1 Stunning Half-Day in Malaga: Our Relaxing Spanish Finale
A Short Exploration Before Catching A Flight
In November 2019, we traveled to Spain for a memorable three day trip. After landing in Malaga from Zurich and traveling to Cordoba, we returned to Malaga for our final day. We spent the last half-day in Malaga exploring the city before our evening flight back to Switzerland.
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Arriving in Malaga
- Via Train or Bus: Málaga is a premier Mediterranean hub, exceptionally connected by Spain’s high-speed AVE rail network. You can reach the city in under three hours from Madrid or about two hours from Seville. To compare the best routes and prices for your trip, book through Busbud here.
- Via Flight: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is a major international gateway, located just 12 minutes from the city center by train. While nearby Seville (SVQ) and Granada (GRX) offer alternative options, AGP provides the most direct access to the region. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Essential Travel Resources for Your Trip
- Over-night Stays: To book a hotel, explore the options available here.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected without worrying about roaming fees. Grab a local eSIM that fits your data needs here:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Alcazaba
Our first destination was the Alcazaba. Since we had a flight to catch and limited time, we enjoyed the ruins from the outside rather than going in. The Alcazaba is a stunning fortress built during the Muslim rule of Spain, and its presence dominates the hillside with incredible history.
Pro-tip: Secure your ticket below to explore the Alcazaba ruins from the inside.
Piramide de Cristal
The Piramide de Cristal is a unique glass pyramid located in the middle of a walking path. This structure allowed us to look down at the ruins of a Roman site situated below the modern city. It provided a remarkably detailed view of the ancient ruins underneath our feet.
Museo Picasso Malaga
Although we are not major fans of art museums, we decided to visit the Museo Picasso. The ticket cost 12 Euros and we spent about 30 minutes exploring the galleries. The site features the artwork of Pablo Picasso, and while it was interesting to see his work in his birthplace, it was only a quick stop for us.
Pro-tip: Grab your entry ticket using the widget below.
Walk around Malaga
For the remainder of our time, we walked around Malaga and visited various stalls. We bought some souvenirs for ourselves and our family to remember the trip. During our walk, we came across the Monumento a Torrijos, a monument honoring General Torrijos and his 48 companions who were executed on the orders of the King. The monument features the names of all the men involved.
We also encountered the Malaga Roman Theatre, another significant ruin demonstrating the long history of Romans in Spain. After our walk, we enjoyed a final lunch and headed to the airport for our journey home.
Final Remarks
Overall, we had a great time in Spain. While our time in Malaga was laid back, we did not mind the slow exploration before returning to our peaceful Switzerland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to see Malaga in half a day?
Yes, if you focus on the historic center. You can easily see the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre, and the main shopping streets within a few hours.
How much is the Museo Picasso Malaga?
During our visit, the ticket price was 12 Euros. It is a popular spot for fans of Pablo Picasso’s work.
What is the Monumento a Torrijos?
It is a large funerary monument in Plaza de la Merced dedicated to José MarÃa de Torrijos and his followers who were executed in 1831.
