Top things to see and do in Malaga in 3 days

Malaga

Malaga, known for its sun and beaches, never fails to surprise its visitors. As one of the most visited areas in southern Spain, Malaga offers a perfect blend of beach, sun, nature, and gastronomy, earning its nickname, the Costa del Sol. In this post, we present a guide to explore Malaga in just 3 days.

We recommend hiring a car in Malaga and making the most of each destination. With a rental car you will be able to enjoy incredible driving routes in Malaga, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Are you ready? Prepare yourself to explore every corner of Malaga!

Malaga in 3 Days: First Day

On your first day in Malaga, start by exploring the historic centre. Begin with a visit to the Cathedral of Malaga, where general admission is 10 euros. The Cathedral is open from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 20:00, on Saturdays until 18:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00. Another must-see area in Malaga centre is Calle Larios, which is lined with shops, and Plaza de la Constitucion.

For a delightful meal, head to El Pimpi, one of the most famous bars in the centre of Malaga. There's even a saying: "If you haven't been to El Pimpi, you haven't been to Malaga". This popular spot offers great value and a variety of typical tapas, such as pescaíto frito (fried fish) and jamon iberico (Iberian ham).

Not far from El Pimpi is La Alcazaba, a remarkably preserved building from the Muslim period. The visit lasts about an hour, and the entrance fee is 3.5 euros. You can also take the opportunity to visit the nearby Roman Theatre.

As night falls, make your way to the promenade area of Malagueta Beach, where you will find numerous beach bars and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and the local cuisine. Additionally, take a stroll and discover Muelle Uno (Pier One), a perfect area for a sunset or an evening walk.

Malaga in 3 days: Second day

On your second day in Malaga, visit the Picasso Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of the artist's works, including watercolors, ceramics, and sketchbooks. For a breathtaking view of the coast, make your way to Gibralfaro Castle and explore its viewpoints.

Another must-visit is the Soho neighborhood, known for its urban art and diverse dining options. Be sure to visit the Cervantes Theatre, an architectural gem from 1870 and the main venue for the prestigious Malaga Spanish Film Festival.

From the theatre, head along Dos Aceras street to the Church of San Felipe Neri, renowned for its impressive baroque architecture. Around midday, venture towards the sea and stop at the Atarazanas Market, a perfect place to immerse yourself in local culture. For lunch, visit the Pedralejo promenade, where you can try typical dishes like espetos, boquerones, and conchas finas – a must-try on your three-day itinerary in Malaga.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Alameda Park, also known as Malaga Park, a botanical promenade where you can disconnect from the city buzz. It has since become one of the city's green lungs.

Malaga in 3 days: Third day

On your third day in Malaga, take the opportunity to visit the renowned Caminito del Rey (the King’s Path).

One of the most popular activities in the province of Malaga, the Caminito del Rey, is located about 30 miles away from the city, less than an hour by car. This spectacular hiking trail features a 5 mile wooden footbridge built into the walls of the Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes, towering almost a 100 feet above the ground. The gorge varies in width, with some sections as narrow as 30 feet and others offering breathtaking views.

Best excursions from Malaga

In addition to the Caminito del Rey, there are several fantastic options for excursions in the region that are very close to Malaga by car. Don’t miss the chance of discovering some of the most beautiful villages in Malaga.

Ronda

In Ronda, the impressive Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) spans the deep Tajo gorge and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The old town, Plaza de Toros de Ronda, and Palacio de Mondragon are also must-see attractions. Ronda is an ideal place to sample Andalusian gastronomy.

Nerja

For more of the Costa del Sol, visit Nerja, just under an hour's drive from Malaga. Enjoy the Balcon de Europa, a viewpoint with spectacular views, especially at sunset. The Nerja Caves, with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, are a must-see, featuring one of the largest stone columns in the world. Stroll through Nerja's old town, enjoy tapas in small bars, and explore the charming craft shops.

DoYouSpain: The best option for car hire in Malaga

Renting a car is essential for exploring the province of Malaga in 3 days. At DoYouSpain, booking a car in Malaga is both easy and cheap, as we compare thousands of car hire companies to offer you the lowest prices on the market. With a rental car, you can navigate the city centre and go on excursions such as the Caminito del Rey.

With DoYouSpain, you can pick up your hire car at different locations around the city. For instance, if you arrive in Malaga by plane, you can collect your hire car at Malaga Airport. If you come by train, you can pick it up at Maria Zambrano Train Station in Malaga. There are many more pick-up points, so we recommend visiting the DoYouSpain website to find the one that best suits your needs. If you have any questions during your car hire booking, you can contact us by calling +34 964 830 995 or through our online Customer Area.