Historic centre
The best choice for seeing everything on foot: the Alcazaba, the cathedral and the museums are a few minutes away.
Itinerary · Málaga
Malaga in 5 days: a day-by-day itinerary
5-day itinerary for Malaga: the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, the cathedral, the Picasso Museum, the Soho, the eastern beaches, gardens and a day trip to Nerja and Frigiliana.
- 5days
- 15stops
- 7Areas
This 5-day itinerary is designed for anyone who wants to get to know Malaga at a relaxed pace and take a day out to the eastern Costa del Sol. The first two days are devoted to the old town and the museums; the third to the port and the Soho; the fourth to the beach and the gardens; and the fifth to Nerja and Frigiliana.
From the airport, the Cercanías C1 train 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), with payment 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 noticeable in the midday heat.
- Try the espetos de sardinas at a beach chiringuito; they are the city’s most typical dish.
- For the trip to Nerja, check the bus timetable the day before and set off early.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water; the centre is pedestrianised and is explored 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 cathedral
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, 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 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.
Day 2
Picasso, Calle Larios and Atarazanas
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.
Museo Picasso Málaga
Historic centre
The museum occupies the Palacio de Buenavista and brings together works from different periods of the artist's career. Book in advance and avoid the middle of the day.
Museo Carmen Thyssen
Historic centre
A palace in the old town devoted to 19th-century Spanish painting, with plenty of Andalusian landscapes and scenes. It is a quiet, well-presented visit.
Calle Larios y mercado de Atarazanas
Historic centre
Calle Larios is the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare. A few minutes away, the Atarazanas market, with its horseshoe-arched gate, is a good place for a bite of fish and fruit.
Day 3
The port, the Soho and contemporary art
Muelle Uno y Paseo del Parque
Port
Stroll along the port, with its shops, terraces and sea views. The Paseo del Parque, next to the town hall, is a very pleasant area of tropical gardens.
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.
El Soho y arte urbano
Soho
This district beside the port has filled up with murals by street artists. Stroll its streets and have dinner on one of its terraces.
Day 4
Beach, chiringuitos and gardens
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).
Pedregalejo
Pedregalejo
Following the coast eastwards you will reach this former fishing district, with fried-fish restaurants right by the sand. You can get there by city bus or on foot along the shoreline.
Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción
North of the city
A subtropical garden on the outskirts, with paths, waterfalls and viewpoints. You can get there by bus or taxi, and it is a good plan for the afternoon, when the heat eases.
Day 5 · Day trip
Nerja y Frigiliana
Nerja y Frigiliana
Nerja is an hour from Malaga by bus from the bus station. Stroll along the Balcón de Europa, head down to the coves and, if you fancy it, visit the Nerja caves. From there, a short bus ride takes you to Frigiliana, a white village of steep streets and flowerpots.
Málaga
Where to stay in Málaga
La Malagueta
A quiet option between the centre and the beach, with a seafront promenade and good restaurants.
Soho
A modern atmosphere beside the port, with street art and a good connection to the María Zambrano station.
Itinerary · Málaga
More Málaga itineraries
3 days
Málaga in 3 days
- Day 1 Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and the old town
- Day 2 Picasso, Calle Larios and Muelle Uno
- Day 3 Beach, espetos and contemporary art
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
Is a week enough for Malaga?
Five days let you see the city at a relaxed pace, rest on the beach and make a day trip. If you want more, add Antequera or Ronda.
What do you need to book before you travel?
It is best to book the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou in advance, especially in high season.
Can you get to Nerja without a car?
Yes, there are direct buses from Malaga station, and from Nerja a local bus goes up to Frigiliana.
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