With its prime location on the Costa del Sol, Málaga has mastered the art of reinvention. Once known as a sleepy port city, it’s now a vibrant cultural hub filled with historic landmarks, lively festivals, and incredible food.
While staying in Marbella, we took a day trip to Málaga – mainly to experience the famous Feria de Málaga, but also to explore the city’s architecture and history.
If you’re wondering how to spend one day in Málaga, this guide covers the highlights you shouldn’t miss.
- Experience the Feria de Málaga
- Visit the Alcazaba of Málaga
- Explore the Roman Theatre of Málaga
- Admire Málaga Cathedral
- Take in the Views from Gibralfaro Castle
- Final Thoughts
Experience the Feria de Málaga
The main reason for our visit was to experience Málaga’s biggest celebration—and it did not disappoint.
Held every August, the Feria de Málaga is one of the largest festivals in Andalusia. It dates back to 1487, when the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile entered the city after reclaiming it from Moorish rule.
The festival runs for a full seven days and nights, kicking off with fireworks and concerts on the beach. From there, the city transforms into one big celebration, with music, dancing, and street parties filling the centre.
What I loved most was how locals fully embraced tradition – women dressed in flamenco dresses and men as vaqueros (Spanish cowboys). The entire city felt vibrant, colourful, and full of energy.
Visit the Alcazaba of Málaga
After experiencing the festival, we explored Málaga’s historic sites, starting with the Alcazaba—one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this 11th-century Moorish fortress-palace was once home to Muslim rulers. It was built on top of a former Roman structure, and you can still see Roman columns and materials throughout.
Walking through its courtyards, fountains, and gardens, I was impressed by how well-preserved everything was. The views from the walls and towers are just as rewarding, offering sweeping panoramas across Málaga.
Explore the Roman Theatre of Málaga
After spending so much time on our feet, we slowed things down with a visit to the Roman Theatre, located just below the Alcazaba.
It’s completely free to enter, and we enjoyed browsing the small exhibition, reading the plaques, and even sitting inside the theatre itself. Built in the 1st century AD under Emperor Augustus, it was later abandoned and only rediscovered in 1951.
Today, it’s still used for performances, bringing history back to life in a unique way.
Admire Málaga Cathedral
Málaga Cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in Andalusia and can be seen from across the city.
Construction began in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque and continued for over 200 years before funding ran out. As a result, the cathedral was never fully completed and famously has only one bell tower instead of two.
You can climb around 200 steps to reach the top of the 87-metre tower for panoramic views. We didn’t have time to go up, but it’s worth it if you want a 360-degree view of the city.
Take in the Views from Gibralfaro Castle
Another must-visit in Málaga is Gibralfaro Castle, located just above the Alcazaba.
Built in the 14th century to protect the fortress below, it once housed soldiers and played an important defensive role. From the top, you’ll get some of the best views over the city.
On a clear day, you can even see the Strait of Gibraltar in the distance.
Final Thoughts
Málaga is a city that truly surprised me.
It’s a place where history and celebration exist side by side—where you can explore ancient landmarks in the morning and find yourself in the middle of a festival by afternoon. Whether you’re visiting for the Feria or just passing through the Costa del Sol, Málaga offers far more than you might expect.
Have questions about visiting Málaga? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!
Where May Wanders Travel Blog 
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