Basking in the backdrop of the sparkling blue Mediterranean, the port city of Malaga is the perfect destination for a city break on the coast. A bustling modern city with an Old Town filled with relics of its past, Malaga has a very special charm that captures visitors and sees them return time and time again. For your first visit to Malaga, take a look at this itinerary. You can be sure to begin your trip with your best foot forward.
Morning
The main shopping street in the city is known as Calle Marqués de Larios. This is arguably the best place to begin your explorations. Heavily adorned in interesting shops, cafés and street terraces and busy throughout the day, there are plenty of distractions to keep you occupied. Take a detour off Calle Marqués de Larios and from here, head to the heart of historic Malaga. You will come across Malaga Cathedral first. With its eye catching bell tower, you will surely be persuaded of a visit inside. Inside, the style and rich decoration is vastly influenced by Renaissance and Baroque styles. If you have time, there is also a museum dedicated to artifacts of the museum such as artwork and sculptures with historical and religious significance.
Lunch
When your stomach starts grumbling, share a few plates of tapas. Delicious and satisfying it’s really the best lunch you can have. Especially when washed down with a jug of Sangria. In the area surrounding the cathedral, you won’t have to look far to find somewhere that fits the bill. La Rabaná comes recommended, it’s loud and busy but also ideally located with a laid back atmosphere and most importantly, delicious grub.
Afternoon
When you’re full to bursting, make for the Picasso Museum. As the city is the home of Pablo Picasso, this is one of the city’s greatest attractions. You can currently view both the permanent and temporary exhibitions for less than €10 per person. The birthplace of Picasso, Casa Natal, is just a few minutes’ walk away. With exhibition rooms, pictures and an insight into the early years of his life, it completes the experience.
The alluring backdrop of Alcazaba Fortress, one of the city’s most visited landmarks is likely to have stirred some interest. Make this your next stop. Overlooking the city, there is quite a walk involved. As a reward, the 11th century Moorish fortress affords fantastic views. As well as the ruins of Gibralfaro Castle, you can relax in the pretty landscaped gardens. Make your way back down to the city streets after this and prepare for your evening entertainment.
Evening
The nightlife in Malaga comes with an exceptionally good reputation and is said to amongst the best in Spain. The choice of where to centre yourself is up to you. The area from Larios all the way to the port boasts great restaurants, clubs and bars. For a traditional evening, visit Vista Andalucía, one of the most famous flamenco bars on offer in the city. If jazz is more your style, make a beeline for El Cantor de Jazz which boasts consistently great line ups. Siempre Asi, a bar come club plays salsa, rock and rumba music and thus attracts a lively crowd. For a more traditional club, Liceo is the one to consider. La Galerna on the other hand is the ideal place for a relaxed drink on the terrace. Whichever bar or club calls your name, you’re likely to have a fantastic night out.
Tell us what you did on your first trip to Malaga, or if you’re planning on visiting this summer what plans have you got in store?
Thanks for your comments Samuel and Jenny, glad you liked the post and found it useful!
We are thinking of spending a short time away in October in a city such as this, your itinerary has certainly fired the imagination and will certainly find out more about visiting Malaga after reading this, thanks
Great itinerary! This would be would action packed first encounter 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the post John! 🙂 So often the true authenticity of a place can be lost but it’s great that Malaga has retained it’s traditional Spanish atmosphere despite the number of visitors it has. The Centro Histórico is definitely up there with the must-sees!
Hi Kerri,
Great post by the way. You seem to have hit the nail on the head. I have lived here for 14yrs and Malaga is indeed a beautiful city. Still very traditional and very Spanish. Most definitely somewhere that is worth exploring. One area that is worth seeing is the Centro Histórico – Malaga’s old city. Wandering its streets is almost like going back in time!!
Thanks for stopping by Jenna, glad to know that we’ve hit the nail on the head! It’s definitely true that one day stops in cities are getting more popular!
I’ve only spent one day in Malaga…so I’m glad to know I hit most of the prime spots! I think these kinds of guides are great now that more and more people stop through a city with just a day…
It’s great to hear about your excellent holiday Bill, the boat trip around the bay sounds especially lovely! 🙂 It really is a great city!
Interestingly I had my first proper visit to Malaga at the beginning of June, spending three nights there (I had visited it briefly for an overnight stop about 5 years ago on my way back to the Murcia Region from Seville/Jerez). We stayed in a modern hotel close to the city centre (with underground parking) so were able to do most things in the city on foot.
First afternoon/evening – across the bridge from the hotel and up the lanes to the Cathedral for a visit (it is very fine), after coffee in a cafe on the way there. Then a visit to the Alcazar in the early evening – marvellous views over bay and harbour. Dinner in a restaurant not far from the Cathedral.
Lots of things to see in Malaga – Picasso museum, del Torre museum (local artist, still active) specialising in poster-style painiting, glass museum (privately owned house, with marvellous range of glassware, porcelain and furniture). A walk along the beach promenade is good, too (many interesting sculptures and modern art artefacts – we did that then an hour’s boat trip around the bay – there are a few companies offering this. On one of the days we took a trip to Marbella for lunch and a walk along the promenade – it’s not to far from Malaga.
On the way there we travelled on the inland motorway via Granada – it’s fast motorway most of the way, although the drive down into Malaga itself is a bit like a helter-skelter! On the way back travelled along to coast road to Almeria then the motorway from Vera. Marvellous scenery on this route with beaches and spectacular cliff-tops.
I’ll certainly be back in Malaga again in the future 🙂