14 Best Things to Do in Málaga: Including 3 Day Itinerary

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Málaga doesn’t always get the same spotlight as some of Spains other cities like Madrid or Barcelona, but this beautiful coastal city truly deserves its moment. Bursting with culture, sunshine, sea views, and plenty of charm, it perfectly blends both beach and city life. Add in nearby hikes and day trips, all wrapped up in an easy-to-walk city, and honestly, Málaga is an absolute vibe.

After spending three days here soaking up the autumn sunshine, I came home with a much-needed boost of vitamin D and a camera roll full of happy memories.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year on the Costa del Sol, Málaga is the perfect place to catch some golden rays pretty much all year-round. So when Jet2 kindly invited me on this exciting city break, I knew I was in for a real treat.

There’s so much to see and do here and Jet2 have a great selection of flights to Malaga. So, come take a look at some of my favourite things to do, eat, and see in this sunny Spanish gem.

1. Explore Malaga on a Fun Tuk-Tuk Tour

I love finding something a bit different to do when I travel, and this tuk-tuk tour was just that! It’s such a brilliant way to get your bearings and see loads of the city in a short amount of time.

During our two-hour ride, we covered so much ground and learned heaps of local facts from our friendly guide. We even stopped at Pablo Beach for a short stroll, where he showed us the local way of cooking espeteros, which are sardines skewered and grilled over open boat BBQ’s. Sadly, the shack was closed that day, but it still looked fascinating.

Another highlight was stopping at Gibralfaro, where a short walk rewarded us with incredible panoramic views over Málaga. From here we could see the bullring, the harbour, and the cathedral all in one sun drenched picturesque frame.

If you’re visiting Málaga for the first time, I definitely recommend doing the tuk-tuk tour early on. It’s fun and helps you get your bearings. I’ll leave a link below for the exact one we did, and fingers crossed you get the same guide because he was fantastic!

2. Visit The Picasso Museum

Even though I’m a creative person, I’ll admit Picasso’s work doesn’t overly inspire me. One thing’s for sure though, he certainly had an obsession, or shall we say a focus on the female form!

Still, the Picasso Museum is absolutely worth a visit, especially since Málaga was his birthplace. The museum itself is housed inside a beautiful old building, and there’s a huge variety of exhibits. From paintings to sculptures and even some of his early draft sketchbooks.

You could easily spend a couple of hours here if you want to read every information board and take it all in. If you’re a big Picasso fan, you can also visit his childhood home nearby, along with a bronze statue of him. Apparently, rubbing his head is said to bring you creative inspiration!

The Picasso Museum is one of Málaga’s most popular attractions, and tickets can sell out quickly. If it’s high on your list, I’d recommend booking tickets online in advance, as we saw a few people being turned away on the day.

3. Be Amazed at Malaga’s Alcazaba

Even though much of the Alcazaba has been reconstructed, it’s still an incredible place to visit. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the highlights of Málaga.

Our tour guide, Dani, was absolutely hilarious and made the whole experience so entertaining. If you’re lucky enough to get him, count your lucky stars because he’s one of those guides who makes history fun, not dull and serious.

We learned so much about the Alcazaba’s clever defensive design and how it was basically impossible to invade. The only reason the Christians managed to take it was because they surrounded it for three months and starved the inhabitants out.

Dani also explained how the Alcazaba once stood right by the sea, but over the years Málaga has reclaimed land, so it now sits much further back. One of my favourite details was how they reused materials from the Roman theatre below, repurposing marble and stone to build the fortress. If you look closely, you’ll spot marble pillars from the Roman ruins in the doorways of the Alcazaba. Such a cool blend of history.

Below is the exact tour we did:

4. Learn The History About Malaga’s Roman Theatre

Right below the Alcazaba sits Málaga’s Roman Theatre, which has a surprisingly scandalous backstory.

Once a thriving entertainment hub, it fell out of use when locals started drying fish right in front of it. Eventually the stench became so unbearable that people stopped coming altogether!

Centuries later, when Málaga began building a cultural centre, workers accidentally uncovered the ruins but kept quiet to avoid halting construction. It took ten years before the discovery was revealed, and the building was eventually demolished to uncover the Roman Theatre.

You can view part of it from the street, and there’s a glass pyramid where you can look down at the original Roman foundations.

5. Get Merry on a Tapas and Wine Tour

We’re in Spain after all, so you can’t not go on a tapas and wine tour!

Our evening began at Antigua Casa de Guardia, the oldest winery in Málaga that was established in 1840. The wooden barrels lining the back wall are a sight to see. Try a glass of Moscatel, a sweet local sherry which is syrupy and delicious! If you start a tab, instead of writing it down on paper, they jot it down in chalk on the wooden counter.

From there, we headed to Taberna El Mentidero for some tapas and a glass of Rioja. Highlights included a tomato and avocado Russian style salad and battered aubergine slices that were drizzled in a sweet molasses sauce.

Our final stop featured the most amazing orange chicken, tender pork cheeks, and goat’s cheese with tomato marmalade served on warm toast. We also tried a glass of Vermouth which is like a cold, spiced mulled wine with hints of clove and cinnamon.

One thing I loved about this particular food tour was walking between each stop. Our guide shared fun facts about the cafes and buildings we passed along the way, making it a perfect mix of food, wine, and sightseeing.

Below is a link to the tour we did through GetYourGuide:

6. Take a Sunrise Walk to Málaga’s Harbour

This area of Málaga is so pretty and feels very modern with its distinctive white wave-like canopy. It’s a lovely place to come for a stroll, browse the market stalls, or admire the huge superyachts docked in the marina.

Our tuk-tuk guide pointed out one yacht, and said it belonged to Dubai’s royal family, and it’s apparently worth around €300 million!

7. Cool Down at Málaga Park – Parque de Malaga

If you need somewhere shady to cool off, Málaga Park (Parque de Malaga) is perfect. It’s free to enter and noticeably cooler thanks to the leafy tree canopy overhead. There are benches, fountains, and quiet paths that make it ideal for a relaxing walk near the waterfront.

8. Step Inside Málaga’s Cathedral – La Manquita

I can’t decide if this stunning cathedral is more beautiful inside or out? Both are breathtaking examples of craftsmanship. The stonework, stained glass windows, and intricate wooden carvings, it’s all incredible.

Nicknamed La Manquita (“the one-armed lady”) the cathedral famously has only one tower, as the second was never completed. Photos don’t do its sheer scale justice. When you step inside, the ceilings soar above you and you feel absolutely tiny.

Entry costs €10 per person, we didn’t prebook and only had to queue for around 5 minutes to get in. There’s a sign saying no shorts or strapy tops, but I saw plenty of visitors dressed casually inside so I don’t think that rule is overly enforced.

9. Feel The sand on Your Feet at Malagueta Beach

Malagueta Beach is Malaga’s closest beach, and it was just a short 10 minute walk from our hotel. Even in October the sea temperature was a balmy 23°C, so it must feel like a hot bath in the summer!

We didn’t have time to enjoy a beach day, but I did manage a sunrise walk along the sand, and it was gorgeously quiet, with only a few runners around.

10. Take a Day Trip From Málaga to Setenil and Ronda

Both Setenil and Ronda are absolutely beautiful and well worth a day trip from Málaga. We booked this guided coach tour through GetYourGuide, which stopped at Setenil first before continuing on to Ronda.

The bus station was about a 10-minute walk from our hotel, and the scenic drive took us through endless rolling hills and citrus groves. I’ve linked the exact tour we did below.

Part 1: Admire The Buildings at Setenil

After about 1.5 hours, we arrived in Setenil de las Bodegas, a unique village where houses, shops, and cafes are built directly into the rock.

Tapas had become our entire personality by this point, so we couldn’t resist turning our coffee and cake stop into “cake tapas,” ordering a few different slices to share. The bakery felt so authentic with slightly wonky bakes that looked freshly made by hand (probably by someone who’d been up since 2am!). My favourite was an iced cake that I couldn’t quite identify, but it was delicious and the sponge was very dark in colour.

It’s not a huge place to explore, but we found steps leading to a viewpoint overlooking the whitewashed houses, complete with a cat basking in the sunshine. Then we jumped back on the coach to head onto Ronda.

Tip: There weren’t any public toilets that I saw, but restaurant bathrooms are available if you’re a paying customer.

Part 2: Walk Over The Famous Ronda Bridge

From the bus station in Ronda, it’s a short walk into the centre. Our tour began at a small church before heading to a beautiful garden with sweeping mountain views at the far end.

Next, we visited Ronda’s bullring (thankfully there was no bullfight on) but it was interesting to learn about its history. Bullfighting is still part of local culture, though it only takes place for one week a year here, with tickets costing between €300 and €700 depending on whether you sit in sun or shade!

The highlight of Ronda is, of course, its iconic bridge, Puente Nuevo. Our guide told us the small window in the middle once served as the city prison, and let’s just say, escaping wasn’t an option when that fall was a consideration.

After the guided tour ended, we explored at our own pace. For the best view of the bridge, you can either pay a couple of euros to access the nearby museum’s viewing platform, or walk down one of the steep paths on either side for that perfect photo. Be warned though, it’s a bit of a trek to climb back up, especially in the midday sun, but it’s worth it for the view!

11. Watch a Traditional Flamenco Show

For an authentic Spanish evening, you have to experience a traditional flamenco show.

Ours took place in an old theatre which was dark, moody, and full of atmosphere. We arrived 30 minutes early and lucked out with our own private booth right beside the stage. The view was incredible and all the stomping (i’m sure there is a far more technical term!) was so loud that my watch was warning me about the noise level!

The performance was mesmerising, full of energy, emotion, and incredible footwork. The dancers were so passionate, and I was surprised to see most of the dances performed solo rather than in pairs. I always assumed flamenco was more of a couples dance, but I was wrong. There were multiple singers, costume changes, and plenty of drama. All in all, an unforgettable Spanish evening in Málaga.

If you’d like to go to the same place where we watched this one, i’ll leave it linked below.

12. Enjoy Cocktails at Málaga’s Best Rooftop Bars

Málaga has no shortage of rooftop bars, and AC Hotel Málaga Palacio offers one of the best views in town. Overlooking the cathedral and harbour, it looks stunning at golden hour. As the sun sets, the silhouette of mountains glow and the city twinkles below. It’s incredibly beautiful.

You’ll need a ticket to access the rooftop (€11 per person including one drink), which helps prevent people from coming up just for photos. We bought ours in the hotel lobby without pre-booking.

Other great rooftop options include Batik (amazing views of the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre) and Chinitas Urban Hostel, which attracts a younger crowd.

13. Go Shopping on Calle Larios

Calle Larios is Málaga’s main shopping street and it’s absolutely beautiful. Wide, elegant and lined with grand buildings that curve towards the sea (a design that helps with the sea breeze).

It’s home to high-end shops and cafés and looks especially magical at Christmas, when it’s transformed with twinkling light displays.

14. Visit Mercado de Atarazanas – Málaga’s Oldest Market

Málaga’s Mercado de Atarazanas is the city’s oldest market and one of its liveliest. Inside you’ll find vibrant stalls piled high with a rainbow of colourful fruit and veg, gleaming fish counters, and meat stands. It was like an old fashioned version of the super modern Markthal in Rotterdam!

I loved the sliced dragon fruit that was ready to eat with little wooden spoons, the perfect grab-and-go snack! Visit early (around 9am) to catch the buzz of locals shopping for their daily produce, or a little later in the day to enjoy tapas right from the stands.

A Perfect 3-Day Málaga Itinerary

If you’re looking for a city break to Malaga, here’s the perfect 3-day itinerary to make the most of your time in this beautiful Spanish city.
(We arrived at midday and left Malaga around 10:30am to catch our flight home, so adjust as needed for your flights.)

Day 1

• Drop your bags at the hotel and head to Tragata for lunch.
• Join a Tuk-Tuk Tour to get your bearings and see the city highlights.
• Treat yourself to an ice cream from Lucciano’s before heading back for a shower and change.
• Dinner at El Tapeo de Cervantes (order the pumpkin and mushroom risotto!).
• End the night with a flamenco show.

Day 2

• Early breakfast at the hotel.
• Take a day trip to Setenil and Ronda (depart around 8am).
• Enjoy coffee and cake in Setenil, then lunch in Ronda.
• Return to Málaga around 5pm.
• Freshen up, then head to the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio rooftop bar for sunset drinks.
• Dinner at Mexicano Tulum, and finish with a warm pastel de nata.

Day 3

• Slower morning with breakfast at the hotel
• Start with the Alcazaba guided tour.
• Stop for a glass of Tinto de Verano at a nearby café.
• Lunch at Casa Lola (don’t miss the croquettes).
• Visit the Picasso Museum and Cathedral
• Shop along Calle Larios or the market stalls along the harbour.
• Finish your trip with an evening tapas and wine tour.

Day 4 (Departure Morning)

• Wake up early for breakfast, then take a sunrise walk to Malagueta Beach or Gibralfaro viewpoint.
• Visit the Atarazanas Market before heading to the airport.

Best Places to Eat in Málaga

Málaga certainly isn’t short of food options, theres tasty spots dotted all over the city! I’ll be writing a separate food guide soon, but don’t miss Casa Lola’s, Mexicano Tulum, and Lucciano’s.

How to Get to Málaga, Spain

Málaga Airport is just a 15–20 minute taxi ride from the city centre, making it super easy to reach with no long transfer required. Perfect for a short city break, or if you’re bringing young children who don’t want to be strapped into a seat any longer!
Our flights from Liverpool airport took around 2 hours and 45 minutes , making this a nice quick hop for some almost guaranteed Spanish sunshine anytime of the year.

Where to Stay in Málaga

On this trip we stayed at Hotel Catalonia Puerta Del Mar with Jet2holidays which was a perfect base. It was close to all the main attractions (most within a 10–15 minute walk) but quiet enough to still get a great night’s sleep.

It’s modern, stylish, and in a brilliant location. I’ll be sharing a separate review soon, but I absolutely loved this hotel and recommend it to anyone who’s looking to visit Málaga.

Best Time to Visit Málaga

Málaga sits on the Costa del Sol and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, so theres never really a bad time to visit.

If you love the heat, August can reach 38–40°C, but for most people, spring or autumn is ideal where you can expect temperatures between 23–27°C. Perfect for sightseeing without melting into a puddle of sweat. I visited in mid-October and it was dreamy. Warm, sunny, and comfortable to enjoy all Malaga’s best bits!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely loved Málaga as a city break, and havent stoped talking about it since i’ve returned home. It’s got a little bit of everything; history, culture, beaches, sunshine, and endless tasty food.

You could easily spend longer here, and if (or when!) I go back, I’d love to try one of the nearby walks like the Caminito del Rey Trail which looks insaine!

Being just a short flight from the UK, Málaga is the perfect spot for an autumn sunshine escape and perhaps now is the best time to book yourself a last-minute holiday and avoid the UK’s cold, wet weather for a few days.

Thanks again to Jet2 for inviting me on this fun city break, I had the best time in the Spanish sunshine!

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