8-Day Affordable Andalucían Coastal and Cultural Exploration from Malaga

Day 1: Malaga city introduction

Malaga, Spain on September 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Casa Aranda

Enjoy traditional churros with hot chocolate at this historic cafe, open from 8am to 3pm, perfect to start your day in Malaga.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Malaga Cathedral and Alcazaba

Walk through the beautiful Renaissance cathedral and the Alcazaba fortress for stunning views and rich history. Both sites are open 9am to 8pm in September.
EUR5, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Pimpi

Taste Andalusian tapas and local wine at this iconic bodega near the Alcazaba, open noon to midnight.
EUR15, 1h30m

3:00pm

Beach time at Playa de la Malagueta

Relax on the city’s sandy beach, perfect for a swim and sunbathe.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening walk at Muelle Uno Marina

Enjoy shops, street art, and sea views on the lively harbour promenade.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Tranca

Affordable, authentic Andalusian tapas and flamenco ambiance, open until midnight.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nerja and Frigiliana nature

Nerja & Frigiliana, Spain on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Malaga

Quick breakfast at Cafeteria Colón with fresh pastries, open 7am to 11am.
EUR4, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Nerja and visit Nerja Caves

Explore spectacular caves with prehistoric paintings and dramatic stalactites, open 9:30am to 6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bar El Pulguilla

Affordable seafood and tapas with sea views, open noon onwards.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Playa Burriana

Popular sandy beach with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Frigiliana village

Wander this beautiful whitewashed village with flower-lined streets and stunning mountain views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante El Casino Frigiliana

Enjoy traditional Andalusian dishes with a focus on local produce, open till 10pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

9:00pm

Return to Malaga

Drive back for overnight stay, about 1h drive.
Transport cost EUR10 approx, 1h0m
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Day 3: Almeria and Natural Park

Almeria, Spain on September 23, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at Malaga hotel/cafe

Prepare for a day trip with a light breakfast, open from 7am.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Almeria

Journey east along the coast (approx 2.5 hours) showcasing varied landscapes.
Transport EUR20, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Almeria Alcazaba

Explore this impressive fortress with panoramic views over the city and Mediterranean, open 9am to 8pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Restaurante Casa Puga

Traditional Andalusian tapas and local wines in a historic setting, open noon to 4pm.
EUR15, 1h15m

2:00pm

Afternoon in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

Explore pristine sandy beaches and volcanic rock formations in this natural park, perfect for nature and beach lovers.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner in Mojacar Pueblo

Travel to Mojacar (25 min), dine at Restaurante Civera with stunning sea views, open 7pm to 10:30pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

7:00pm

Explore Mojacar Pueblo

Stroll this scenic white village on hilltop with narrow alleys and sunset views.
Free, 1h0m
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Day 4: Mojacar beach day

Mojacar, Spain on September 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mojacar cafe

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at a local cafe, open from 8am.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:30am

Morning swim at Playa de Mojacar

Spend the morning on sandy serene beach ideal for swimming and walks.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chiringuito Playa

Beachfront restaurant specialising in fresh seafood, open 12pm to 6pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:30pm

Afternoon hike in Sierra Cabrera

Short hiking routes in the nearby Sierra Cabrera mountains with beautiful natural scenery and views.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante La Parata

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with a cosy ambience, open 7pm to 10pm.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 5: Granada cultural day

Granada, Spain on September 25, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast in Mojacar

Light breakfast to prepare for drive to Granada, open from 7am.
EUR4, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Granada

Travel inland towards Granada, approximately 2.5-hour journey.
Transport EUR20, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Alhambra Palace

Tour the magnificent palace and gardens of the Alhambra, one of Spain’s cultural jewels; tickets should be booked in advance. Open 8:30am to 8pm.
EUR15, 3h0m

1:45pm

Lunch at Bodegas Castañeda

Traditional tapas bar near the cathedral with local wines, open noon to midnight.
EUR14, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Granada city centre and Cathedral

Walk beautiful historic streets, visit Granada Cathedral and surrounding plazas.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Mirador de Morayma

Dine with views over the Alhambra in the Albaicín neighbourhood; reservation recommended, open till 10pm.
EUR22, 1h30m
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Day 6: Ronda day trip

Ronda, Spain on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Granada

Early breakfast before the drive, open from 7am.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Ronda

Travel to the breathtaking cliff-top town of Ronda, approx 2h drive west.
Transport EUR15, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Puente Nuevo and Old Town

Explore the iconic 18th-century bridge and charming old streets with dramatic views.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Pedro Romero

Traditional Andalusian cuisine in the historic centre, renowned for local dishes like oxtail stew. Open 1pm to 4pm.
EUR18, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Bullring and Museum

Discover one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and its museum, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Malaga

Drive back to Malaga (approx 1.5 hours).
Transport EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Malaga at La Campana

Popular tapas bar near city centre, open till midnight.
EUR18, 1h0m
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Day 7: Marbella coastal day

Marbella, Spain on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Malaga

Start with a simple breakfast at hotel or a café, early opening from 7am.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Marbella

Short 45-minute drive to Marbella along the coast.
Transport EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Beach time at Playa de la Fontanilla

Spend the morning on Marbella’s wide sandy beach with clear waters, facilities available.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Estrecho

Enjoy seafood tapas with a relaxed atmosphere near the promenade, open 1pm to 4pm.
EUR16, 1h15m

3:00pm

Explore Marbella Old Town

Discover narrow streets, orange squares, and quaint shops in this charming historic centre.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Malaga

Drive back to Malaga for final evening relaxation, approx 45 minutes.
Transport EUR10, 0h45m

8:00pm

Farewell dinner at El Tintero

Famous beachfront chiringuito with lively atmosphere and fresh seafood, open late.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure day

Malaga, Spain on September 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Light breakfast before heading to airport.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:00am

Transfer to Malaga Airport

Allow ample time for check-in and security for your international flight to London.
Transport EUR15, 1h0m
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