Your ultimate Málaga travel itinerary
Written by
Emma Harrison
•
5 min read
Why you should book a trip to Málaga
As the gateway to Spain’s sun-soaked Costa del Sol, Málaga stands out as a dynamic cultural gem. Celebrated for its thriving arts scene, world-class museums, and great selection of restaurants, the city blends the old and new with effortless charm.
Wander through ancient landmarks like the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, then dive into the city’s artistic side at the Museo Picasso Málaga. Be sure to add all of the things you want to see and do to your Málaga Pinboard!
Beyond its rich heritage, Málaga offers sun-soaked beaches, a buzzing bar scene, and a warm Mediterranean climate all year-round. From tapas in the old town to sunset strolls along Muelle Uno, this vibrant city has something for every traveller—whether you're seeking culture, relaxation, or a bit of both.
It all starts by planning your trip and taking that first step by creating a Malaga Pinboard and adding all the things you want to see and do.
Beyond its famous landmarks, Málaga hides a world of secret wonders—and one of our favourite hidden gems lies tucked away in the lush hills above the city.
The Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción is a serene escape, where winding paths lead through vibrant tropical plants, tranquil waterfalls, and palm groves.
Among the greenery, a hidden Doric temple emerges like something from a forgotten era—once the resting place of the Loring-Heredias’ private archaeological collection. It’s a quiet, magical corner of Málaga that feels a world away from the bustle below.
Where to stay in Málaga
For a central location with plenty of style, book a stay at the ICON Malabar, where we have found an epic three night stay in early July for just £412 (reduced down from £687) - flights to Malaga can be pretty cheap with flights from just £58pp from London Gatwick.
Not only does it look good on the outside, it also has really stunning interiors too. It has a true feel of space and light with a playful sense of creativity. The decors utilise natural materials, blond woods and warm fabrics in subtle hues of gold and green.
There is a great terrace bar, larger-than-average rooms and there’s even a selection of hotel bikes that you can make the most of when exploring the city centre!
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
Here are our top three travel tips when planning a trip to Málaga:
Málaga isn’t a large city, which makes it perfect for a weekend getaway. In just a couple of days, you can hit the highlights—browse the Museo Picasso, explore the Alcazaba fortress, and admire the city’s grand cathedral. Only have a short amount of time available, upgrade to Pogo Plus and create your very own tailored travel itinerary in seconds via Pogo Magic!
If you have four or five days to spare, you can certainly dive deeper into local life: discover the vibrant street art of the Soho district or enjoy fresh seafood in the traditional fishing neighbourhoods of Pedregalejo and El Palo. Be sure to add some of the local restaurants to the ‘Eat & Drink’ section of your Málaga pinboard.Whether you are a foodie or are looking to buy some gourmet treats to take back home, you will definitely want to add a visit to the Málaga’s Mercado Central de Atarazanas to your Pogo Pinboard. It is one of Spain’s finest public markets, located in a striking Mudéjar-style building. It’s the perfect spot to sample and shop for local specialties which includes wine, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, seafood, olive oil, chocolates and more.
Plot your journey with Pogo - as we mentioned Málaga’s city centre is very walkable and is full of hidden gems, so walking is really the best way to discover this dazzling city. Plan ahead and use the map view of your Pinboard to navigate your way around Málaga. If you are planning to explore further afield, use the highly-efficient local buses or trains to avoid parking hassles and enjoy stress-free travel.
