Start your day exploring Malaga's historic Old Town, where you'll find Alcazaba de Malaga, a Moorish fortress built in the 11th century. You can enjoy stunning views of the city from its ramparts. Then, visit Malaga's cathedral, known as La Manquita (the one-armed lady) for its missing south tower. Afterward, you can take a stroll at Plaza de la Merced, a lively square that houses Picasso's birthplace museum, before enjoying delicious tapas from a local bar at Plaza de la Constitucion.
For beach lovers, start your day at the Playa de la Malagueta, a popular beach close to the city center. Admire the iconic Malagueta Bullring, located next to the beach, and the Paseo del Parque, a park that houses the Museum of Malaga. Continue your cultural trip by heading to the Picasso Museum Malaga, located in the Buenavista Palace, where you can find a vast collection of Picasso's works. To wind down, you can take a stroll at the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, a waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the sea.
Take a day trip to Nerja, a picturesque Andalusian town located on the eastern Costa del Sol. Make sure to visit the Balcón de Europa, a stunning viewpoint that offers incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea. Stop by Cueva de Nerja, a series of natural caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, head to the Chinatown outlet shopping complex, where you can find great deals on big brand products. Finish the day by enjoying a stunning sunset at Los Alamos Beach, located close to the airport.
Travelers can use the public bus system to explore Malaga's Old Town and the day trip to Nerja reliably. A single bus ride costs €1.30-€1.50, and travelers can buy a 10-ride ticket for €10. Taxis in Malaga are relatively cheap, with an average cost of €0.80 per kilometer. The airport is located just outside the city center, and you can take a taxi for €18-€22 or a train for €1.80 from the airport to the city center.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Castle of Gibralfaro and Museo del Vidrio y Cristal de Malaga, a glass museum that displays a collection of crystal and glass. You can also explore Costa del Sol's beaches, including Playa del Palo or Playa de la Caleta.
If you have less time, you can exclude the day trip to Nerja from your itinerary and use the time to focus on exploring Malaga's Old Town or visiting Museums.
Malaga Airport (AGP), also known as Costa del Sol Airport, is situated just outside the city center of Malaga, at a distance of 8 km. It is the 4th busiest airport in Spain, serving more than 19 million passengers per year.