Overview – How Many Days Do You Need in Málaga

Well, just like Picasso didn’t paint his Les Demoiselles d’Avignon in a single day, you can’t really get to know all of Malaga in just 24 hours. But spending a day here is a good way to enjoy the city’s sunny Mediterranean charm and see some of its main sights.

If you’ve got more time, you can see even more. Who knows, you might find your new favorite tapas spot along the way! It’s really that simple. Here’s a basic plan to help you get a feel for what Malaga has to offer, whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days.

1 Day in Málaga

Having just one day in Málaga is better than skipping it altogether. And you can’t come to Málaga and not try the local churros. Casa Aranda is a solid spot for them, though there are plenty of others around.

I’ve seen some guides say you can cover all of Málaga in a single day. Technically, yes, it’s a compact and walkable city. But honestly, trying to do everything in one day can feel rushed.

To make the most of your time, it’s a good idea to start with a guided tour of the old town. It helps you get a feel for the city and learn a bit about the main sights. Sure, you can just walk around on your own, but the tour gives you more background and sets you up nicely for the rest of the day.

After that, go to the Picasso Museum Málaga. It’s the one thing you really shouldn’t miss. (And if you’re wondering why not the Alcazaba first… I’ll explain in a minute.) Next, visit the Málaga Cathedral, also called La Manquita, and then head up to the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro. The views from Gibralfaro are amazing. That said, if you’re also going to Seville, Granada, or Córdoba, the Alcazaba might not feel as special. But if Málaga is your only stop, it’s definitely worth seeing.

By the afternoon, go have lunch by the sea at a beachside chiringuito. Make sure to try espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines on a skewer). If you’re in the city center, El Pimpi (Google Maps) is also a popular place and great for a local meal.

If you’re only here for the day, you might have time for a quick visit to Malagueta Beach. If not, no worries. Keep it in mind for later if you come back or stay longer.

2 Days in Málaga

With two days in Málaga, you’ll have enough time to enjoy both its historic sights and its privileged coastal location. Make sure to visit Calle Larios, the Cathedral de Málaga (if you didn’t get to it on day one), and the Centre Pompidou. You can also take a walk around Muelle Uno by the waterfront, check out the beautiful Botanical Gardens just outside the city (you can easily get there by bus), and maybe even relax at a beach café in the evening. Sounds like a pretty good plan, right?

3 Days in Málaga

With three days in Málaga, you can take it easy and enjoy the city’s warm Mediterranean weather. It’s honestly the perfect spot for a long weekend by the sea.

There’s enough time to see the main sights without hurrying. You might spend extra time at the Picasso Museum, take the time to get lost in the old Alcazaba, or relax over a long lunch by the sea. And if you’re in the mood for a little adventure, why not take a day trip? Places like Antequera, Marbella, or the dramatic Caminito del Rey are all close and offer something different from Málaga. (I’ve got a full page dedicated to that subject.)

If you haven’t made it to the beach yet, this is your moment. Playa de la Malagueta is the go-to, since it’s just a short walk from the city center. But for something quieter, head to Playa Peñón del Cuervo. And if you’re up for venturing beyond the city, Playa de Burriana in Nerja is a local favorite and well worth the trip.

4 Days in Málaga

Obviously, four days in Málaga give you a good amount of time to enjoy what it has to offer. You’ll have time to really take in what makes Málaga special (and maybe it will have you consider moving here!)

Head to Pedregalejo, a relaxed seaside neighborhood with lots of bars and great fish restaurants, and get a taste of local life through its food. Take it slow and enjoy a walk along the beach promenade. It’s a lovely place to wander.

You might also want to check out the Museo del Automóvil y la Moda. It’s a unique museum with classic cars and fashion from different time periods. It’s a fascinating look at how car design and fashion evolved side by side. Great for car lovers, fashionistas, or anyone who enjoys both.

But a fourth day in the city is the perfect chance to treat yourself. That could be the ideal time to visit a hammam in Málaga, the traditional Arab baths, and relax for a while.

Things to Take into Account when Choosing How Many Days in Málaga

When you’re planning a trip to Málaga, you’ll have to think about how many days you want to stay. It mostly depends on how much time you have and how much money you want to spend. But it’s also about what kind of trip you want. Málaga has beaches, art museums, old Roman and medieval buildings, and great food. So it really depends on what you enjoy doing.

Arrival and Departure Times into Málaga

The plans we talked about earlier are for full days in the city. So, it’s a good idea to think about when you’ll get there and when you’ll leave. Because yes, 3 days in Málaga can feel very different depending on larger travel schedule. If you get there late on the first day and leave early on the last day, you won’t have much time to explore. But if you arrive in the morning and leave in the evening, you get a lot more out of your trip.

If you’re flying into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), good news. It’s only about 8 kilometers from the city center. It’s also the busiest airport in Andalusia, so it’s usually the easiest to fly into. If you’re coming by train from places like Seville or Granada, just keep in mind that travel time and train schedules might cut into your day.

Where in Málaga You’re Staying

If you stay near Málaga’s historic center or by the beach in La Malagueta, you’ll be close to popular spots like the Centre Pompidou Málaga and the Cathedral of Málaga. It’s really convenient, but these areas can be a bit more expensive. Since everything is nearby, you can walk to most places. That means you might not need as many days in the city because you won’t spend much time getting around.

If you’re looking to save money, staying a bit farther out, like in Pedregalejo, is a good idea. Just keep in mind, you’ll need more time to get to the main sights—so it works better if you’re staying for longer.

Time of the Year

 If you’re visiting Málaga in the summer, try spending a day at one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. Besides the ones in the city, Playa de Maro near Nerja and Playa de la Venus in Marbella are great choices. There, you can enjoy warm waters, sunbathing, and fresh seafood right on the shore.

But if you’re coming in the cooler months, beach time might not be the best idea. Instead, check out some of the city’s lesser known museums, like the Carmen Thyssen Museum or the Málaga City Museum. And if you’re in Málaga during spring, make sure to visit the Alcazaba. The historic fortress looks especially lovely when the surrounding nature is in full bloom.

How Many Days for Málaga for First Timers

Choosing how many days to spend in Málaga for your first visit can be a bit tricky. This city is such a mix: history, modern art, beaches, great food, and nightlife, so it’s not always easy to decide how you should spend your time.

There’s a lot to check out, like the Alcazaba, the Cathedral of Málaga, the Atarazanas market, and also the city’s many museums and the busy port area. If it’s your first time here, you’ll probably want to get a taste of everything. Spending at least 2 days in Málaga is a good idea, but if you can stretch it to three days, that’s even better.

This way, you’ll have enough time to hit the main sights, relax on the beach, stroll around the historic center, and maybe even squeeze in a quick trip to nearby towns like Ronda or Nerja.

How Many Days for Málaga for History and Art Lovers

Málaga might not be the first city you think of if you love history, especially when you see what else is in Andalusia. It doesn’t have the charm of Seville or Ronda, and definitely not Granada when it comes to Arab heritage. Well, except for one place, the Alcazaba. But if you enjoy art and spending time in museums, I honestly think there’s no better city.

With the Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou Málaga, Picasso’s Birthplace Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum Málaga, Málaga Museum, and the Museo Automovilístico de Málaga, there’s so much to see. If you want to spend a lot of time visiting the museums, you should plan at least 2 days for that. Plus, if there are other things that interest you in Málaga, you might want to stay even longer.

How Many Days for Málaga for Foodies

It’s easy to keep comparing the biggest cities in Andalusia, but when it comes to food, I think Málaga might just have the upper hand. The Mercado Central de Atarazanas offers an incredible variety of fresh produce, there are a few Michelin-starred restaurants (even more if you include nearby Marbella, Fuengirola, and Ronda), and plenty of traditional tapas bars.

If you’re in Málaga not just for the museums and beaches, but also to dive into the food scene, you’ll need more than a couple of days. That way, you’ll have time to try local dishes like pescaíto frito (fried fish) and boquerones al limón (fried anchovies with lemon), and to enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

You won’t be racing from one tourist spot to the next. It’s more about how many beachside chiringuitos (seafood restaurants) you can visit, and whether you catch a flamenco show or a sunset by the port.

How Many Days for Málaga for Beach Lovers

If you’re looking for some beach time, Málaga has you covered for sure. But you might want to think about whether you should stay in Málaga city. The beach in Málaga is great, no doubt, but there are even better ones if you venture out along the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical.

Do you have a car? Without one, the Costa Tropical is realistically out of reach. You can still explore the Costa del Sol without a car, though. Also, think about whether you want to use Málaga as a base (which might justify a longer stay) or move around as you explore.

If you mostly want beaches and plan to travel as you go, I’d suggest staying just one day in Málaga.

How Many Days for Málaga for Families

If you’re visiting Málaga with kids, it’s a good idea to plan for at least 3 days.

Some places like the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum can get pretty busy, and little ones might need a break. Try to mix sightseeing with some fun time at the beach, like Playa de la Malagueta, or stop by one of the city’s many playgrounds. I also recommend visiting the Bioparc in Fuengirola. It’s a big hit with kids!

Three days should be enough to enjoy the best things to do in Málaga with kids!

Tips and FAQ

Where to Stay in Málaga

Most people say the best spots to stay in Málaga are either the Historic Center or Soho. But truth is, the best place really depends on what you want from your trip. You can read more about it in my guide on where to stay in Málaga.

How to Get to Málaga

Out of all the options, the most convenient way to get to Málaga is by flying into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). It’s well-connected internationally and only 8 km from the city center. Once you land, you can hop on the Cercanías C1 train, which will take you to Málaga Centro-Alameda station in just 12–15 minutes. If you prefer, the Express Aeropuerto bus is another option that will take you straight to the city center.

If you’re traveling from other parts of Spain, you can catch high-speed trains from Madrid or Barcelona to Málaga-María Zambrano station. And for the rare travelers coming from Melilla, there’s a ferry between the two cities!

Is a week too long for Málaga?

You can see most of Málaga’s main attractions in just two days, but it’s still possible to stay for a whole week. However, a week might feel a little too long if you only want to stay in the city.

To make the most of a week, it’s a great idea to take some day trips to nearby spots like Marbella, Ronda, or even Tarifa. You could also hop on the local “Cercanías” train to visit nearby towns like Fuengirola, Torremolinos, or Benalmádena. And honestly, with all the good food, beautiful beaches, and sunny weather, it’s pretty easy to spend a week here just relaxing and enjoying life.

Do you need more time in Málaga or Granada?

That’s a tough one for me to answer because I’m definitely biased. I really like history and architecture, so I naturally prefer spending more time in Granada. That’s not to say Málaga isn’t amazing. It’s just that Granada has that special “it” factor for me. However, I can see why some people might feel that Granada’s quiet charm is better suited for just a day trip.

If you love historical sights and traditional Andalusian culture, you’ll probably enjoy staying longer in Granada. But if you’re more into modern art, beaches, and a nightlife, then Málaga might be the better place to stay longer.