Malaga, located in southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Founded by the Phoenicians around 770 B.C., this historical city offers an array of different options to learn about and enjoy Europe’s southernmost big city. However, if you are short on time but still want to get a taste of the city, here’s a recommended itinerary you can enjoy in under seven hours.

First, Chocolate with Churros
Chocolate con churros is a typical Spanish dish usually eaten for breakfast. Eating them is rather straightforward, just dip your crispy churros in the cup of hot chocolate and savor every bite. The remaining chocolate is drunk, or if you still feel hungry, order more churros.

Where to eat
Head to Malaga’s historic city center where you will find several cafes that serve them. Once you’ve spotted a place head inside and pick an open table. Some places might have limited to no indoor seating, but offer plenty of outdoor tables, pull out a chair and enjoy the fresh air.

Tips:
Churros are roughly seven inches long each and can be very filling, I recommend ordering 2-3 per person.
The chocolate is of a thicker consistency, resembling that of a sauce.
The meal is typically cheap, for two people, depending how many churros you order, expect to pay around six euros.

Churros to start your day

Let’s go Sightseeing
A good starting point is at the top of Mount Gibralfaro where you can explore the wonderful Gibralfaro castle fortress. From the city center take the number 35 bus to Gibralfaro, a single fare ticket is 1.30 euros.

Castillo Gibralfaro
Dating from the 14th century the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a Moorish fortress, is one of the most visited places in Malaga. With its solid walls standing today, you are able to walk on top of them and enjoy 360-degree views of the city. There is also a small museum that talks about the site’s history.

Tip: buy a combo ticket, 3.55 euros, which includes entrance to the castle and to the Alcazaba.

Spectacular city views from the castle

Walking on the walls

Street view

Alcazaba
From the castle, make your way down to the Alcazaba via a zig-zag paved stairway that starts at the side of the castle’s entrance. Be sure to wear shoes with reliable traction as the surface of the stairs is slippery in some areas.

From the Arabic al-qasbah, meaning “citadel” this intricate Moorish fortress dates back to the early 11th century. The Alcazaba, the best-preserved alcazaba in Spain, offers many things to be seen including gateways, gardens, fountains, towers, walls, courtyards, columns and arches.

Gateway

Gardens

Arches

Fountains

Courtyards

Intricate details on ceiling

Alongside the Alcazaba are the remains of a Roman theater dating back to the first century B.C., it’s the oldest monument in Malaga and it was built under the Emperor Augustus’ reign. It’s free to visit.

Roman theater ruins

Picasso Museum Malaga
Did you know Picasso was a Malaga native? Hence the reason there is a dedicated museum showcasing a chronological collection of the artist’s works including early drawings, sculptures, ceramics and paintings. For 10 euros you get access to both the permanent collection and temporary exhibits, or if you prefer, you can do either one. Included with your entrance fee is an audio guide with ten languages for the permanent collection (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish) and two for the temporary exhibitions (English and Spanish).

The Picasso Museum is conveniently located in old town Malaga and it’s only a three-minute walk from the Roman theater remains.

Not to be missed: head to the ground floor of the building where you can appreciate remarkable Phoenician, Roman and Moorish archeological remains—some of these date back to the seventh century B.C.

Malaga Cathedral
From the Picasso Museum head south west via Calle San Agustín, a mere three-minute walk, and check out one of Malaga’s iconic national landmarks. Dating from the 16th century, the second tallest cathedral in Andalusia, features a baroque façade and renaissance style architecture.

Entrance to the cathedral, which includes entry to its museum, is six euros. The cathedral also offers access to the roof. Get their full schedule of visiting hours and rates here.

Cathedral from Castillo Gibralfaro

Side entrance of the cathedral

Interior

Have a coffee, tea or beer
Before visiting the Cathedral we had a beer at La Tetería. This tea house/bar is just a few steps away from the Picasso Museum, as well as many other options for you to have a drink, lunch or a tasty Spanish dish to satisfy your hunger. For two beers we paid just over five euros.

I personally loved Malaga, it offers plenty of things to do and has an interesting history to learn about.