In early April 2023, our family set off for a spring adventure in southern Spain, and little did we know that our visit to Málaga would coincide with one of the most spectacular celebrations in the country: Semana Santa, Spain’s Holy Week. What began with a missed flight connection ended up being one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve had with our kids.
Below is our trip broken down day-by-day, including the unexpected surprises, the birthday magic, the kid-approved highlights, and the moments that made Málaga feel unforgettable.
Day 0 (Barely a Day): A Midnight Arrival Into the Heart of Semana Santa
After missing our connection in Paris, we finally arrived in Málaga close to midnight…exhausted, disoriented, and just hoping to reach our Airbnb in the Old Town as quickly as possible. What we weren’t expecting?
Wall-to-wall crowds, drumming echoing through the streets, and entire sections of the city blocked off.
We had unknowingly booked our stay during Semana Santa, one of Spain’s most important annual events. Throughout Holy Week, cities across Spain hold elaborate processions with:
- Enormous hand-carried floats (called tronos) adorned with candles and statues
- Members of religious brotherhoods dressed in traditional robes
- Drummers whose rhythms you can feel deep in your chest
- Brass bands filling narrow streets with music
- Crowds packing every alley and plaza
Whether you’re religious or not, it’s an astonishing spectacle…ancient, emotional, and incredibly immersive.
Because of the crowds and barricades, our driver couldn’t get us anywhere near our building. We hopped out as close as he could manage, and the kids (true travel champions) lugged their suitcases through the streets and up to the apartment.
That night, the drums echoed through our windows. It was loud enough to shake us awake, but instead of being bothered, we found ourselves completely fascinated.
Day 1 (For Real): A Birthday in Málaga to Remember
We slept in… deeply. After a long travel day and the time change, it was well into the afternoon before we ventured outside. Luckily, it was a special day: our oldest’s 8th birthday, and Málaga delivered the most memorable celebration.
Here’s what the day looked like:
- A cozy breakfast at a café near our apartment
- A walk to the Mediterranean, where sea instantly engaged vacation mode
- Mini-motorcycle rides along the boardwalk, which became a forever highlight
- A candy splurge at Captain Candy, our kids’ new favorite store in Europe
- Semana Santa processions up close, where we were close enough to feel the heat of the candles and the boom of the drums
- A late Spanish-style dinner after 10 PM (the kids felt extremely cool)
- Birthday ice cream after midnight, the perfect ending to a perfectly unstructured, perfectly joyful day
It ended up being one of our favorite travel days ever.
Day 2: Cereal Bar Breakfast + A Day Trip to Nerja
We started the morning with what quickly became the kids’ top culinary discovery in Spain: The Cereal Boom Coffee. Imagine an entire café dedicated to cereal. You choose your bowl, your toppings, your milk—like a dream breakfast come to life for kids (and let’s be honest, for parents too).
Fueled by sugar and nostalgia, we hopped on a bus for a day trip to Nerja, a gorgeous coastal town about an hour away. Think turquoise Mediterranean water, beachside cafés, and the kind of relaxed seaside charm that instantly slows your heartbeat.
Day 3: Culture, History, and Hills Before Heading to Granada
Our final morning in Málaga started with a true Spanish combo: fresh churros and jamón for breakfast. Then we spent the day exploring the city at our own pace:
- We visited Pablo Picasso’s childhood home, set in a lovely square and offering a small but meaningful glimpse into the artist’s early life. Get the audio tour and the kids enjoyed be able to scan each exhibit and move through at their own pace.
- We wandered around the outer walls of the Alcazaba, an ancient Moorish fortress perched above the city. Even the parts accessible without a full tour offer amazing views and castle-style exploring, though our kids’ interest faded quickly.
By late afternoon, we packed up our apartment, soaked up one last look at the streets below, and headed off to the station to catch our train to Granada, our next stop on this unforgettable journey.
Final Thoughts: Why Málaga Was Perfect for Kids (Even During Holy Week!)
Málaga surprised us in all the best ways:
- Malaga is large, but approachable international city, meaning transportation to nearby towns and attractions was easy.
- The energy and culture of Semana Santa gave our family a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Although streets are blocked off in areas, you can still get around.
- The beachfront, plazas, and Old Town were perfect for wandering with young kids. It was also easy to get an Uber when little feet failed us.
- There’s so much to climb on! Whether it was the seaside promenades, famous Malagueta beach sign, or a a little plaza playground – Malaga has your climbers covered.
- The mix of history, art, and kid-friendly activities kept our days balanced.
If you’re visiting Spain with kids, especially in early spring, Málaga is an incredible place to start.
Days With the Mays 
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