On the shores of the Mediterranean with year-round solar, Málaga has tempted everybody from Roman emperors to sun-loving Brits. Get pleasure from city seashores, charming streets, and native vermouth with our information to the perfect issues to do in Malaga Spain.
LAST UPDATE: 15 Jan 2024
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Just lately reinvented with recent city areas, Málaga has emerged from its status as a jumping-off level for a few of Spain’s finest seashores, to develop into a cultural vacation spot in its personal proper.
With a fascinating mixture of Roman, Arab, and Christian influences, Málaga’s wealthy historical past unfolds in a number of attractive actions.
Discover defensive forts, examine Roman Ruins, marvel at Christian structure, and revel in this necessary contributor to Spain’s Moorish previous.
Málaga is a superb vacation spot if you wish to mix sunny seashores, fascinating artwork, low-cost tapas, fascinating historical past, and the allure of old-town laneways.
1. ALCAZABA OF MÁLAGA
The Alcazaba of Málaga is a defensive fortress constructed by the Moors within the 11th century as one of the vital necessary defenses within the space.
Inside, lush gardens and opulent Moorish-style courtyards encompass a collection of residential palaces often known as Cuartos de Granada. These had been lavish properties to kings and governors and most spectacular is the Nasrid Palace.
All through the Alcazaba, you’ll discover horseshoe arches and architectural particulars frequent to the world together with the Alcázar of Seville, the Mosque of Córdoba, and the Alhambra in Granada.
TIPS FOR VISITING THE ALCAZABA
- It’s a steep climb to the Alcazaba, however there’s a elevate to take you to the principle part (see the situation on our map beneath).
- There’s a free audioguide to make use of in your smartphone, so deliver headphones with you.
- In the event you intend to go to the Castillo de Gibralfaro (see beneath), buy a mixed ticket for each on the entrance to the Alcazaba. This may mean you can skip the queue on the Castillo.
- Though the Castillo is situated above the Alcazaba, there’s no entry between the 2. It’s essential exit the Alcazaba after which proceed as much as the citadel.
2. CASTILLO DE GIBRALFARO
Situated excessive above the town, Castillo de Gibralfaro is a fortress located on the crest of Gibralfaro Mountain, 132 metres above sea degree.
The citadel was in-built 929 AD by emir Abd-al-Rahmann of Córdoba when Málaga was the principle port for close by Granada (see our information – issues to do in Granada). It was a key defensive fortification within the Siege of Málaga when the Catholic Monarchs took the town from the Moors.
The citadel is only a shell, however the ramparts present an attention-grabbing stroll up and the partitions supply wonderful views over Málaga.
The best way to get there? — The stroll as much as the Castillo could be very steep however it can save you your legs by getting a taxi, the hop-on-hop-off vacationer bus, or the 35 native bus from el Parque de Málaga to Camino de Gibralfaro.
Is the Castillo de Gibralfaro value visiting? — There’s little to see of the particular citadel aside from the partitions, which have been closely restored. Whereas the views of Málaga are wonderful, the stroll up could be very steep and there’s no shade. In the event you’re pressed for time, we might counsel skipping the citadel and ensuring you allow sufficient time for the Alcazaba. For another view of Málaga, take the Cathedral roof tour as an alternative (see beneath).
Skip the Queue — Buy your ticket for the Castillo from the Alcazaba which lets you skip the queue.
Sundown Images — You possibly can stroll to the perspective on the high of the citadel, even exterior opening hours, for wonderful dawn or sundown images over Málaga.
3. ROMAN THEATRE
Constructed in the course of the reign of Emperor Augustus within the 1st century BCE, the Málaga Roman Theatre is likely one of the solely remaining Roman ruins in Andalucía. It was in use as a theatre till the threerd century and later as a quarry and burial floor by the Moors.
The theatre was rediscovered in 1951 and, following a large-scale restoration venture, ultimately opened 27 years later. Right this moment the theatre is used for summer time open-air performances the place 220 spectators will be entertained Roman fashion.
Roman Theatre Customer Centre — The trendy customer centre (Centro de Interpretación) supplies free entry to the location in addition to details about the archaeological finds.
4. CATHEDRAL OF MÁLAGA
Malaga’s Cathedral rises imperiously over the outdated city. Constructed on the location of a former mosque after the town was conquered by the Christian Monarchs, building started in 1500 however halted a number of instances till it was lastly accomplished in 1588.
Work resumed within the 18th century to construct two imposing bell towers. Nonetheless, cash was diverted to assist America’s Struggle of Independence and just one was constructed. This earnt the cathedral nickname of La Manquita, one-armed lady.
Inside, the Gothic altarpiece of the Chapel of Santa Barbara dominates the house, with the Seventeenth-century mahogany choir stalls set beneath two organs with 4,000 pipes.
Málaga Cathedral Rooftop Tour — One of the simplest ways to see the cathedral is on the rooftop tour the place English and Spanish guides level out attention-grabbing options whilst you soak up sweeping views of the town. Roof excursions happen hourly, besides 3 pm and should be booked on the cathedral web site.
5. MÁLAGA OLD TOWN
Because the capital of the Costa del Sol, Málaga is a sun-drenched metropolis that has been coveted by historical civilizations since 770 BCE. The city coronary heart of the town was outlined by the Romans and later amended by everybody from the Byzantines to the Islamic caliphates.
Right this moment, Málaga Previous City is a wonderful community of marbled pedestrian streets, Moorish-inspired laneways and hidden squares dappled with the shadows of orange timber.
The very best space to discover is across the church of Iglesia de San Juan Bautista with its baroque tower and beautiful vaulted ceiling. Make an improvised path in the direction of the Picasso Museum and also you’ll uncover a number of the most atmospheric corners of the outdated city.
LOCAL DISCOVERY | SPANISH VERMOUT & TAPAS
Tapas La Recova is a small, very conventional bar which will provide you with an genuine style of the area. Order a vermouth, a barely candy aperitif, and also you’ll be having fun with top-of-the-line issues to do in Málaga.
6. MERCADO CENTRAL DE ATARAZANAS
The Mercado de Atarazanas is a bustling market within the centre of Málaga that dates again to the 14th century. It was used as a Moorish shipyard and later renovated within the 19th century utilizing the present monumental archway entrance.
Bursting with recent produce and the everyday vibrant character of Spanish markets, Mercado de Atarazanas is the place locals do their buying and vacationers come to savour the atmosphere. Along with piles of fruit and greens, the market shows its Moorish roots with dried fruits, spices, jellies, and salted fish.
Eat like a neighborhood – One of the simplest ways to expertise the market is by grabbing lunch on the tables that line the outside fringe of the market. Fried fish is the regional specialty.
7. MÁLAGA MUSEUMS
Málaga is famend for its artwork scene with a number of native galleries in addition to satellite tv for pc places from different prestigious collections. There’s a number of artwork to discover in Málaga which will be an effective way to flee the warmth of the day.
PICASSO MUSEUM
The Picasso Museum Málaga is situated in a wonderful Sixteenth-century Renaissance constructing and incorporates over 200 works donated by the Picasso household. It has a semi-chronological structure so you’ll be able to observe the event of his profession by work, sculptures, ceramics, and drawings. Guide your entry ticket + audioguide.
GLASS & CRYSTAL MUSEUM
The Crystal and Glass Museum in Malaga is a novel museum that showcases a formidable assortment of objects from varied durations and types. Situated within the coronary heart of the town, the museum is housed in a wonderful 18th-century constructing.
MUSEO CARMEN THYSSEN
As an outpost to the Madrid gallery (see our information: issues to do in Madrid), Nineteenth-century Andalusian work dominate the Carmen Thyssen Museum. The gathering contains masters corresponding to Zurbarán in addition to trendy short-term collections in a renovated mansion of the the Aristocracy. Guide skip-the-line entry ticket.
CENTRE POMPIDOU
Pompidou Centre Malaga is a contemporary artwork gallery on the Port of Málaga with a everlasting assortment and rotating short-term exhibitions. They’ve an everyday program of recent installations in addition to just a few masterpieces, borrowed from their Paris gallery (learn our information: issues to do in Paris). Guide your skip-the-line entry.
MUSEO DE MÁLAGA (NEW)
The Museum of Malaga was initially fashioned in 1973 and brings collectively the Museum of Fantastic Arts and the Archaeological Museum in a single palatial constructing. The artwork assortment focuses on Nineteenth and Twentieth-century native artists.
There’s additionally a small assortment of grand masters with work by Jose de Ribera and Murillo.
Entry is an unbelievable €1.50 to see this superb assortment. It’s free for EU residents.
8. HAMMAM AL ÁNDALUS
The not too long ago renovated Hammam Al Ándalus is the best Arab bathtub in Málaga.
Rejuvenate with the chilly, then heat, then scorching thermal baths, and end with an invigorating scrub. It’s an invigorating factor to do in Malaga and an effective way to expertise the town’s Moorish connections. Guide your entry ticket + therapeutic massage.
After your hammam go to, cease at La Teteria and take a look at certainly one of their 150 artisanal teas. Tucked right into a quiet backstreet, take pleasure in your brew beneath the backdrop of the San Agustín’s church or of their charming teahouse.
9. EAT ON CALLE STRACHAN
Calle Strachan is a bustling avenue in Málaga, simply off the principle thoroughfare, Calle Larios. It’s full of fantastic eating places spilling onto the road and it’s an ideal vacation spot for an evening out.
Blossom // Blossom is a great restaurant with a recent tasting menu of exquisitely offered regional delights with considerate and progressive vegetarian choices. It’s an exquisite eating expertise for a special day and a pleasant diversion from conventional tapas.
Gorki Selección // Gorki prepares conventional tapas with an progressive twist to offer a number of the tastiest small bites in Málaga. They’ve wonderful produce, a few of which is sourced from the proprietor’s farm. The service could be a bit sketchy, however it’s value it for his or her wonderful dishes.
One other good possibility is to hitch a tour the place a neighborhood takes you on an night of tapas and wine tasting overlaying 4 totally different venues.
10. ANTIGUA CASA DE GUARDIA
Antigua Casa de Guardia (the Previous Guard Home) is an old-school taverna providing an ideal choice of native Málaga wines, sherries, and vermouths.
With outdated sherry barrels stacked in opposition to the wall, orders scratched on the bar with chalk, and an everyday vibrant hubbub, it’s an genuine expertise and top-of-the-line issues to do in Málaga.
They’ve a small choice of tapas which you’ll be able to order and eat standing on the bar, or on the outdated barrels with stools. Strive a Pajarete, the candy wine from Málaga which is now a protected time period.
Antigua Casa du Guardia could be very in style with each vacationers and locals, so count on a little bit of a crush.
11. MÁLAGA PORT
The Port of Málaga is a well-protected pure bay on the sting of the outdated city that serves cruise ships, ferries, and small vacationer boats. Additionally it is a bustling hub of exercise, with quite a few bars and outlets lining the ten quays that make up the world.
Take a stroll from the Pompidou Centre alongside the Promenade Pablo Ruiz Picasso in the direction of a number of the metropolis’s finest seashores, and ensure to cease on the varied market stalls, bars, and eating places situated beneath the fishbone-inspired cover.
Catamaran Excursions from Málaga — Watch the solar set over the Málaga skyline and surrounding mountains with a complimentary glass of cava on this Catamaran Tour from Málaga Port.
12. PLAYA DE LA MALAGUETA
The palm-lined promenade of Playa de la Malagueta is a wonderful city seaside, situated simply 10 minutes away from the town centre of Málaga. After a day exploring the historic facet of the town, take a lazy afternoon to take in the solar on this beautiful seaside.
The seaside has loads of amenities, together with showers, bogs, and out of doors gymnasium tools. In the event you’re trying to calm down, you’ll be able to hire a solar lounger for round €7 for the day.
There are additionally a number of chiringuitos, or seaside bars, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a beer along with your toes within the sand. Extra eating places are on Paseo de la Farola, which sits on a slim strip of land between the port and the Pompidou Centre.
13. BEST BEACHES NEAR MÁLAGA
Playa de la Malagueta is a good metropolis seaside, however there are extra choices for chilling out close to Malaga. Listed below are some nice seashores so as of their proximity from Malaga.
- La Caleta Seashore – Simply previous Malagueta Seashore, Caleta is a superb metropolis seaside with huge stretches of sand and mountain views within the background. There are just a few seaside bars.
- El Palo Seashore – The following seaside alongside previous La Caleta, El Palao is a smaller family-friendly seaside with calm water and nice sand.
- San Andrés Seashore – A well-liked seaside with eating places, bars and cafes. There’s a youngsters’s play space plus pedal boats and kitesurfing tools to rent.
- La Misericordia – The two-kilometre stretch of sand at Playa La Misericordia is famed for waves brought on by the high-speed ferry that arrives at Malaga port each evening.
- Playa Peñón del Cuervo – Peñón del Cuervo is a quiet seaside with no bars or eating places just some tables and benches should you resolve to construct your personal barbecue. It’s 7 miles from Malaga and has free parking.
14 – TAKE IN A FLAMENCO SHOW
The flamboyant, seductive artwork of flamenco has been practised within the Andalucía area for over 500 years. Whereas Seville is taken into account the cradle of the flamenco, there’s a energetic scene in Málaga, significantly all through the summer time months.
- Bienal de Flamenco // The month-long open-air pageant, Bienal de Flamenco, attracts a number of the greatest flamenco names in Spain.
- Tablao Algería // Tablao Algeria has every day genuine flamenco performances with conventional Andalusian meals and drinks within the Port of Málaga.
- El Gallo Ronco // Catch a passionate efficiency at El Gallo Ronco, an enthralling conventional house within the centre of Málaga. The real outdated taverna really feel is matched with conventional Andalucian-style meals.
15. ENJOY MÁLAGA’S CAFE SCENE
The espresso in Malaga is a beloved native custom and is understood for its sturdy, daring taste, delivered within the traditional café solo or the candy frothy café con leche.
However, there’s additionally a rising demand for artisanal espresso, brewed to perfection and served with the more and more uncommon associate, recent milk. Listed below are some cafes in Málaga we love.
- Mia Espresso – Just lately relocated to a more recent house in Soho, Mia Espresso is the perfect in Málaga with a wonderful choice of scrumptious do-it-yourself truffles.
- Subsequent Degree Specialty Espresso – A cool vibe and relaxed ambiance is a good accompaniment to the nice espresso served at Subsequent Degree.
- Kima – Kima take their espresso very significantly, roasting their very own sustainably sourced beans simply on the sting of the outdated city.
16. TAKE A DAY TRIP FROM MÁLAGA
Málaga is completely situated to take pleasure in a number of the nice sights situated in Andalucía. Listed below are some day journeys we suggest from Málaga.
CAMINITO DEL REY
The Caminito del Rey is a 7-kilometre hike by a shocking gorge, suspended on an aerial path, 100 metres above the bottom. The largely flat path will be accomplished by anybody with an inexpensive degree of health. All the small print are on our information to the Caminito del Rey stroll.
WHITE VILLAGES
The White Villages of Andalucía make an ideal day from Málaga. Discover charming, white-washed villages perched on high of scenic hills. Ronda is likely one of the closest to Málaga however there are different smaller villages which you’ll be able to examine in our Pueblos Blancos information.
MARBELLA’S GOLDEN MILE
The Golden Mile is a seaside promenade stretching from the city centre of Marbella to Puerto Banús. It’s essentially the most unique residential space on the coast, however it additionally has a number of nice places to take pleasure in a day on the seaside. Buses run from Malaga city centre alongside the coast to Marbella.
MONTES DE MÁLAGA NATURAL PARK
Simply 5 kilometres north of the town centre, Montes de Málaga is a nature park with a jagged mountainous typography. Reforestation of the world has returned the native Aleppo pines in addition to a mass of wildlife. It’s an ideal place for mountaineering and biking. Do this e-bike tour from Málaga.
CÓRDOBA
Córdoba was the capital of the one caliphate in Western Europe and as we speak it’s a captivating metropolis to go to. The Mezquita-Catedral with a mixture of Muslim and Christian influences is likely one of the most necessary buildings on the planet. Learn extra in our information to visiting Córdoba which is definitely reached by practice from Málaga.
GRANADA
Granada is a historic city on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, round 1.5 hours’ drive from Málaga. As an necessary centre in the course of the Moorish occupation of Spain, Granada is understood for the sprawling hilltop fortress, Alhambra. Learn our information to visiting Granada for all the small print. It might simply be visited on a bus tour from Malaga.
GIBRALTAR
Gibraltar is a British territory round 1 hour, 45 minutes’ drive from Málaga. Dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar which will be seen from miles away, Gibraltar is a good day journey from Málaga with UNESCO World Heritage Websites and several other museums and artwork galleries. Guide a bus tour from Málaga to Gibraltar.
WHERE TO STAY IN MÁLAGA?
Málaga is a well-liked spot for good motive, so it pays to e-book your lodging effectively upfront. Listed below are some locations we suggest.
SMART & MODERN
ICON MALABAR
This good, modern property is well-appointed with clear shiny rooms in a wonderful location for exploring Málaga. Free bike rent makes it straightforward to get round.
BOUTIQUE APARTMENT
GR SUITES BOUTIQUE ALCAZABA
In a wonderful location simply 300 metres from Málaga Cathedral, Gr Suites is a 1-bedroom condominium with a eating space and kitchenette. It’s an ideal place to remain in Málaga for {couples}.
OUR PICK
GOOD VALUE
SOHO BOUTIQUE URBAN
This vibrant trendy property just some minutes’ stroll from the outdated city has well-equipped rooms and pleasant useful service. Some rooms have balconies with metropolis views or internal courtyards.
MAP – THINGS TO DO IN MÁLAGA
All of the Málaga sights we listed on this information are included on the beneath map so you’ll be able to plot your plan of assault for conquering top-of-the-line cities in Andalucía.
The best way to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the listing of places, then click on on the places to show additional data. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to avoid wasting to your Google Maps.
HOW MANY DAYS IN MÁLAGA?
Málaga is the proper weekend break and in 2 days you’ll be capable to go to all the principle highlights and have a while to take a look at the bar scene and scoff loads of tapas. When you’ve got 3 days to spend in Málaga, you’ll even have time to laze on the seaside or take a day journey into Andalucía.
Nonetheless, there are many close by sights that make it value an extended journey. Add Seville to your Málaga journey (2 hour by practice) or the historic capital of Córdoba (1 hour by practice).
BEST TIME TO VISIT MÁLAGA
The very best time to go to Málaga is April and Might when the temperatures common a really nice 19°C to 24°C and the town is just not but busy with mid-summer travellers. Nonetheless, sea temperatures are nonetheless on the chilly facet.
The busiest interval is between June and August when the town will likely be buzzing with vacationers and the nice and cozy night temperatures are perfect for an evening out discovering your favorite tapas bar. Count on days to common 31°C, the seashores to be busy and the water beautiful and heat.
September and October are between mid and off-season in Málaga when the temperatures are again to being extra nice and the ocean continues to be heat. It’s a beautiful time to go to however don’t count on it to be particularly quiet.
