Top 4 Itineraries in Málaga

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Málaga.

If you only have a few days, Málaga weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Málaga offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Málaga are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Málaga’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Málaga offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Málaga offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Málaga truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Málaga belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Málaga are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Málaga and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Málaga itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Málaga for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of Málaga without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Málaga!

A scenic 11-day road trip through Madrid, Alacant / Alicante, Málaga, València, and Almería is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 11-day itinerary means that Málaga can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Madrid, Alacant / Alicante, Málaga, València, and Almería by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 11 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Almería

• Arrival city: Madrid, Alacant / Alicante, Málaga, València, Almería, Sevilla, Mérida, Málaga, Sevilla, Alacant / Alicante, Níjar, València, Almería, Comunitat Valenciana, Andalucía, Comunidad de Madrid, Madrid, España, and Mérida
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Almeria, e.g., Elba Almería Business & Convention Hotel

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Almería. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Almería and Níjar

• Destinations: Almería and Níjar
• Driving distance: 325.74 km, approx. 4 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Alicante, e.g., Maison Marineta
• Sightseeing: Playa de San José, Museo de Almería, Refugios de la Guerra Civil Española de Almería, and Parque de las Familias
• Recommended tour: Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Playa de San José, Museo de Almería, Refugios de la Guerra Civil Española de Almería, and Parque de las Familias. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Almería and Níjar, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Alicante.

Day 3: Discover Alacant / Alicante

• Destinations: Alacant / Alicante
• Driving distance: 179.19 km, approx. 2 hours and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Castell de Santa Bàrbara, Mercat Central d'Alacant, Parc El Palmeral, Archaeological Museum of Alicante, and Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant
• Recommended tour: Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in a Historic Monument

Spend the day exploring Castell de Santa Bàrbara, Mercat Central d'Alacant, Parc El Palmeral, Archaeological Museum of Alicante, and Cocatedral de Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Valencia.

Day 4: Experience València

• Destinations: València
• Driving distance: 12.86 km, approx. 45 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Oceanogràfic, Instal·lacions dels Jardins del Túria, and Plaça de la Mare de Déu
• Recommended tour: Valencia Private Walking Tour with Official Valencian Guide

Continue your journey through València, where you can explore Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Oceanogràfic, Instal·lacions dels Jardins del Túria, and Plaça de la Mare de Déu. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in València

• Destinations: València
• Driving distance: 355.46 km, approx. 4 hours and 16 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Mercat de Colón, Mercat Central de València, Serranos Towers, and Bioparc Valencia
• Recommended tour: Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila in Spain

Drive through València, stopping to visit Mercat de Colón, Mercat Central de València, Serranos Towers, and Bioparc Valencia. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Madrid.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 20.91 km, approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Las Ventas Bullring, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
• Recommended tour: Full-Day Toledo Tour with Cathedral Visit from Madrid, Spain

Spend time discovering Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Las Ventas Bullring, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 19.27 km, approx. 1 hour and 8 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Palacio de Cristal, Great Pond of El Retiro, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Temple of Debod
• Recommended tour: Tapas, Taverns & History Tour Madrid

Explore Palacio de Cristal, Great Pond of El Retiro, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Temple of Debod at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 346.7 km, approx. 3 hours and 36 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Merida, e.g., Apartamentos Lusitania
• Sightseeing: Plaza de España, Mercado de San Miguel, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and Plaza Mayor
• Recommended tour: Full Merida Tour with tickets

Continue your road trip through Madrid, enjoying the flexibility to explore Plaza de España, Mercado de San Miguel, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and Plaza Mayor and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Merida.

Day 9: Wander Through Sevilla

• Destinations: Sevilla
• Driving distance: 404.77 km, approx. 4 hours and 57 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Málaga, e.g., Hotel Catalonia Ronda
• Sightseeing: Plaza de España, Setas de Sevilla, La Giralda, and Royal Alcázar of Seville
• Recommended tour: The Best of Malaga in 2 Hours on a Segway

Visit Plaza de España, Setas de Sevilla, La Giralda, and Royal Alcázar of Seville as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Málaga.

Day 10: Uncover Málaga

• Destinations: Málaga
• Driving distance: 208.73 km, approx. 2 hours and 38 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Almeria, e.g., Elba Almería Business & Convention Hotel
• Sightseeing: Málaga Park, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, Museo Picasso Málaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro, and Alcazaba
• Recommended tour: Walking Tour of the Alcazaba of Almeria

Continue your exploration of Málaga Park, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, Museo Picasso Málaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro, and Alcazaba, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Almeria.

Day 11: Bid Farewell to Almería

• Departure city: Madrid, Alacant / Alicante, Málaga, València, and Almería
• Driving distance: 0.0 metres, approx. 0 seconds

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Almería. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1257 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Málaga.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Málaga for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Málaga with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Málaga without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Málaga

Arrive in Málaga and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Camden Town Pub - La Malagueta is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Málaga's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Málaga by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Málaga Park, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, Museo Picasso Málaga, and Alcazaba.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Málaga. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Málaga in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Málaga

Use this day to discover more of Málaga’s top sights. We recommend visiting Museo Automovilístico de Málaga, CAC Málaga, La Térmica, Edificio Tabacalera, and Castillo de Gibralfaro.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Málaga in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Málaga's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Málaga’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Málaga

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. La Farola de Málaga, Centre Pompidou Malaga, Jardín Botánico - Histórico La Concepción, Acueducto San Telmo Ciudad Jardín, and Malaga Glass and Crystal Museum are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Málaga.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Málaga. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Spain!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Málaga

Spend your last few hours in Málaga soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Málaga in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Málaga, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Málaga travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 6-day beach vacation in Málaga offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Málaga:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Playa la Malagueta.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Hotel Catalonia Ronda for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Camden Town Pub - La Malagueta, Parador de Málaga Golf Club, and Bollywood Indian Restaurant Sevilla, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Premier Cocktail, Gin & Rum Selections, TOLONE BAR, and Rock Island Bar, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Alcazaba, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, Museo Picasso Málaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Centre Pompidou Malaga, Jardín Botánico - Histórico La Concepción, Museo Automovilístico de Málaga, and Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 6-day beach vacation itinerary in Málaga, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Málaga

Arrive in Málaga, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 6 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Playa la Malagueta or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Málaga.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Playa la Malagueta, a top beach in Málaga. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Jardín Botánico - Histórico La Concepción, La Térmica, and Bioparc Fuengirola for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 3: Embark on a Sailing Adventure

Start your day with one of the best sailing adventures in Málaga, where you'll explore hidden coves and beautiful bays. After a day on the water, take a peaceful sunset stroll along the beach, or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Ride the Waves with Thrilling Water Sports

Enjoy a fun-filled day of water sports at Playa la Malagueta. Alternatively, try out popular activities in Málaga to add some adventure to your day. End the evening with a meal at a local restaurant and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 5: Relax at a Local Beach

Start your day by lounging by the crystal-clear waters of Playa la Malagueta, one of the best beaches in Málaga. Add a cultural twist to your beach trip in the afternoon by choosing from a wide selection of cultural tours in Málaga.

Day 6: Explore the Local Scene

Spend a sun-filled day at Playa la Malagueta. In the afternoon, explore the local scene by visiting Colomares Castle, Mariposario de Benalmádena-Butterfly Park, and Parque de la Paloma. As the day winds down, enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful views.

Day 6: Say Farewell to Málaga

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Málaga. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, choose from many convenient transfers in Málaga to make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Málaga. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Málaga's coastline.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Málaga offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Málaga itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Málaga weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Málaga

Arrive in Málaga around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Málaga in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Málaga by night.

Day 2 - Discover Málaga’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Málaga with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Málaga Park early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Museo Picasso Málaga, stopping by Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Málaga and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Málaga

No itinerary in Málaga is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Museo Automovilístico de Málaga.
• Afternoon: Explore CAC Málaga and La Térmica, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Málaga and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Spain.

Day 5 - Depart from Málaga

Make the most of your last few hours in Málaga before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Málaga in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Málaga.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Málaga. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Málaga itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Málaga, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Málaga for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Málaga. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Málaga in a way that feels truly unforgettable!