3-Day Trip Itinerary in
Málaga

Start at the Picasso Museum, in the 16th-century Palacio de Buenavista. Picasso was born in Málaga, and the current permanent display brings together 144 of his works.

Good to know: open daily 10:00–18:00 from November to February and longer in other seasons. General admission is €13, under-17s go free, and entry is free for everyone in the last two hours on Sundays.

Spago’s is a small, simple spot in the old town serving handmade pasta, with takeaway available.

Málaga Cathedral is nicknamed “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) because its second tower was never finished.

Good to know: general admission is €10 with audio guide and it opens only 14:00–18:00 on Sundays. The roof is a separate fixed-time visit up about 200 steps, and it is suspended in bad weather.

La Tranca is a lively, traditional tapas tavern with tiled walls and barrels for tables, known for vermouth on tap. It doesn’t take reservations and is often packed by around 21:00, so go early.

The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress whose oldest surviving parts date from the 11th century, with walls, gardens and views over the city and the sea.

Good to know: open 09:00–18:00 from November to March and until 20:00 from April to October, with last entry an hour before closing. Tickets are €7, or €10 combined with Gibralfaro, and entry is free from 14:00 on Sundays.

La Recova is a daytime café-bar inside a craft and homeware shop, best known for traditional Málaga breakfasts with homemade spreads and for tapas and a set menu after midday. It is reported to close by mid-afternoon and on Tuesdays and Sundays, so check before you go.

Walk up to Gibralfaro, a 14th-century castle above the city, for some of the best views in Málaga over the Alcazaba and the coast.

Good to know: tickets are €7, or €10 combined with the Alcazaba, and last entry is an hour before closing.

Antigua Casa de Guardia is Málaga’s oldest tavern, open since 1840, pouring local wines straight from the cask with seafood and pickles. It closes at 15:00 on Sundays, so choose another spot for a Sunday dinner.

Spend your final day relaxing at La Malagueta Beach, a popular urban beach known for its golden sands and clear waters.

Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the promenade. There are plenty of beach bars (chiringuitos) where you can grab a refreshing drink or snack.

Stay on the beach for lunch at El Cachalote, a chiringuito on La Malagueta serving sardine espetos, fried fish and paella. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the kitchen closes at 18:00.

Finish at El Pimpi, a Málaga wine cellar and restaurant founded in 1971, with an entrance on Calle Alcazabilla. Expect about €30 excluding drinks, and reserve by phone or email.

These attractions are the ones most worth reserving before you travel. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.