Malaga is located on the Costa del Sol and is the second largest city in Andalusia. If you are looking for great beaches and culture, you will find it in Malaga. The historic city center awaits you with great sights, museums, beautiful squares and good restaurants. The harbor with its newly designed waterfront invites you to linger. Since the main attractions are close to each other, you can easily explore Malaga on foot. In addition, the city is ideal for a day trip. Check out the perfect itinerary for one day in Malaga.
The first stop on your one day itinerary in Malaga is the Mercado Central de Atarazanas. The central city market is located in the heart of the city and is home to numerous stalls. Here you will find countless Spanish delicacies such as fresh fish, pickled olives, tasty cheese and delicious dried fruit. (Duration: 30 minutes)
Next, head to the Malaga Cathedral, one of the city’s most beautiful sights. The cathedral was built between 1528 and 1728 on the site of a mosque and is one of the largest historical buildings in the city. It impresses with baroque, gothic and neoclassical elements. The interior is worth a visit for its grandiose dome, half-round main altar and religious artworks from the 18th century. (Duration: 45 minutes)
Your next stop is the popular Picasso Museum. The museum is located near the birthplace of the artist and opened in 2003. More than 200 art objects such as oil paintings, drawings and sculptures cover eight decades of Picasso’s life’s work. Even the free audio guide provides a lot of exciting information about Picasso’s works. (Duration: 90 minutes)
Just north of the museum is the great Plaza de la Merced. The square with its numerous restaurants is ideal for a lunch break.
After this well-deserved break, continue your city tour to another important landmark in Malaga, the Alcazaba. The imposing palace fortress from the Islamic period served as the residence of the Arab rulers. The fortress not only impresses with its Moorish style and interiors, but also with its magnificent view over the city. Just below the Alcazaba, at the main entrance, you can also admire the well-preserved Roman Theater. (Duration: 90 minutes)
From the Alcazaba, a slightly steeper path leads to the Castillo de Gibralfaro. The 14th-century castle sits on a 130-meter-high hill and offers grandiose views of the harbor, city center and historic bullring from its ramparts. (Duration: 60 minutes)
Walk the same way back to the Alcazaba and from there head into the beautiful Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso. Directly opposite you can find the modern harbor promenade Muelle Uno. Your next destination is the museum Centre Pompidou Malaga, the city’s new cultural hotspot. The permanent exhibition features modern art installations and works by well-known artists such as Miro, Picasso and Frida Khalo. (Duration: 90 minutes)
Your one day itinerary in Malaga is coming to an end. You can stroll along the promenade Muello Uno, eat an ice cream or enjoy the sunset in one of the many bars. If you want to cool off in the sea, you can find a very beautiful long sandy beach at the end of Muello Uno, directly behind the lighthouse.
