Málaga 5-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Alcazaba

   A Moorish castle built in the 11th century on a hill in the middle of the city, this old fort is the best-preserved of its kind in Spain. Upon entering you'll climb up past the ramparts offering excellent views of the city and lush gardens to a small Moorish palace at the top which holds a number of artifacts from excavations on the site.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Roman Theater

   The beautiful remains of an old Roman theater. You can view them anytime from the overlook in the plaza, but if you want to get up close you can enter the attached building, where you'll be shown a short film and view some artifacts before entering the theater itself, where you can walk past the old stage and sit on the stone steps.

3. Stop 3 · 7 min walk

   Castillo de Gibralfaro

   Another Moorish castle and the counterpart to the Alcazaba, the Castillo sits on a larger hill behind the Alcazaba and offers an incredible view of the city and neighboring suburbs from the ramparts that encircle the castillo. Within the fortress is a set of gardens and some displays, including an exhibit on the various military forces to have occupied the fort.

4. Stop 4 · 11 min walk

   Málaga Cathedral

   In the heart of the city centre and well worth visiting.

5. Stop 5 · 4 min walk

   Picasso Museum

   The Picasso museum hosts exclusive paintings and other artworks by the Málaga-born artist. Your entry fee also provides access to regularly changing exhibitions by other artists.

Eat · Bodeguita El Gallo: Typical Andalusian tavern evironment, Sweet Málaga wines and the most traditional tapas.

1. Stop 1

   Picasso's birthplace

   Loads of objects and some paintings that the most famous artist of the 20th century created during his childhood.

2. Stop 2 · 7 min walk

   Museo Carmen Thyssen

   Opened in 2011 and has an excellent collection of 19th and 20th century Spanish paintings.

3. Stop 3 · 13 min walk

   Centre Pompidou Málaga

   Works from the Paris Centre Pompidou's collection.

4. Stop 4 · 18 min walk

   Museum Jorge Rando

   Museum focussed on expressionist art.

5. Stop 5 · 7 min walk

   Interactive Museum of Music

   Has one of the largest collections of musical instruments in Europe.

Eat · Vegetariano El Calafate: A hidden gem around the corner from Thyssen Museum. Offers traditional Spanish & Andalucian dishes, with a vegetarian twist. Low-key interior with art for sale on the walls. Good choice for lunch and dinner.

1. Stop 1

   Málaga Glass & Crystal Museum

   The museum has around 700 pieces of glass, dating from Phoenician times to the 20th century. Housed in a housed in an 18th-century casa palacio which is as fascinating as the objects within. Guided tours only, available in English, but no additional charge and no appointment needed.

2. Stop 2 · 13 min walk

   MUCAC - La Coracha

   Contemporary art museum that will be open on two sites.

3. Stop 3 · 18 min walk

   MUCAC - Mayoristas

   Former Centro de Arte Contemporáneo will reopen after refurbishment.

4. Stop 4 · 28 min walk

   Automobile & Fashion Museum

   An interest combined museum showing vehicles & fashion through various eras. Located in a former tobacco factory.

5. Stop 5

   Russian Museum Collection, St. Petersburg-Málaga

   It was the first European subsidiary of the Russian State Museum of Saint Petersburg. However, the museum's collection returned to Russia in May 2022 after concluding the last exhibition. Since then, the Malaga City Council has kept the museum open with exhibitions deposited by private collectors.

Eat · Taberna Quitapenas Sánchez Pastor: Good place to go for tapas, nice atmosphere, good service. Authentic and friendly. Great wines.

1. Stop 1

   Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta

   Málaga's bullring.

2. Stop 2 · 62 min walk

   La Conception Botanical & Historical Garden

   Botanical and historical garden with beautiful views of the city from this garden; worth a visit.

3. Stop 3

   Malaga Aviation Museum

   Unique museum with original 1940s terminal in Malaga, other buildings with old and new aviation equipment, uniforms, and models of the airport. Interesting for both children and adults. Free parking.

4. Stop 4

   La Térmica

   Former charity house of mercy. Now a cultural centre that hosts occasional exhibitions & small concerts.

Eat · Taperia El Beato: Great terrace and fantastic service. Fresh fish, homemade croquettes, meatballs in delicious almond sauce.

1. Stop 1

   Torremolinos

   Listed as a next stop from Málaga. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

2. Stop 2

   Nerja

   Listed as a next stop from Málaga. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

3. Stop 3

   Marbella

   Listed as a next stop from Málaga. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

Eat · Pack snacks from town. Do not count on a full menu at a small station.