Cradling the southern tip of Spain, Málaga is a popular port of call for Western Mediterranean cruises. With its rich historical and artistic legacy, charming old town and attractive beach, the main challenge is seeking out the best things to do during just one day in Málaga.
But don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. I bookended my Southern Spain itinerary with Málaga and got to know the city over four days.
Whether you are visiting on a cruise, or taking a day trip from one of the resorts on the Costa del Sol, my free self-guided Málaga walking tour will ensure that you see the best things this vibrant city has to offer.
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TOP 5 THINGS TO DO
- Stroll around the Alcazaba
- Explore Málaga Old Town
- Pay your respects to the “One-Armed Lady”
- Explore the life & work of Pablo Picasso
- Chill out on Malagueta Beach
RECOMMENDED MÁLAGA SELF-GUIDED TOUR: 3 miles (5 km)
BEST WAY TO GET AROUND MÁLAGA: On foot
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT MÁLAGA: Spring & Autumn. December is also popular.
Is One Day in Málaga Enough?
Málaga gives you a taste of Andalusia for the minimum amount of effort. It has history and culture in spades, a balmy climate, a sandy beach and many bars at which to get your tapas fix.
For my money, it’s one of Spain’s most rewarding cities.
Thanks to its temperate climate, you can visit Málaga year-round. When I visited in February, afternoon temperatures were in the low to mid-20s and the orange trees were groaning with fruit. As there were fewer visitors than in peak season, exploring Málaga’s highlights was a delight.
One day won’t be long enough to see all that Málaga offers. However, it’s enough time to see its highlights, walk along its beach and explore its artistic heritage.
If you are pushed for time, don’t miss the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and Cathedral. Not only do all of these sites encapsulate Málaga’s rich history, but there are also fabulous views of Málaga from the Cathedral’s rooftop and the Gibralfaro.
Málaga Self-Guided Walking Tour
My self-guided Málaga walking tour starts at the Gibralfaro and finishes at La Malagueta beach. You’ll spend the morning in and around the Old Town, visit the excellent Picasso Museum and explore the city’s lovely urban beach area in the afternoon.
Think of it as a loose framework on which to hang your day.
End-to-end, the total distance is around 3 miles. If you explore the Old Town, this will increase its length (I encourage you to do this).
To send walking directions to your phone, click here or on the map.
CASTILLO DE GIBRALFARO
The Gibralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro) dominates Málaga’s skyline.
In the early 8th Century, the Moors invaded Spain and Málaga flourished as the main port for the nearby city of Granada. They held the city until its conquest by Christian forces in 1487.
Much of what we see of the impressive Gibralfaro Castle was built by Yusuf I of Granada between 1344 and 1354 to protect the Alcazaba and to house troops.
From its ramparts and terraces, there are magnificent views over Málaga, its port and the Mediterranean.
Address: Camino Gibralfaro, 11
Opening hours: The Gibralfaro is open daily. Seasonal opening times apply.
Getting to the Gibralfaro Castle: I went there on foot, taking the path that winds its way around the Alcazaba.
This walk is spectacularly pretty but also spectacularly steep. Don’t attempt it under the glare of the midday sun.
Bus number 35 runs between the Gibralfaro and Avenida Andalucia, Alameda Principal or Paseo del Parque. The castle is also one of the stops for the city’s hop-on-hop-off bus.
Try to visit the Gibralfaro first thing in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and the worst of the crowds.
Learn more about the Gibralfaro: For more information when you are there, download the free audio guide using the QR code displayed at the entrance.
Ticket price: Admission fee applies. A joint ticket that includes the Alcazaba is available. Free admission on Sundays from 2 p.m.
THE ALCAZABA
The Moors are also responsible for Málaga’s magnificent Alcazaba, my favourite place in Málaga. Built between the 8th and 11th Centuries, it was the residence of the Arab Emirs, who created an independent kingdom upon the break-up of the Western Caliphate.
Its pathways, lined with orange trees and bougainvillaea, lead through a series of graceful gates, designed to keep unwelcome visitors at bay. The Nasrid Palace at the Alcazaba’s upper level is a younger, more peaceful cousin of its more famous namesake at the Alhambra in Granada.
From the Alcazaba, there are also panoramic views across Málaga, the glittering Mediterranean and the countryside beyond.
Address: Calle Alcazabilla, 2
Opening hours: The Alcazaba is open daily. Seasonal opening times apply.
Ticket price: Admission fee applies. A joint ticket that includes the Gibralfaro Castle is available. Free admission on Sundays after 2 p.m.
ROMAN THEATRE
Málaga’s oldest monument lies in the shadow of the Alcazaba.
The Roman Theatre was built during the reign of Augustus in the 1st Century AD and remained in use until the 3rd Century. There’s an interpretation centre next door which houses archaeological discoveries from the site.
MÁLAGA’S OLD TOWN
Málaga Old Town is a testament to the city’s rich history. I recommend wandering around here and then making your way to the cathedral.
Plaza de la Merced was part of the city in Roman times. It has been home to a market since at least the 15th Century.
Plaza de la Constitución has been the beating heart of Málaga since the Moorish period.
If you are in the mood for a spot of upmarket retail therapy after all of that history, head to Calle Marqués de Larios (Larios Street). During winter, it is beautifully illuminated.
MÁLAGA CATHEDRAL
The next stop on your Málaga 1-day itinerary is its so-called One-Armed Lady.
Málaga Cathedral owes its nickname, La Manquita, to its unfinished state. When building funds ran dry in the 17th Century, the tower on its west side was the most visible casualty.
The Cathedral has a superb collection of paintings and sculptures, and an exquisitely carved wooden choir. But the highlight for me was the views across its roof.
Address: Calle Molina Lario, 9
Opening hours: Málaga Cathedral and its roof are open daily. Check opening times here.
Ticket price: Admission fee applies. There is an additional fee to visit the roof.
MUSEO PICASSO
Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881 and lived there until he was ten. The Picasso Museum displays his artworks in thematic and chronological order, covering 80 years of his prolific career.
You’ll also learn a lot about the women in his life. There were two wives and three partners and, except for his second wife, he outlived them all.
Address: Calle San Agustín
Opening hours: Open daily. You can check the seasonal opening hours here.
Ticket price: Admission fee applies which includes an excellent audioguide. You can buy your skip-the-line ticket here.
There is free admission every Sunday for the last two opening hours (up to 30 minutes before closing time. You can also get in for free on the Day of Andalusia (28 February), International Museum Day (18 May), World Tourism Day (27 September) and the Anniversary of the opening of the museum (October 27).
If you are a Picasso enthusiast, you can also visit the house where he was born. Casa Natal de Picasso on Plaza de la Merced is now a museum dedicated to his family background
CENTRE POMPIDOU MÁLAGA
Málaga’s Pompidou Centre, an offshoot of the Pompidou Centre in Paris, is a relatively new addition to Málaga’s cultural landscape.
The centre is also known as “The Cube” thanks to its steel and stained glass skylight,
Its permanent collection has 70 works selected from the Pompidou Centre’s collection of 20th and 21st Century art. Málaga’s Pompidou Centre also hosts temporary exhibitions.
MUELLE UNO
The lovely Muelle Uno flanks the port of Málaga. Lined with orange and palm trees, this pedestrian promenade is a lovely spot to stop for a drink.
LA MALAGUETA
Malagueta Beach stretches over one kilometre between the Port of Málaga and La Caleta Beach. This sandy Blue Flag beach is flanked by a pleasant promenade, lined with towering palm trees occupied by vocal parrots.
It is the ideal place to relax and perhaps enjoy a plate of fried fish for which Málaga is famous at one of its chiringuitos as the sun sets.
Other Things to Do in Málaga
Ultimately, how you spend your day in Málaga will depend on your tastes and interests, and how relaxed you wish your itinerary to be. Here are a few suggestions if you want to squeeze in more sights or have more than a day in Málaga.
EXPLORE MÁLAGA’S STREET ART
From street art in my hometown of London to iconic artworks in Penang Malaysia, I try to explore urban art wherever I am. Málaga can give both of these destinations a run for their money.
Since 2013, MUAS (Málaga Arte Urban Soho) has transformed previously rundown neighbourhoods into an urban outdoor art gallery, attracting some of the world’s best street artists. The best street art areas of Málaga are Soho, between the port and Alameda Principal, and around Calle Victoria.
There is a useful street art map here.
ATARAZANAS MARKET
With its multitude of food stalls and small bars, Atarazanas Market is the perfect place to buy fresh produce or to stop for lunch
This cathedral to food started life as a Nasrid shipyard in the 14th Century, only becoming a market at the end of the 19th Century. Don’t miss its rear façade that features a stained glass window depicting scenes from Málaga’s history.
The Atarazanas Market is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to around 2-3 pm
Address: Calle Atarazanas, 10
Getting There and Getting Around
Málaga is well served by train, bus and air.
By train
Spain’s AVE high-speed trains run to Málaga’s main Maria Zambrano station from Madrid (from 2 hr 30 minutes), Seville (from 2 hours), Valencia (from 5 hours) and Barcelona (from 6 hours). Book in advance for the best fares.
If you are travelling from one of the resort towns on the Costa del Sol – Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Torremolinos – use the C1 line which terminates at the more conveniently located Málaga Centro Alameda. Trains run every 20 minutes throughout the day.
By bus
Travelling by bus in Spain is sometimes quicker and more convenient than taking a train. For example; when I compared options for travelling between Granada and Málaga, the bus was the better option.
Málaga’s bus station is located next to Maria Zambrano train station.
By air
As the main hub for the Costa del Sol, Málaga Airport is served by several airlines. Located just 8 km from central Málaga, it is cheap and easy to travel from.
If you don’t want to fork out for a taxi, take the C1 train to Málaga Centro Alameda. The journey from Málaga Airport takes a mere 11 minutes and trains run every 20 minutes.
How to get from Málaga Cruise Terminal to the city centre
If you visiting Málaga on a cruise, you will disembark at the city’s shiny new cruise terminal close to Muelle Uno and La Malagueta. From here, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to the city centre.
Alternatively, the Port Authority of Málaga operates a shuttle bus from the cruise terminal to Plaza de la Marina in the historic city centre. There’s also a solar-powered road train running between the cruise terminal and Plaza de la Marina.
Getting around
Málaga is a very walkable city. Its main attractions are spread over a concentrated area and the best way of getting around is on foot. But, if you prefer, there is the inevitable hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) bus service.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR HOHO TICKET
Where to Stay
If you are staying in Málaga, base yourself in the Old Town area around the Cathedral or the trendy Soho district. These areas are close to the city’s main attractions, bars and restaurants and offer accommodation to suit all budgets.
Here are my top choices:
Mid-range apartment: Suites del Pintor
I stayed at this apartment in the Old Town, a great self-catering choice in Málaga. The washing machine, Nespresso machine and roof terrace were bonuses.
>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK
Luxury hotel: ICON Malabar
I also stayed in this fabulous new boutique hotel in Soho. But this is not style over substance. It is also in a superb location and its staff are first-rate.
>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK
My Favourite Places to Eat in Málaga
You certainly won’t go hungry in Málaga. Here are a few places that I tried and can recommend.
Café Bar Moran
This friendly breakfast spot in Soho serves cheap coffee and tostada with a smile.
Address: Calle Tómas Heredia, 12
If you are not keen on tapas, try this French restaurant in Soho. It is open for breakfast and lunch daily and for dinner on Friday and Saturday.
Address: Calle Casas de Campos, 31
This Old Town restaurant serves excellent food and the service was superb.
Address: Pl. de Uncibay
Another recommendation is this modern tapas restaurant in the shadow of the Roman Theatre.
Address: Calle Alcazabilla 1
This cosy traditional tapas bar on the edge of the Old Town served one of my best meals whilst I was travelling in Southern Spain. Just be careful which wine you choose as some of the wines by the glass are pricey.
Address: Calle Álamos, 11
Where To Next?
And that’s a wrap. If you want more help with planning your Málaga trip, take a look at some of my other articles:
- 10 Málaga Cathedral Facts to Know Before You Visit
- Must-See Málaga Street Art: Spain’s Outdoor Art Gallery
- A Perfect Weekend in Málaga, Spain: 2-Day Itinerary & Best Things to Do
- Where to Stay in Málaga, Spain: The 7 Best Areas for All Travellers
If you are planning an Andalusia trip, read my guide to spending 3 days in Seville, the region’s vibrant capital. If you have less time there, you can hit the highlights with this one-day Seville itinerary.
I also have an in-depth guide for visiting the Real Alcázar of Seville and essential tips for visiting Seville Cathedral.
Although it may be hard to drag yourself away from Seville, discover how to do Seville to Granada day trip.
Visiting the Alhambra Palace draws the crowds but there are other reasons to visit Granada.
I also have an in-depth one-day Cordoba itinerary (one of my favourite Spanish cities).
If you are planning to explore other beautiful cities in Spain, take a look at my ultimate guide to spending a weekend in Barcelona which includes tips for visiting La Sagrada Família. For a whistle-stop tour of the city, take a look at my one-day Barcelona itinerary.
More time in Barcelona? Then take a day trip to Tarragona, Spain’s Roman city by the sea.
Finally, take a look at my guide that describes the best things to see in Valencia, a vibrant city boasting a perfect combination of art, culture, history and food
Happy travels!
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About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.