How to Spend 3 Days in Malaga

The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Malaga is a destination in southern Spain for history and culture. During a visit, explore the Old Town by bike, soak in the baths of a hammam, and see a Flamenco show. Here are a few ways to spend three days in Malaga. 

Day 1: Castles, Cathedrals, and Paintings

Discover the classic landmarks of Malaga’s historic city center on the first day of your visit. Cover ground quickly with a Segway tour that zips through the streets past top attractions such as Alcazaba Citadel, Malaga Cathedral, and the seafront promenade. Another option is the hop-on hop-off bus with stops to see Plaza de Toros, Castillo de Gibralfaro, and Malagueta Beach. A bike tour or e-bike tour also offers a comprehensive itinerary and the chance to learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture. Finish the day at the Picasso Museum. Visit the building where artist Pablo Picasso was born and browse his masterpieces

Day 2: All Things Culture

Devote a day to learning about the vibrant culture of Malaga. Start with a soak in the Arabian baths, Hammam Al Andalus, including its thermal baths, icy plunge pools, and steam rooms. In the afternoon, discover the cuisine of Andalucia. Sign up for a tapas crawl that includes tastes of traditional foods and wine, or opt for a hands-on cooking class. Some classes include a market visit for the chance to shop for ingredients with a local. Continue the cultural immersion with tickets to a live flamenco show. Combination tours are also available that bring together a tapas crawl with tickets to a flamenco show. 

Day 3: Discover Andalucia and Beyond

Utilize Malaga as a jumping-off point to explore southern Spain and beyond. Options for a guided day trip—which usually include round-trip transport for ease—are plentiful. Book a journey to Granada to see the Alhambra, visit Seville to explore its cathedral and bull ring, or take a trip to Cordoba to see its historic mosque. Travelers interested in wine and sherry may want to join a day trip to Jerez and Cadiz, while those intrigued by Andalusia’s tradition of white villages head to the narrow streets of Frigiliana. From Malaga, it’s easy to visit the rock of Gibraltar or hop aboard a ferry to explore Tangier in Morocco. Take in the views from the mountaintop city of Ronda, set on a deep gorge, El Tajo.