Málaga is one of Europe’s oldest cities, founded by the Phoenicians and shaped by Romans, Moors, and Spanish monarchs. Today, it’s a lively Mediterranean hub where palm-lined promenades meet Moorish ramparts and galleries showcase Pablo Picasso, the city’s most famous son.

The Costa del Sol capital delivers an irresistible mix: citrus-scented plazas, a revamped port (Muelle Uno), contemporary museums, and sandy beaches minutes from the historic center. Food is a daily celebration here—think espetos (sardines grilled on skewers), sweet Málaga wines, and tapas that swing from classic to creative.

Practical notes: Málaga is walkable, safe, and well-connected. The airport train (C1) whisks you downtown in about 12–15 minutes. Summers are hot; spring and fall are mellow and perfect for hiking Caminito del Rey or day-tripping to white villages. Book popular attractions and dining in advance on weekends and holidays.

Málaga

From the honeyed stone of the Alcazaba to the color-block Cube of the Centre Pompidou, Málaga folds centuries of history into a breezy beach city. Wander Calle Larios for people-watching and window shopping, duck into markets for fried fish, and chase sunset from the ramparts of Gibralfaro.

Top sights include the Roman Theatre, the soaring Cathedral (nicknamed “La Manquita,” the one-armed lady), the Picasso Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the waterfront art at Centre Pompidou Málaga. Don’t miss the Atarazanas Market for produce, seafood, and tapas-in-the-aisles energy.

• Where to stay: Browse apartments and villas on VRBO Málaga or hotels on Hotels.com Málaga. Standouts: Gran Hotel Miramar (resort elegance by La Malagueta Beach), Barceló Málaga (design-forward, great for train travelers), Novotel Suites Málaga Centro (spacious, walkable), Ibis Málaga Centro Ciudad and Ibis Budget Málaga Centro (value picks), and Hotel Sur Málaga (classic, central).
• Getting here: From elsewhere in Europe, compare flights, trains, and buses via Omio Flights, Omio Trains, and Omio Buses. Example times: Madrid–Málaga AVE ~2h45; Seville–Málaga ~1h55; Barcelona–Málaga flight ~1h35. Flying intercontinentally? Search fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Local transport: The C1 commuter train connects the airport to Centro Alameda in ~12–15 minutes. Buses and two metro lines cover most neighborhoods, but you’ll walk a lot in the old town. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful.

Day 1 — Arrival, Market Nibbles, and a Golden-Hour Stroll

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the journey with a gentle loop through the historic center: Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios, and the Roman Theatre at the base of the Alcazaba. Snack at Atarazanas Market—order a cone of fried boquerones at Bar Atarazanas and a skewer of grilled prawns from a seafood stall.

Evening: Toast your first sunset at Muelle Uno. Grab an aperitif at the Room Mate Valeria rooftop (great harbor views), then dine at El Pimpi—Málaga’s legendary bodega lined with signed barrels—choosing montaditos, croquetas, and local ibérico. Nightcap at La Tranca (standing-room vermouth, vintage vinyl) or Antigua Casa de Guardia (1840s sherry bar dripping with history).

Day 2 — Málaga’s Monuments and Picasso’s Footsteps

Morning: Fuel up at Casa Aranda (since 1932) with churros and thick hot chocolate, or grab a flat white at Mia Coffee. Join this excellent city highlights tour to cover the essentials with context:

Malaga Tour with Cathedral, Alcazaba and Roman Theatre

Walk the Roman stones, climb the Alcazaba’s gardens and Moorish archways, and learn why the Cathedral is nicknamed “La Manquita.”

Afternoon: Visit the Picasso Museum housed in the Buenavista Palace—pair masterworks with insights into the artist’s Málaga childhood. Late lunch at Uvedoble Taberna (inventive tapas like ajoblanco with grapes and tuna belly) or La Cosmopolita (Dani Carnero’s famed Russian salad and piparra peppers).

Evening: Explore the SoHo arts district and CAC Málaga (free, rotating exhibitions). Dinner in SoHo at La Deriva (seafood rice, aged beef) or Óleo (sushi and Mediterranean tapas next to the art center). For a digestif, sip a local Málaga Virgen or pajarete at a traditional wine bar.

Day 3 — Day Trip: The Epic Caminito del Rey

Experience Andalusia’s most photogenic walkway, pinned to a dramatic gorge above turquoise water. This guided excursion includes transportation, making logistics easy:

From Malaga Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with transportation

Expect an early pickup, 5–7 km of mostly flat boardwalks with big views, and fascinating engineering stories. Pack water, sunscreen, and layered clothing—winds can funnel through the gorge.

Post-hike eats: Back in Málaga, unwind by the sea at El Balneario – Baños del Carmen (1918 seaside terrace). For dinner, head to El Tintero in El Palo where waiters auction off plates of fried fish; raise your hand for your favorites and tally up by plate count.

Day 4 — Beach Day, Pedregalejo Promenade, and Castle Sunset

Morning: Breakfast at Byoko (seasonal bowls, Andalusian toasts) or Café Central (order your coffee by the classic Málaga scale—mitad, sombra, nube). Walk or bike the palm-studded promenade east to La Malagueta and onto Pedregalejo, where fishermen skewer sardines on “espeto” boats.

Afternoon: Lunch barefoot at a chiringuito: El Cabra or Andres Maricuchi do excellent espetos, clams a la marinera, and grilled cuttlefish. Linger on the terrace, then siesta by the water. Return via e-scooter or bus to the center.

Evening: Hike or taxi up to Gibralfaro Castle for a sunset sweep over city, mountains, and sea. For dinner, try El Refectorium Catedral (classic Andalusian dishes near the Cathedral) or Marisquería Godoy at Muelle Uno (seafood platters, harbor lights). Consider a late flamenco show at Alegría in Muelle Uno for an intimate stage, powerful cante, and percussive zapateado.

Day 5 — Art by the Sea and a Catamaran Feast

Morning: Explore the Centre Pompidou Málaga—its colorful “Cube” is a waterfront landmark with bold contemporary collections. Stroll the port shops, then stop for an espresso and olive-oil torta at a café along Palmeral de las Sorpresas.

Afternoon: Cast off on a relaxed sail with lunch:

3-Hours Catamaran Tour in Malaga with Paella

Sunbathe on netted decks, swim during the anchor stop, and tuck into a fresh paella while admiring the Costa del Sol skyline.

Evening: Rooftop cocktails at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio (Ático’s wraparound views). Dinner at La Barra de Doña Inés (seasonal Andalusian fare) or Mesón Mariano (artichokes and oxtail done right). Nighttime gelato at Casa Mira (since 1890).

Day 6 — Markets, Neighborhoods, and an Evening Tapas Tour

Morning: Coffee at El Último Mono (juices and cold brew) then browse Atarazanas Market for berries, almonds from the Axarquía, and jamón tastings. Pop into the Carmen Thyssen Museum for costumbrista paintings that frame 19th-century Andalusian life.

Afternoon: Free time options: beach, shopping Calle Larios, or a hammam session near the old town. For lunch, snag counter seats at La Recova (rustic spreads, chacinas, local cheeses) or nip into Los Mellizos for espetos and clams if you missed them earlier.

Evening: Join a small-group tasting walk to meet Málaga’s food scene through its bodegas, taverns, and wine cellars:

Malaga Wine & Tapas Small Group Guided Tour

Expect a relaxed route with regional wines (including silky Málaga dulce) and classic bites—perfect for learning what and where to order for the rest of your trip.

Day 7 — Gardens, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Breakfast at La Bella Julieta (filled croissants, fresh juices). Stroll the subtropical La Concepción Historical-Botanical Gardens for waterfalls, palms, and views back to the bay. If you prefer museums, the Glass and Crystal Museum’s private collection offers a fascinating, curated hour.

Afternoon: Final tapas lunch at El Tapeo de Cervantes (small plates with big personality) or a casual seafood rice at La Proa de Teatinos if you’re near the university side. Pick up edible souvenirs: local almonds, extra-virgin olive oil, artisanal turrón, and a bottle of Pedro Ximénez.

Departure: Ride the C1 train to the airport (about 12–15 minutes) or a short taxi. If you’re continuing through Europe, compare routes on Omio Trains, Omio Buses, or Omio Flights. For long-haul flights, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Neighborhood and Dining Cheat Sheet

• Centro Histórico: Walk to everything; tapas crawl between El Pimpi, La Tranca, Uvedoble, El Tapeo de Cervantes.
• SoHo: Murals, CAC Málaga, stylish dining (La Deriva, Óleo); easy to the port.
• La Malagueta & Muelle Uno: Beach and marina vibes; Center Pompidou; seafood at Godoy; close to Miramar Hotel.
• Pedregalejo & El Palo: Seaside promenades and chiringuitos for espetos and grilled fish; slower, local feel.

Cost guide (approx, 2025): Alcazaba + Gibralfaro €5–6; Picasso Museum €12; Thyssen €10; Pompidou €9; airport train ~€2–3; tapas €3–6 per plate; midrange dinner with wine €25–40 pp.

Optional day trips if you extend: Nerja & Frigiliana (balconies over the sea and Moorish lanes), Ronda (jaw-dropping gorge and bridge), Granada’s Alhambra (book well ahead), or a dolphin-spotting cruise from Benalmádena. Use Omio Buses or Omio Trains to compare routes and times.

Extra activity pick (alternative to the catamaran, if you prefer hiking another day):

Caminito del Rey Guided Tour

(Choose one Caminito option in your final plans to keep within your week.)

Ready to book your stay? Compare the best areas and prices on VRBO Málaga and Hotels.com Málaga. For itineraries involving other European stops, lock in trains and flights with Omio.

Summary: Seven days in Málaga lets you savor fortress views, beach mornings, market lunches, and warm, wine-soaked evenings under jasmine-scented skies. With day trips to Caminito del Rey and time on the water, you’ll leave with Andalusia’s light—and recipes for espetos—etched in memory.