Are you planning a girls trip to Malaga? Then you are in the right place! Malaga is one of the best cities in Spain for a girls’ trip. Not only is it a safe destination, but it offers lots of fun activities for all types of travelers and ages.
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If you haven’t been to this part of Spain, you’re in for a real treat. Málaga is in the south of Spain and it has a major airport (AGP), making it easy to reach from many European destinations (and some US destinations as well). Check out these 10 fantastic activities to do during your trip to Malaga.
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Best Things to Do on a Girls Trip to Malaga
1. Join a walking tour
Whether you or your friends don’t have the time to put together an itinerary or it’s your first time in Malaga, a walking tour is ideal for visiting all of the city’s main attractions.
In addition to seeing the beautiful historical buildings like the Alcazaba de Malaga, Roman Theatre, and the Cathedral, you will get insights from a local guide and learn about Malaga’s history.
There are plenty of tours to choose from, everything from free walking tours to private walking tours that are fantastic for groups.
If a walking tour doesn’t sound very attractive to you, consider a bike or a segway tour. They are a ton of fun and different from the standard walking tours.
Walking Tours in Malaga We Recommend
- Free Tour with Explora Malaga – CLICK HERE
- Malaga Evening Wine and Tapas Tour – CLICK HERE
- Day Tour with a Local – CLICK HERE
- Malaga Historical Center Walking Tour – CLICK HERE
2. Spend the day at the beach
Are you visiting Malaga in the summer? Your group will love the easy beach access in the city center. A girls trip to Malaga would not be complete without some quality time soaking up the sun.
The most popular beach in Malaga is La Malagueta, located a few minutes from Malaga Port and Bullring. It is great because it’s close and has many good facilities.
However, if you are looking for beaches with a wow factor, head to Nerja. It is home to beaches with crystal-clear water and great water activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
Marbella beaches are also amazing, especially if you and your girlfriends love a beach club. But, it is possible to find relaxing beaches too. An unspoiled beach is Playa de Cabopino, just outside Marbella.
3. Visit Malaga’s museums
If you want a more cultural experience, Malaga has over 40 museums, each with something different to offer.
One of the must-visit museums in Malaga is the Picasso Museum, situated in the heart of the city. The museum commemorates the life and works of the famous painter Pablo Picasso. Discover and learn about his remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures.
Carmen Thyssen Museum and Centre Pompidou Malaga are other museums worth visiting for art lovers.
However, if you are looking for more unique museums, head to Automobile and Fashion Museum (Museo Automovilistico y de la Moda) or the Wine Museum (Museo del Vino) where you can sample local wines.
4. Go on a catamaran cruise on your girls trip to Malaga
Another fun activity in Malaga to do with a group of friends is to go on a catamaran cruise. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a different panoramic view of the city.
Most catamaran cruises last between 1 and 1.5 hours, and depending on the time you choose, you can stop for swimming or watch the sunset while sipping some cava wine.
Although you can go to Malaga’s port and get the tickets there, booking it online is recommended to ensure availability.
Note: It is a very popular activity during the summer months.
5. Try Malaga cuisine with the help of a local guide
If you and your friends are looking for a food experience, a food tour in Malaga is one of the best ways to taste authentic local dishes.
Join a local expert guide to take you to Atarazanas Market, where you can taste local produce, like raisins, olives, and nuts, and the most popular tapa bars and restaurants like La Pechá and El Pimpi.
On these Malaga food tours, you will try dishes like espetos (sardine skewers), Ajo Blanco (cold garlic soup), and premium charcuterie like Iberian ham and Malaga salami.
Although many food tours don’t include sweet options, get an ice cream from Casa Mira if you love dessert. Their ice creams are delightful.
6. Watch the sunset on a rooftop terrace
Sunset is one of the most magical moments of the day, and sunsets in Malaga are absolutely beautiful.
Although you can enjoy watching the sunset from the famous viewpoint of Gibralfaro, you don’t necessarily need to walk to the top of the hill to see the sunset.
You can visit one of the many rooftop terraces in Malaga. More and more hotels have used their space wisely to open rooftop bar terraces offering delicious cocktails and fantastic city views. Thankfully, you don’t need to stay in their hotel to enjoy their rooftop.
Some of Malaga’s most popular rooftops are the AC Hotel rooftops by Marriott Malaga Palacio and Room Mate Valeria, as well as La Terraza de La Alcazaba.
Visit one of these fantastic bars with your girlfriends and enjoy a few cocktails while watching the sunset and listening to music.
7. Explore a whitewashed town near Malaga
You don’t need to go far from Malaga to explore traditional Andalusian whitewashed towns. If you and your friends love taking photos, make time to explore one of these picturesque towns.
One of the prettiest towns near Malaga is Frigiliana, located a 50-minute drive from the city. However, if you don’t have a car, you can take a bus from Malaga coach station to Nerja and take a 10-minute bus from Nerja to Frigiliana.
Frigiliana is full of picturesque cobblestone streets with white-painted buildings, turquoise doors, and stunning coastal views.
The town isn’t very big, but you can spend a few good hours taking photos and enjoying a meal with a refreshing sangria on a rooftop terrace.
In the summer months, visit it alongside Nerja, where you can find some of the best beaches in Costa del Sol, such as Playa de Burriana and Playa de Maro. The latter is perfect for kayaking, and you can see beautiful coves.
8. Visit the beautiful coastal town of Marbella
If you would rather have a more relaxing holiday with the girls, you might want to choose Marbella over Malaga.
However, if you plan to stay in Malaga for a week or so, you can also spend a few days in the beautiful city of Marbella, situated 1 hour from Malaga.
Visiting Marbella is a fantastic experience and offers plenty of activities to do with friends. For those who enjoy picturesque locations and shopping from independent shops, the old town of Marbella is the palace to be.
For those who love a good party, there are amazing beach clubs in Marbella, from Ocean Club to Amare Beach Club Marbella and Nikki Beach.
Last but not least, for those who love a bit of luxury, head to Puerto Banús, home to some of the most exclusive shopping on the Costa del Sol.
Marbella is also a great destination to have a fine dining experience. One of its best Michelin Star restaurants is Restaurante Skina, located in the historic center.
9. Taste the local wines
Malaga, alongside Cadiz, is one of the best provinces in Andalusia for enjoying a glass of wine.
Whether you love red, white, or rosé wine, there are endless varieties of wines to try. You can try these wines in Malaga city center, in places like El Pimpi Bodega Bar and Antigua Casa de Guardia.
However, if you prefer the ultimate wine experience in Malaga, the best place to visit is Ronda. This is a beautiful town on the mountainside, where you will find reputable wineries offering tours that tell you everything about wine production in the region and wine tasting.
Despite the diversity of wines, if you love wine, you can’t leave Malaga without trying its specialty wine, the sweet wine of Malaga made with the best grapes grown in the region.
10. Go on a day trip to Gibraltar
Are you looking for a fun day trip from Malaga? Then, Gibraltar is the answer.
Gibraltar is an hour and 30-minute drive from Malaga, and it is entirely different from other destinations. This small country is the melting pot for different cultures and is full of history.
On a day trip to Gibraltar, head to its most known attraction Top of the Rock. From here you can see breathtaking views of Gibraltar, Spain, and Morocco on a clear day. After you finish, spend time exploring the Upper Nature Reserve, home to St. Michael’s Cave and many monkeys.
Gibraltar is also an excellent destination for a shopping day with the girls! Not only are there plenty of shops, but many items are tax-free, so you can save money on clothes, jewelry, or whatever you buy.
Why You Should Take a Girls Trip to Malaga
As you can see, there are many reasons to go on a girl’s trip to Malaga, from discovering beautiful historical buildings and tasting the local cuisine to relaxing on its beaches and enjoying its vibrant nightlife.
Malaga is an excellent destination to visit year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the type of activities you want. If you want a cultural trip, visit in winter or spring. However, if you want a vibrant atmosphere and excellent weather to swim in the sea, visit in the summer.
About the author: Cristina Reina is the founder and writer of My Little World of Travelling, a travel blog that helps travelers discover hidden gem destinations and have more authentic experiences in her hometown, Malaga, and the rest of Spain.