What to see in Malaga in 3 days

Malaga, in the middle of Costa del Sol is a city that has it all: sun, sea, mountains, art and history. With more than 2,800 years of history, it is one of the oldest cities in the world, but it is also the most fashionable city in Spain. Its warm weather makes it attractive at any time of the year, and its open people will make you feel at home from the very first moment. In addition, Malaga is much more than its beaches. Its delicious gastronomy its cultural scene with the Picasso Museum or the Pompidou and its environment will offer you a complete experience.

In this article we will recommend you the best what to see and do in Malaga in 3 days We will make sure you make the most of your stay in this city. Malaga is at the moment the city where we live so we hope that our recommendations will be useful to you, as we are going to constantly updating.

Day 1: Historic Center

Atarazanas Market

A good place to start your trip is with a visit to the Atarazanas Market The market is a place full of color and life where the smells and flavors of fresh local produce mingle. This historic market is a spectacle for the senses, with stalls offering everything from fruits and vegetables to freshly caught fish and seafood. In addition to the classic market stalls there are also a few bars where you can have a drink and taste some of the fresh products of the market, a real experience. 

Larios Street

Continuing our route through the center of Malaga, it's time to walk along the famous Larios Street Malaga's main commercial artery. This pedestrian street is always full of life and is perfect for those who enjoy the urban atmosphere and shopping. There is a variety of stores, restaurants and the popular Casa Mira ice cream parlor one of the must-sees of this city when the heat is on. If you are lucky enough to visit Malaga on certain holidays (Christmas, Carnival, Malaga Film Festival, etc), you will find this street all decorated and even with decorative lights, a visual spectacle. Especially well known is its light show synchronized with music that is made at Christmas. 

Malaga Cathedral

From Larios street, we recommend you to arrive at the Chinitas Passage and cross it until you reach the Bishop's square, where you will find the Malaga Cathedral affectionately known as "La Manquita" because one of its towers was left unfinished (although it seems that work is beginning to finish it). Its mixture of architectural styles tells the story of its long construction. General admission to the Cathedral costs 10€ and includes audio guide. The visit is not complete without going up to its terraces to admire breathtaking views of the city.

Picasso Museum

Strolling through the winding streets of Malaga that recall its Muslim past we arrive at the Picasso Museum. Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, and the museum houses an impressive collection of his works donated by his family. Here you will not find his most famous works but you will be able to explore the rooms and discover the evolution of the artist and his impact on modern art.

Open every day and the price of the entrance fee is 12€. although we recommend you to go if you can on Sundays late in the afternoon because the entrance is free of charge. 

El Pimpi Winery

Whether you want to eat there (you have to book well in advance or queue) or not, we recommend you to make a brief stop at this iconic restaurant. This place is an institution in Malaga, and it not only offers tasty local dishes but it is also famous for its cozy atmosphere and its walls adorned with celebrity photos who have visited him. 

If you just want to have a look, you can enter through Granada street and exit through Alcazabilla street, just in front of the Alcazaba of Malaga. You can eat in any of the thousands of restaurants in the center of Malaga, if you want to take a look at our recommendation visit our article. 

👀 I click!
As a curiosity, the Malaga actor Antonio Banderas acquired a part of this winery a few years ago. Although he is a great international actor, Antonio Banderas continues to invest in his hometown by owning several restaurants in the area.

Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle and the Roman Theater

In the afternoon, there is no better way to immerse yourself in the history of Malaga than by visiting the Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro a Muslim palace fortification which sits on a hill in the heart of the city. With its walls winding uphill, courtyards and ornamental gardens, the Alcazaba is a haven of peace with breathtaking views of the city and the sea. Separate tickets can be purchased for the Alcazaba and the Castle, or a joint ticket costs 5,5€. 

Next to it, at the foot of the hill of Gibralfaro, the Roman Theater  dating back to the 1st century BC, offers a glimpse into Malaga's classical past. Recently restored, you can visit and contemplate what life was like two millennia ago. The entrance to the Roman Theater is free of charge. The proximity of both monuments, one Arab and the other Roman, shows the rich mix of cultures that has influenced Malaga over the centuries.

Viewpoint of Gibralfaro

If you still have some energy left after this intense day, we recommend you to finish it with a visit to the Viewpoint of Gibralfaro another emblem of the city. A short but picturesque walk will take you to this high point, from where the view is simply spectacular: the city stretching to the horizon, the blue Mediterranean in the background and, if the day is clear, you can even see Africa. There is no better time to visit than at sunset When the sky is tinged with colors and the city is illuminated little by little. It is the ideal place to reflect, relax and, of course, take some of the best photos of your trip.

Day 2: Pier 1 & Malagueta

Alameda and Plaza de la Marina

We started the second day in Malaga with a leisurely stroll along the Alameda Principal to the Plaza de la Marina two of the city's most emblematic open spaces. The Alameda, with its leafy trees and benches, is perfect for enjoying the shade and local atmosphere on a sunny morning. When you arrive at the Plaza de la Marina, you will find the nerve center of the city and an excellent gateway to the port and Pier 1 El Cenachero a symbol of the city that represents a fish seller with its cenachos, that goes hawking around the city. 

Pier 1

From the Plaza de la Marina, you can easily reach the Pier 1 The promenade is a modern area of the Port of Malaga, where the sea meets leisure. This elegant promenade is full of stores, restaurants and bars The beach is ideal for those who want to relax looking at the sea, although we recommend you to look after your pocket in this area, as it is one of the most expensive in the city to eat or have a drink. Here you can also see the luxury yachts that are normally tied up, or those that are supercruises full of tourists. 

We recommend you to go for a walk and see there the sunset as you can see in the pictures below it is simply spectacular.

Pompidou Museum

Along Muelle 1 you will also find the Malaga headquarters of the Pompidou Center the famous contemporary art museum Parisian. His csmelly glass cube is already an icon in Malaga. Inside, exhibitions range from works by internationally renowned artists to emerging talents, a must-see for lovers of modern and contemporary art.

💡La Farola de Málaga
If you continue to the end of the pier, you cannot miss the Malaga Lighthouse ("La Farola"), which since 1817 has been an iconic symbol of the port and is one of the few lighthouses in the world with a woman's name in Spain, they say because of its "wide and stubby" shape.

La Malagueta Beach

No trip to Malaga would be complete without devoting a few hours to relaxation at the La Malagueta the city's urban beach. Located just a short walk from downtown, this beach is dark sand beach gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy some time in the sun. Dive into its waters, sunbathe on the sand or simply enjoy a walk by the sea. And, of course, you can't leave Malaga without tasting its sardine skewers a typical local dish that you will find in the beach bars on the beach. These grilled sardines are a real delicacy that defines the taste of summer in Malaga.

Soho neighborhood

In the late afternoon, head for the Soho neighborhood the urban art district of Malaga. This neighborhood, once forgotten, has been reborn thanks to the creativity and color of the murals that adorn its buildings, transforming it into a outdoor art gallery. Take a walk and let the works of art surprise you urban art of which are by artists of international renown. 

In addition to art, Soho offers a wide range of varied gastronomic offer. From contemporary restaurants to tapas bars with a modern twist, this neighborhood is the ideal place to dine and then have a drink while enjoying the cool of the night.

Day 3: El Palo

For your last day in Malaga, we will recommend you several options depending on how far you want to go with the car or the place that catches you on the way back home. The easiest option and the one that we love for a Sunday with good weather is a visit to the Palo area The following details are provided below:

El Palo Beach

El Palo is located in the eastern part of Malaga, and is an old fishermen's neighborhood that has managed to maintain its charm and tradition, offering a unique and unique more local atmosphere and quiet. The beach is perfect for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas and enjoy an authentic atmosphere. The waters are clear, calm and unobstructed, ideal for a refreshing swim.

In addition, in El Palo you can find some of the best beach bars to have lunch fresh fish and seafood a true delight!

El Tintero Restaurant

For dining, there is no more unique experience in Malaga than to visit El Tintero located in the same area of El Palo. This restaurant offers a different concept: no menus The waiters pass between the tables announcing the dishes they have in hand, and you choose what you want to try. From seafood to paellas and fried food, the food is delicious and the experience unforgettable. It's a fun and lively place, where the hustle and bustle is part of the charm. 

It is a bit more expensive than the rest of the beach bars around but it is a very curious experience if you have never been there before. We always take our friends when they come to visit and they love it, we recommend it 100% because in addition to the "show" the food is delicious. 

Pedregalejo and El Titi

After a good meal, if you still have some time left to take advantage of Malaga, you can walk along the promenade towards Pedregalejo Another traditional fishermen's neighborhood that has been able to adapt to the new times without losing its essence. Here, low houses and cozy beaches create a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee or a drink at the El Titi the trendiest place in Malaga, or in any of the many chiringuitos or bars with terrace overlooking the sea. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view, feeling the sea breeze and absorbing the last moments of your stay in Malaga.

Alternative Day 3: Nerja and Frigiliana

The second suggestion for your last day in Malaga is a visit to these white villages Malaga, which perhaps you can take the opportunity to visit on your way back home.

The excursion to Nerja and Frigiliana is the perfect option to discover two of the most charming villages on the Costa del Sol. Start the day early towards Nerja, a beautiful seaside town known for its stunning beaches and the famous Nerja Caves A spectacular set of caverns that house cave paintings and unique natural formations. Do not miss the Balcony of Europe The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

If you want to spend more days there or to have all the details about the points of interest we recommend you our article on Nerja.

After exploring Nerja, head to Frigiliana just a few kilometers inland. This village is a treasure trove of Moorish architecture, with narrow and steep streets whitewashed houses and colorful pots that adorn every corner. Frigiliana is ideal to get lost, discover local craft stores and enjoy a meal in one of its restaurants overlooking the mountains of the Sierra de Tejeda.

This tour not only allows you to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility outside the city, but also to discover the rich history and culture of Andalusia. It is a perfect way to conclude your visit to Malaga, taking home with you memories of picturesque Mediterranean villages and breathtaking landscapes.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement What to see in Malaga in 3 days you can visit our posts about Malaga.