Sun-soaked and storied, Spain’s Costa del Sol unfurls from Málaga’s Phoenician roots (c. 770 BCE) to Nerja’s cliffside balconies over a serene kaleidoscope of blues. Málaga gave the world Picasso and sweet fortified wines; Nerja keeps the rhythm slow with palm-lined promenades and coves where kayaks slip under honeycombed cliffs.

These seven days focus on easy pleasures: beaches you can wander to, tapas that don’t break the bank, a hammam that glows by candlelight, and one perfect boat day. You’ll taste Andalusian wines, stroll whitewashed Frigiliana, and descend into Nerja’s caverns where stalactites hang like cathedral organs.

Practical notes: Spain uses the euro; cards are widely accepted. Lunch hours skew late (menus del día are great value), and some shops pause midafternoon. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and heed beach flag colors. For best weather and prices, aim for May–June or September–October—warm seas, fewer crowds, friendlier rates.

Málaga

Málaga is a lively port city where citruses scent narrow lanes, Roman stones prop up Moorish walls, and contemporary street art splashes the Soho district. Climb to Castillo de Gibralfaro for a harbor panorama, then drift back down to chiringuitos grilling sardines over olive-wood embers—Malagueños call them espetos.

Top sights and local gems include the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre, the Picasso Museum, the Atarazanas Market for produce and seafood, and laid-back beach barrios like Pedregalejo. Evenings shine on rooftop terraces and vermouth bars where the soundtrack is clinking glasses and old boleros.

• Stay (budget to mid-range): Centro Histórico and Soho for walkability; Pedregalejo for a calmer beach vibe. Browse apartments and rooms on VRBO Málaga or deals on Hotels.com Málaga. Good-value examples locals recommend: Ibis Málaga Centro (simple, central), Hotel Sur Málaga (clean, classic), or beachy apartments in Pedregalejo.
• Getting there: Fly into Málaga–Costa del Sol (AGP) or arrive by train. Compare flights and trains on Omio (flights) and Omio (trains). Madrid–Málaga AVE takes ~2h45 (often €30–70 if booked early); Seville–Málaga ~2h by train or bus (from ~€15–35). Airport to city: Cercanías C1 train (~12 min to María Zambrano) or the A Express bus (~€4).
• Eats and drinks (affordable picks): Casa Aranda (since 1932) for churros con chocolate; Mesón Mariano for seasonal Andalusian specials (the artichokes are famous); Las Merchanas for cofradía-themed tapas on the cheap; El Tapeo de Cervantes for small-plate feasts; Antigua Casa de Guardia for a flight of Málaga’s sweet wines straight from the barrel; La Tranca for loud, joyous vermouth and tapas.

Day 1: Arrival and a Sunset Stroll

Morning: Travel to Málaga. Use Omio to compare flights if coming from elsewhere in Europe, or the train options if arriving from Madrid/Seville.

Afternoon: Check in near the Centro Histórico or Soho. Shake off the journey with a slow wander along Muelle Uno, the port-side promenade. Grab a scoop at Casa Mira (traditional turrón ice cream) and dip your toes at La Malagueta Beach.

Evening: Tapas crawl: start at Las Merchanas (budget-friendly croquetas, montaditos) and continue to El Pimpi’s patio for a glass of DO Málaga. Wrap with music and vermouth at La Tranca—standing-room energy that feels quintessentially local.

Day 2: Old Stones, Market Bites, Beach Time

Morning: Breakfast at Casa Aranda (order churros porras if you like them thicker) and a coffee at Santa Coffee Soho. Browse Atarazanas Market for olives, cured meats, and a cone of fried pescaito—great picnic supplies for later.

Afternoon: Explore the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba fortress; its courtyards and citrus trees whisper of Al-Andalus. After, head east to Pedregalejo by bus or e-scooter for a relaxed beach afternoon; snag an espeto de sardinas at Chiringuito El Caleño or Miguelito el Cariñoso (expect ~€2–€3 per skewer).

Evening: Dinner at Uvedoble (modern takes on Andalusian classics) or the always-reliable El Tapeo de Cervantes. Nightcap at Antigua Casa de Guardia—point to a barrel and they’ll chalk your tab on the bar, 19th-century style.

Day 3: Views, Wines, and Hammam

Morning: Early climb or taxi to Castillo de Gibralfaro for sweeping city-and-sea views; descend via the pine-scented footpath. Brunch on a budget at Brunchit or Noviembre Healthy Food (good value set plates).

Afternoon: Wine tasting at Bodegas Quitapenas (longstanding Málaga house; tours and tastings are affordable—book a slot the day before). Alternatively, do a guided flight at Vinería in the center focusing on DO Málaga and Sierras de Málaga reds and moscatels.

Evening: Sink into the candlelit pools at Hammam Al Ándalus Málaga: rotating hot, warm, and cold baths plus a short massage is typically the sweet spot for value. Dinner afterward at Mesón Mariano or La Recova (rustic, very local) keeps the cozy vibe.

Day 4: Boat Day and Rooftop Golden Hour

Morning: Slow start with a seaside walk along La Caleta to Baños del Carmen. Coffee at MIA Coffee Shop (specialty roaster) and a simple bocadillo to-go.

Afternoon: Head to the port kiosks at Muelle Uno and book an affordable 1–2 hour catamaran or sailing cruise (often €15–30 for a harbor/sunset sail; summer midday trips sometimes include a swim stop). Back on land, refuel with a cone from Freiduría La Isla (classic fried-fish bar).

Evening: Rooftop hour: choose between AC Málaga Palacio’s Ático bar (harbor views) or La Terraza de San Juan (intimate, wallet-friendly). Dinner at El Mesón de Cervantes (good sharing plates) or the lively Casa Lola (pinchos and vermouth; go early to avoid lines).

Nerja

Nerja trades city buzz for sea-breeze calm. Its Balcón de Europa is a palm-framed promenade jutting over coves; fishermen’s steps still cut down to tiny beaches where the water is syrupy-clear. To the east, Maro’s protected cliffs hide sea caves and a waterfall you can reach by kayak when the sea is gentle.

Spend days between Burriana’s wide sands, the Caves of Nerja (with one of the world’s largest stalactite columns), and whitewashed Frigiliana, often named among Andalusia’s prettiest pueblos. Nights mean simple seafood, chilled albarinos, and a breeze you can feel in your shoulders.

• Stay (good value): Burriana Beach area for easy swims; Old Town for dining and the Balcón. Search deals on VRBO Nerja or Hotels.com Nerja. Look for apartments with kitchenettes to keep food costs low.
• Getting from Málaga to Nerja: Morning buses run frequently (ALSA) and take ~1h–1h15; expect ~€6–8. Compare schedules and prices on Omio (buses). Taxis/private transfers run ~50–70 minutes.
• Eats and drinks (budget-friendly): Ayo (giant paellas cooked over wood by the beach; pay per plate); La Puntilla (locals’ fish bar); Marisquería La Marina (seafood, good value); Bar Redondo (circular tapas bar; order a round, watch the plates stack). For coffee and brunch: Goodstuff Café or Bakery & Coffee Pascucci.

Day 5: Transfer to Nerja, Beach Afternoon

Morning: Depart Málaga after breakfast; catch a bus to Nerja (~1h–1h15 via Omio). Check in near Burriana Beach or the Old Town.

Afternoon: Easy first dip at Burriana. Lunch at Ayo—grab a seat, watch the paella paddles stir over open flame, and heap up a plate. Siesta on the sand with a paperback.

Evening: Stroll the Balcón de Europa at sunset—street musicians, sea spray, lights flickering along the cliffs. Dinner at La Puntilla (order boquerones, gambas al pil-pil). Drinks at Cochran’s Terrace above the sea or La Guarida 43 for a rooftop vibe.

Day 6: Kayak the Cliffs, White Village Evening

Morning: Guided kayak from Burriana to the Maro–Cerro Gordo cliffs and waterfall (usually ~2.5–3 hours; ~€25–35; weather-dependent). You’ll paddle along caves and emerald coves—bring water shoes and a dry bag.

Afternoon: Late lunch back on Burriana: try Playa y Sol (simple espetos, salads) or a budget bocadillo and fruit from a nearby supermercado. Rest at Playa Carabeillo, smaller and photogenic just west of Burriana.

Evening: Bus or taxi up to Frigiliana (~15 minutes). Wander Mudejar lanes, peek into artisans’ shops, then dine at The Garden Restaurant (terrace with views) or El Adarve (Andalusian home cooking). Return to Nerja for a quiet nightcap on Plaza Tutti Frutti if you want a bit more buzz.

Day 7: Caves and a Slow Farewell

Morning: Visit the Caves of Nerja early to beat crowds; the cavern’s vast columns and chambers are beautifully lit, and the on-site museum adds context. Coffee and a pastry at Goodstuff Café on your way back.

Afternoon: Pack up and bus back toward Málaga. If flying, plan ~2 hours door-to-airport: Nerja→Málaga bus (~1h–1h15 via Omio), then the airport bus A (~15–25 min) or Cercanías train from Centro. If time allows, a last tapas bite at Casa Lola or a quick beach glance at La Malagueta.

Evening: Departure day—carry the salt, citrus, and guitar chords with you.

Practical Budget Tips (for a 31/100 budget)

• Eat your main meal at lunch: look for menú del día (starter, main, dessert/drink) for ~€12–€15.
• Tapas strategy: in Málaga, prices are still kind—share 3–4 plates between two people; in Nerja, some bars add a small tapa with drinks.
• Transit: buses are cheap and frequent; compare on Omio. Walking covers most in-city distances.
• Activities: choose one paid “highlight” (hammam or boat) and balance with free beach days and hill walks.
• Stays: self-catering apartments on VRBO Málaga / VRBO Nerja help trim food costs.

Getting around and between cities in Europe is simple with Omio (flights), Omio (trains), Omio (buses), and—even for coastal hops—Omio (ferries) if you widen your trip.

In a week, you’ll have tasted Málaga’s history through its citadel walls and sweet wines, floated off its harbor, and watched Nerja’s cliffs glow at sunset. Slow mornings, salt-kissed afternoons, and tapas-filled nights make this a relaxing, wallet-conscious Southern Spain retreat you’ll remember every time you smell the sea.