8 Best things to do in Malaga in 1 Day
Malaga is the capital of the province of Malaga and is located on coast of the Mediterranean Sea in an area called Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun). The city with a population of 578 500 inhabitants is the second-most populous city in Andalusia after Seville and the sixth most populous in Spain. It is best to visit it in 2 days and even more if you want to visit the nearly places and cities.
But if you only have 1 day there, this guide will allow you to get the most of it. It will be intense, and you won’t have too long in each of the top spot, but you will be able to get most of it.
We will assume you stay in the same area as us at Be Mate Málaga Centro But you can easily adapt the starting point based on your accommodation.
If you need more detail about Malaga, you can read our ultimate guide.
This is pretty much how we did it and looks like our Visit Granada Day 1 Guide but with a bit more.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
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things to do in Malaga
Teatro Romano de Málaga
Let’s start this day with a really impressive ruin. The old Roman theatre that stands in front of the Alcazaba is the oldest site in town, built in the 1st century AD by Augustus as a theatre, it was later used as a cemetery before being abandoned.
You can simply admire it from the main square in front. You will get an amazing view of this monument in the foreground and the Alcazaba in the background
Alcazaba
Right behind the Roman theatre is the Alcazaba, an 11th century Moors Palace that was both the residence of the Muslim rulers as well as a fortress to defend the city. The entry ticket is 5.5€ for the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro making it one of the cheapest attractions in Andalusia.
While visiting it, you have access to an audio guide on your phone and can access to its ramparts, courtyards, gardens, patios, and fountains.
Once inside the main area, you first go on the right side and then back to visit the left part of the palace.
Castillo de Gibralfaro
You then have to exit the Alcazaba and go on its right side to start walking up to the Gibralfaro castle. You will pass by a stunning viewpoint on your way and then arrive at the castle. If you want, you can also take the bus 35 to get up there.
The castle was built in the 14th century to protect the Alcazaba and was soldier were in garrison there. There also was a lighthouse in it as the name suggest, Gibralfaro means “mountain of light”
You can first walk all around the ramparts and then enjoy a small walk between them.
This is the best viewpoint of the city.
Lunch break
Time to eat!! Yeaaaah. We would recommend stopping at BYOKO a really nice restaurant located next to the old city. They offer yummy bowl and crepes as well as other options and are vegan friendly.
Museo Casa Natal de Picasso
After lunch you can simply walk by the museum and admire its architecture (no need to visit it)
Pérgolas de la Victoria.
On your way to the Malaga beach, you can walk along the Pérgolas de la Victoria. A modern landmark with lots of shops and restaurants on the coast of Malaga.
Playa la Malagueta
And then, you can enjoy the warm sun and fresh air from the sea by laying of the Malagueta beach.
Málaga Park
To return to the city, instead of using the same way, walk through the Malaga Park that stands right in the middle of the main roads but that is somehow not that noisy.
Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga
Then you can visit the cathedral of Malaga for a 6€ ticket or 10€ combined ticket with its rooftop. The cathedral is trully breath-taking in and out.
It was erected in 16th century on the foundation of an old mosque and due to lack of funding, the cathedral was never finished and only has one bell tower.
And later, just stroll around the old city center and get lost in the smaller streets.
Where to Stay
We personally stayed at Be Mate Málaga Centro, the apartment was super spacious and comfortable. We strongly recommend it.
El que mucho abarca poco aprieta – The one that embraces a lot, can’t keep it together
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