Tucked along Spain’s sun-kissed Costa del Sol, the vibrant city of Malaga is often overlooked but never forgotten. Known for its rich history, Mediterranean beaches, artistic heritage, and delicious Andalusian cuisine, Malaga is embraced by travelers seeking both culture and coastal charm. From ancient Moorish fortresses to lively seaside promenades, every corner of the city is meant to be explored and admired.
In this 3 day travel guide, I take you around with me to some stunning locations in and around Malaga!!
Things to do in Malaga
Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is one of my favourite place in Malaga.
Perched gracefully above the city, the Alcazaba of Málaga whispers tales of Moorish grandeur and centuries past. This majestic 11th-century fortress, with its honey-hued walls and tranquil courtyards, overlooks the Mediterranean in timeless elegance. As you wander through its arches, fragrant gardens, and sun-dappled pathways, history seems to unfold with every step — a serene blend of power, beauty, and Andalusian soul.
Here’s the link to the exact tour I booked – Click here
Picasso Museum
Nestled in the heart of Málaga’s old town, the Picasso Museum celebrates the genius of the city’s most famous son in the most poetic way.
Housed within a beautifully restored Andalusian palace, its sunlit galleries trace Picasso’s journey from curious prodigy to revolutionary artist. Each brushstroke feels intimate, revealing fragments of his evolving mind — a dialogue between tradition and innovation that continues to captivate the world.
Here’s the link to the exact tour we booked – Click here
Malaga Cathedral
Rising gracefully over Málaga’s skyline, the Cathedral of Málaga — lovingly nicknamed La Manquita or “the one-armed lady” — captivates with its blend of Renaissance and Baroque charm. Its unfinished second tower only adds to its allure, a beautiful imperfection that tells a story of time and faith.
Step inside, and sunlight filters through soaring stained glass, illuminating ornate chapels and quiet grandeur — a serene masterpiece where art, history, and devotion meet in timeless harmony.
Malagueta beach
Just a gentle stroll from Málaga’s vibrant city center lies La Malagueta Beach, where golden sands meet the soft rhythm of the Mediterranean. Framed by swaying palms and the scent of sea breeze, it’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city’s historic charm.
Locals and travelers alike gather here to bask in the sun, savor freshly grilled sardines from seaside chiringuitos, and watch the horizon blush at sunset — a moment when Málaga’s coastal soul truly comes alive.
Puerto De Malaga
The Puerto de Málaga is where the city’s heartbeat meets the sea — a lively waterfront lined with chic boutiques, open-air markets, and buzzing cafés.
By day, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll along Muelle Uno, where the scent of the ocean mingles with laughter and street music. As evening falls, the port transforms into a hub of dazzling lights and vibrant nightlife, with rooftop bars and seaside restaurants offering the perfect spot to sip, savor, and soak in Málaga’s effortlessly cool coastal vibe.
Stroll around Alcazabilla street
Nestled at the foot of the Alcazaba, Calle Alcazabilla is one of Málaga’s most enchanting streets — a lively blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.
As you wander along its cobbled path, the air hums with music and chatter from open terraces and sun-drenched cafés.
Charming boutiques and artisan shops spill onto the sidewalks, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to local delicacies.
Restaurants/cafes I would recommend in this area
Some restaurants I would highly recommend checking out in the area –
a) EL Pimpi – One of the famous restaurants around this area.
b) La Plaza Malaga: Would highly recommend checking out this place. The baked nachos were super fresh and the pasta was of my dreams.. So yum!!
c) Martonela: is a sweet little haven for dessert lovers. If you love Gelato, this is the place to be!!
Day trips from Malaga
Keeping Malaga as your base location, you can embark on some exciting day trips which can make your trip to Spain more fulfilling and rewarding.
Granada
While we stayed a night at Grenada, you can easily take a day trip here to explore the beautiful Alhambra!
Majestic and timeless, the Alhambra in Granada stands as a masterpiece of Moorish art and architecture. Perched atop the Sabika Hill, this sprawling palace-fortress enchants with its intricate stucco work, tranquil courtyards, and cascading fountains. From the ornate beauty of the Nasrid Palaces to the sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada and Albaicín, every corner tells a story of elegance and empire. Bathed in golden light at sunset, the Alhambra feels less like a monument and more like a dream carved in stone.
Book the exact same tour we did at Alhambra – Click here
Frigiliana
Perched high in the Andalusian hills, Frigiliana is a vision in white — a maze of cobbled lanes, flower-draped balconies, and sunlit terraces that gleam against the blue sky.
Often called the “Santorini of Spain,” this quaint village charms with its picture-perfect corners, cozy cafés, and vibrant artisan shops tucked into every turn. As you wander through its narrow streets, time seems to slow — each step offering a glimpse of authentic Andalusian beauty wrapped in pure, peaceful magic.
Nerja Town and Caves of Nerja
Tucked along Spain’s sun-kissed Costa del Sol, Nerja is a charming seaside town that perfectly blends coastal beauty with old-world allure. Once a humble fishing village, it now enchants visitors with its whitewashed streets, boutique stores, and cozy cafés overlooking turquoise waters — and yes, even a few spots serving delicious Indian food for a comforting twist abroad.
Just beyond the town lies the awe-inspiring Caves of Nerja, a vast underground wonder dating back millions of years, adorned with dramatic stalactites and prehistoric cave paintings. Whether you’re exploring ancient mysteries or savoring sea views from the Balcony of Europe, Nerja is a must on any Andalusian itinerary — a place where history, culture, and coastal serenity meet in perfect harmony.
Book the tour we did here (Combined tour of Frigiliana, Caves of Nerja and Nerja Town) – Click here
Apart from the above, there are numerous other day trips you can book via GetYourGuide!
How to get around in Malaga
Whilst we had a car for most part of our trip in Spain, public transport in Malaga is quite good. You can easily find buses which ply every 15-20 mins.
Renting a car is the perfect way to get around Spain, however keep in mind that the parking is quite expensive! We mostly parked our car at Puerto Malaga, as it is walking distance from most of the attractions mentioned above.
Where to stay in Malaga?
Our stay at Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga turned out to be the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. The rooms were spacious, spotless, and modern, offering a cozy retreat after long days of exploring the city. We loved how everything we needed was right at our doorstep — a mall with a supermarket next door, plenty of parking space, and even a bus stop just a short stroll away. Getting around Málaga was a breeze, with all the main attractions only a few minutes away. It truly felt like the kind of place that makes travel easy, relaxing, and effortlessly enjoyable.
Book our exact stay here – Click to book!
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and that it inspires you to plan your own perfect 3–4 day Málaga getaway! ✨ I’d love to hear your thoughts or help you out with any questions — just drop them in the comments below!
With love,
Rituparna 💛
Never knew that a beauty like this is tucked away in Spain. Definitely adding this to my bucketlist. Thanks for introducing us to Malaga!
Wow, I didn’t know Malaga had such a cool mix of culture, history and chill beach energy. This post made me daydreaming about tapas and sunsets already. Thanks for the inspo!