Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga invites you to discover its warm atmosphere, rich historical heritage, sunny beaches and delicious cuisine. Between culture, relaxation and nature, the city offers a varied experience to suit all tastes.
In this article, we propose a 5-day itinerary for Malaga, combining the must-sees of the historic center with off-the-beaten-track options and excursions into the heart of nature. A week of discovery and serenity.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Malaga in 5 days?
What can you see in Malaga in 5 days?
If you can easily discover Malaga’s must-sees in just 2 days, extending your stay by several days will give you the chance to take your time and visit the city from top to bottom, soak up its warm atmosphere and even get off the beaten track!
Finally, as Malaga is the capital of the Costal del Sol, choosing it as a base is an excellent option, as it lies at the crossroads of many points of interest (white villages, natural sites, etc.). So it won’t take too long, because there’s a lot to do!
Maps of must-see attractions
To help you find your way around our itinerary below, here’s our map of Malaga’s main tourist attractions:
Getting around Malaga
To get around, walking is undoubtedly the most pleasant option, with the city center and seafront easily accessible. We advise you to avoid taking a car in the city center, which is often saturated with traffic.
You can still use the metro system (more info here).
And, if you want to visit more remote areas or climb up to Gibralfaro Castle, you can opt for the good city bus network (more info on the official website here) or for a cab ride (see Unitaxi or Taxi Unión), the network being very efficient and inexpensive.
Finally, there are many options for organized tours from Malaga. This can be a good alternative for long journeys and/or if you don’t want to drive.
Where to sleep in Malaga
WHERE TO STAY IN Málaga
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historical center
Hotel Palacio Solecio – see photos and availability
Near the sea, Playa de la Magualeta
Gran Hotel Miramar – see photos and availability
In the Soho district
Hotel Only You Malaga – view photos and availability
Our ideal itinerary: 5 days in Malaga
Day 1 – Must-See
Morning: Admire Spanish painting at the Carmen Thyssen Museum
The Carmen Thyssen Museum is a veritable nugget for lovers of Spanish art!
Housed in the magnificent 16th-century Palacio de Villalón, this museum offers a panorama of Spanish painting, from romantic landscapes to naturalism and costume scenes. A variety of themes, colors and techniques that we loved discovering! The permanent collection also includes over 230 paintings by great masters such as José Moreno Carbonero, Joaquín Sorolla and Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo.
Lunch and a stroll through the historic center
Extend this artistic morning with a stroll through Malaga’s charming historic center. The city is best explored on foot, alternating between teeming palm-lined arteries, cobbled streets with colorful facades and lively squares.
Among the city’s finest details are the sumptuous mansions that bear witness to Malaga’s golden age, such as the 20th-century Anciens Magasins de Félix Sáenz and the 18th-century Palacio Episcopal, a Baroque ensemble in the Plaza de Obispo.
While you’re out and about, don’t forget to look up to admire the azulejos(or retablo cerámico), ceramic tiles often depicting figures of saints and serving as landmarks in the city.
Afternoon: Discover Malaga Cathedral
The magnificent Cathedral of the Incarnation is well worth a visit to Malaga! We loved our visit to this atypical building, famous for its main façade, a Baroque masterpiece, and its unfinished tower giving it a unique silhouette. In addition to the beauty of its architecture, the cathedral’s interior impressed us with its imposing dimensions, rich ornamentation and numerous pieces of sacred art. Prefer the end of the day for a quiet visit.
Tapas evening to round off the day
After this wonderful day, we recommend a tapas evening! Tapeo is an Andalucia custom emblematic of Spanish gastronomy, the concept of which is to share dishes in small portions. We obviously succumbed to this delicious tradition, and were quick to try Malaga’s own specialties, such asajo blanco (a cold soup made with garlic and almonds) and fried fish. And let’s not forget the sweet Malaga wine, ideal to accompany the end of your meal!
Day 2 – Set course for Malaga’s past
With this itinerary, you’ll realize Malaga’s legacy of Roman, Arab and even French influence, leaving a varied heritage to explore.
Morning: Discover the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba
Start your visit at the Roman TheatreMalaga’s oldest site, dating back to the 1st century BC, when the city, then called Malaka, was a prosperous center founded by the Phoenicians. Admire its remains, including well-preserved tiers 16 metres high.
Then continue your historical dive with theAlcazabalocated above the theater.
This 11th-century fortress dates back to the Muslim occupation of Al-Andalus. Imposing on the outside, it reveals a maze of ramparts, nooks and crannies and the remains of superb gardens and palaces, demonstrating its dual military and residential use.
Afternoon: Learn more at the Museo de Malaga
After lunch, continue your exploration of Malaga’s past with a visit to the Malaga Museum. You’ll be as enchanted by the former customs house that serves as its setting as by the sheer scale of its archaeological collections. You can see The Venus Mosaic dating from the 3rd century, an impressive collection of ancient ceramics, and Punic and Roman coins testifying to the intense commercial activity of the port of Malaga over the centuries.
The museum also houses a remarkable collection of Spanish paintings.
Late afternoon: Take in the sights at Gibraltaro Castle
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Malaga, Gibralfaro Castle is also an invitation to travel back in time. Erected in the 14th century by King Badis to protect the Alcazaba, the fortress boasts numerous remains. As you walk along its ramparts, you’ll discover a variety of architectural features that bear witness to the military ingenuity of the period.
Finally, the visit is well worth the detour for its breathtaking views over Malaga and the bay.
Don’t hesitate to go there at sunset to enjoy the beautiful lights!
Day 3 – In the footsteps of Picasso
Malaga is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most emblematic painters of the 20th century. Here’s an itinerary to follow in the footsteps of the Spanish genius and explore his world.
Morning: Discovering Picasso’s childhood
To follow in Pablo Picasso’s footsteps in Málaga, you need to start at the house where he was born, now transformed into a museum. Its immersive, colorful scenography features previously unseen works and personal objects, offering an intimate look at the artist’s early life and his relationship with Andalucia.
From the Plaza de la Merced, where Pablo played as a child and a statue of him can be seen, continue along Calle Granada, where you’ll find the Santiago parish church, where he was baptized.
Afternoon at the Picasso Museum
Other emblematic places in Picasso’s life include his school, the Colegio San Rafael(Calle Comedias) and the Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta, where Pablo attended several bullfights, greatly influencing his work.
Finally, to really immerse yourself in his work, you’ll need to visit his eponymous museum, housed in the former Palacio Buenavista, a Renaissance masterpiece.
This enchanting setting is the ideal setting for the artist’s various works, including oils, drawings, engravings, sculptures and ceramics, testifying to his virtuosity and constant renewal. For more information and photos, see our article on the Musée Picasso.
End of the day: shopping
Since you’re in the center of town, why not take the opportunity to do a little window-shopping? At the Musée Picasso, you’ll find a host of inspiring art books and design pieces. If you prefer clothes, Calle Marqués de Larios, the main thoroughfare in the historic center, is home to all the major Spanish retailers. But the city also has a wealth of handicraft and second-hand stores, notably in the Soho district.
Day 4: Culture and relaxation
For this day, we offer you the amazing combination of culture and idleness! Just a stone’s throw from the seafront, the Centre Pompidou invites you to immerse yourself in art before enjoying an afternoon at the beach. You’ve earned it after these first few days of intense sightseeing!
A surprising morning at the Centre Pompidou Malaga
You’ll first come to this museum to admire its cubic architecture, adorned with the signature stripes of French artist Daniel Buren. Beneath this famous cube lie immense underground spaces housing part of the collection of Paris’s iconic Centre Pompidou museum. Renewed every two years around a different theme, the selection of works offers a forward-looking look at contemporary art.
Lunch and stroll around the Port of Malaga
After this colorful morning, we recommend a stroll around the Port of Malaga. Take a stroll along the marina’s quayside, where you can admire the azure blue of the water and browse the stores before reaching the lighthouse and its view of Malaga Bay. Although the panorama may be altered by the presence of imposing yachts, it’s still a very pleasant stroll! You’ll also find plenty of places to eat in the port, including..:
- Restaurant La Galga Specialty Coffee & Bistro for a good coffee, a sandwich on the go or a hearty breakfast!
- Restaurant José Carlos García for a gastronomic break in a contemporary setting.
You can also choose to have lunch in one of the chiringuitos (beach restaurants), where you can enjoy delicious fish dishes with your feet in the sand. See our article on where to eat in Malaga (coming soon).
Afternoon: Relaxing on the beach
What could be better than an afternoon lounging on the beach? The most famous is undoubtedly Playa de La Malaguetalocated near the city center and the port.
If you’re looking for wilder beaches, rent a bike and explore those to the east.
The well-developed waterfronts offer pleasant strolls.
Another tip: come during the week to avoid the crowds!
Need more inspiration? Read our article on Malaga’s beaches.
Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in Malaga
Throughout the year, Malaga is alive with traditional festivals (Carnival, Feria, Holy Week) and cultural events (Spanish film festival, theater festivals, concerts).
Finally, if it hasn’t escaped your notice that Malaga is renowned for its festive atmosphere, the city is nowadays suffering somewhat from this party reputation. Nevertheless, enjoying its lively bars and strolling through the illuminated streets at night remains an unmissable city experience.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Day 5- Final moments in Malaga
For this last day, we’ve put together a lighter program, perfect if you’ve enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Malaga the day before and/or for those of you planning to return in the afternoon.
Morning: Explore the stalls of the Atarazanas Market
You can’t leave Malaga without visiting the Atarazanas market! It’s a fun way to discover the local culture, while filling up on good produce in a vitamin-packed atmosphere! The place is worth a visit for its wrought-iron façade (built in the 19th century on the site of former Muslim wine cellars) and its splendid, colorful glass roof. Those who come early can hope to secure a seat at one of the few tables available.
Otherwise, you can do as the locals do, eating standing up at the stall counters or taking your spoils to one of the town’s green spaces.
Afternoon: Discover the Soho district
From the market, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Soho district. Here you can discover:
- Malaga’s Centre d’Art Contemporain (CAC) showcases the varied and colorful work of Spanish artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Many trendy addresses: from small designer boutiques to first-rate second-hand goods, galleries and tempting restaurants.
- The MAUS open-air space, featuring numerous murals by a wide range of street artists (more info here).
Would you like a guided tour of this vibrant and colorful neighborhood? See more info, prices and availability.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
Alternative 1: With more nature
After exploring the vibrant face of Malaga, treat yourself to a green escape!
Discover Malaga’s natural sites:
- Jardin Botanique la Concepcion (15min from Malaga): The 2000 species of tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean plants will leave you breathless. Discover the history of this garden in our article!
- Guadalhorce Nature Park (20min from Malaga): This 122-hectare nature reserve is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, and marked trails enable you to discover the park’s flora and fauna, including salt marshes and pine forests.
- The majestic Montes de Malaga Natural Park (1h from Malaga): this mountain range extends over 4162ha and offers numerous hiking trails in the valleys. There are a number of inns where you can take a break, and you can also opt for a day of cycling – see program and availability.
Alternative 2: Diving into the heart of Andalucia’s traditions
Malaga combines modernity and authenticity, blending urban dynamism with traditional heritage. To explore its roots, we recommend the following program:
- Start at the Musée des Arts et des Costumes Populaires, nestled in a 17th-century inn. This venue showcases the richness of the local heritage through handicrafts and Andalusian folklore.
- For lunch, head to the Mercado de la Merced, a friendly, less touristy market than Atarazanas, ideal for enjoying local specialties on the spot.
- In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the world of Andalusian wine at the Museo del Vino, where you can taste Malaga’s famous sweet wine (more info here).
- Finally, round off this typically Andalucian day with a show at one of the city’s theaters(Teatro Cervantes, Teatro Echegarey, Teatro Cánovas).
Alternative 3: Off the beaten track
In addition to the various must-see museums listed above, the city also offers a wide range of alternatives that you can discover according to your interests:
- La Termica cultural center, a third-party venue for exhibitions, workshops and events (more info here).
- The Museo Russe de Málaga collection features rare Russian art from different periods, from avant-garde to religious icons (more info here).
- Malaga’s Glass and Crystal Museum, housed in an 18th-century building, boasts an impressive collection of over 3,000 precious, colorful pieces. A guided tour only, the experience is well worth the detour for its old-fashioned charm (see more info here).
Need more inspiration? Read our article on the best museums in Malaga.
Lovers of religious heritage will also be able to enjoy other remarkable buildings as they wander around the city. For our part, we particularly liked..:
- TheChurch of Los Santos Martires Ciriaco y Paula, with its dazzling Baroque interior remodelled in the 18th century.
- The Sanctuary of Santa Maria de la Victoria, built in the 15th century, is worth a visit for its sumptuous camarin (chapel), whose altarpiece is richly decorated (cherubs, acanthus leaves, mirror frames, coats of arms).
- Santiago Apóstol church , or Malaga’s oldest! Founded in 1490 on the site of a former mosque, the interior houses valuable works by Alonso Cano and Niño de Guevara. For the record, Picasso was baptized in it!
- The 18th-century San Felipe Neri church , whose chapel and contemporary religious paintings by Raúl Berzosa we loved.
Finally, here are a few ideas for unusual visits you can include in your itinerary, once you’ve discovered Malaga from top to bottom.
- A getaway to Torremolinos, for the vast, welcoming beaches of this small seaside resort.
- The Port of Benalmádena, a picturesque marina whose white architecture and organic curves evoke a Mediterranean dream.
- Forgotten architectural nuggets such as the Château de Colomares, a whimsical monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus, blending Gothic, Romanesque and Mudéjar styles, or the Casa de los Navajas, a historic villa in neo-Mudéjar style, or the Castillo El Bil-Bil, for its artistic program.
- The Real Club de Campo de Málaga, a golf course renowned for its palm-fringed panoramas and proximity to the sea.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
Things to do near Malaga
After several days exploring Malaga, why not escape the city and discover other emblematic sites of Andalucia?
Nature lovers will opt for a hike to Torcal de Antequera, a unique karst landscape, or for the Caminito del Reya trail suspended above impressive gorges, promises an adrenalin-filled experience.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the white villages of Frigiliana or Mijas.
Read all our tips in our article on the best excursions from Malaga!
A stay in Malaga is also an ideal way to discover the rest of Andalucia. You can easily reach the mythical cities of Ronda, Cordoba and Granada by train or car. Visit the official website of the national railway company here.
If you’re driving, why not explore the White Villages Route?
Things to do in Malaga with children
If you’re in Málaga and your kids are along for the ride, you’ll have plenty to keep them occupied with a few museums first:
- The MIMMA Museum, Malaga’s interactive music museum, offers a musical exploration where children can try out a range of instruments (more info here).
- The Musée de l’Imagination, where children are invited to take the stage in surprising and colorful installations (more info here).
- The OXO-Musée du Jeu Vidéo offers an in-depth look at the history of video games, with a rich collection of objects (consoles, figurines, etc.) and immersive installations, not to mention free access to numerous game terminals!
If your kids are more into outdoor activities, you can take them for a splash in the sea! Playa de la Malagueta, Playa de la Misericordia and Playa de La Carihuela in Torremolinos are among the best equipped. And don’t miss Marina Benalmádena ‘s small aquarium, whose bioluminescence installation will delight children. Finally, another attraction that should please them is the discovery of the Nerja Caves!
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What you need to know for your stay in Malaga
The weather in Malaga
The weather is generally mild in spring, with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 25°. Summer becomes much hotter, and 40° to 45° are easily reached in the hottest hours of the afternoon. Even though several improvements have been made in the town (sunshades, shaded promenades), we advise against going there at this time of year. On the other hand, autumn and winter are good seasons, and to find out more, read our article on visiting Malaga in winter.
The crowds in Malaga
Due to its popularity as a seaside resort and party destination, Malaga has to cope with a sometimes intense influx of visitors. To take full advantage of Malaga’s cultural wealth, we recommend avoiding weekends, when the cultural sites are crowded and the restaurants are packed.
Visiting the city during the week and out of season makes for a more peaceful discovery( especiallyin winter ). It’s also a way of contributing to more responsible tourism that respects the environment and local people.
If, however, you’re taking your vacation in summer, we advise you to book your accommodation and restaurants in advance. We prefer the booking platform because it offers a wide choice of accommodations and the calendars are updated in real time.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
If it rains during your stay in Malaga, don’t panic, as the city is full of museums with enriching itineraries. See our list of the best museums in Malaga.
The city also organizes numerous cultural events.
Take a look at the Cervantes Theatre’s program of shows (more info here) and the various creative workshops offered by the La Termica Cultural Center (more info here).
Another alternative for a sheltered visit? Discover the caves around Malaga and opt for excursions into the surrounding area:
- La Grotte du Trésor (20min from Malaga): see info, prices and availability
- Nerja cave (1h from Malaga): see info, prices, availability
Malaga is also a perfect city for epicureans who don’t want to get wet, as the many restaurants in the center are within easy walking distance.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
- Best things to do in Andalucia
- The most beautiful cities
- The most beautiful white villages
- Cathedrals
- Archaeological sites
- Seville, Cordoba or Granada? (coming soon)
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia (coming soon)
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
Places not to be missed
- Things to do in Sevilla
- Things to do in Cordoba (coming soon)
- Things to do in Granada
- Things to do in Ronda
- Things to do in Malaga
- Things to do in Cadiz (coming soon)
