Cradled between Moorish ramparts and the Mediterranean, Málaga blends 3,000 years of history with a sunny, modern swagger. Phoenicians, Romans, and Nasrid rulers left layered stories you can still touch in the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre, and the honey-colored cathedral nicknamed “La Manquita.” Today, street art splashes through Soho, the port shimmers at Muelle Uno, and the museum scene rivals far larger cities.

This 7-day Málaga itinerary is built for balance: time-warp palaces in the morning, toes-in-sand afternoons, and tapas-fueled evenings. You’ll trace Picasso’s roots, hike coastal promenades, sip Málaga’s sweet wines where locals have for centuries, and venture out to Caminito del Rey’s jaw-dropping gorge walkway and the whitewashed villages of Nerja and Frigiliana.

Practical notes: Málaga enjoys mild weather most of the year, but book top sights and Caminito del Rey in advance, especially in spring and summer. Holy Week (Semana Santa) brings moving processions and crowds; the Feria de Málaga in August is a citywide party. Tapas hopping is a way of life—order a couple at each bar and keep moving.

Málaga

Sun-splashed Málaga is the gateway to the Costa del Sol and a destination in its own right. Highlights include the hilltop Castillo de Gibralfaro, the 11th-century Alcazaba fortress, the Cathedral’s Renaissance nave, and first-rate museums like the Picasso Museum, Carmen Thyssen, CAC Málaga, and Centre Pompidou Málaga (the colorful “Cube” on the waterfront).

Food is art here, too. Feast on espetos (sardines skewered and grilled over olive wood) at beach chiringuitos, graze Andalusian tapas in the Old Town, and explore modern Andalusian cooking from bistronomy gems to Michelin-starred tables. Cap evenings on rooftop terraces with views across terracotta roofs to the sea.

• Where to stay: For history and nightlife, base in the Centro Histórico or Soho. For beach vibes, choose La Malagueta or Pedregalejo. Browse stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.
• How to get to Málaga (AGP): Find flights within Europe on Omio. If you’re flying from outside Europe, compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From Madrid, high-speed trains to Málaga María Zambrano take ~2h30; from Barcelona ~5h30–6h—search schedules on Omio Trains.
• Airport to center: Cercanías C1 train to Centro Alameda ~12 min (~€2–3), Airport Express Bus A ~20–25 min (~€4), taxis ~€25–30 and 20–30 min depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Ramble, and Portside Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the journey with a stroll down elegant Calle Marqués de Larios to Plaza de la Constitución. Pop into Mercado de Atarazanas (open to ~3 pm, closed Sun) for a first taste—try fried boquerones and olives at Bar Atarazanas, or a shrimp skewer and cold caña at any lively stall.

Evening: Walk past the Roman Theatre to admire the Alcazaba glowing at golden hour. Continue to Muelle Uno for a harbor sunset and a quick look at the glassy Centre Pompidou cube. Dinner at El Pimpi (barrel-lined rooms, classic Málaga dishes; book if possible) or Los Gatos (buzzy tapas). Nightcap at La Terraza de Valeria rooftop with views over the port.

Day 2: Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, and the Beach

Morning: Coffee your way through Málaga the local way at Café Central (they invented the city’s famous coffee scale). Explore the Alcazaba, a Nasrid palace-fortress with citrus-filled courtyards and sweeping views; step down to the adjacent Roman Theatre. Hike or taxi up to Castillo de Gibralfaro for panoramic city-meets-sea vistas.

Afternoon: Lunch near the Cathedral at Mesón Mariano (artichokes in season, oxtail, daily fish) or Uvedoble (smart Andalusian riffs in ración/tapa sizes). Beach time at Playa de La Malagueta—rent a lounger or simply stroll the palm-lined promenade.

Evening: See contemporary art at Centre Pompidou Málaga if you skipped it yesterday. Tapas crawl: snag a reservation at El Tapeo de Cervantes (tiny, creative plates), then join the sing-along soundtrack at La Tranca (vermouth on tap, tortilla, montaditos). Dessert at Casa Mira (historic ice cream; try turrón).

Day 3: Picasso’s Málaga, Soho Street Art, and Flamenco

Morning: Start at the Museo Picasso Málaga to trace the artist’s evolution, then detour to his Casa Natal on Plaza de la Merced for early sketches and family memories. Espresso break at Santa Coffee Soho (specialty roasts) or Brunchit (good for shakshuka and pastries).

Afternoon: Graze at Mercado de Atarazanas—order conchas finas (local clams), fried aubergine with cane syrup, and a plate of jamón. Wander into Soho to spot large-scale murals by Obey and D*Face, then dip into CAC Málaga (free entry modern/contemporary). Quick reset with a seawalk along the Palmeral de las Sorpresas.

Evening: Book a table-and-show at Tablao Alegría near the port: dinner leans Andalusian (salmorejo, Iberian pork) and the flamenco is intimate and powerful. Post-show drinks at Antigua Casa de Guardia (since 1840)—order sweet Moscatel or Pajarete from the casks and watch your tab chalked on the bar.

Day 4: Day Trip—Caminito del Rey

Allow a full day. Morning train from Málaga María Zambrano to El Chorro-Caminito del Rey (~40–50 min; check Omio Trains) or bus via Omio Buses. Prebook your timed entrance (10–18€), and bring closed-toe shoes; helmets are provided. The linear route (about 7.7 km total with access paths) takes 3–4 hours with jaw-dropping boardwalks pinned to the gorge walls and turquoise river views. Shuttle buses (~2.5€) connect the end to the start.

Refuel at Restaurante El Kiosko (near the north entrance) or La Garganta by the station. Return to Málaga by late afternoon.

Evening: Easy seafood near the water back in the city: Marisquería Godoy at Muelle Uno (razor clams, arroz caldoso) or casual espetos at Chiringuito El Cachalote on La Malagueta.

Day 5: Pedregalejo & El Palo—Beach Day and Espetos

Morning: Rent bikes (e.g., from outlets near Plaza de la Marina) and ride the flat coastal path east to Pedregalejo (20–30 min). Breakfast on the sand at La Galerna (toast with tomato and olive oil, smoothies) or coffee at Next Level Specialty Coffee on the way.

Afternoon: Laze on the small crescent beaches of Pedregalejo, then continue to El Palo. Lunch at the legendary El Tintero, where waiters auction off plates of just-fried fish—grab what you fancy and pay by the dish. Alternatively, El Cabra does excellent sardine espetos and grilled squid.

Evening: Back in the Old Town, sample local craft beers at Central Beers (wide taps list) before dinner at La Cosmopolita (chef Dani Carnero’s cult favorites: pipirrana, fried egg with boletus). Cocktails at The Pharmacy (speakeasy vibes) or the AC Hotel Palacio “Ático” rooftop.

Day 6: Day Trip—Nerja Caves and Frigiliana’s Whitewashed Lanes

Morning & Afternoon: Bus from Málaga Estación de Autobuses to Nerja (~1–1.15h, ~€5–8 via Omio Buses). Tour the otherworldly Caves of Nerja (vast chambers, colossal stalactites), then stroll to the Balcón de Europa for sea cliffs and photo ops. Lunch on fresh seafood at La Puntilla (andaluz fry-ups) or coastal views at Restaurante 34.

Hop a local bus up to Frigiliana (~15 min). Wander steep, cobbled streets draped in bougainvillea; browse ceramics and taste local sugarcane syrup at tiny shops. Return to Málaga by early evening.

Evening: Back in town, try Uvedoble if you missed it, or Los Mellizos for paella and shellfish platters. Rooftop finale at La Terraza de la Alcazaba with the fortress practically within arm’s reach.

Day 7: Design, Hammam, and Farewell

Morning: Visit the delightful Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda (vintage cars paired with couture) housed in the old Tabacalera. Alternatively, squeeze in the Carmen Thyssen Museum for Andalusian painting. Recover at Hammam Al Ándalus Málaga—arched baths, warm/cold pools, and optional massage make for a serene send-off.

Afternoon: Early lunch at Mercado de la Merced (food hall with croquetas, bao, Iberian meats) or a last plate of boquerones in vinegar at Bar Orellana. Pick up edible souvenirs (almond tortas, local olive oil) and head to the airport by Cercanías train or taxi for your afternoon departure.

Evening: If you happen to have a late flight, one last beach stroll at La Caleta is the perfect goodbye.

Where to Stay (quick picks)

• Centro Histórico: Steps from the Cathedral and museums; ideal for first-timers. Search apartments on VRBO Málaga or compare hotels on Hotels.com.
• Soho: Street art district near CAC and the port; cool cafés, easy walks.
• La Malagueta: Beachfront access with fast hops to the center and Muelle Uno.
• Pedregalejo/El Palo: Sleepy seaside feel, chiringuitos galore—best for slow mornings and sunset walks.

Getting Around

• On foot: The historic center is compact; most sights are within 15 minutes’ walk.
• Public transport: EMT buses and Metro lines 1–2 cover the city; reloadable cards available. Train C1 links the airport and coastal towns.
• Day trips: Use Omio Trains and Omio Buses for Caminito del Rey, Nerja/Frigiliana, and beyond.

Optional Add-On If You Route Via Barcelona

Some travelers connect through Barcelona before/after Málaga. If you do, this small-group tapas walk is a tasty primer on Catalan bites and wine.

Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour (Viator)

Getting In & Out (recap): For flights within Europe use Omio; for long-haul options compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Trains and buses around Spain are easy to plan on Omio Trains and Omio Buses.

Seven days in Málaga delivers sunlit monuments, beachy afternoons, and a table full of Andalusian flavors. With two contrasting day trips in the mix, you’ll come home with a deeper feel for the Costa del Sol and its mountain-framed hinterland—plus a camera roll full of golden stone and blue horizons.