Tips for Visiting Málaga: One-Day Itinerary

Málaga, located on the southwest coast of Spain, is a popular tourist destination. While it may not be for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, it’s still worth visiting. Málaga’s convenient location near other must-see spots like the famous Caminito del Rey, Marbella, Ronda, and Granada makes it a great stop in Spain. The city center is easily accessible from Málaga Airport, just a short drive or train ride away.

If you’re short on time, don’t worry—Málaga’s major attractions can be explored in just one day. We stayed for two nights, giving us one full day to experience the city. If you’d like a more relaxed visit, consider extending your stay. This will give you time to enjoy Málaga’s beaches or maybe your accommodation’s pool. In this article i’ll share the best tips for visiting Málaga with this one-day itinerary!

Explore Alcazaba de Málaga

Start your day at Alcazaba de Málaga, the city’s most iconic landmark. This stunning fortified palace, built during the Muslim rule of Spain, showcases breathtaking Arabic architecture. Next to the Alcazaba is Gibralfaro Castle, which you can reach via a 15-20 minute uphill walk. While we opted to only visit the Alcazaba, you could visit both if you have more time.

From the Alcazaba, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city and its harbor, as it’s perched on a hill. Tickets are very affordable: €3.50 for the Alcazaba alone or €5.50 for a combined ticket with Gibralfaro Castle.

Málaga’s vibrant city center

After exploring the Alcazaba, take a leisurely stroll through Málaga’s vibrant city center. The area is perfect for shopping, with options ranging from major brands to charming local boutiques. If you’re interested in seeing more sights, visit the Roman Theatre or the impressive Málaga Cathedral. Keep in mind that tickets to the cathedral cost €10, but you can visit for free during its free-access hours: Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM, Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM.

Where to eat in Málaga

For lunch or diner, Málaga offers something for everyone. If you’re craving traditional Spanish dishes, head to Lo Güeno Mesón for delicious paellas, including a vegetarian option (a rare find in Spain!).

If you prefer something plant-based, check out Meet Vegano, a cozy vegan spot tucked away in an alley. Their burgers are fantastic, and I discovered this gem using the HappyCow app—highly recommended for fellow vegetarians and vegans!

Relax at the Hammam Al Ándalus

End your day with ultimate relaxation at Hammam Al Ándalus Málaga, a breathtaking spa inspired by Arabic-Moorish architecture. You’ll feel like you stepped into a 1001 Nights fairytale. The hammam features a variety of baths and offers optional massages. Keep in mind that booking a treatment will reduce your time in the pools due to a time limit for spa visits. Note: swimsuits are required, and all genders share the space.

Why Visit Málaga?

To be honest, Málaga isn’t one of my favorite Spanish cities. While it offers some beautiful sights, I found it busy and overly touristy. That said, it’s worth a visit if you’re already in the area—perhaps during a road trip or when flying from Málaga Airport. If you’re looking for an amazing Spanish city break, I’d recommend Seville, Valencia, or Granada over Málaga. Still, for a short visit, Málaga has its charm and is a great addition to any Andalusian adventure!

Tip: Visit Castillo de Colomares

If you’re up for a fairytale-like detour just outside Málaga, make sure to visit Castillo de Colomares in Benalmádena. This whimsical monument looks like something straight out of a Disney movie, blending various architectural styles—from Byzantine to Gothic and Mudejar—all in one surreal structure.