12-Day Coastal Road Trip from Malaga to Alicante Itinerary

Begin your second day with a visit to the birthplace of one of Spain's most famous artists at Pablo Picasso Birthplace Museum (Museo Casa Natal de Picasso). This museum offers fascinating insights into Picasso's early life and works. Next, walk over to the nearby Plaza de la Merced, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic square. Have breakfast at Brunchit España, known for its hearty brunch options.

In the afternoon, explore more of Malaga's artistic side by visiting the renowned Museo Picasso Málaga. Afterward, take part in an engaging tour with Málaga: The Genuine Wine & Tapas Tour, where you'll get to taste some exquisite local wines paired with delicious tapas. For lunch, try out El Mesón de Cervantes, praised for its excellent tapas menu.

Spend your evening exploring the lush greenery of Malaga Park (Parque de Malaga). Then head towards the waterfront for an unforgettable experience on a catamaran cruise with optional swimming stop by booking the tour:  Malaga: Catamaran Cruise with Optional Swimming Stop. For dinner, savor some seafood at  Maricuchi Restaurant located near Malagueta Beach.

Start your third day by visiting another significant cultural site -  Carmen Thyssen Museum (Museo Carmen Thyssen) which houses an impressive collection of 19th-century Spanish paintings. Follow this up by exploring  Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitucion) - one of Malaga’s most iconic squares filled with history & charm! Enjoy breakfast at  La Recova which is famous for its traditional Andalusian breakfast offerings.

After soaking up some culture in morning hours; embark on an exciting journey outside city limits via guided hiking tour called   Caminito del Rey: Guided Hiking Tour with Entrance Tickets – A thrilling adventure through narrow pathways carved into cliffsides offering breathtaking views! Post hike rejuvenate yourself over lunch at   Restaurante El Kiosko situated closeby serving delightful regional dishes amidst scenic surroundings.

Conclude Day-3 unwinding along sandy shores & azure waters visiting   Malagueta Beach (Playa de La Malagueta) – Perfect spot soaking up sun or taking refreshing dip sea! Wrap-up delightful dinner seaside restaurant   Chiringuito Tropicana specializing fresh seafood Mediterranean cuisine before heading back hotel rest recharge next leg journey.

Begin your fourth day with a visit to Gibralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro). This ancient fortress offers panoramic views of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea. After exploring the castle, head down to Malaga Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción) for a peaceful stroll among exotic plants and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy breakfast at La Tetería, known for its delightful teas and pastries.

In the afternoon, delve into Malaga's contemporary art scene at CAC Málaga (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga). Afterward, take part in an exciting cooking class with Málaga: Spanish Cooking Class with Paella, Sangria, and More, where you'll learn to prepare traditional Spanish dishes. For lunch, savor your culinary creations during the class.

As evening falls, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Andalusia by attending a flamenco show with Malaga: El Gallo Ronco Flamenco Show Admission Ticket. For dinner, dine at El Tapeo de Cervantes, renowned for its delicious tapas. End your night with a drink at La Terraza de la Alcazaba, offering stunning views of the illuminated Alcazaba.

Start your fifth day by visiting one of Spain's most iconic landmarks on a day trip from Malaga: From Costa del Sol: Granada, Alhambra & Generalife Day Tour. Explore the breathtaking Alhambra Palace and its beautiful gardens in Granada. Enjoy breakfast en route or upon arrival in Granada at Café 4 Gatos, known for its cozy atmosphere and great coffee.

Spend your afternoon continuing your exploration of the Alhambra complex. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán, which offers delicious Andalusian cuisine with stunning views of the Alhambra. Return to Malaga in the late afternoon.

Back in Malaga, unwind from your day trip by taking a relaxing evening stroll along Marina Square (Plaza de la Marina). For dinner, try out some local seafood specialties at El Tintero, famous for its unique auction-style service. Conclude your evening with cocktails at Antigua Casa de Guardia, one of Malaga's oldest wine bars.

On day six, embark on a scenic drive along the coast to Nerja. Start your morning by visiting the famous Nerja Caves (Cueva de Nerja), an impressive network of caverns featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations. Have breakfast nearby at Bar El Molino which serves traditional Spanish breakfast options.

In the afternoon explore Balcón de Europa - A picturesque viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views over Mediterranean Sea & surrounding coastline! Follow this up indulging local flavors participating guided tour   Nerja: Tapas Tasting Tour With Wine Pairing – Discovering hidden gems sampling delectable tapas paired exquisite wines! Lunch included during tour ensuring delightful culinary experience amidst charming town setting!

Conclude Day-6 unwinding Burriana Beach – One most popular beaches Nerja ideal spot soaking up sun or taking refreshing dip sea! Wrap-up delightful dinner seaside restaurant   Restaurante Ayo specializing paella cooked open fire adding unique flavor dish before heading back hotel rest recharge next leg journey.

Begin your seventh day with a visit to the picturesque village of Frigiliana, known for its whitewashed houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Start your morning with a leisurely walk through the historic center, exploring its charming alleys and vibrant local shops. Enjoy breakfast at Bar Virtudes, a cozy café offering delicious pastries and coffee.

In the afternoon, take part in an exciting guided tour with Nerja: Tapas Tasting Tour With Wine Pairing. This tour will take you through some of the best tapas bars in Frigiliana, allowing you to sample a variety of local dishes paired with exquisite wines. For lunch, savor the flavors of Andalusia at one of the tapas stops included in the tour.

As evening approaches, head back to Nerja and unwind at Burriana Beach. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the sea, taking in the beautiful sunset views. For dinner, dine at Restaurante Playa y Sol, known for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. End your day with a refreshing cocktail at Cochran's Terrace, offering stunning views of the coastline.

Start your eighth day by driving to Almuñécar, a coastal town rich in history and culture. Begin your morning with a visit to San Miguel Castle (Castillo de San Miguel), an ancient fortress offering panoramic views of the town and sea. After exploring the castle, head to Majuelo Park (Parque El Majuelo) to see its beautiful botanical gardens and Roman ruins. Enjoy breakfast at Café Ayer, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

Almuñécar: Historical Walking Tour will be your highlight for this afternoon. Join this guided tour to delve deeper into Almuñécar's fascinating history as you explore its old town, archaeological sites, and hidden gems. For lunch, try out Restaurante Los Geraneos, praised for its traditional Andalusian dishes.

Almuñécar: Evening Flamenco Show awaits you as night falls! Experience authentic flamenco music & dance performance capturing essence Andalusian culture! Post-show dinner can be enjoyed nearby restaurant   Mesón Francisco II specializing regional cuisine ensuring delightful end Day-8 journey!

On day nine embark on another memorable excursion from coast inland visiting Granada – home world-renowned Alhambra Palace! Start early morning guided tour   From Costa del Sol: Granada Full-Day Trip with Alhambra ensuring skip lines access explore breathtaking palatial complex intricate Moorish architecture lush gardens Generalife! Breakfast en route or upon arrival Granada   Café Fútbol famous churros chocolate perfect start busy day ahead!

Continue exploring majestic Alhambra complex during afternoon hours soaking rich history artistry surrounding every corner! Post-tour enjoy leisurely lunch   Restaurante Jardines Alberto located near entrance serving delectable Spanish fare amidst serene garden setting providing much-needed respite after extensive sightseeing!

Return Malaga late afternoon/evening hours concluding enriching cultural experience Granada! Unwind casual stroll along waterfront promenade before heading dinner highly-rated restaurant   La Deriva offering innovative fusion Mediterranean dishes crafted using freshest local ingredients ensuring delightful culinary finale Day-9 adventure!

Start your tenth day by driving to Almería, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites. Begin your morning with a visit to the Alcazaba of Almería, an impressive Moorish fortress offering panoramic views of the city and sea. Enjoy breakfast at Café Cyrano, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting sailing adventure with Almería: Coastal Sailing Tour. This tour will take you along the stunning coastline of Almería, allowing you to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views. For lunch, savor some fresh seafood at Restaurante Salmantice, located near the marina.

As evening approaches, relax on one of Almería's beautiful beaches such as Playa de San Miguel. For dinner, dine at El Quinto Toro, renowned for its delicious tapas and local dishes. End your day with a refreshing cocktail at La Clásica, a popular bar offering stunning views of the city.

On day eleven, drive to Cartagena, a historic port city with rich cultural heritage. Start your morning by visiting the Roman Theatre Museum (Museo del Teatro Romano), one of Spain's most important archaeological sites. Enjoy breakfast at Café Lab, known for its cozy atmosphere and great coffee.

In the afternoon, explore more of Cartagena's history with a visit to the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQUA). Afterward, take part in an engaging guided tour with Cartagena: Historical Walking Tour, where you'll learn about the city's fascinating past. For lunch, try out Restaurante La Catedral, praised for its excellent Mediterranean cuisine.

As evening falls, take a leisurely stroll along Cartagena's waterfront promenade before heading to dinner at El Barrio de San Roque, known for its innovative Spanish dishes. Conclude your day with a drink at The Red Corner, offering live music and a vibrant atmosphere.

On your final day drive Alicante – vibrant coastal city renowned sandy beaches lively atmosphere! Start morning exploring historic Santa Barbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara) perched atop Mount Benacantil providing panoramic views entire region! Breakfast nearby   La Taberna del Gourmet famous traditional Spanish breakfast offerings ensuring delightful start last leg journey!

Spend relaxing afternoon enjoying sun sea Explanada de España – Iconic palm-lined promenade perfect leisurely stroll or simply soaking vibrant ambiance surrounding area! Participate guided tour   Alicante: Secret Flavors Food Tour discovering hidden culinary gems sampling delectable local dishes paired exquisite wines ensuring memorable gastronomic experience amidst charming cityscape! Lunch included during tour providing delightful midday meal!

Conclude 12-day coastal road trip unwinding Postiguet Beach – One most popular beaches Alicante ideal spot soaking up sun or taking refreshing dip sea before heading farewell dinner highly-rated restaurant   Darsena specializing fresh seafood Mediterranean cuisine ensuring perfect end unforgettable journey along Spain’s stunning coastline!