teatro Romano: Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Alcazaba: Fernando, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Castillo de Gibralfaro: Nicolas Vigier, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
- Catedral de Málaga: Luis García (Zaqarbal), CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Playa de la Malagueta: Alexey Komarov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons