3 Days in Malaga (Detailed Itinerary & Insider Tips)
“Can I see Malaga in 3 days?” The short answer is yes. I’d say even two days is enough, but three days is really the right amount of time to explore beyond the old town.
Malaga is a fantastic city because of its wide range of activities, beaches and excursions. On top of this, it’s budget-friendly, safe and easy to make your way around the city on foot.
I’ve helped other travellers plan their trips to my hometown, and I can assure you that you’ll be able to see Malaga’s top attractions in three days, and even take a small day trip on your third day!
In this article, I’ll share the perfect three-day itinerary, but feel free to tweak it to fill your days with activities you enjoy.
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3 Days in Malaga Itinerary
☀️ Day 1: Calle Larios, Alcazaba and Roman Theatre, Casa Lola, Gibralfaro Castle, Parque de Málaga and Muelle Uno.
☀️ Day 2: Picasso Museum, Malaga Cathedral, Atarazanas Market and Malagueta Beach.
☀️ Day 3: Day trip to Mijas Pueblo, Ronda, or Caminito del Rey.
Day 1
Stroll along Calle Larios
Calle Larios is the most popular street in Malaga, so it’s unsurprising to see people walking along this street at any time of day.
It’s also the main spot where major events take place, from the passionate Easter processions to the lively August Fair and gorgeous Christmas light display. There’s always something going on in Calle Larios.
Walking on it is a must and will lead you to Plaza de La Constitución, home to a marble fountain in the middle.
If you love shopping, there are many clothing stores where you can spend a few hours browsing if it’s raining.
While you’re on Larios Street, grab an ice cream at Casa Mira. Dimas Mira E Hijos, the oldest ice cream parlour in the city. Their ice creams are creamy, flavourful, and so good. My go-to flavour is mango!
Visit the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre
The Alcazaba de Malaga brings me so many memories. I’ve visited it since I was a kid, and I can’t resist going back.
Its jasmine-scented gardens, Moorish architectural details and gorgeous panoramic city views make it so special.
I can’t compare it with the Alhambra palace in Granada, but it’s definitely charming in many ways, and you can see the influence of the Moors in Malaga and the rest of Andalucia.
The Alcazaba is definitely one of the most emblematic historical buildings you shouldn’t miss during your trip.
You can explore it at your own pace, or book the guided tour I once did for more insights into its history. Either way, I’m sure that you’ll enjoy visiting it.
If you choose to visit it without a guide, I recommend having a drink from the small kiosk inside. It’s lovely to enjoy a lemonade while contemplating the views.
After you visit the Alcazaba, don’t forget to visit the Roman Amphitheatre. You can also peek at the interpretation centre.
Have lunch at an authentic restaurant
With so many food options, picking the right tapa bar or restaurant is challenging, and it’s easy to end up in a tourist trap.
Casa Lola is one of my top choices for eating in Malaga. There are a few of them, but I tend to go to the one near the Cathedral.
I love their rosada a la plancha (grilled sea bass), which comes with a generous portion of salad, patatas bravas and prawns croquetas.
El Pimpi is another good place to have lunch. I love their fried fish platter; the decor is traditional but gorgeous. The only problem is that it gets too busy. Yes, it’s become very popular, but you won’t only see tourists there.
It’s well-known for a reason, and the food is top-notch. Book a table in advance if you really want to enjoy a meal there.
Last but not least, La Pechá in SoHo ticks off the boxes for me! I love their lively atmosphere, food and white sangria.
Climb up to Gibralfaro Castle
Gibralfaro is one of the most important castles in the Malaga province, so why not visit?
You can actually buy a combo ticket for the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle and save money.
The best thing about this castle is the view that it offers, one of the best in Malaga. However, the castle doesn’t have as much to see as other castles you might have visited in Spain.
To access Gibralfaro Castle, you have two options: you can walk up from Jardines de Puerta Oscura or take the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, which stops there.
No matter how you get there, go to Gibralfaro Viewpoint to take stunning pictures of Malaga or watch the sunset.
Explore Parque de Malaga
Many tourists pass by Parque de Malaga, but very few schedule some time to explore it.
It’s home to numerous plants from all over the world and statues that tell you a bit more about Malaga’s history and traditions. For example, the Fiestero statue.
It’s even worth sitting on a bench to escape from the hottest hours in summer.
I love seeing the little parakeets flying around.
Enjoy the sunset at Muelle Uno
One of the best ways to end the day is to go on a little stroll along Malaga Port.
Window shop, grab an ice cream at Martonella, watch the sunset or have dinner at Trocadero Casa de Botes, which is gorgeous inside. If you prefer a cheaper place to eat, you always have 100 Montaditos for small sandwiches, but they aren’t the best in my opinion.
Another great activity is to take a sunset boat cruise. There’s nothing more special than enjoying the warm colours of the sunset with your other half. I’ve done it a couple of times and loved it!
Day 2
Visit the famous Picasso Museum
Start your day by visiting the most popular museum in Malaga, Picasso Museum Malaga.
Is it worth it? Yes, if you’re passionate about art. If not, you might want to choose a different museum. Malaga has over 30 themed museums covering everything from music to fashion and traditions.
Picasso Museum has two floors with some of the artist’s most important masterpieces, including the Les Demoiselles d’Avignon painting. Depending on your interest in art and Picasso, you can spend between 1 and 2 hours.
The museum opens every day from 10 am to 6 pm, and it’s free every Sunday from 4 pm; however, be ready to queue.
If you love Picasso’s art, I also recommend visiting Museo Casa Natal de Picasso. You can get combined tickets for both museums.
Admire Málaga Cathedral
Malaga Cathedral, officially known as Catedral de la Encarnación, is an emblematic building alongside the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. However, we locals call it La Manquita since it’s missing a tower.
It’s famous for being one of the most valuable Renaissance buildings in Andalusia, so if you love architecture and history, make sure to pay a visit.
The entry fee includes an insightful audio guide in different languages, including English, which tells you everything about this historical building.
The cathedral’s interior is gorgeous, but if you love a view like me, book the ticket with access to the rooftop. Walking on the rooftop is an experience, and you get breathtaking city views.
Something many people miss, but I love, is the cathedral gardens. I love sitting on one of the benches while looking at the cathedral, listening to the water fountain running and seeing birds flying over.
Book a food tour at Mercado de Atarazanas
Do you love Spanish cuisine? Then, Mercado de Atarazanas must be on your Malaga itinerary.
The market has been open since 1879 and is a hotspot for foodies. Restaurant owners and local residents living near the historic centre come to this market to do their shopping.
Here, you can find the best ingredients – from locally sourced fruits and vegetables to meat and the freshest fish coming from Costa del Sol’s ports, like the one in Fuengirola.
One of the best ways to make the most of this market is to visit it with a local guide to get all the insight about this interesting place and taste local products like olive oil and sweet raisins from La Axarquia region (they’re my favourites!)
If booking a tour isn’t on the cards for you, you can also have tapas for lunch at the market. Just be aware it gets busy!
Soak up the sun at Malagueta Beach
Playa de la Malagueta is an unmissable stop when visiting Malaga in late spring or summer. This award-winning beach is close to the historic centre, so you only need to walk approximately 15 minutes.
You can spend the rest of your second day sunbathing, relaxing at the beach and staying there until sunset. Sunsets at La Malagueta Beach are gorgeous – just imagine the warm sky colours and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. It’s delightful. Here, you can also take a photo with the Malagueta sign.
If you aren’t a beach person and would instead visit somewhere different, an alternative option is to go to the Botanical Gardens, located on the city’s outskirts. These gardens have plant species from all around the world, and you’ll find one of the best viewpoints in Malaga.
Day 3
I recommend going on a day trip on your third and last day in Malaga. By the end of the second day, you’ll have probably visited all the main attractions.
So, what are some of the most unique excursions from Malaga?
These are my suggestions:
Mijas Pueblo
🚘 Distance from Malaga: 35 minutes by car
Best for photography lovers
Mijas Pueblo is the most beautiful enchanting village in Costa del Sol.
You’ll find many photo opportunities on every corner – from its cobblestone streets, houses decorated with flower pots and fantastic viewpoints overlooking the coast.
However, if you want a more cultural experience, visit the local museum, go to the miniature wagon and indulge in tapas.
A fun activity for travellers visiting Mijas Pueblo with kids is booking a chocolate-making experience at Mayan Monkey Mijas.
Caminito del Rey
🚘 Distance from Malaga: 1 hour by car
Best for nature lovers
Caminito del Rey has become the most popular hike in Southern Spain, and there is a chance you’ve already seen it on social media.
Its natural surroundings and history make it a special place to hike.
Many people say that it was once one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world. However, it was adapted to the public in 2015.
The views from Caminito del Rey are awe-inspiring, but don’t do it if you don’t like heights.
If you aren’t driving there, have a look at this guided tour from Malaga. It’s the one I did with my partner last year.
Ronda
🚘 Distance from Malaga: 1 hour 20 minutes by car
Best for history, museum and food lovers
Many charming whitewashed towns surround Malaga, but if you’re looking for a town with a combination of sightseeing and food, you won’t be disappointed by Ronda.
You can spend a day discovering its archaeological museums and traditional Andalusian historical houses and savouring delicious tapas.
My favourite place to eat in Ronda is El Lechuguita, a cosy and small traditional bar with tasty tapas.
The quickest way to get to Ronda is by car. Just be aware of the windy roads as it’s in the mountains. Another option is booking a guided tour from Malaga like this one. You’ll see Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas, another picturesque town.
If you prefer quieter towns, I suggest heading to Zahara de la Sierra and Olvera after visiting Ronda. As touristy as it’s become, it’s still worth visiting.
Map with activities to do in Malaga in 3 days
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this 72 hours in Málaga guide.
Where to stay in Malaga for 3 days
Three days are enough to see Malaga City. However, I always recommend staying in the historic centre or relatively close so you can make the most of your time.
If you stay in neighbourhoods which aren’t near the centre, you’ll save money but spend more on public transport when you could visit a museum or discover the picturesque streets of the old town.
These are my hotel recommendations:
🛏️ Room Mate Collection Valeria (4-star hotel). It’s next to Calle Larios and close to all the major attractions. I love their rooms, decorated with local elements, and their rooftop terrace with lovely port views. Check out availability and prices here.
🛏️ Petit Palace Plaza Málaga (4-star hotel). Located behind Calle Larios, this hotel couldn’t have a better location. They have comfortable rooms, including some with stunning views of the Cathedral. Check out availability and prices here.
🛏️ Dulces Dreams Boutique Hotel. It’s a good option if you want to stay somewhere more affordable without compromising location. They offer cosy and vintage rooms, some with en-suite bathrooms and balconies. It’s great for solo travellers and couples. Check out availability and prices here.
Tips for planning three days in Malaga
- Bring cash with you. Although more and more small independent shops and buses take payments by card, you can still find occasions where they won’t accept card payments. This especially applies to buses in the coastal towns.
- Pack suncream. Malaga enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine, so no matter if it’s summer, autumn or winter, you have a good chance of blue skies and sunny days. You’ll definitely want to protect your skin from the UV rays.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. This applies to any destination. Pickpocketing in Malaga isn’t as common as in bigger cities like Barcelona and Madrid, but preventing uncomfortable situations is better.
- Avoid travelling to Malaga during peak season and special events like Christmas and Easter. If you don’t like crowds, visit during the off-season. You’ll have a quieter experience.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Malaga
How many days do I need in Malaga?
You need at least two days in Malaga to explore the city centre.
What shouldn’t I miss in Malaga?
The Alcazaba de Malaga and Cathedral.
Is the Malaga hop-on hop-off bus worth it?
I recommend walking rather than taking the hop-on hop-off bus. However, it could be a good option if you only have one day or want to visit the Jardín Botánico (Malaga Botanical Garden) on the outskirts.
Conclusion on what to do in Malaga in 3 days
So, is it possible to visit Malaga in three days? Yes, it’s the perfect time to see all the city’s main attractions and one of its lovely towns.
However, you could easily spend more time exploring its surroundings. There are many beautiful coastal towns like Marbella and Estepona or mountainside villages where you can engage in local activities.
Do you want to learn more about Malaga? Check out my other Malaga travel guides. However, if you want personalised advice for your trip, my one-to-one calls will definitely help with planning.
I hope you enjoy your time in my hometown!
Cristina xx
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