How Many Days Málaga? Perfect 4-Day Itinerary
Wondering how many days you need to explore Málaga? This article provides the perfect 4-day itinerary to experience the best of this vibrant Spanish city. Stroll along the waterfront, explore the historic center, and indulge in delicious tapas at local bars.
Day 1: Arrival and First Exploration of Málaga
Highlights: Muelle Uno (1), Palmeral de las Sorpresas (2), Parque de Málaga (3), Centre Pompidou (4), Castillo de Gibralfaro (5), Plaza de Toros La Malagueta (6)
Accommodation: Freshlanding Grund Suites Gallery
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore a few attractions on your arrival day. We were lucky with an early flight, which allowed us to wander through the city for several hours.
Tip: Purchase a combo ticket for Castillo de Gibralfaro and Alcazaba to save a few euros. Just remember that both sites must be visited within 48 hours for the ticket to remain valid. From Centre Pompidou, you can either walk or take a bus to Gibralfaro.
Gibralfaro offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Unfortunately, we later discovered that the bullring (Plaza de Toros) was closed, so check the official website for opening times before your visit.
Day 2: Exploring the Old Town
Highlights: Walking tour of the historic center (locations 7–15 on our map)
Accommodation: Freshlanding Grund Suites Gallery
Málaga is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. However, you’ll still need a few hours to see all the main sights. To make navigation easier, we created a custom Google Maps travel guide Málaga with all the must-see spots clearly marked. This way, you won’t miss any of the key attractions!
Day 3: Botanical Garden and a Relaxing Afternoon
Highlights: Jardín Botánico (16), Playa de la Malagueta (17)
Accommodation: Freshlanding Grund Suites Gallery
By day three, you will have covered most of Málaga’s top attractions. If you’re looking for a day trip, there are plenty of options! So, we opted for Jardín Botánico, a lush botanical garden just outside the city. You can easily get there by bus from the city center. Once you reach the last stop, simply follow the brown signs for a 10-15 minute walk to the entrance. Entrance fee: €5.20 (as of April 2023). While the gardens have some beautiful spots, don’t expect breathtaking city views, you’ll mostly see the highway!
In the afternoon, you can relax at Playa de la Malagueta or enjoy a scenic boat tour along the coast.
TIP: For a memorable evening, dine at Vino Mio, where you’ll enjoy delicious food alongside a live flamenco performance. The Dutch owner brings an extra layer of warmth to the atmosphere. Check out our article on day trips from Málaga for more ideas if you’re looking to add another activity to your itinerary, like Sevilla as described by deroosjes. From exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Caminito del Rey to visiting nearby cities like Granada and Córdoba, there are plenty of options to enrich your stay!
Day 4: Final Exploration and Departure
Highlights: Málaga Museum
On your last day, pay a visit to the Málaga Museum, which offers free entry for EU citizens.
How Many Days Málaga: The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary
With this 4-day itinerary, you’ll experience everything Málaga has to offer. While it is possible to explore the city in fewer days, spending at least two full days allows you to truly soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy the evenings without feeling rushed. So, if you’re wondering ‘how many days in Málaga?’, four days is the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation!
