3-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Ultimate Malaga Miradores Map

Start in Malaga city (rent a car €30/day at airport), hit coast day 2, inland day 3. Total ~150km, 8-10hrs driving. Best spring/fall—summers scorch (hydrate!). Risks: winding roads, cliff edges (stick to paths).

• Day 1 (City Sunsets): 9am Gibralfaro (#1), lunch churros, 3pm Malagueta (#2), 6pm Puerto (#3). 20km loop.
• Day 2 (Coast Drive): 10am Calamorro (#5, cable car), 2pm Cruz Mijas (#6), 7pm Colmenar (#7). 60km.
• Day 3 (Hills & Home): 11am Atalaya (#4), 3pm Silla (#8), sunset Roca (#9) or Peña (#10). 70km back.

GPX Download: Free trail file for Komoot/Garmin. Pin this for your trip!

1. Mirador de Gibralfaro

Climbing Gibralfaro last June, sweat stinging my eyes, I caught whiffs of wild pine and distant paella from the Alcazaba. The path twisted up, my calves screaming, until—bam—the whole bay exploded in view: freighters dotting turquoise water, cathedral spires glowing apricot. A busker strummed flamenco below; I teared up, remembering my first solo Spain trip. Chest-punch moment: sun dipping behind the Rock of Gibraltar. Better than any postcard.

Getting There & Hacks

• Address: Calle Guillén Soto, 29016 Málaga
• Open: 24/7 (castle 9am-9pm)
• Access: 20min steep hike/bus 35 (€1.40). Park below.
• Pro Tip (Family-Friendly): Weekday sunsets dodge crowds; pack churros. Summer heat risk—go dawn if kids.

2. Mirador de la Malagueta

Skating on my rollerblades along the promenade one foggy morning, I veered off to this lighthouse perch. Waves crashed salty below, gulls screeching, as the sun burned through mist revealing endless coast. Shared a beer with a fisherman who spun tales of tuna hauls; his laugh echoed as colors shifted from pink to fire. It's the easy win for romantic miradores Malaga hills at dusk—no hike needed, just pure horizon therapy. Felt like the world's edge.

Pros vs. Cons

• Pros: Wheelchair access, ice cream stalls, ocean breezes.
• Cons: Weekend crowds; windy (scarf up).
• Address: Paseo Marítimo Alto, 1, 29016
• Seasonal Hack: Winter clearest skies. €Free.

3. Mirador del Puerto

After a rainy tapas crawl, I stumbled here at golden hour. Puddles reflected neon cruise ships; thyme-scented air cut the fishy harbor tang. Leaned on the rail as ferries honked farewell to Africa-bound passengers—romantic ache hit hard, like saying goodbye to an old flame. Watched a street artist capture it all. Underrated gem for miradores around Malaga with ocean views.

Inline Tip: Bus C1 (€2), open always. Risk: slippery docks after rain—good shoes.

• Address: Puerto Soho area
• Best For: Photography at blue hour.

4. Mirador de la Atalaya

Hiking these scrubby hills alone, I startled a fox that bolted with my dropped orange. Cresting the ridge, eucalyptus sharp in nostrils, Malaga sprawled like a jewel box—rooftops terracotta, sea shimmering sapphire. Wind whispered secrets; sat cross-legged till stars pricked out. Spiritual reset, my favorite for solo souls.

Practical Scoop

• Access: 40min trailhead drive from city (Monte San Antón)
• Risk: Loose rocks—hiking boots.
• Pro Hack: Spring wildflowers explode.

5. Mirador de Calamorro (Benalmadena)

Cable car whisked me up through clouds, emerging to eagles soaring and 360° coast panorama. Picnicked with manchego, thyme honey sweet on tongue, as sunset gilded Benalmadena's whites. A family nearby burst into song—pure joy contagion. Family friendly viewpoints near Malaga hikes? This cable car wins.

• Address: Arroyo de la Calle (€18 rt cable car)
• Open: 10am-6pm
• 2026 Update: New eco-paths opening.

6. Mirador de la Cruz (Mijas)

Drove hairpin turns, burro bells tinkling below, to this whitewashed cross overlooking donkey paths and azure coves. Shared sangria with hikers; one proposed right there as sun plunged—tears, cheers, unforgettable. Olive groves perfumed the dusk; heart swelled with Andalusian warmth.

Why Couples Obsess

• Intimate, proposal-perfect.
• Address: Camino Cruz, Mijas Pueblo (30min drive)
• Tip: Donkey taxi up (€10/pp). Crowds peak summer.

7. Mirador de Colmenar

Chased goats off the trail here— one headbutted my backpack!—before claiming the ledge. Dusty air laced with rosemary, valley unfolding to Sierra Tejeda peaks, distant Malaga haze. Sipped coffee from thermos as orb sank, painting rocks crimson; felt wildly alive, far from tourist traps. Hidden pearl for adventurers.

Drive/Bus: 50min from Malaga (Jardín de la Casa Forestal, €5 bus). Open 24/7. Risk: Narrow roads—dawn start. Winter fogs lift late.

8. Mirador de la Silla del Papa

Scrambled boulders to this "Pope's Chair" throne, juniper sticky under palms, wind howling hymns. Below, almond blossoms frothed white (Feb magic), coast curving to infinity. Meditated till chills came; profound peace, like nature's VIP seat. Compares to Gibraltar but freer.

Quick Facts

• Access: 1hr hike from Alhaurín trailhead.
• Address: Near Alhaurín el Grande
• Pro: Zero crowds. Goat bells soundtrack.

9. Mirador de Roca Carballino

Aftermarket rain, puddles mirrored stars early; reached summit to jasmine burst and firefly dance. Bay twinkled like diamonds, freighters ghosting out. Whispered gratitudes to the void—solo healing at its finest. Hidden miradores near Malaga Spain don't get rawer.

• Address: Partalo Alto area (45min drive)
• Open: Always. 2026: Improved signage.
• Hack: Full moon for lunar glow.

10. Mirador de la Peña

Picnic gone wrong—ants invaded!—but laughing it off, I perched here amid cork oaks, air thick with honeyed blooms. Sunset symphony: shadows racing valleys, sea aflame to horizon. Overheard lovers' vows below; sparked my own reflection on journeys. Epic closer for any Malaga province miradores road trip.

Last Hacks

• Address: Alhaurín el Grande (40min)
• Access: Easy gravel road/parking.
• Tip: Ant spray! Spring superbloom.