The top five best city breaks from Malaga
Malaga offers plenty to explore, but many visitors use this coastal city as a gateway to discover other remarkable destinations across Andalucía.
The city enjoys excellent transport links. Malaga Airport ranks among Spain’s busiest hubs, while María Zambrano train station connects travellers to destinations throughout the country.
If you ever tire of Malaga’s charms, these five Andalusian cities make exceptional day trips or weekend breaks.
1) Seville – the heart and soul of Andalucía
Few places capture the spirit of Andalucía like Seville. The city is famous for its flamenco rhythms, tapas culture and impressive architecture.
Visit the stunning Plaza de España, explore the Alcázar Palace, and admire the world’s largest Gothic cathedral.
👉 Check out our full guide to Seville
2) Granada – where history meets the mountains
Home to the iconic Alhambra Palace, Granada is a city of breathtaking views and deep Moorish heritage.
Wander through the Albaicín’s narrow lanes, relax in a traditional Arab bath and enjoy free tapas with every drink.
👉 Plan your Granada day trip from Malaga
3) Cordoba – a masterpiece of history and harmony
Once the capital of Islamic Spain, Cordoba is known for the stunning Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral that perfectly reflects the city’s layered past.
Stroll through its flower-filled courtyards and picturesque old town streets.
👉 See how to visit Cordoba from Malaga
4) Cadiz – Spain’s oldest city by the sea
Cádiz offers something different — a laid-back coastal escape full of sunshine, seafood and character.
Walk along the seafront promenade, explore the colourful old town and relax on La Caleta beach.
👉 Find out how to get to Cadiz from Malaga
5) Almeria – Andalucía’s hidden gem
Less visited than its neighbours, Almería rewards travellers with a mix of Moorish architecture and desert landscapes.
Don’t miss the Alcazaba fortress, the cinematic Tabernas Desert and the unspoilt beaches of Cabo de Gata.
👉 Read more about visiting Almería
Make Malaga your base to explore Andalucía
Each of these cities can be enjoyed on a day trip, but they’re even better for an overnight stay.
With excellent transport connections, Malaga is the perfect hub for discovering the most beautiful cities in southern Spain.
Daryl is the co-founder of Malaga Guru. He is a copywriter, editor and translator who moved to Malaga a decade ago having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found this site in 2016.