a day in Malaga
 

We have one day in Malaga, and although visiting the Alcazaba is high on my priority list, other family members are also interested in visiting the caves at Nerja, plus the little towns of Frigiiana or Miljas. If we have only from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., do we have time to do it all? I would love to hear anyone's impressions of these little towns as opposed to spending more time in Malaga itself.

It sounds like Malaga could be a stop on a cruise?
If so, I would at least skip the caves.

You will need to waste some time to get there in time for your dedicated time slot.
The caves are completely fine to have on your agenda if you were visiting the area for a couple of days.

But with limited time, I'd focus on Malaga ( would be my first choice), or (as my second choice, if I had to) combine Frigiliana (go there first / in the morning hours) and Malaga (afterwards). Personally, I find Frigiliana more interesting or "nicer" than Mijas.
But: I would only do that trip to Frigiliana if I had my transport waiting for me, e.g. rental car or tour bus.

Malaga, a lovely Victorian market, 30 (thirty) museums of which at least one is world class, a castle, pedestrian shopping, cathedral, good restaurants, beach etc. I'd spend the day there.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/sp...ums-in-malaga/

Málaga for the day
 

Málaga has more than enough for you to do with your limited time. *Besides the Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga and the*Picasso Museum, there is the outstanding Museum de Málaga (museosdeandalucia.es)*and the Mercado Central de Atarazanas. *You can walk up to the top of the Alcazaba for outstanding views out over the bay. *If you have a chance, walk or take a taxi to the*Museo Automovilistico Malaga (https://www.museoautomovilmalaga.com/en/), where you will also find the Colección del Museo Ruso (https://www.coleccionmuseoruso.es).

If you want lunch, then try El Refectorium Catedral, if you have reservations. *If not, then be the first at the door when they open so you can get a place at the bar. *Or have lunch at Eboka (Eboka Restaurante Málaga). *If not there, then try*La Cosmopolita.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...14cedb0b52.jpg
Calle Molina Lario

Malaga
 

Malaga has a beautiful centre, much of which is pedestrianised. A great place to spend a day if you're on a berthed cruise ship. The indoor market is particularly good.

Frigiliana is a magnet for tour groups, the place is overrun between the core hours of 1000-1600.

Nerja is lovely. I've never seen so many Irish folk outside of Ireland. They help the vibe of the place as do the many Tapas Bars.

Nerja Caves are a bit further on from the town just off the main Highway. They're a wonderful experience, but you must make your time slot, and being fully mobile is a must as there are are many steep steps.