Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Malaga?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 historic 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Malaga?
With one week you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Malaga has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Malaga as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the nightlife, the historic old town, and the cuisine at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week 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.
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.
The surrounding waters are great for scuba diving and snorkeing, so spend some time in the water to see nature up close. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura ($40)
- Half-Day Malaga Small-Group Hiking and Snorkeling Tour ($60)
- Excursión Kayak y Snorkelling en Acantilados de Maro Cerro Gordo ($27)
Malaga is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city has a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Spanish Civil War Private Walking Tour in Malaga ($110)
- Benalmadena Private Boat Trip with Drinks and Snacks 1-10 Persons ($187)
- Ronda group walking Tour ($27)
The beautiful beaches await you in Malaga, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Benalmadena Private Boat Trip with Drinks and Snacks 1-10 Persons ($187)
- Kayak Route Cliffs of Nerja and Maro - Cascada de Maro ($33)
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada ($154)
Live music is very popular in Malaga, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.
Shopping in Malaga is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Malaga to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet ($94)
- Private Shopping Tour from Malaga hotels to McArthurGlen Outlet ($104)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Malaga, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Caminito del Rey Day Trip from Costa del Sol ($65)
- Gibraltar Day Trip at your Own Pace from Malaga & Costa del Sol ($38)
- Alhambra Day Trip with Optional Nazaries Palaces from Malaga ($137)
As the live music scene is so popular in Malaga, make sure you spend another evening finding more of the area's best places to take in a show. Often, many of the local venues are near one another, so you can hop from place to place.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Malaga.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Malaga?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Malaga, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the evening activities, learn about the history of the town, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the wonderful scenery on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Malaga as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Malaga, Andalusia, Spain
How to spend 2 weeks in Malaga
With 2 weeks in Malaga, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the port city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hopping around the bars and clubs. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this port city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Caminito del Rey Day Trip from Costa del Sol ($65)
- Gibraltar Day Trip at your Own Pace from Malaga & Costa del Sol ($38)
- Alhambra Day Trip with Optional Nazaries Palaces from Malaga ($137)
- Cordoba Full Day Trip with Mosque Entrance from Costa del Sol ($97)
- Tangier, Morocco Day Trip from Costa del Sol ($173)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Malaga, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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