Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Malaga?

Q: Is one day enough time in Malaga?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the welcoming port city of Malaga, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the nightlife, the historic old town, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Malaga?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Malaga, Spain? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Malaga during their visit. After all, the welcoming port city will let you enjoy the evening activities, learn about the history of the town, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the wonderful scenery.

Málaga is a beautiful city in Andalusia. It sits on the Costa del Sol which is part of the Mediterranean. The city has a beautiful old town and a historic center with many sights. It's filled with beautiful architecture and a sunny setting.

Do you have one or two days to visit Malaga? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Malaga?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the welcoming port city of Malaga, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the nightlife, the historic old town, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Malaga

Don't miss the Alcazaba during your trip to Malaga, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Malaga is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the port city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Malaga?

The port city of Malaga boasts plenty of sights and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. So with a weekend, you'll probably feel rushed to enjoy the evening activities, learn about the history of the town, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the wonderful scenery. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the welcoming port city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 7 days to enjoy the beach and other sights. If you have a weekend or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're here.

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain

How to spend 2 days in Malaga

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Malaga will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the port city.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

A few tour suggestions include:

Ultimate Malaga History & Tapas - All Included Full Experience ($104)
Spanish Civil War Private Walking Tour in Malaga ($110)
Taste of Malaga Tour : Tapas, History and Local Customs ($82)

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

A few tour suggestions include:

Guided Visit to a pretty Vineyard&Cellar 6 wines tasting & tapas ($99)
Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included ($77)
Ultimate Malaga History & Tapas - All Included Full Experience ($104)

The public transit in Malaga is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the port city quite easily and affordably. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Malaga, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.