The C-1 Cercanías train takes you from Fuengirola to central Málaga (Centro-Alameda station) in about 45 minutes. In one day you can climb the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, see the cathedral and the Picasso Museum, eat at Atarazanas market and end with sardine skewers in Pedregalejo.
Málaga is easy to visit in a day without a car: the C-1 Cercanías train leaves Fuengirola and reaches Centro-Alameda station, next to the historic centre, in about 45 minutes.
Suggested route
- Atarazanas market (breakfast or an early tapa): a 19th-century market with a beautiful stained-glass window and stalls of fruit, fish and tapas.
- Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución: the city’s elegant pedestrian street.
- Málaga Cathedral, nicknamed “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) for its unfinished tower. You can visit the rooftops.
- Picasso Museum Málaga, in the Buenavista palace, close to the painter’s birthplace on Plaza de la Merced.
- Roman Theatre and Alcazaba: Roman ruins at the foot of the Moorish fortress. Then climb to Gibralfaro Castle for the best view of the city and port.
- Muelle Uno and La Malagueta: stroll along the port to the city beach.
- Pedregalejo: an old fishing district with beach bars grilling sardines on skewers (espetos). Perfect for dinner.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes: the walk up to Gibralfaro is steep.
- In August, avoid the hottest hours and use the museums to escape the heat.
- To get back, check the time of the last Cercanías train or take a taxi (about 30 minutes by motorway).