3 Days in Malaga: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Itinerary

I recently spent 3 days in Malaga, a beautiful Andalusian city on Spain’s southern coast, and it has quickly shot up to one of my top European cities to enjoy a long weekend. Full of history, great tapas bars, old wine bars, and classic Spanish squares, Malaga ticks a lot of boxes that can make a few days away extra special. It also helps that on average, there’s over 300 days on sunshine per year, so if you need to top up your vitamin D, this is the place to be!

Although we were only in Malaga for 3 nights, we really soaked up a lot of what this city had to offer but there was never a time I felt rushed. This 3-day itinerary will take you through exactly what we did, where we ate, and what day trips we did with handy links so that you can pick out and book the same activities if you plan to add them to your Malaga itinerary.

I’d go back to this city in a heartbeat as there’s still so much to enjoy and discover. But if it’s your first visit to Malaga, like it was mine, this 3 day itinerary will take you to all the highlights of the city as well as some delicious tapas bars where you can enjoy leisurely dinners and lunches!

This Is Your Itinerary For 3 Days In Malaga

Day 1 in Malaga

Land in Malaga

This itinerary is based on landing in Malaga early to mid-morning. If you’ve flown in the day or night before, take a leisurely morning to have a good breakfast or have a lie in!

Malaga is Spain’s 4th largest airport so there are some great options to find your way into the city centre no matter what time of day you arrive. If you do fly into Malaga in the morning, here are a few options to easily get from Malaga Airport to Malaga.

Bus from Malaga Airport to Malaga

You can catch a bus directly into Malaga City Centre, just exit Terminal 3 and the bus stop is directly outside. Look out for the Airport Express Bus which runs around every 30-45 minutes. A ticket will cost around €4 which can be paid to the bus driver.

Train from Malaga Airport to Malaga

Malaga is really easy to access via train from Malaga Airport. Just hop on the C1 Train from the underground train station which is directly opposite the exit of the arrivals area at terminal 3. The journey will take 11 minutes, and trains run roughly every 20 minutes from Malaga Airport to Malaga City Centre. Just get off at Malaga Centro Alameda if you’re staying in Malaga City Centre and tickets cost €1.80 which can be purchased from automatic ticket machines at the station.

Taxi from Malaga Airport to Malaga

If there are a few of you travelling together, or you have a bit of luggage with you, getting a taxi could be more convenient than bus or train. The taxi stand is well signposted outside the exit of Terminal 3 and the journey should cost you between €20-25 with a supplement being added for airport pickup. All taxis will have a meter so you know how much you have to pay.

Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga

For the ultimate convenience, enjoy a private transfer to take you exactly where you want to be. This is a really great way to get your trip off to a good start so that you can hit the ground running when you’ve checked in at your hotel.

There are many companies you can use for a private transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga City Centre but can also easily be done via booking.com.

Drop Your Bags Off At Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar

Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar is close to the action in Malaga – perfect if you want to be within easy walking distance of Malaga’s main attractions and tapas bars. Although it’s in the heart of the city, you’ll feel like you’re in your own slice of secluded Spanish heaven, tucked away on a quiet street. Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar is a boutique hotel, on the luxurious side and a great option if you want a gorgeous home away from home for a few nights in Malaga. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to check into your rooms straight away. However if your rooms aren’t ready, you can leave them with reception to settle in later in the day.

Lunch at Tragata

First things first, it’s worth going to get some food. Tragata is a 5 minute walk from Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar and is recommended in the Michelin Guide 2026. This is likely to be one of the pricier meals of your stay in Malaga but is by no means super expensive.

Tapas dishes can easily be shared and I’d recommend getting the croquettes, scallops, and roasted aubergines. We also had padron peppers, Spanish omelette and cod skewers and everything was really good and a great way to introduce us to the world of tapas in Malaga.

Tragata Information

Address: Alameda Principal, 3, Distrito Centro, 29001 Málaga, Spain
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday – 13:30 to 17:30 / 20:00 to 00:30​

Tuk Tuk Tour – Including Views from Mirador Del Gibralfaro

Next up, it’s time to get your bearings but instead of doing the usual walking tour (although this is a great option if you maybe haven’t had such an early start), why not try out a tuk-tuk tour of Malaga?

The 2-hour tuk-tuk tour we chose took us out to Malaga’s beaches, up to the Mirador de Gibralfaro, and into Malaga’s centre. It was a really fun way to spend a couple of hours and get to know a bit more about Malaga and its history. Plus it saved our feet from getting too weary after an early start!

👉 Book Now: 2 Hour Tuk-Tuk Tour of Malaga

Icecream at Lucciano’s Málaga

After our tuk-tuk tour, we walked down Malaga’s marina towards Lucciano’s Málaga for a pre-dinner ice cream (when on holiday right?!). Lucciano’s Málaga was a real treat and we all enjoyed a scoop, or two, of some of the creamiest ice cream I’ve tasted. Try out the dulce de leche, the banana and the cookies and cream – although every flavour looked delicious on the counter. Sit outside or take a steady walk back to your hotel with ice cream in hand!

Dinner at El Tapeo de Cervantes

Once you’ve settled into your hotel room and freshened up, head out for dinner – it would be rude to not go for more tapas right? El Tapeo de Cervantes consistently appeared as one of the most recommended restaurants in Malaga so we had to try it out. Divided into two rooms, El Tapeo de Cervantes is one of those places that has a real homey vibe – dark wood, tables crammed in, a good energy between the staff and a menu full of delicious food.

For most meals here, you have the option between half portions or full portions. Half portions are great if you want to try a few things – which we definitely did! We tried the meatballs, pumpkin and mushroom risotto, marinated chicken skewers, cheese and pate, and a spinach salad with asparagus, cherry tomatoes and parmesan. All washed down with a tinto de verano, this was a great way to, nearly, end our first day in Malaga. I’d really recommend booking here if you want to go, it was packed full of people when we arrived at opening time with a wait list already in full swing.

El Tapeo de Cervantes Information

El Tapeo de Cervantes Website
Address: Calle Cárcer, 8, Distrito Centro, 29012 Málaga, Spain
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday – 13:00 to 15:30 / 19:30 to 23:30

Flamenco Show at Teatro Flamenco Malaga

The last thing on our itinerary for Malaga – although this can be moved to another night if you fancy an earlier night after a day of travelling – was a flamenco show. We chose to go to Teatro Flamenco Malaga for an hour-long show although there are plenty of options to see a flamenco show in Malaga if this one is fully booked.

Over an hour we saw, and heard, a few varieties of flamenco dancing and singing and honestly, it was just incredible. The theatre is quite intimate and you can really feel the emotion the dancers and singers put into their performance. The floor literally shakes and you do end up getting completely swept away in the dance and music – a real must do if you’re in Malaga.

👉 Book Now: Flamenco Show at Teatro Flamenco Malaga

Day 2 in Malaga

Day Trip To Ronda

Now, going on a day trip if you’ve only got 3 days in Malaga, might not be something you opt to do. There are plenty of things to do in Malaga if you don’t do a day trip but I’d really recommend going on a day trip to Ronda if you can. This beautiful town isn’t far from Malaga and as a bonus, you get to visit Setenil de las Bodegas too so this means you can see 3 Spanish destinations in one trip – that’s pretty cool if you ask me.

Our day trip to Ronda tour left Malaga at 8am, just as the sunlight was starting to make an appearance. I think doing a guided tour is the easiest way to do it but you can also get the train to Ronda if you want to use public transport, or hire a car if you enjoy the flexibility of driving yourself.

Setenil de las Bodegas

Our first stop on our day trip to Ronda was visiting a Spanish mountain town called Setenil de las Bodegas. White buildings carved into the cliffs are quite striking and it’s a really good stop off during the first part of the day trip. We arrived just as bakeries and shops were just about to open and after having a little wander, we waited for the main throng of people to disperse by taking a seat at Dulces LyR. Unable to resist the freshly baked goods in the window, we opted for a variety of cakes and biscuits, and, like every other meal we had in Malaga, created a delicious cake tapas to start the day. 

When we’d finally had our fill of cake, and energised ourselves with a coffee, we went for a wander around Setenil de las Bodegas’ streets. It’s quite surreal as some of the main streets are completely carved into the cliffs, with the cliff rock making shade from the sun – a must on a hot southern Spanish day. If you have time, and the inclination to climb a few steep steps, it’s worth going to Mirador del Carmen, a short walk off Calle Cuevas del Sol, for views of Setenil de las Bodegas from above.

Guided Tour Of Ronda and Ronda’s Bullring

Next up is the main part of the day, Ronda! With the tour, we were lucky to get a small part of our visit guided around some of Ronda’s main sights. We headed to Church of Our Lady of Mercy Ronda first and then onto Alameda del Tajo where you can see sweeping vistas of Ronda’s countryside and mountains. 

It was on this part of the tour we started to get an idea of Ronda’s history with bullfighting and how it’s part of Ronda’s past and present culture. Then, when we got to Ronda’s Bullring (Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda) we got more insight into this through the Bullring’s museum, before stepping out onto the sandy 66m wide bullring. It’s an impressive building and although I don’t advocate bullfighting, it was really interesting to learn about as well as see some of the costumes worn  by matadors throughout the years.

Mirador del Viento

We then decided to separate off from the main tour group and head on our own exploration. With the aim of getting a classic view of Ronda’s Bridge, the Puente Nuevo, we walked down to Mirador del Viento. The trail for this view point isn’t far from Plaza de María Auxiliadora so it’s easy to find. All you have to do is walk downhill to find the view point – just remember you have to walk back up. Even in the October sun this was hot so make sure you take water with you!

Mirador del Viento is free, and you have to walk a little further downhill to see the bridge and waterfall. However, if you don’t want to walk as far, there is a viewpoint – Desfiladero del Tajo – where you can pay a few euros to see the bridge and waterfall.

After this we went for a late lunch at Tejeringo´s Coffee, a great place for a quick and cheap bite to eat – serving up sandwiches, iced teas and smoothies, it’s a great place for people watching on Ronda’s Plaza Espana.

If you have time, explore Ronda a little bit more before heading for the coach back to Malaga. I’d really recommend doing some research about Ronda before you visit if you want to make the most of your visit here – your tour guide will show you the main sights but you will still have a couple of hours to look around so it’s definitely worth bookmarking a couple of places to eat and view points you want to see before you leave.

👉 Book Now: Day Trip To Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas From Malaga

Rooftop Drinks at ATICO Bar and Restaurant

Once you’re back in Malaga, get freshened up for another evening in the city. If the weather is good, and the skies are clear, I’d recommend heading to the rooftop bar at AC Hotel Malaga Palacio – ATICO Bar and Restaurant. Entry is €11 and this is redeemable against a drink. If you don’t want to pay for entry, there are other rooftop bars in Malaga which could be worth a visit.

We timed our visit for sunset and we couldn’t have picked a better spot to watch the sun go down. Turning Malaga even more golden, the evening light hit Malaga’s buildings and mountains – a gorgeous view especially with a cocktail in hand! 

Dinner at Restaurante Mexicano Tulum

When the sun set, and the cocktails were empty, we headed out for dinner. We went to try out Restaurante Mexicano Tulum, a small and welcoming restaurant on the northern edges of Malaga’s old town. Although not a tapas restaurant, we ordered our food with a sharing mentality and went for a mixed platter of food which included quesadillas and burritos, mixed ceviche, chips and guacamole, more mini quesadillas and a large beef burrito.

Between 5 of us, we devoured the lot and ended up ordering another plate of quesadillas as they were delicious. Along with a selection of margaritas and mojitos, this was a great meal to have a small break from all the tapas dishes we’d been enjoying.

Restaurante Mexicano Tulum Information

Restaurante Mexicano Tulum Website
Address: Calle Carretería, 102, Distrito Centro, 29008 Málaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 13:00 to 00:00

Pastel de Nata For Dessert

If you fancy a little sweet treat after dinner, head to De Nata for a crispy and creamy pastel de nata. I know they’re not Spanish treats but honestly this shop does freshly baked pasteis de nata that are hard to resist. I even popped back for another little treat one morning and paired it with a cafe bon bon – coffee with condensed milk! 

Day 3 in Malaga

Sunrise Beach Walk at Malagueta Beach

Malaga is one of those places where you never have to get up at a ridiculous hour to catch the sunrise. Throughout the year, the earliest the sun will rise is around 7am and that’s in the height of summer. So on your last morning in Malaga, take a morning walk down to Malagueta Beach to watch the sun rise.

We hadn’t specifically planned to do this but as we were walking down Malaga’s marina, we saw the first light hitting the mountains and La Farola de Malaga, Malaga’s historic lighthouse, so we headed straight for the beach and it was such a beautiful way to start the day. There was hardly anyone around, just a few people cleaning the million dollar yachts and a couple of runners, and watching the sun rise from the sea was the calmest way to start the day.

The bonus with a sunrise in Malaga is that the earliest time the sun rises is around 7am in the height of summer so you don’t have to get up super early to catch this special sight.

Churros at Casa Aranda

After sunrise, go to Casa Aranda for some fresh churros with thick dipping chocolate. You may have already had breakfast at your hotel, or you might go back to enjoy the breakfast buffet, but you just can’t miss out on these churros. Whenever I walked past this place, there were plenty of people outside and it had actually been recommended to us by a friend of one of the group I was travelling with. Sitting down at one of their outdoor tables, we weren’t sure what to order but asking for churros and chocolate did the trick and a few minutes later we were tucking in to fresh, warm, fluffy churros and a thick chocolate sauce to dip them into. 

Casa Aranda Information

Casa Aranda Website
Address: Calle Herrería del Rey, 2, Distrito Centro, 29005 Málaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 8:00 to 14:15/16:00 to 20:15

Mercado de Atarazanas

Mercado de Atarazanas is just around the corner from Casa Aranda so why not go take a look around before the busy crowds of the day descend. Fresh fruit, fish, meat, spices and sweets all adorn the stands in this food market. Or you could go later in the day and enjoy the tapas bars which open up for lunch. 

Whatever time you visit, you’re visiting a historic part of the city as it was where the Nasrid shipyards used to be located here in the 14th century and was also used as a warehouse, barracks and a military hospital!

👉 Book Now: Guided Foodie Tour of Mercado de Atarazanas

Mercado de Atarazanas Information

Address: Calle Atarazanas, 10, Distrito Centro, 29005 Málaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday – 9:00 to 14:00

Guided Tour Of Malaga’s Roman Theatre and Alcazaba

Malaga is a city full of history and taking a guided tour of the Roman Theatre and Alcazaba really brings this history to life.

We took a tour with Malaga a Pie and Danni our guide told us, with good humour and clarity, about how the Roman Theatre was rediscovered after being hidden for so long, and how the Alcazaba is designed to make it one of the most difficult fortresses to defeat.

I’m not so much a history buff so having someone so knowledgeable to explain things and really create a visual of how these structures were used in the past was amazing. I’d really recommend this if you’re not bothered about museums but still want to learn about Malaga’s history.

👉 Book Now: A Guided Tour Of Malaga’s Roman Theatre and Alcazaba

Lunch at Casa Lola Strachan

I know, another tapas bar but when in Rome, right? Casa Lola has a few location throughout Malaga but we tried out Casa Lola Strachan which when we arrived at opening time already had a small queue so it’s another one worth booking in advance.

There are a few bar stools outside which are perfect for people watching but the restaurant inside is huge and service is quick so you shouldn’t be waiting too long if you haven’t booked a table.

Our group of 5 ordered many, many dishes, maybe a few too many, so we could try a big variety of dishes. The croquettes were among our favourite but we also tried the Casa Lola style tomatoes, patatas bravas, a selection of Iberian cold meats, garlic prawns (just give me a portion of these next time – they were incredible), grilled goats chicken with goats cheese, chicken quesadillas and chicken skewers. 

Honestly we had a blast trying so many different things and thought we might have to drag an extra table over at one point to fit everything in front of us. It was a great experience and with affordable dishes, even if there’s only a couple of you, you’ll be able to try out a few things!

Casa Lola Information

Casa Lola Website
Address: Calle Strachan, 11, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 12:30 to 23:30

Museo Picasso

This is definitely one to book tickets in advance for. Malaga is Picasso’s place of birth so it’s only right there should be a museum here dedicated to his work.

We booked in advance for our entry ticket to Museo Picasso which was a good idea as on the day, there were no tickets available to purchase on the door.

The Museo Picasso showcases Picasso’s early work – work which looks a lot different to how you might picture Picasso’s more famous work that he’s well known for. There is also usually an exhibition by another artist and while we were visiting we got to enjoy the work of Belgian artist Farah Atassi.

Visiting Museo Picasso takes around an hour, maybe more if you explore each piece in depth. You can also enjoy a guided tour if you really want to get into the detail and history of Picasso’s life and work.

👉 Book Now: Museo Picasso Entry Ticket

Visit Malaga’s Cathedral

After visiting Museo Picasso, take the short walk to Malaga’s Cathedral. Tickets are available on the door but you can book in advance and take a guided tour as well. Visiting Malaga’s Cathedral, or the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, was something we didn’t originally have on our itinerary for Malaga. However, we did end up with an hour to kill before going back to the hotel so in we ventured. And I’m so glad we did.

Malaga Cathedral was constructed between 1528 and 1782 and it’s a Roman Catholic Church with a grand exterior, and even grander interior. There are also two towers on Malaga Cathedral – the north tower, which grows out of Malaga’s skyline at 84m tall, and the south tower which remains unfinished due to budgets when building the cathedral.

We bought our tickets on the door at €10 each and as a bonus, we didn’t have to queue. To avoid any potential queues, I’d recommend buying online in advance but if you want a spontaneous visit like us, it’s good to know you can buy them on the door.

👉 Book Now: Skip The Line Malaga Cathedral Tickets With Tour

Tapas and Wine Tour

One of the best things I did in Malaga was a tapas and wine tour. We’d already found a few good spots for tapas during our trip but this tour gave us some stories and history and some of Malaga’s best tapas and wine spots. It was a great few hours with good company enjoying moscato wine, tapas dishes such as fried courgette and Spanish omelette, and wandering around the busy streets on a warm evening in Malaga.

👉 Book Now: Tapas and Wine Tour in Malaga

Drinks at El Pimpi

El Pimpi is a well known institution in Malaga and was recommended by several people I knew that had visited Malaga before. Opened in 1971 and owned by Hollywood star Antonio Banderas, El Pimpi is a lively place where you can enjoy drinks and tapas. Order a glass of local wine and soak up the history and tradition of one of Malaga’s most popular and emblematic places – what a place to enjoy your last evening in Malaga!

El Pimpi Information

El Pimpi Website
Address: Calle Granada, 62, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga, Spain
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 12:00 to 01:00

The End Of Your Trip To Malaga

And that’s it, that’s 3 days in Malaga done and dusted. This 3 day Malaga itinerary is created so that you can see the highlights of Malaga on your first visit, but you’ll still have time to discover new spots, relax on the beach, or stumble across places that might not be mentioned in this itinerary. Even if you don’t follow this itinerary to a tee, hopefully it gives you a good idea of what you can see and enjoy in this city while also enjoying a relaxed break in this gorgeous Spanish city.