8-Day Marbella and Malaga Region Exploration Itinerary for Two in May

Day 1: Marbella Old Town

Marbella, Spain on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafetería Marbella

Start your day with a traditional Spanish breakfast featuring tostada with tomato and ham in a charming café open from 8am.
EUR6, 1h

10:00am

Explore Marbella Old Town

Wander through the narrow cobbled streets to see the Plaza de los Naranjos, quaint shops, and beautiful Andalusian architecture; the area is open all day.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at El Patio de Mariscal

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean tapas and local Andalusian dishes in a relaxed, traditional setting.
EUR30 for two, 1h30m

2:30pm

Relax at Marbella Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon on Playa de la Fontanilla, enjoying the sun and sea; open access.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo

Explore contemporary Spanish engraving art in this small museum; open until 8pm on weekdays.
EUR4, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Skina

Indulge in Michelin-starred Andalusian cuisine in an intimate setting, reservations required.
EUR100 for two, 2h
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Day 2: Ronda Day Trip

Ronda, Spain on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Travel to Ronda

Grab a light breakfast at the hotel and drive or take a bus to Ronda, approximately 1.5 hours from Marbella.
EUR5 for breakfast, EUR15 transport, 2h

9:30am

Puente Nuevo and Ronda Old Town

Visit the iconic 18th-century bridge with panoramic views and stroll the historic old town streets.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Pedro Romero

Dine on traditional Andalusian cuisine with views overlooking the gorge.
EUR40 for two, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Ronda Bullring and Museum

Explore one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, a symbol of Ronda's cultural heritage; open until 6pm.
EUR8 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Marbella

Travel back to Marbella to relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Included in earlier transport, 1h30m

6:00pm

Tapas Dinner at La Taberna del Pintxo

Enjoy an informal dinner sampling varied pintxos in Marbella’s old town; open until midnight.
EUR25 for two, 1h30m
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Day 3: Malaga Culture

Malaga, Spain on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Casa Aranda

Famous for churros and hot chocolate, a traditional sweet start in Malaga's city centre; opens at 8am.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Visit Picasso Museum

Explore world-class collections of Picasso’s works in his birth city; open 10am-6pm.
EUR12 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Explore Alcazaba Fortress

Tour this impressive Moorish citadel with stunning views over Malaga harbour; open 9am-8pm.
EUR3.50 per person, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at El Pimpi

Experience authentic Andalusian dishes in a lively traditional bodega; popular and requires reservation.
EUR35 for two, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Centre Pompidou Malaga

Enjoy modern art in a colourful cube building at the port; open 10am-8pm.
EUR9 per person, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll Malaga Port and Marina

Relax with a walk along the waterfront and maybe a coffee or ice cream; open all day.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Moraga

Sample creative tapas dishes by renowned chef Dani Garcia; booking advised, open till 11pm.
EUR50 for two, 2h
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Day 4: Mijas Day Trip

Mijas, Spain on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Marbella Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Marbella accommodation before heading to Mijas, 30 minutes away by car.
Included in hotel, 1h

10:00am

Explore Mijas Pueblo

Wander the whitewashed streets of this scenic hillside village famed for views and artisan shops; open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Mijas Bullring

Discover this unique circular bullring used for events other than bullfighting; small entrance fee applies.
EUR3 per person, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Mirlo Blanco

Dine on Mediterranean cuisine in a charming garden setting with views over the coast.
EUR35 for two, 1h

2:30pm

Camel Ride in Mijas

Take a short camel ride through the village, a unique local experience; open 10am-6pm.
EUR12 per person, 30m

3:30pm

Return to Marbella for relaxation

Enjoy the late afternoon relaxing at your hotel or nearby beach.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ta-Kumi Japanese Restaurant

Savour high-quality sushi and Japanese cuisine in Marbella; open until 11pm, reservations recommended.
EUR60 for two, 2h
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Day 5: Costa del Sol Beaches

Marbella, Spain on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pan & Mermelada

Enjoy a colourful and creative breakfast with fresh juices and pastries; opens from 9am.
EUR15 for two, 1h

10:30am

Day at Playa de Cabopino

Relax on one of Marbella’s most beautiful beaches, known for its natural dunes and calm waters; free access.
Free, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Cabopino Beach Club

Eat fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes right on the beach in a laid-back atmosphere.
EUR40 for two, 1h30m

4:30pm

Leisurely walk or cycle along the beachfront promenade

Enjoy the coastal views and local shops or cafes along the promenade before heading back to Marbella.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Messina

Dine at Michelin-starred Messina for an elegant, innovative dining experience in Marbella; booking essential.
EUR120 for two, 2h
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Day 6: Historical Malaga

Malaga, Spain on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brunchit Espana

Enjoy healthy and hearty brunch options in Malaga city centre; opens at 8am.
EUR20 for two, 1h

9:30am

Visit Malaga Cathedral

Tour the Renaissance-style Malaga Cathedral, known as La Manquita for its unfinished tower; open 10am - 6pm.
EUR6 per person, 1h

11:00am

Explore Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Experience Málaga’s central market offering fresh produce and local delicacies; open 8am-3pm weekdays.
Free to enter, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at El Mesón de Cervantes

Enjoy creative tapas and traditional Spanish flavours a short walk from the market; open until 4pm.
EUR35 for two, 1h30m

2:15pm

Visit Centre de Arte Contemporáneo

Explore contemporary artworks in this cultural landmark; open 10am-7pm.
EUR3 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee and cake at Café Central

Relax with traditional Spanish churros and coffee in a historic cafe open until 9pm.
EUR8 for two, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Vino Mío

Experience flamenco performances alongside Mediterranean cuisine; open late, booking recommended.
EUR45 for two, 2h
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Day 7: Leisure in Marbella

Marbella, Spain on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Olivia Valere Café

Enjoy a stylish breakfast in a luxurious setting overlooking Marbella’s marina; opens from 9am.
EUR25 for two, 1h

10:30am

Golf at Marbella Golf & Country Club

Play a morning round on one of Marbella’s best courses; available for all levels with rental options.
EUR80 per person, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Lago

Savour gourmet Andalusian dishes overlooking a golf course and lake; perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
EUR45 for two, 1h30m

4:00pm

Spa and wellness session at local Marbella hotel

Unwind with a massage or spa treatment; book in advance to ensure availability.
EUR90 per person, 2h

7:30pm

Final dinner at Restaurante Messina or local favourite

Celebrate your last evening with exquisite dining either by returning to Messina or trying fresh seafood at a nearby restaurant.
EUR100 for two, 2h
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Day 8: Departure

Marbella, Spain on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Marbella

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast near your accommodation before departure; choose a café close by for convenience.
EUR15 for two, 1h

9:00am

Checkout and onward travel

Prepare for your departure, arrange transport to Malaga airport or next destination seamlessly.
Variable, —
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