Málaga in 3 days: the perfect first-time itinerary

Three days in Málaga give you history, art, food and the sea. This itinerary keeps the walking easy – the old town is compact – and saves the beach for the last day.

Before you go

Book the Cathedral rooftop visit and the Picasso Museum online in busy months. The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro share a combined ticket.

Day 1: the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and the Roman Theatre

• Morning: start at the Roman Theatre, then climb through the gates and gardens of the Alcazaba.
• Midday: lunch in the old town, around the Plaza de la Merced.
• Afternoon: go up to Gibralfaro Castle – by bus up, on foot down – and walk the walls.
• Evening: watch the sunset from the viewpoint below the castle, then tapas in the old town.

Day 2: the Cathedral, Picasso and the port

• Morning: the Cathedral and its rooftop, then the Atarazanas market, entered through an old Moorish gate.
• Midday: stroll down Calle Larios for lunch.
• Afternoon: the Picasso Museum, then Picasso’s birthplace on the Plaza de la Merced.
• Evening: walk along the port to Muelle Uno and the colourful cube of the Centre Pompidou.

Day 3: the beach and espetos

• Morning: a swim at La Malagueta, the city beach.
• Midday: follow the seafront east to Pedregalejo for espetos – sardines grilled over a wood fire.
• Afternoon: back through the Paseo del Parque, a shady promenade of tropical trees.
• Evening: a rooftop drink with a view of the cathedral.

Tips

• Walk in the morning in summer, and keep the hottest hours for a long lunch.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the hills of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro.
• Try a coffee “a la malagueña”: locals order it by name, from *solo* to *nube*.

Still choosing a base? Read where to stay in Málaga and our picks of the 5 best hotels in Málaga.