3-day road trip through Malaga

This post is also available in: Spanish

If you want to get to know Malaga and its surroundings, 3 days is a good start and enough time to discover it. However, the best option to explore it at your own pace and with complete autonomy is to rent a car at Malaga airport or, if you prefer, book a rental car at the Malaga María Zambrano station.

This city on the Costa del Sol has everything you need to disconnect and enjoy, and doing so on a 3-day car route through Malaga is the best option to not miss anything and make the most of it. And what is said by car, also applies to motorcycles, since with Record go Mobility you also have the option of booking your motorcycle rental in Malaga.

In this blog you will find a detailed guide so that you can get the most out of your 3-day driving route through Malaga and don’t leave anything to see. Go for it?

Guide for a 3-day route through Malaga

Day 1: Discovering the Historic Center of Malaga

Arrival and collection of the rental car

To begin your 3-day car route through Malaga , pick up your rental vehicle at the Record office . go from Malaga Airport , if you arrive by plane, or at the Record branch go from Málaga María Zambrano if you arrive by train. With your car ready, head to the city center to start your adventure.

The Alcazaba and the Roman Theater

Start your tour at the majestic Alcazaba, an 11th-century Muslim fortress that offers stunning views of the city and port . As you descend, you will find the Roman Theater, one of the oldest vestiges of the city, built in the 1st century BC

Malaga Cathedral

A few minutes walk away is Malaga Cathedral, also known as “La Manquita” due to its unfinished south tower . This imposing Renaissance building is a must-see to admire its architecture and museum.

Lunch at the Atarazanas Market

Head to Mercado de Atarazanas for an authentic dining experience. This historic market is ideal for tasting fresh tapas, seafood and local products . Don’t miss the sardine skewers, a Malaga delicacy.

Picasso museum

In the afternoon, visit the Picasso Museum, located in the Buenavista Palace. Here you can admire an extensive collection of works by the famous Malaga artist, Pablo Picasso . The museum not only houses paintings, but also sculptures, ceramics and drawings that represent Picasso’s artistic evolution.

Walk along Calle Larios and dinner

End your first day by strolling along the elegant Calle Larios, the main artery of Malaga, full of shops, cafes and restaurants . The atmosphere here is vibrant, especially at night. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the center, tasting traditional dishes such as gazpacho or fried fish .

Day 2: Excursion to the Costa del Sol and Mijas

La Malagueta Beach

Start your second day of your 3-day trip planning through Malaga with a visit to La Malagueta Beach. Relax on this popular urban beach, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the Mediterranean Sea . If you are feeling adventurous, you can try some water sports.

Visit to Benalmádena

Next, head to Benalmádena, a charming coastal town about 20 km from Malaga. Visit Parque de la Paloma, a green oasis with free-ranging animals and a central lake. Don’t miss the Colomares Castle , a fascinating structure dedicated to Christopher Columbus.

Lunch in Puerto Marina

Enjoy lunch at Puerto Marina, Benalmádena’s marina . Here you will find a wide range of restaurants with sea views, where you can taste fresh fish and seafood.

Mijas Town

In the afternoon, drive to the picturesque white town of Mijas, situated in the hills of the Sierra de Mijas. This Andalusian town is famous for its narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and donkey taxis . Explore its corners, visit the Plaza de Toros and the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Peña, and enjoy the panoramic views from the Mirador de la Muralla.

Dinner in Fuengirola

On the way back to Malaga, stop in Fuengirola for dinner. This coastal city offers a vibrant nightlife and a wide variety of restaurants and bars . Try paella or a fresh seafood dish at one of the local establishments.

Day 3: Nature and culture around Malaga

Caminito del Rey

The third day of your 3-day driving tour of Malaga begins with an exciting adventure on the Caminito del Rey. This famous trail, located in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes , is known for its dizzying walkways and impressive landscapes . The walk lasts about 3-4 hours and is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

Lunch in Álora

After the walk, head to Álora, a charming Andalusian town nearby. Here you can enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the local restaurants, savoring dishes such as chivo al ajillo or gazpachuelo .

Ronda: city of bridges

In the afternoon, drive to Ronda, one of the most impressive cities in Andalusia, famous for its spectacular bridges and historic center. Visit the Puente Nuevo, which offers stunning views of the Tajo Gorge, and explore the Ronda Bullring , one of the oldest in Spain.