Málaga is in vogue. It is a vibrant, entrepreneurial city that has managed to highlight its history and monuments while becoming one of Spain’s most important technological hubs. It’s just a 50 minute drive from the Costa del Sol. Malaga is also developing interesting real estate projects that tourists and future residents should take into account. There are tips that any international buyer should consider.

If you want to spend a day getting to know it, we propose, hour by hour, several essential places to visit:

The best way to start the day in Málaga is by having a “pitufo,” churros, and coffee. It is recommended to try the traditional churros at Casa Aranda or enjoy the typical Málaga pitufo on the terrace of El Pimpi while observing the majesty of the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre. Once recharged, several options are suggested: the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre, the Gibralfaro Castle, and the Málaga Cathedral are indispensable places to visit. A good way to start your visit to Málaga would be by climbing to the Gibralfaro Castle, dating back to Phoenician times.

This castle forms a fortified complex along with the Alcazaba, as both monuments are connected by walls descending the hillside. In its museum, you will learn about the fortification’s history, see an interesting model of the city in the Middle Ages, and travel back in time by walking through its walls and towers. Don’t miss the best views of the entire Bay of Málaga from the top of the Gibralfaro Castle. Another must-stop is the Alcazaba, which is like the Alhambra of Málaga, an imposing fortress from the Arab period built in the 11th century. You can take an elevator up and then descend through walls and palaces until you reach the Roman Theatre, right in the heart of the city center.

You still have time to visit the nearby Málaga Cathedral, popularly known as “La Manquita” due to its missing tower. Guided tours will reveal the artistic and architectural treasures of a temple built during the 16th century.

Now, before lunch, it’s time to relax and stroll through the streets of the city’s historic center. There are several streets that one must see due to their beauty, such as Calle Císter and Calle San Agustín (near the Cathedral) and Calle Larios, the main commercial artery of Málaga. Among the monuments and points of interest you will see in the historic center, the charming Plaza del Obispo with its beautiful Archbishop’s Palace, the San Agustín Church, the Mudejar tower of the Santiago Church, or the churches of San Juan and Los Mártires are recommended. For lunch, there are countless options, but Mesón Santiago, Mesón Antonio, or a getaway to the Pedregalejo promenade to try the typical Málaga “pescaíto” are suggested.

On the way to a good restaurant to eat and rest after our walk, we pass through the Atarazanas Market, a classic covered market where light streams through beautiful painted stained glass windows, bathing the fruit and vegetable stalls in colors. Some dishes you must try are porra antequerana (similar to salmorejo), eggplants with cane honey, or the Iberian flamenquines at El Pimpi, a beautiful winery decorated in the purest Andalusian style.

After tasting the best of the local cuisine, it’s time to soak up the art that the city breathes through its museums: some must-sees are the Picasso Museum, the Picasso Birthplace, the Thyssen Museum, and the Málaga Museum, located in the historic Aduana Palace. For contemporary art lovers, the Pompidou Center will be quite an experience: Frida Kahlo, Magritte, Bacon, Miró, or Tápies are just some of the protagonists of the works exhibited in this museum where you can enjoy the most authentic art of the 20th century.

When the sun begins to set and the sky is tinged with pink and blue hues, it is time to visit the promenade and walk along the beach. Taking a photo next to the letters spelling out the name of La Malagueta beach is another must-do on your evening route through Málaga, along with contemplating La Farola, one of the few lighthouses with a female name in all of Spain, or strolling through the bustling Muelle Uno and the Palmeral de las Sorpresas.

To end the day, there’s nothing better than enjoying the sound of the sea, the breeze, and the atmosphere at the port. At this time, hunger sets in after a long day of tourism, and it’s hard to resist the delicious smell of grilled “espetos” that fills the beach bars. You can’t leave the city without trying it; it’s one of the city’s emblems along with fried anchovies or a glass of Málaga’s typical sweet wine. To conclude this brief and intense day, the Hotel Molina Larios or the Málaga Palacio will offer you the best views of the city from their lively terraces.