Sun, Sea and Sights: A 5-Day Málaga Adventure

Discover the charm of Málaga without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Visit Malaga, Spain on a budget and enjoy its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and stunning architecture. Stay at affordable hostels or guesthouses, which provide comfortable and convenient accommodation. Explore the city's museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks, including the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro, without spending a great deal of money.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check-in to the Casa Al Sur Terraza hostel, located in the vibrant Soho neighborhood.
  • Visit the Alcazaba, a Moorish castle dating back to the 11th century.
  • Stroll through the Calle Larios, a lively pedestrian street filled with shops and street performers.
  • Stop for tapas and local wine at El Pimpi, a historic bodega decorated with bullfighting memorabilia.
  • Finish the day with a sunset walk along the beachfront promenade.
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • Start the day at the Picasso Museum, where you can admire the works of the famous artist who was born in Málaga.
  • Visit the Carmen Thyssen Museum, which showcases Spanish art from the 19th century.
  • Take a break at the Café Central, a cozy spot with live music and delicious pastries.
  • Discover the Arabic Baths, hidden under the street and dating back to the 11th century.
  • End the day with a flamenco show at the Teatro Cervantes.
Day 3

Day Trip to Ronda

  • Take a scenic train ride to Ronda, a picturesque town perched on top of a gorge.
  • Visit the Puente Nuevo, a stunning bridge spanning the El Tajo canyon.
  • Explore the historic bullring, the oldest and most iconic in Spain.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the regional specialties.
  • Return to Málaga in the late afternoon, with time for a siesta before dinner.
Day 4

Wine and Beaches

  • Start the day with a visit to the Antigua Casa de Guardia, one of Málaga's oldest wineries.
  • Head to the beach and soak up the sun at Playa de la Malagueta, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
  • Have lunch at a beachside chiringuito, trying the freshly caught seafood.
  • Visit the stunning botanical gardens at La Concepción, with exotic plants from around the world.
  • End the day with a traditional vermouth at the Mercado Atarazanas, a lively market filled with food stalls.
Day 5

Historic Sites and Goodbye Malaga

  • Visit the Cathedral of Málaga, nicknamed "La Manquita" (the one-armed), due to its unfinished south tower.
  • Explore the Roman Theater, a hidden gem discovered in 1951.
  • Have lunch at El Tapeo de Cervantes, a tapas bar with a modern twist.
  • Walk around the Gibralfaro Castle, a fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city.
  • Say goodbye to Málaga with a farewell drink at the rooftop terrace of the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio, boasting stunning views of the city and the sea.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Málaga, Spain by plane is to fly to Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport. There are direct flights available from major airports around the world.

Car

To get to Málaga, Spain by car, the fastest route is to take the A-7 motorway from Madrid. The journey takes around 5 hours and passes through some stunning scenery along the way.

Train

To get to Málaga, Spain by train, the best option is to take a high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid to Málaga Maria Zambrano Train Station. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and there are several trains per day.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Málaga, Spain. However, visitors can take a ferry from Tangier, Morocco to Algeciras and then drive or take a train to Málaga. The journey by boat takes around 2 hours and there are several ferry companies that operate this route.

Bus

The best way to get to Málaga, Spain by bus is to take a coach from Madrid to Málaga Bus Station. There are several companies that operate this route and the journey takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Destination

Málaga

Welcome to the city that boasts more beaches than you can shake a sand covered towel at, and more sunshine than a literal ray of sunshine. Málaga, where sun, sea, and sangria flow freely.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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