3 perfect days in Malaga

When you're visiting Malaga, you can simply bounce from one tapas bar to the next and still feel like you’re accomplishing something. As someone who prioritizes food above all else, that's always a tempting way to spend a day. But then there's the nagging feeling that you're missing out on the coastal city's dozens of museums, architectural sites, art galleries, and golden beaches. How can one possibly pack it all into a long weekend?

The good news is that Malaga, in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain, is fairly compact—you can walk across the historic center in about 15 minutes—so three days gives you enough time to get a taste of almost everything. This itinerary includes the big hits and some hidden gems, with plenty of tips and recs from Tripadvisor users who've been to Malaga and loved it.

Start your first morning in Malaga by jumping right into the city’s past. Smack dab in the middle of the action (and impossible to miss) are the sprawling ruins of the ancient Roman Teatro Romano. The visitor center next door is free, so pop in for a few minutes before wandering around the grounds. Then head to the towering Alcazaba, a fortified Moorish palace and one of the city’s most iconic monuments.

As you exit the fortress, turn left and start up the steep incline to the Castillo de Gilbrafaro. Depending on your fitness level, it should only take about 15 minutes to get to the first lookout point, the Mirador de Gibralfaro. It’s another five or so minutes to the Restaurante Parador, which has what are absolutely the best views in the city. Grab a table on the narrow terrace and enjoy a cup of coffee and a croissant. You can then keep going to the castle itself, or call it quits and head back down.

Let your appetite build as you wander through the city’s market, the Mercado Central de Atarazanas. Marvel at the stalls overflowing with seafood, meats, and cheeses, then elbow your way to one of the vendors on the perimeter for a snack of fried fish. Saturdays here are packed to the brim, which can be both overwhelming and invigorating. The whole market is closed on Sunday, and the seafood stalls are also shuttered on Monday.

Now you’re ready for a full-on lunch. Get some authentic Andalusian cuisine at Meson Antonio, where seasonal offerings include summer’s chilled garlic almond soup and winter’s fried artichokes. Or go the tapas route at La Tranca, with zucchini-stuffed Spanish omelets and a glass of local sweet wine that comes straight from the barrel.

After lunch, marvel at the works of one of the most famous malagueños, Pablo Picasso, at the Museo Picasso Malaga. There are going to be long lines, so make sure to book your tickets online in advance.

The Museo de Malaga closes later than most other museums, giving you plenty of time to explore. Whether you’re into Roman archaeology or contemporary art, there’s a little bit of everything here. The 18th-century building, which originally served as a customs house, is worth the visit in itself.

When the museum shuts its doors, you’ll be just in time for dinner. Head to Vertical Wine Bar for natural wines sourced from small producers, along with a curated menu of elevated bites like the tomato tartare on mashed potatoes that blends sweet and earthy flavors. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in town for one of their wine tastings.

Finish the night with a drink at the rooftop bar of the H10 Croma Hotel. You’ll marvel at the views of the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro in the distance.

MALAGA AREA TOUR OPTIONS

You’ll want at least one morning to experience the glory of a traditional Andalusian breakfast. It’s best enjoyed at La Recova, where you don’t have to make any decisions other than how strong you want your espresso. There’s only one item on the breakfast menu: a hearty slice of toast accompanied by an arrangement of jams and sauces, like paprika-flecked pork fat.

Once you’re fueled up, it’s beach time. Grab a bike and cycle to the popular beach of Playa de la Malagueta. This public beach gets packed in the summer, so it’s best to take a quick dip and head onward.

For lunch, avoid the touristy chiringuitos (beach restaurants) along the Malagueta. Instead, follow the paved boardwalk to Pedregalejo, Malaga’s prime fishing district. You’ll be privy to less-crowded eateries and the freshest seafood imaginable. Check out Espigones for traditional dishes. The wood-fired sardines grilled right on the beach are a malagueño tradition. The place fills up quickly on weekends and all summer long, so get there early or make a reservation. Once you’ve had your fill, spread out your towel on the sand and indulge in another Spanish tradition: the siesta.

Bike back towards the center of town, stopping at El Balneario for a gin and tonic (skip the other sugary-sweet cocktails) as the sun sinks below the horizon. If you can snag a spot with the waves crashing at your feet, you may never leave. But do your best to head back to your hotel to change for dinner. Then it’s back out for tapas at El Refectorium Malegueta. Arrive early and snag a seat in the bar area.

MALAGA FOOD TOUR OPTIONS

One of the prime advantages of Malaga’s location is its proximity to the mountains. Give your feet a break from the cobblestones and travel an hour north to the Caminito del Rey. Here you’ll navigate suspension bridges while looking out over the gorges, canyons, and valleys below. You can take the cercanías (the train connecting Malaga to surrounding towns) and then a bus to the trailhead, but it’s far easier to book a tour.

If you make it back to Malaga in time for lunch, soak in the sun on the patio at El Globo. My go to order is a vermouth and a plate of chicharrones (thinly sliced roasted pork belly). Then head to the Museo del Vidrio y Cristal. Set on the type of terrace that you’ll often find in older homes, the glass and crystal museum’s private collection is a pleasant surprise. The owner might give you a tour himself, dishing out stories about his discoveries. It’s a fascinating insight into the life and travels of a collector.

End the day back in the center of town at La Cosmo. This sleek eatery is run by Chef Dani Carnero, whose other restaurant, the award-winning Kaleja, is just around the corner. Here he keeps things a bit more casual. Don’t miss his take on the gilda, a popular anchovy appetizer in the region. Make sure to order the corn flan for dessert.

Cap off the evening at one of Malaga’s finest craft cocktail bars. Renard specializes in swank daiquiris, among their other near-perfect offerings. The Pharmacy speakeasy makes a killer old-fashioned, harnessing the flavor of sherry made in the region.

MALAGA REGION TOUR OPTIONS