ONE DAY IN MALAGA, SPAIN: AMAZING THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Malaga is one of the sunniest and most beautiful towns in Spain, so it should definitely be on your bucket list. If you’re on your way to Malaga, I can already tell you – you will love it!

This incredible town has existed for over 2,800 years and you’ll get to enjoy its amazing history, charm, and the narrow streets of its old town.

Malaga is not a huge city, so you’ll be able to explore most of it in a day. Malaga has become one of my favourite cities, and I’ll show you why. Find out what are some must-sees in Malaga right in this blog post!

WHERE IS MALAGA

Malaga is a city and a province located in Andalusia, in southern Spain. The city of Malaga is situated on the Costa del Sol (literally “Sun Coast”).

Costa del Sol is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches and Mediterranean climate. Malaga is a perfect location if you crave the sun, as Malaga has around 300 sunny days per year. Incredible right?

HOW TO REACH MALAGA

Malaga is a pretty popular city in Spain, so you can reach it easily, no matter where you’re coming from.

Malaga has an international airport Malaga-Costa del Sol, which is well-connected to major cities in Europe and other parts of the world. From most big cities in Europe, you can book a direct flight to this airport.

If you’re already in Spain, the city also has a major train station, Málaga-María Zambrano. With high-speed AVE trains, you can easily come to Malaga from cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.

Malaga is a popular port of call for cruise ships as well, and this is how we visited this gorgeous city. Our MSC Magnifica cruise ship moored in the port of Malaga, only a 15-minute walk from the old town.

WHEN TO VISIT MALAGA

Malaga is a destination you can visit all year round. It’s not going to be as warm in winter, but with so many sunny days, even winter is great for exploring.

Spring is a really pleasant time to visit Malaga. Temperatures are mild, ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The city is in full bloom with colorful flowers, and outdoor activities become more enjoyable. In spring, there also aren’t that many tourists so you can roam around more freely.

Summer is the peak tourist season, and Malaga experiences hot and dry weather. Daytime temperatures often reach 30°C (86°F) or higher. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the beach and those who enjoy outdoor events. Keep in mind that popular tourist attractions will attract crowds during this period. Many tourists come during summer, and the Spanish go on vacations as well.

Early autumn is still warm, with temperatures slowly decreasing. September is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and still go to the beach. There’s a possibility of rain and temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) and gradually decrease as the autumn goes on.

Winters are mild in Malaga compared to many other European destinations. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). While it’s not the warmest time to visit, winter can still be pleasant, and you’ll find fewer tourists. It’s a good time for cultural activities and exploring the city without the summer crowds.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN MALAGA IN ONE DAY:

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Alcazaba Fortress

One of the landmarks you can’t miss is the stunning Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress with gorgeous gardens and architecture. The construction of the Alcazaba began in the early 11th century during the Muslim rule of the region. At the start, Alcazaba was a defensive structure and later expanded into a palace complex. Stunned by the beauty of Alcazaba’s gardens, we spent hours exploring the fortress.

Today it’s an attraction you must visit when in Malaga, and you can do so for only 3,5 euros! If you choose to visit GIbralfaro Castle as well, you can get tickets for both fortresses for only 5 euros.

You can also visit the nearby Roman Theatre, an ancient amphitheater dating back to the 1st century BC, located at the foot of the Alcazaba.

Gibralfaro Castle

The Gibralfaro Castle is situated on Mount Gibralfaro, connected to the Alcazaba fortress. Visitors can access Gibralfaro by walking uphill from the Alcazaba or by taking a more leisurely route via a winding road. One of the main attractions of Gibralfaro is the breathtaking panoramic view it offers of Malaga, the harbor, and the coastline.

The ticket for Gibralfaro Castle only is 3,5 euros, and combined with Alcazaba it’s 5 euros. It’s a historical experience you shouldn’t miss!

The Old Town

Malaga’s Old Town is a charming and historic district that attracts visitors with its narrow streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere.

Strolling through the charming Old Town, exploring the narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and local life is a really special experience.

We thought that walking through the stunning Old Town was a really delightful way to soak in the local atmosphere.

Read more about Spain >>> Barcelona 2-day Itinerary & One Day on Tenerife

Atarazanas Market

You’ll find the Atarazanas Market in the heart of Málaga’s historic center, near Calle Atarazanas. The market, known for its bustling and lively atmosphere, is in a location convenient for both locals and tourists exploring the city.

You’ll be greeted by a colorful array of stalls selling a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, spices, and more. One of the highlights of the market is its seafood section. You can marvel at an impressive display of fresh catches from the Mediterranean, such as fish, prawns, and other seafood delicacies.

The market is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, so keep that in mind and visit in the morning. We visited the market on an early Saturday afternoon and it was already closing, but we still explored those few open stalls.

Malaga Cathedral

The Cathedral of Malaga was my absolute favourite landmark in Malaga, and maybe even one of my ultimate favourites in Europe. The monumental landmark takes your breath away with its size.

The Cathedral, known as “La Manquita”, is a blend of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It’s located in the heart of Málaga, within the historic city center.

The exterior of the church is breathtaking, but if you have time don’t miss the impressive interior and the views from the rooftop. It’s possible to climb to the top of the completed tower for only 8 euros and get the most incredible panoramic views Malaga has to offer!