Malaga One Day Itinerary (Perfect for Cruise Visitors)
If you only have one day in Malaga, whether you’re arriving by cruise ship, train, or as part of a short trip, you can still see a lot without feeling rushed.
I’ve visited Malaga several times, including during a cruise stop, and it’s a city I could keep coming back to.
If you’re visiting on a cruise, you might also want to read my Malaga Cruise Port Guide for detailed port information, transport tips, and day trip ideas.
This Malaga one day itinerary is exactly how I spent my day: wandering the Old Town, visiting its historic sites, enjoying the views from the castle, and ending by the beach with good food and wine.
🗓 Malaga Day Itinerary at a Glance
- Calle Larios – Start your day with a walk along Malaga’s most elegant street, perfect for photos and soaking in the morning atmosphere.
- Malaga Cathedral – Visit La Manquita, the city’s most iconic landmark, and admire its beautiful architecture.
- Picasso Museum (optional) – If time allows, see works by Malaga’s most famous son in a stunning historic building.
- Roman Theater – An ancient gem right at the foot of the Alcazaba, great for history lovers and photo stops.
- Alcazaba Fortress – Stroll through Moorish courtyards and gardens while enjoying sweeping views over the city and port.
- Gibralfaro Castle – Make the climb to the hilltop for breathtaking panoramas of Malaga and the Mediterranean.
- El Pimpi – Stop for lunch at Malaga’s most famous bodega, co-owned by Antonio Banderas, and enjoy great local flavors.
- Malagueta Promenade – Take a relaxed walk along the palm-lined waterfront and enjoy the sea breeze.
- Trocadero Bar – Pause for a coffee or cocktail with unbeatable views of the beach and port.
- Lateral – Wrap up the day with modern tapas and wine in the lively heart of the city.
☕ Morning in Malaga – Old Town & Cathedral Views
Stroll Along Calle Larios
In the morning, we took a local bus from our hotel (near the train station), and it dropped us off right across from Malaga’s main shopping street.
Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s worth a visit for its elegant 19th-century architecture, polished marble pavement, and lively atmosphere.
💡 If you’re arriving on a large cruise ship, you can either walk here from Terminals A or B in about 25–30 minutes, or take a 5-minute shuttle ride that usually drops passengers off right across this street. If your ship is docked in the inner basin at the Palm Grove Terminal, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to Calle Larios.
We just wandered, took a few photos, and enjoyed the morning buzz before heading toward the Cathedral.
When we returned to Malaga in the evening the next day, we passed through Calle Larios again and found it even more beautiful—lit up, full of people, and with a completely different vibe from the daytime.
Breakfast in the Old Town
We officially started the day at L’Expérience, a café on Plaza del Obispo right in front of the Cathedral. The view was beautiful and the location perfect for people-watching.
Service was unusually slow that morning, but the place normally has good reviews, so I’m guessing it was just bad timing.
If you’re arriving on a cruise, I’d actually suggest skipping breakfast in town and starting your visit straight at the Cathedral, it’s Malaga’s most important landmark.
After breakfast, we just took a few photos outside before continuing our walk, and later in the day, we returned to visit inside.
The square itself is surrounded by elegant buildings, and it’s a great first stop to get a feel for the city’s history.
Strolling Past the Picasso Museum
From the Cathedral, we wandered through the Old Town’s narrow streets, passing the Picasso Museum.
I’ve been inside before, and the visit takes about two hours, so this time we just enjoyed the walk and did a little shopping before heading toward the Roman Theater.
We had other attractions planned for the day, and visiting the museum would have meant missing some of them, so we decided to skip it this time.
The museum is set in a beautiful 16th-century palace and showcases more than 200 works by Pablo Picasso, who was born in Malaga.
If it’s on your list, I highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time, especially during cruise season when it gets busy.
🏰 Roman Theater & Alcazaba
Visiting the Roman Theater
Less than a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral, the Roman Theater sits right at the foot of the Alcazaba and is one of Malaga’s most important archaeological sites.
Built in the 1st century BC during Emperor Augustus’s reign, it was hidden for centuries until being rediscovered in 1951.
Entrance is free, and you can walk around the ruins or simply enjoy the view from the lively square in front. It’s also a fantastic photo spot, with the Alcazaba rising just behind it.
Right on this square is El Pimpi, one of Malaga’s most famous restaurants, where we later returned for lunch.
Exploring the Alcazaba Fortress
From the Roman Theater, it’s just a short walk to the entrance of the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress-palace built in the 11th century to protect the city from pirate attacks.
It also served as a residence for Muslim rulers, and walking through its courtyards, gardens, and ornate arches feels like stepping back in time.
The paths do involve some uphill walking, but the climb is gentle with plenty of shady spots to pause and enjoy the views over Malaga and the port.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring some water, and allow about 1–1.5 hours to visit.
Tickets for Alcazaba cost €7 for adults, €3.50 for students and seniors, or €10 for a combined Alcazaba + Gibralfaro Castle ticket (prices updated in 2025).
We visited on a Sunday when entry was free, so it’s worth checking if your visit falls on the same day.
👉 If you’d like to learn more about the history and hidden details of the fortress, I recommend joining a guided tour of the Alcazaba and Roman Theater. It’s a great way to see both sites and hear fascinating stories you might otherwise miss.
⛪ Malaga Cathedral
After exploring the Alcazaba, we walked back to the Old Town and went inside Malaga Cathedral.
Entry was €10, which included an audio guide, but there was no rooftop access that day. Check online before your visit to see if it’s possible to climb, as the views from the top are said to be fantastic.
The Cathedral was built between the 16th and 18th centuries on the site of a former mosque, blending Renaissance and Baroque styles. It’s nicknamed La Manquita (“the one-armed lady”) because its south tower was never completed, giving it a distinctive, asymmetrical look.
The visit takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on how much time you spend admiring the details inside.
👉 To save time, you can book your Malaga Cathedral skip-the-line ticket here and head straight in without waiting.
If you’re staying overnight in Malaga, make sure to come back in the evening—the Cathedral is beautifully lit at night and looks absolutely spectacular.
🍦 Sweet Break – Coffee & Ice Cream
Casa Mira Ice Cream Shop
After the Cathedral, we stopped for a sweet break at Casa Mira, one of Malaga’s most famous ice cream shops.
The ice cream and coffee were amazing, and we enjoyed them while overlooking a small square—it was the perfect little pause in the day. 🙂
🖼 Casa Natal de Picasso
From the Old Town, it was only about a 10-minute walk to Casa Natal de Picasso, located on Plaza de la Merced. When we visited on a Sunday, it was open for everyone free of charge, so we decided to stop in.
The house is small but interesting, offering a glimpse into Picasso’s early life through photographs, personal items, and some of his works.
Ticket prices (as of 2025) are €3 for adults, €1.50 for students and seniors, or free on Sundays. You can check the latest opening hours and prices on the official website.
🏯 Climb to Gibralfaro Castle
From the Alcazaba area, you can walk uphill for about 20 minutes to reach Gibralfaro Castle. The path starts right next to the Alcazaba and winds its way up with fantastic viewpoints along the way.
The hike can be a bit steep (especially after walking all morning), so bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and keep hydrated.
The castle dates back to the 14th century and was built to protect the Alcazaba and the city below. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Malaga, the port, and the coastline (probably the best views of Malaga ever!).
Tickets cost €7 for adults or €10 for a combined Alcazaba + Gibralfaro ticket, and entry is free on Sundays from 14:00.
👉 For the best experience, you can join a guided tour that covers both Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba, so you’ll hear the stories, legends, and history that bring these landmarks to life.
🍷 Lunch at El Pimpi
After visiting Gibralfaro Castle, we headed back down to the Old Town for lunch at El Pimpi, Malaga’s most famous restaurant.
Located right next to the Roman Theater, this historic bodega has been serving locals and visitors since the 1970s and is partly owned by actor Antonio Banderas, who is a proud Malagueño.
By the time we arrived, it was a hot afternoon and we were exhausted from the uphill climb, so that first sip of sangria was absolute heaven.
We paired it with perfectly cooked sea bass, and the prices were reasonable considering the location and quality.
The atmosphere is lively, with both indoor seating and a beautiful terrace overlooking the Roman Theater, a spot I’d happily return to on my next visit!
👉 Cruise tip: If you’re visiting during peak season, especially at lunchtime, it’s best to reserve a table in advance to avoid waiting.
🍽 If you’d like to sample more of Malaga’s food scene, you can join a guided food tour, perfect for tasting the city’s best flavors in just a few hours.
🌴 Afternoon at Malagueta Promenade & Beach
Trocadero Bar for Beach Views
After lunch, we took a leisurely walk along the Malagueta Promenade, lined with palm trees, beach bars, and views of the golden sand. It’s a lovely area to slow down after a busy morning of sightseeing.
We stopped at Trocadero Bar, a stylish beachfront spot with comfortable seating and a fantastic view of both the beach and the port.
It’s the perfect place to relax, people-watch, and take in the Mediterranean atmosphere before heading back to the ship or hotel.
🍽️ Evening Option – Tapas & Wine
We wrapped up our afternoon at Trocadero Bar around 8 pm and headed back to our hotel to rest.
On another evening, we came back into the city to experience Malaga at night—and it was worth it.
This time, we had dinner at Lateral, a stylish modern tapas bar in the city center. The atmosphere was lively, and the menu offered creative twists on Spanish classics.
If your schedule allows (for example, if you’re staying overnight or your cruise departs late), Malaga has a fantastic dining scene, from traditional bodegas to contemporary spots like Lateral.
❓ FAQ – Planning Your Malaga One Day Itinerary (Cruise or Land)
What’s the best route for one day in Malaga?
If you’re arriving on a cruise, start in the Old Town and follow this route: Calle Larios → Cathedral → Picasso Museum (optional) → Roman Theater → Alcazaba → Gibralfaro Castle → lunch at El Pimpi → Malagueta Promenade & Beach. If you’re staying overnight, come back in the evening for tapas and wine.
How do I get around Malaga in one day?
Large cruise ships usually dock at Terminals A and B, about a 25–30 minute walk from the Old Town. A shuttle service is often available, taking just 5 minutes. Once you’re in the city center, most attractions in this itinerary are within easy walking distance. If you’re staying in Malaga, local buses are an inexpensive and convenient way to get around.
When is the best time to visit Malaga, and are there free entry days?
The best time to visit Malaga is in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is warm but not overly hot, and the city is less crowded than in peak summer. Sundays are great for budget travelers—many sites like the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, and Casa Natal de Picasso offer free entry in the afternoon. Weekdays tend to be quieter, especially in the mornings, while July and August can be very hot, so start early to avoid the midday heat.
What should I pack and wear for one day in Malaga?
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro climbs. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water in summer. If you plan to visit the Cathedral inside, dress appropriately for religious sites.
Final Thoughts
Malaga may be small enough to explore in a day, but it’s a city that stays with you—between the history, the views, and the food, it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
Whether you’re here on a cruise stop or a short trip, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time without feeling rushed.
Have you been to Malaga? What was your favorite spot in the city? Let me know in the comments!
📌 If you’re visiting on a cruise, check out my Malaga Cruise Port Guide for detailed port info, transport tips, and more ideas for day trips.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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