48 hours in Malaga: The perfect two-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   
   1. Morning

      Explore Málaga's Moorish legacy, Gibralfaro Castle, and Alcazaba Fortress (2 hours)

      

      High on the hill overlooking Málaga, the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle is worth the trek for the view alone, but you can set out early to beat the heat and crowds and save your legs by taking the 35 bus to the top. Besides the views, you’ll see what remains of the castle, mosque, tower, and Phoenician well. Walk downhill, or back on the bus, to the magnificent Alcazaba of Málaga. This 1,000-year-old citadel, built by the Hammudid dynasty on a hill overlooking the port, is a palatial fortification that once stood to protect the city. Today it is the best-preserved alcazaba in Spain. You can pay a few euros to enter, but to understand its rich history a guided tour will give you all the insights to the Alcazaba, and the adjacent Roman theater that dates back to the 1st century BCE, making it the oldest monument in the city.

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   2. See the one-armed cathedral (1.5 hours)

      

      The Renaissance style Málaga Cathedral is lovingly referred to by locals as La Manquita, or "the one-armed lady", since one of its towers was never completed. It has one of the highest naves in Europe and the views from it are breathtaking on a clear day. Experience it all with a guided tour of the cathedral, or a complete guided tour of Málaga which includes entrance to the cathedral, as well as the Alcazaba and Roman theater. If you have time before lunch, take a stroll along the grand pedestrian pathways of Málaga Park. This landscaped, jungle-like garden is filled with statues dedicated to the city’s most famous former residents.

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   3. Afternoon

      Get a real taste of Spain at El Pimpi (1.5 hours)

      

      Among Calle Granada’s concentration of great lunch spots, El Pimpi was founded in 1971 and is one of the city’s best traditional wine houses. A popular spot for Malagueños and visitors alike — as well as a few famous faces — you can pair local wines with great local gastronomy for a real taste of southern Spain. The bar takes its name from the figure of “Pimpi”, a popular character from Málaga who helped crew and passengers of boats that arrived in the port.

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   4. Explore the life and work of Picasso in his birthplace (2 hours)

      

      Pablo Picasso, the greatest artist of the 20th century, was born and raised here in Málaga. Spend the afternoon escaping the heat and learn more about the complex artist and his work. Start at the Museo Casa Natal de Picasso, located in Picasso’s former home where each room details his family, social, and cultural connections, and shows a permanent collection of personal items and artworks. You can book a ticket in advance to save time at the entrance. Next venture on to the most visited art gallery in Andalusia, the Museo Picasso. Housed in the historic Condes de Buenavista palace, the collection features 285 works that span a wide variety of styles, materials, and techniques. Book a ticket with audio guide to see them for yourself, or on Wednesdays and Thursdays you can book a guided tour to learn more. Afterwards, take a seat beside Picasso himself in the nearby Plaza de la Merced — he’s immortalized in bronze on one of the square’s benches.

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   5. Steep in the Arabian baths (1.5 hours)

      

      Discover the deep relaxation of a Hammam, an Arab bath tradition that’s a reminder of the traditions of city’s Muslim past. Step into the warm, cold, and hot baths, enjoy a relaxing sit in the steam room, or sip a delicious mint tea in the lounge. This level of bliss should really be mandatory after a long day of exploring the city. Surround yourself in calm and Moorish architecture at the Hammam Al-Andalus, where you'll get the full experience. Booking in advance, especially on the weekends, might be necessary at this popular spot.

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   6. Evening

      Feel the rhythm of a Flamenco show (1.5 hours)

      

      A trip to Spain, especially to the Andalusia region, is not complete without witnessing the raw energy and fiery passion of a traditional Flamenco show. This unique, UNESCO protected artform combines complex guitar rhythms, dance, and song for an unforgettable evening. To experience one of the best, buy tickets in advance to an intimate flamenco performance set in a 19th-century palace.

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2. Day 2

   
   1. Morning

      Walk the Caminito del Rey (4 hours)

      

      Once known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world, the upgraded 4.9-mile-long Caminito del Rey trail is now a safe passage, so long as your stomach can handle heights and sheer drops. Sitting almost 330 feet (100 meters) above ground and clinging to vertical cliffs, the pathway winds through the Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes gorge, canyons, and a valley along an easy-to-moderate level trail. This infamous trek is very popular, so book well in advance. Located an hour from Málaga, a guided tour with transport makes the trip simple.

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   2. Stroll the Málaga Promenade (1 hour)

      

      The most famous beach in the city, La Malagueta covers most of the Málaga seafront. Take a walk or, if you skipped the morning adventure and have the energy to rent a bike, a slow ride along the picturesque promenade on the Mediterranean Sea. Either way, you’re in the capital of the Costa del Sol, the Spanish region best known for its stunning beaches, so make a stop on the way for a refreshing ocean swim, or enjoy lunch or a drink in one of the many beach bars lining the waterfront.

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   3. Enter the Cube at Center Pompidou Málaga (1 hour)

      

      Modern art lovers can’t miss a visit to Center Pompidou Málaga. Housed in a striking multicolored cube, known as El Cubo, this branch of the French Georges Pompidou Art and Culture Foundation was the first outside of France. The walls rotate with semi-permanent exhibitions featuring works by artists including Frida Kahlo and Francis Bacon, depending on the collection themes and timelines which change every 2.5 years. Booking in advance will allow you to skip any lines.

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   4. Afternoon

      Explore the Pedregalejo and El Palo neighborhoods (1 hour)

      

      Swap the city center for the quieter, traditional seafaring districts of Málaga. In Pedregalejo the former fisherman’s houses have been turned into rustic beachfront bars and restaurants. Drop into a chiringuito (snack bar) to try the local specialty: grilled sardines on a stick, also known as espetos. The best chiringuitos get busy, so be prepared to wait or reserve a table ahead of time. If you keep walking, or cycling, along the promenade you’ll reach El Palo. Look for the traditional long and thin jábega boats on the sand. Once used for fishing, the design dates back to the time of the Phoenicians and now the colorful wooden boats are used for annual rowing championships.

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   5. See the sunset from Málaga Bay (1.5 hours)

      

      Set sail on Málaga Bay to gain a new perspective of the city at the center of the Costa del Sol. Chill on the deck while a glass of cava fizzes in one hand and music provides the soundtrack to this special memory in the making. A golden glow will engulf the city as the sun disappears behind the mountains, a truly romantic end to two magical days in Málaga. Sailing at sunset is super popular, especially in the summer, so book well in advance.

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