Sometimes it can be difficult to choose between a city break or a beach holiday. But why choose when you can have both? Málaga is the perfect combination of culture, relaxation, and adventure. From Rotterdam The Hague Airport, we flew to this vibrant city on the southern Spanish coast for a long weekend away. One of the things we were eager to do was hike the spectacular King’s Path, El Caminito del Rey. Of course, we also wanted to enjoy the city, the beach, and the delicious food.
Staying in the Fishing District
After arriving at Málaga Airport, we took a taxi to Blue Sea Apartments, a small low-budget apartment where we checked in and received the key to our accommodation. The apartment is located in the charming Playa de Pedregalejo district, a former fishing village about 4 kilometres from the city centre. Here, you can still experience the authentic atmosphere of Málaga, with narrow streets, cosy terraces, and fishing boats along the coast. Conveniently, a bus departs to the city centre every ten minutes, allowing you to reach the heart of Málaga in no time for just €1.40.
Picasso Museum
The first day started cloudy with some rain, perfect for exploring the city. We began at the Picasso Museum, an absolute must-see. After all, Málaga is the birthplace of this world-famous artist. Here, you can view paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and drawings that provide a deeper insight into his evolution and creative process. Additionally, the museum is housed in the historic Palacio de Buenavista, a stunning building that is worth admiring in its own right. The museum offers a rich cultural experience and is a key part of Málaga’s artistic and cultural scene.
Tip: Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the queue.
El Caminito del Rey: A Breathtaking Adventure
The following day was dedicated to the hike we had been looking forward to: El Caminito del Rey. This route was once known as the most dangerous in Europe, but today it is a beautifully renovated trail with spectacular views.
The hike begins with a long pedestrian tunnel, after which we received helmets at the official entrance. Soon, we were walking along narrow paths hugging steep rock walls, with a fast-flowing river far below. The views were phenomenal. Every few minutes, the landscape changed: from rugged cliffs to a green valley, from winding mountain paths to an impressive suspension bridge. The latter really tested our fear of heights, but once on the other side, we felt an immense sense of achievement. What an experience! The hike concluded with a stunning view of the turquoise lake—definitely a highlight of the trip.
Since the starting point is about 60 kilometres from Málaga and the route is one-way, we opted for a guided tour. This was convenient as we were also picked up afterwards. On the bus, we were given a brief history of the path, which was originally used by workers to access a hydroelectric power plant.
Exploring Málaga by Bike
A guided bike tour is always one of our favourite ways to explore a city. Our advice: plan the bike tour at the start of your trip. You get a great overview of the city and discover places you might otherwise miss. Plus, a local guide provides valuable tips on lovely squares, popular restaurants, and hidden gems to explore later.
Although we didn’t begin our visit to Málaga with a bike tour this time, we still felt it was a must. We booked our excursion with Baja Bikes in advance. Our tour started at Mercado Central de Atarazanas, a vibrant indoor market where the scents of fresh fish, fruit, and spices filled the air. We then cycled through the city, stopping at La Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia, Málaga’s oldest bodega, where we tasted the famous sweet Málaga wine. Next, we visited Plaza de Toros La Malagueta, the bullring where bullfights are still held today.
The tour ended near the beach, so we decided to spend our afternoon on a sunbed at Playa de La Malagueta. This popular city beach, located between the harbour and La Caleta, is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy Espetos de sardinas, Málaga’s famous grilled sardines.
Tip: Book your bike tour with Baja Bikes.
And our personal advice: take the bike tour at the start of your city break.
A Perfect Ending
With a cocktail in hand, the sun on our faces, and the sound of the sea in the background, we realised just how versatile Málaga is. A city where culture, nature, and relaxation come together effortlessly. This is truly a must-visit destination if you are looking for a well-rounded city break.
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