8-Day Ultimate Malaga Itinerary: Top Attractions, Food, and Culture

Day 1: Arrival and City Center

Malaga, Spain on June 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Casa Aranda

Start your day with traditional churros and hot chocolate at this famous local spot, open from 8:00am to 3:00pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:30am

Alcazaba of Malaga

Visit this beautifully preserved Moorish fortress offering great views of the city and harbor. Opens 9:30am to 8:00pm.
EUR3.50, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Pimpi

Dine at this iconic bodega famous for traditional Andalusian cuisine and local wines.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Malaga Cathedral

Explore the Renaissance architecture of the city’s impressive cathedral, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening stroll along Calle Larios

Enjoy shopping or simply stroll this vibrant main street filled with boutiques and cafés.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Vino Mío

Savor modern Andalusian dishes with a flamenco show in the evening. Open from 7:00pm to 11:30pm.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 2: Museums and Culture

Malaga, Spain on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel

Enjoy a healthy and gourmet breakfast with fresh juices and coffee, open 8:00am to 11:00am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Picasso Museum Malaga

Discover more than 200 works by Picasso, the Malaga-born artist, open from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Centre Pompidou Malaga

Visit the colorful Cube building showcasing contemporary art collections, open 11:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR9, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies at this bustling central market, open till 3:00pm.
EUR15, 1h15m

3:15pm

Roman Theatre

Explore this ancient Roman theatre located in the city center, open 9:00am to 9:00pm in summer.
EUR3, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Muelle Uno Marina

Walk around the modern waterfront area with shops and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Cosmopolita

Try innovative tapas and creative Andalusian cuisine, open from 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 3: Beach and Port

Malaga, Spain on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Have a traditional Spanish breakfast with tostada and coffee in the Plaza de la Constitución, open 8:00am to 1:00am.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Playa de La Malagueta

Relax or swim at Malaga’s city beach with sun loungers and facilities.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chiringuito Antonio Martín

Famous for fresh fish and paella right on the beach, open till 5:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Malaga Port and Pompidou terrace

Enjoy views over the Mediterranean and boats at the port while sampling ice cream or coffee.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Visit Castillo de Gibralfaro

Walk up to this historic castle for panoramic sunset views. Open 9:30am to 8:00pm.
EUR3.50, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Mesón Mariano

Enjoy hearty traditional Andalusian dishes in a lively tavern environment.
EUR28, 2h0m
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Day 4: Day Trip Ronda

Ronda, Spain on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and travel to Ronda

Grab a quick breakfast and depart by bus or car to Ronda, about 1.5 hours northwest of Malaga.
EUR10, 2h30m

10:00am

Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge

Visit Ronda’s iconic bridge spanning the dramatic gorge for stunning views.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Plaza de Toros de Ronda

Explore one of Spain’s oldest bullrings and its museum, open 9:30am to 6:00pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Pedro Romero

Enjoy traditional Ronda cuisine with views over the gorge.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Old Town Ronda

Walk the cobblestone streets and visit historic sites like the Mondragon Palace.
EUR5, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Malaga

Travel back to Malaga after a full day of sightseeing.
EUR10, 2h30m

7:00pm

Light dinner at Antigua Casa de Guardia

Taste local wines paired with small tapas in this historic wine bar.
EUR15, 1h0m
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Day 5: Day Trip Nerja

Nerja, Spain on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and travel to Nerja

Have a quick breakfast and take a 50-minute bus or drive along the coast to Nerja.
EUR7, 1h30m

9:30am

Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja)

Explore these extensive caves with prehistoric paintings and impressive stalactites. Open 9:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

11:30am

Nerja Balcony of Europe

Enjoy breathtaking sea views from this scenic promontory above the Mediterranean.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Oliva

Relax with fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes in a stylish setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Beach time at Playa Burriana

Swim or sunbathe at Nerja’s most popular beach with water sports options.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Malaga

Travel back to Malaga for evening relaxation.
EUR7, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Mesón de Cervantes

Enjoy inventive and high-quality tapas in central Malaga, open 7pm to midnight.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 6: Markets and Shopping

Malaga, Spain on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pan y Mermelada

Start with a fresh and artisanal breakfast of bread, jams and coffee, open from 9:00am.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Atarazanas Market

Shop for fresh produce, Spanish delicacies, and souvenirs at this historic market.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Calle Larios and Surrounding Shops

Explore shopping streets for clothes, crafts, and local products.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at La Taberna Uvedoble

Enjoy creative tapas and a lively atmosphere near the city center.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit El Corte Inglés and local boutiques

Browse both Spanish brands and international labels in this major department store.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Coffee break at Café con Libros

Sip coffee while browsing books and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR5, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at El Refectorium

End your day with Andalusian specialties and fine wines in an elegant setting.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 7: Historic Neighborhoods and Gardens

Malaga, Spain on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe de Estraperlo

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with artisan pastries and organic coffee, opens at 8:30am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk through Barrio de la Victoria

Explore this traditional neighborhood with charming streets and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Jardin Botanico-Historico La Concepcion

Tour this lush 19th-century botanical garden, open 9:30am to 6:30pm.
EUR5, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante José Carlos García (Meliá Hotel)

Indulge in Michelin-starred Andalusian cuisine with beautiful harbor views.
EUR70, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Soho Art District

Enjoy street art, galleries and quirky cafés in this trendy district.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Palmeral de las Sorpresas

Walk through this coastal park with fountains and sculptures adjacent to the port.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Entre Amigos

Experience a cozy local atmosphere with traditional Mediterranean dishes.
EUR25, 2h0m
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Day 8: Leisure and Optional

Malaga, Spain on June 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Canasta

Relax with freshly baked pastries and good coffee, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional: Day trip to Caminito del Rey

Experience the famous cliff walkway with spectacular scenery, booking needed. Opens 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR18, 6h0m

4:00pm

Or Spa and relax in Malaga center

Enjoy a spa treatment or wind down with some shopping in the city.
EUR50, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Restaurante El Lago

Celebrate your last night with exquisite dishes and a refined atmosphere.
EUR50, 2h0m
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