Malaga in 1 Day: all you need to know

As a travel destination, Malaga is an excellent place to visit even if you have little time to spare. Sunny practically all year round, the beauty of southern Spain is astounding and even one day is enough to see the highlights. You're sure to want to come back.

There's so much to see and do in Malaga, but as you're short on time, this itinerary includes the highlights of the paradise destination, such as touring the beautiful historic centre, checking out the local art, exploring the magnificent beaches and sampling the delicious seafood.

When you visit Malaga, boredom is not an option!

Since we only have 24 hours, and assuming there was no problem with your transfer from Malaga airport, your day should start very early in the morning with a visit to the Old Town of Malaga, where you can appreciate the historic architecture and old buildings that make up the city.

You can do this tour by joining a guided tour or on your own, to see the most outstanding monuments of Malaga' s Old Town such as: the Plaza de la Constitución, which is the main square of the city, Calle Larios, the iconic Cathedral of Malaga, the Church of San Juan Bautista and more.

Knowing the Old Town is an experience that can not miss among the best tours of Malaga, and if you want to have more information about each place you visit, my recommendation for you is to be accompanied by an expert local guide who can help you with your questions and doubts.

More information

• Duration: In order to get to know the city better, I recommend a walking tour which usually lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Timetable: Tours take place at different times. Sign up for the first group in the morning that the company has available.
• Price range: Group tours usually cost €10 on average.

Since you only have one day to explore Malaga, it's best that after your stroll through the Old Town you head immediately to the Atarazanas Market to see the space where the locals go to buy fresh produce for their homes and businesses.

You'll have the opportunity to mingle with the locals and discover ingredients and foods indigenous to this part of Spain - a true cultural and economic immersion!

The market is divided into several sections and one of the most popular is the fish and seafood section, as a consequence of Malaga's location on the very shores of the Mediterranean. This destination is a popular stop on gastronomic tours of Malaga, which often include tasting dishes at one of the stalls.

Further information

• Duration: Just under 1 hour is usually sufficient.
• Opening hours: Open to the public Monday to Saturday from 08h to 15h.
• Price range: Free for the general public.

I bet the previous tour whetted your appetite, at least for a dessert, so my recommendation is to stop by Casa Aranda. Located on Calle Herrería del Rey, just 2 minutes from the Atarazanas Market, this café is an institution among Malagueños, having been serving tourists and locals for over 80 years.

Casa Aranda's speciality is hot chocolate with churros, which are served fresh at all hours. The restaurant has an outdoor seating area, ideal for enjoying the beauty of the city while you enjoy a snack and recharge your batteries for the rest of your day. If you're heading to Malaga in December for the Christmas holidays, it's ideal to sit outside and enjoy the afternoon sun.

More information

• Duration: 40 minutes to 1 hour is usually enough.
• Opening hours: Open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 08h to 13h and from 17h to 21h.
• Price range: Casa Aranda is an affordable place with unpretentious dishes.

To resume the day's activities, I recommend you head to the old Alcazaba of Malaga, to take a closer look at one of the most important ancient monuments of the city, and, by the way, get to know the ancient Gibralfaro Castle.

The Alcazaba

In the Alcazaba you will find an impressive collection of courtyards and fountains that serve to give you an idea of the luxury and opulence of the Moorish period in southern Spain.

The ancient architecture, excellently preserved, the beautiful gardens and the views of the old heart of Malaga make the visit totally worthwhile. So you can't miss this important monument of the city during one of its opening hours.

Gibralfaro Castle

At Gibralfaro Castle you will find an ancient fortress with two lines of walls that once served as a protective wall for the city.

The interior construction consists of a castle with 8 towers and its interiors are in excellent condition.

It is worth the trip to enjoy the ancient construction and also for the breathtaking views. If you want to take panoramic pictures of Malaga, this is the best moment!

More information about the castle

• Duration: Approximately 1,5 hours of your itinerary is usually enough.
• Opening hours: The opening hours of La Alcazaba vary throughout the year, I recommend to check days before the visit.
• Price range: Set aside about €15 in your budget.

Located on Calle San Agustín, just 2 minutes from the Alcazaba, is the Picasso Museum, a space dedicated to the life and work of one of the most important artists of Malaga and the world: Pablo Picasso.

Besides enjoying the impressive work of Picasso, a visit to this space is totally worthwhile for the architecture of the place. The museum is housed in the former Palacio de Buenavista, an impressive piece of Renaissance architecture from the 16th century, where it is possible to appreciate details of the Moorish architecture so characteristic of this part of Spain.

The museum was inaugurated at the beginning of the 21st century and nowadays you can find on display more than 200 works of the talented artist; from paintings, sketches, sculptures, engravings and ceramics. A valuable collection that both fans and new explorers of Picasso's art will appreciate.

Depending on the time of year you visit Malaga, the opening hours of the Picasso Museum may vary and you can also find equally interesting temporary exhibitions. You can also find out the ticket prices and buy them online on their website.

More information about the Picasso Museum

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• Duration: You can spend 1 hour touring the museum.
• Opening hours: The Museum's opening hours may vary depending on the time of year. I recommend checking a few days before your trip.
• Price range: Tickets cost around €11 for an adult ticket and can be booked online in advance.

Leaving the centre of Malaga behind, heading towards the coast, take a moment to explore two important landmarks of the city: the city park and the Pompidou Centre.

Malaga Park

If you go to Malaga in summer you will want to take a moment in your afternoons to relax in the shade in the city park most loved by the locals: Malaga Park. Inaugurated in 1897, during your stroll you will find a green lung of impressive dimensions, full of botanical spaces, fountains and sculptures.

The park resembles a tropical paradise, as the exotic plants are kept in perfect condition thanks to the care of the authorities and the warm Malaga climate.

Pompidou Centre

Crossing Paseo de los Curas Avenue you will find Malaga's Pompidou Centre. Since your trip is only for one day, you won't have time to visit the interior, but I recommend you to go inside and take pictures of the building.

You will find yourself in front of the first international branch of the prestigious Paris art gallery. The Malaga version is the work of the architect and designer Daniel Buren and is made up of a gigantic coloured cube, different but similar to the high-tech architecture of Paris.

Continue your walk with a pleasant stroll along Muelle Uno. Located in the port of Malaga itself and just a few minutes from the Pompidou Centre, the promenade and shopping centre is one of the most emblematic places in the city.

On your visit you will find many shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy a nice view of the Mediterranean. If you want to buy some souvenirs of your trip, this is the best place to do your shopping.

If you go to Malaga in winter you should also know that one of the best Christmas markets in the city and surroundings takes place here.

More information

• Duration: I recommend spending 1 hour and 30 minutes walking around Muelle Uno.
• Opening hours: Open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm.
• Price range: Admission is free for the general public.

Just a short walk from Muelle Uno is the famous Malagueta beach which, without a doubt, is another iconic Malaga sight not to be missed. First, take a photo at the entrance sign, then enjoy the beach bars, a cold drink and a quick dip.

After your swim, lie on the sand and admire the sunset. Also, enjoy the views offered by the many boats full of tourists and locals that take boat trips along the coast of Malaga.

If you have the opportunity to visit the city for at least 3 days in Malaga, the boat tour is an experience not to be missed.

When the night starts to fall, it's time for the traditional tapas in the city's bars and restaurants. On a short trip, the best way to experience this is by hiring a tour led by an expert local guide.

In the city you will find different versions of tapas tours, so you can enjoy the best gastronomic tours in Malaga with other adventurous travellers. These experiences include in the price the tasting of various dishes, drinks and personalised recommendations.

Some local companies offer really interesting options combining the tapas tour with a flamenco show in a Malaga tablao.

More information

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• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Timetable: Varies depending on the activity.
• Price range: Around 80€ per participant.

If there is one city in Spain where people know how to have fun, it is Malaga. If you have any energy left after all the sightseeing, finish your day by visiting Malaga's rooftop bars or dancing in some of its nightclubs.

You should take into account that the atmosphere of Malaga's nightlife, especially in the clubs, gets lively after midnight.

Here are some terraces with the best views to end your night in Malaga:

• Molina Lario Piscina Lounge It offers the best views of the old town, the port of Malaga and the Costa del Sol. The general opening hours are until 2:30 am in the early hours of the morning.

• San Telmo Terrace A rooftop terrace with a young crowd popular for office afterwork parties. From Sunday to Wednesday the space is open to the public until 22h, from Thursday to Saturday the party goes on until 3:30 h.

And so you can conclude the 24 hours getting to know Malaga! I'm sure that this itinerary will leave you wanting to come back for a few more days.