4-Day Summer European Escape: Spain's Barcelona & Malaga with Beaches, Culture & Dining - Price Breakdown Included

Day 1: Arrival & City Introduction

Barcelona, Spain on July 2, 2025

9:00am

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Check in to Hotel Barcelona Catedral (4-star) with average nightly rate about EUR 150, central and comfortable. Alternatively, Airbnb apartments in Eixample start around EUR 100.
EUR150, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Sampling creative healthy dishes and excellent coffee. Expect around EUR 15 per person; open 9am - 4pm.
EUR15, 1h

11:45am

Visit Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí’s iconic basilica. Tickets pre-booked online cost EUR 27, open 9am-7pm.
EUR27, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Dine in elegant surroundings sampling Spanish cuisines. Average cost around EUR 30 per person, open 1pm-3:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:15pm

Stroll La Rambla & Mercat de Sant Josep

Enjoy a lively walk with free entry and the chance to browse local stalls for inexpensive snacks or souvenirs.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Beach time at Barceloneta

Relax by the Mediterranean. Public beach with free entrance.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Solé

Enjoy traditional Catalan seafood with main dishes circa EUR 25-35; total expected spend EUR 40 including drinks, open 1pm-11pm.
EUR40, 2h

9:30pm

Drinks at Bar Marsella

Historic absinthe bar, drinks around EUR 12 each.
EUR12, 1h
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Day 2: Cultural & Coastal Day

Barcelona, Spain on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Cafe

Brunch and coffee cost about EUR 12 per person; open 8am-4pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Park Güell

Explore Gaudí’s colorful park. Entrance fee EUR 13, open 8am-9pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Gothic Quarter

Stroll historic streets at no cost.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tapeo Born

Tapas with average price EUR 25 per person; open 1pm-4pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Train Barcelona to Malaga

AVE high-speed train ticket booked early approx. EUR 60. Duration about 5h30m.
EUR60, 5h30m

8:00pm

Hotel Check-in in Malaga

4-star hotels average EUR 100 per night; Airbnb options from EUR 70.
EUR100, 30m

8:30pm

Dinner at El Pimpi

Traditional Andalusian dinner with wines, around EUR 35 per person; open 8pm-11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Beach & Heritage

Malaga, Spain on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Casa Aranda

Churros and chocolate typically cost EUR 8 per person; open 8am-2pm.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Playa de la Malagueta Beach

Urban beach free to access; perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Free, 3h

12:15pm

Visit Alcazaba Fortress

Moorish fort entrance fee EUR 3.50; open 9am-8pm.
EUR3.50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at La Deriva

Innovative Andalusian cuisine with average cost EUR 30 pp; open 1pm-4pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:45pm

Picasso Museum Malaga

Entry fee EUR 12; open 10am-8pm.
EUR12, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Malaga Old Town

Free to walk and browse shops.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante José Carlos García

Michelin-star dining, set menu from EUR 70 per person; open 8pm-11pm, reservation recommended.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 4: Final Exploration & Departure

Malaga, Spain on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel Cafe

Breakfast and coffee cost about EUR 10; open 7am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Malaga Cathedral

Entrance ticket EUR 6; open 10am-6pm.
EUR6, 1h

11:00am

Beach stroll or shopping

Free walking time to relax or buy souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Tasty market tapas and seafood typically EUR 20 per person; open 9am-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Hotel Checkout & Transfer to Airport

Taxi to airport costs about EUR 30; allow time for trip and check-in.
EUR30, 1h
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