The south of Spain is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations on the earth, due to huge sandy seashores and infinite sunny days. Malaga lies on the middle of the southern Spanish coast, probably the most common cities in Costa del Sol. The very best factor about Malaga is that it affords one thing to everybody, whether or not they’re considering historical past or events. From excursions of Moorish castles to day journeys to Marbella for its fabulous nightclubs, the most effective issues to do in Malaga can attraction to anybody.
Aside from the seashores and the events, the Spanish metropolis can be well-known for its impeccable artwork scene. It’s the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and it’s obtained a few museums to show it.
Whether or not you wish to sip cocktails on the seaside or discover all of the Moorish castles in Andalusia, Malaga is a vacation spot price contemplating. And this information to the most effective issues to do in Malaga will enable you to plan the right itinerary!
Wonderful mountain climbing trails, a wealthy historical past, and scrumptious tapas are some highlights of a visit to Malaga. The Spanish metropolis is as numerous as it’s gorgeous, and it’s unimaginable to not take pleasure in your keep right here.
Malaga doesn’t care what you count on from it as a result of it supplies every thing. From fabulous artwork museums to monoliths from the Copper Age – there’s one thing for everybody on this metropolis and I’m about to let you know all about it!
Finest Of Malaga Fast Information
- Should See: Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre
- The place To Keep: Ibis finances Málaga Centro, Palacio Solecio, Solely YOU Resort Málaga
- Enjoyable To Do: Caminito del Rey, Caves of Nerja, Playa de la Malagueta, Museo Automovilístico de Málaga
- Day Journeys: Granada, Marbella, Montes de Malaga Pure Park
- Should Strive Meals: Tapas, Jamon Iberico, Gazpacho, Paella
Finest Issues To Do In Malaga
Malaga lies on the middle of Costa del Sol, probably the most common vacationer locations on the earth. With numerous miles of sandy seashores, unimaginable medieval structure, and spectacular artwork museums, Malaga is a vacation spot anybody can take pleasure in.
It’s an equally good spot for a relaxed seaside trip in addition to a multi-day mountain climbing journey. The delicate local weather makes a visit to Malaga worthwhile any time of the yr, but it surely’s the superb meals that can make you wish to go to once more quickly.
1. Go to The Picasso Museum Malaga
Set in a restored palace from the Sixteenth century, the Picasso Museum is likely one of the finest in Malaga. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and spent many childhood years right here. The museum celebrates the artist’s connection to town and showcases 200 of his unimaginable artworks.
In the event you’re not already a fan of artwork and Picasso, this museum may not be for you. However in the event you’re even a little bit bit within the works of the artist who co-founded the Cubist motion, this museum must be one among your first stops in Malaga.
Insider Tip: In the event you can’t get sufficient of Picasso in Málaga Metropolis, head to Museo Casa Natal de Picasso subsequent. It’s the artist’s former house on Plaza de la Merced and options much more gorgeous artworks in addition to interval furnishings.
Sensible Data: The Picasso Museum is open from 10 AM till 6 PM. Tickets are 12€. Ebook yours right here earlier than you go.
2. Strolling Tour of Malaga Outdated City
The easiest way to get acquainted with a brand new metropolis is to do an in depth tour of its outdated city. Guided excursions of Malaga’s outdated city can be found for vacationers who wish to be taught every thing in regards to the metropolis’s historical past and tradition. And self-guided excursions are potential for budget-conscious vacationers preferring to find the sights on their very own.
Roam across the slim alleys to find the three,000-year historical past of this Spanish metropolis. See the Malaga Cathedral, the Roman Theater, Plaza de la Constitución, and Alcazaba. Then head right down to the port for the most effective views of the Málaga Lighthouse and the ocean past it.
A avenue artwork tour of Malaga is an alternate means of discovering town. It focuses on the Soho and Lagunillas neighborhoods, the place the majority of town’s graffiti and avenue artwork is discovered. Beautiful murals and charming work adorn the streets of Malaga’s buildings in these areas, making this tour a best choice for all artwork lovers in Malaga.
Sensible Data: Malaga’s outdated city is walkable and self-guided excursions are simply organized.
3. Uncover 3,000 Years of Historical past at Alcazaba
The Spanish area of Andalusia is known for Moorish structure, with the Alhambra as essentially the most well-known instance. However you don’t should journey to Granada to admire a Moorish fortress as a result of Malaga additionally options some gorgeous examples of medieval structure.
Alcazaba is a medieval fortress in Malaga’s historic middle. It’s surrounded by lush gardens and affords a few of the finest panoramic views within the Spanish metropolis. The development of the palace started within the eleventh century, but it surely wasn’t accomplished till the fifteenth century.
Stroll alongside the partitions of the palace, admiring the views and studying about its fascinating historical past. You possibly can enter as many palace rooms as you want; many have small displays inside, which supply much more details about the wealthy historical past of the place.
Sensible Data: Tickets for simply Alcazaba are 3.5€. Buy a combo ticket for five.5€ if you wish to go to each the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro. Alcazaba is open from 9 AM till 8 PM.
4. Admire the Views From Castillo de Gibralfaro
Located simply 20 minutes outdoors the historic metropolis middle of Malaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro is one other medieval landmark price visiting in southern Spain. The citadel ruins atop Mount Gibralfaro supply spectacular views of downtown Malaga and its ports.
This historic citadel is finest identified for the irregular structure of its partitions. The prolonged perimeter options just a few bastions, essentially the most outstanding of which is the White Tower above its northwestern partitions.
Strolling alongside the citadel partitions is a good expertise, however don’t neglect to go contained in the totally different citadel rooms. Many characteristic displays on the constructing’s historical past, together with miniature replicas of Malaga’s topography and weapons uncovered on the citadel web site.
Sensible Data: Castillo de Gibralfaro is accessible for a payment of three.5€. Combo tickets can be found for five.5€ and grant entry to each this citadel and the Alcazaba. The citadel is open day by day from 9 AM to eight PM.
5. Purchase Souvenirs at Mercado Central de Atarazanas
Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a lined market on the western fringe of town’s outdated city. It’s well-known for the work that adorn its roof and the most effective place within the metropolis to buy souvenirs. So long as your thought of souvenirs from Spain is generally olive oil, wine, and Jamón ibérico.
With the most effective recent produce and meats, the lined market is the most effective vacation spot for stocking a fridge in Malaga. And even in the event you don’t wish to convey house a pound of Spanish ham (please rethink), you’ll be able to seize a chew to eat at one of many many Tapas Bars below the roof of the Mercado.
Sensible Data: Mercado Central de Atarazanas is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 AM till 3 PM. Entrance to the market is free.
6. See the Málaga Roman Theatre
The Roman Theater in Malaga is correct subsequent to the Alcazaba, permitting you to go to two of essentially the most iconic landmarks within the metropolis in a single afternoon. The theater dates again to the first century AD, and it’s an interesting sight for anybody considering historical past and Roman ruins.
A glass pyramid is located in entrance of the Roman Theater, and it permits guests to look down into the ruins. It’s cool, and I couldn’t assist however be reminded of its a lot bigger sister in entrance of the Louvre. That is acceptable as a result of the Roman Theater in Malaga doubles as a up to date museum, with an exhibit of statues and miniatures scattered across the historical ruins.
Sensible Data: The Roman Theater is open from 10 AM till 6 PM (4 PM on Sundays). Entrance to the positioning is free, and ideas are appreciated.
7. Day Journey to Marbella
Marbella is a resort metropolis southwest of Malaga. It’s solely 45 minutes by bus or automobile, and in the event you’re searching for a fast day journey in southern Spain, this is likely one of the finest choices.
Recognized for its spectacular resort lodges, huge sandy seashores, and wonderful nightlife, Marbella is a vacation spot that may supply one thing to anybody. It’s notably place for vacationers who simply wish to calm down for some time – lounge on the seaside with a cocktail in hand and bounce within the sea every time it will get too sizzling. Then dine at a top-notch restaurant within the night, adopted by a wild evening out in one among Marbella’s finest golf equipment.
Alternatively, Marbella can be an amazing vacation spot in the event you’re primarily considering historical past and archeology. With medieval ruins, wonderful museums, and an outdated city encircled by Moorish Partitions, Marbella is an interesting city on Costa del Sol.
Sensible Data: Buses from Malaga to Marbella depart from the principle bus station each 20 minutes, with 20 day by day departures. Tickets are $8.
8. Sunbathing at Playa de la Malagueta
La Malagueta Seashore is likely one of the finest in Spain’s Costa del Sol. The huge stretch of sand is consistently inviting vacationers to come back and calm down for a couple of hours, and it wouldn’t be a correct journey to Malaga in the event you didn’t “waste” not less than sooner or later lounging on the seaside.
On a heat, sunny day, there isn’t any higher place to be in Malaga. Hire a lounger with an umbrella and spend as a lot time right here as you want, ideally with e book in hand. The seaside is lined with seafood shacks, so that you don’t even have to depart for lunch, and distributors with ice-cold drinks are consistently strolling up and down the seaside.
Sensible Data: Playa de la Malagueta is accessible any time of the day totally free.
9. Hike Caminito del Rey
This journey is one thing solely skilled hikers ought to try. It’s not as harmful because it was once, but it surely’s nonetheless a difficult mountain climbing path that requires a variety of technical information and expertise.
Caminito del Rey is characterised by a steep strolling path constructed into the cliffs. It affords spectacular views of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, and it’s undoubtedly probably the most rewarding hikes in southern Spain.
The doorway to Caminito del Rey is on the northern customer’s middle, roughly two hours outdoors Malaga. This present day tour from Malaga is extremely rated.
Sensible Data: The trailhead for Caminito del Rey is 2 hours from Malaga by bus or an hour by automobile. Tickets are 10€ per individual.
10. Tour Carmen Thyssen Museum Homes
Carmen Thyssen Museum is one other fabulous artwork museum in Malaga. Set inside a Sixteenth-century Renaissance palace, the museum is fascinating each for the structure of its constructing and the spectacular artworks inside.
The gathering of the Carmen Thyssen Museum consists of masterpieces by famend artists from all around the world. A big part of the museum is concentrated on artists from Spain, however there are additionally loads of works by worldwide artists.
Outstanding artists featured at this Malaga museum embrace Niccolò Frangipane, Francisco de Zurbarán, Manuel García y Rodríguez, and Raimundo Madrazo, amongst others.
Sensible Data: Carmen Thyssen Museum Malaga is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM till 8 PM. Tickets are 10€.
11. Stand on the Roof of Málaga Cathedral
My favourite factor to do in any new metropolis I go to is locate the tallest cathedral and climb its clock tower. I don’t care what number of steps there are to climb, I’ll do it each time as a result of I can’t resist a panoramic view. Málaga Cathedral affords probably the greatest scenic vistas of town’s skyline, and it’s an absolute should for beautiful panorama images.
Crucial church within the metropolis has a central location within the historic outdated city. The intricate carvings on the ceiling are gorgeous, so don’t neglect to lookup when you’re inside. Guests can climb the tower of the Malaga Cathedral for sprawling panoramic views of town’s rooftops.
Moreover, the Cathedral additionally has a small backyard with a fountain and delightful landscaping that’s price testing in the event you’re already within the space.
Sensible Data: The Malaga Cathedral is often open from 10 AM till 6 PM. Combo tickets for the Cathedral and roof are 12€. Particular person tickets are additionally obtainable.
12. Wander Round Jardín Botánico
Malaga’s botanical backyard is actually a particular place and, in my humble opinion, the most effective backyard within the Costa del Sol area. With tropical crops from 5 totally different continents, a stroll round this backyard is an unimaginable expertise.
The huge inexperienced house is sort of like a forest within the metropolis with synthetic lakes, ponds, and too many crops to depend. It’s a bit far-off from the Malaga metropolis centre (45 minutes by bus), but it surely’s completely definitely worth the longer journey.
This botanical backyard in Malaga dates again to the mid-Nineteenth century and spans an space of 23 hectares. With cacti, numerous palm timber, and superbly landscaped strolling paths, it’s a spot the place you’ll be able to spend hours with out losing interest. Effectively, I might and did, not within the least as a result of the view of downtown Malaga is jaw-dropping.
Sensible Data: Jardín Botánico is within the northern space of Malaga, quarter-hour from town middle by automobile or 40 minutes by bus. Entrance to the botanical backyard is 5.20€.
13. Tour to Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera
Some 55 kilometers north of Malaga lies the Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera, a UNESCO World Heritage Website estimated to be 6,500 years outdated. It’s probably the greatest locations close to Malaga for historical past buffs who take pleasure in touring relics from a unique period.
What’s most spectacular is that entrance to the positioning is fully freed from cost, and anybody can go to and stroll round. However in the event you’re not that considering historical past, you would possibly wish to skip this attraction as a result of it’s basically only a bunch of very massive stones.
Dolmen de Menga is an historical burial web site and megalithic tomb. Dolmen de Viera was initially constructed within the Copper Age, but it surely needed to be restored. The burial chamber is located below a mound and accessible by guests.
Sensible Data: Dolmens of Antequera are accessible by bus (1-2 hours) or automobile (1 hour) from Malaga. Entrance to the positioning is free.
14. Be Amazed at Museo Automovilístico de Málaga
Museo Automovilístico de Málaga combines two of my nice loves – haute vogue and vehicles. I needed to choose up my jaw from the ground as soon as I realized in regards to the existence of this museum, and it instantly skyrocketed to the highest of my record.
Located within the southern a part of town near Playa de Huelin, the museum encompasses a distinctive assortment of traditional vehicles and vogue, and I can’t resolve what I favor. The vehicles exhibited vary from Belle Epoque automobiles to Sizzling Rods, they usually’re all in pristine situation.
On the style facet of the museum, the exhibit explores the correlation (and collaborations) between high-end automobile producers and high fashion manufacturers. From Chanel to Versace, the outfits displayed on the museum are gorgeous.
Sensible Data: The museum is open from 10 AM to 2:30 PM and from 4 AM to 7 PM. Tickets are 10€.
15. Uncover Modern Artwork at Centre Pompidou Málaga
Centre Pompidou Málaga is a department of the enduring Parisian museum. Set close to the port of Malaga, the eye-catching museum constructing is unimaginable to overlook on a tour of town.
However it’s a typical up to date artwork museum, which could not be everybody’s cup of tea. The displays are out of the atypical and sometimes weird however fascinating on the similar time. It’s a must-visit vacation spot for artwork lovers in Malaga, however in any other case, simply seeing and admiring the extravagant constructing is sufficient.
Sensible Data: Centre Pompidou Malaga is open from 9:30 AM till 8 PM day by day besides Tuesday. A combo ticket for the semi-permanent and non permanent exhibit is 9€.
16. Gastro Tour of Malaga’s Tapas Bars
Spain has scrumptious meals and it doesn’t matter in the event you’re staying in Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga – the journey is the time to neglect about weight-reduction plan and bask in native delicacies.
A few of the metropolis’s finest tapas bars are inside Malaga’s lined market. Stroll for 10 minutes across the outdated city, and also you’ll bump into not less than 10 different tapas bars. The preferred ones within the metropolis are Picasso Tapas Bar, Lechuga Tapas, Lo Güeno Mesón, and Bar La Tranca. All have wonderful meals, cocktails, and a unusual, inviting inside.
Sensible Data: Most tapas bars in Malaga are open in two shifts, with a day siesta from round 4 PM to 7 PM. Dinner is served late in Spain (8-10 PM), and reservations are advisable.
17. Roam Round Montes de Málaga Pure Park
Montes de Malaga Pure Park is one other wonderful vacation spot for hikers in Costa del Sol. If the Caminito del Rey is a little bit bit out of your league, this gorgeous pure park is the most effective various. With too many miles of mountain climbing trails to depend, you may spend your whole journey to Malaga right here, discovering spectacular landscapes.
The park is known as after the mountain vary that dominates the house and affords wonderful mountain climbing and climbing alternatives. The tallest summit rises to a top of 1,030 meters; that’s removed from an intimidating hike, particularly for somebody who has conquered a summit within the Alps.
Come right here for some informal mountain climbing and a day trip in nature. The park additionally options fairly a couple of statues, landmarks, remark platforms, and a great deal of biking and mountain biking trails.
Sensible Data: Montes de Málaga Pure Park is accessible 24/7 and has free entrance. There’s no public transport connection so a guided tour is the best choice in the event you don’t have entry to a automobile in Malaga.
18. Tour to Granada (See the Alhambra)
The Alhambra is likely one of the most well-known landmarks on the planet and it’s solely 2 hours outdoors Malaga. Granada is an hour and 45 minutes when you have entry to a automobile in southern Spain, and the most effective day journey you are able to do from this metropolis.
The Moorish palace is likely one of the world’s finest examples of Islamic structure. As such, it is likely one of the hottest vacationer points of interest in Andalusia, and you may typically count on it to be crowded.
A number of sorts of tickets can be found for Alhambra, relying on which components of the advanced you wish to entry. I like to recommend going all out and getting the costliest tickets that can help you see every thing. Plan to spend a whole day right here, roaming across the palace advanced, marveling in any respect the little particulars on the totally different palace buildings, and getting into as many rooms as potential.
Sensible Data: Granada is 1-2 hours from Malaga, accessible by vehicles, buses, and trains. Tickets for the Alhambra are 7-18€, relying on what number of areas you wish to entry.
19. See Neanderthal Work on the Caves of Nerja
The Caves of Nerja are an interesting pure landmark close to Malaga. Stretching for practically 5 kilometers, the caverns are house to Neanderthal work estimated to be greater than 42,000 years outdated. They’re the oldest cave work uncovered on our planet, which makes this a really particular attraction in Spain.
The system of caverns is break up in two, and just one part is open to the general public. Live shows are sometimes held in one of many caves, because it serves as a wonderful amphitheater. In the event you can handle to attend a efficiency within the Nerja Caves, it might be an epic expertise.
Sensible Data: The Caves of Nerja are an hour and a half by bus or 50 minutes by automobile from Malaga. Entrance to the caverns is 16€ for adults and consists of an audioguide.
Often Requested Questions
What Not To Miss In Malaga Spain?
The Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, and Castillo de Gibralfaro are essentially the most well-known points of interest in Malaga. Caminito del Rey can be world-famous, particularly amongst hikers and outside lovers.
What Is Malaga Finest Recognized For?
Malaga is finest identified for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The town is house to a Pablo Picasso museum, which homes greater than 200 artworks from the well-known artist.
Is Malaga Price Visiting?
Sure, Malaga is price visiting. The gorgeous Spanish metropolis boasts stunning structure, panoramic sea views, and wonderful artwork museums. Whether or not you wish to spend your time lounging on the seaside, exploring town’s tradition, or touring via Andalusia, Malaga doesn’t disappoint.
How Many Days Do I Want To Go to Malaga?
Two to a few days is the right period of time in Malaga to see all the highest vacationer points of interest. However take into account a visit of 5 to seven days, if you wish to take a while to calm down, unwind, and uncover Malaga’s spectacular seashores.
Suggestions And Data For Visiting Malaga
Finest Time To Go to
Summer time is the most effective time to go to Malaga, particularly in the event you love seashores and sunbathing. July and August are the warmest within the metropolis, with temperatures persistently above 30° Celsius. Could and October are additionally good instances to be within the Spanish metropolis as a result of the crowds are smaller however the climate continues to be nice.
From November to April is the wet season in Malaga. Though it doesn’t rain consistently, the humidity is excessive and the possibility of rain is way larger than throughout the different months, which could put a damper in your plans. As a result of the wet season sees fewer vacationers, it’s not a nasty time to be in Malaga in the event you’re primarily considering landmarks and points of interest as a substitute of the seashores.
Getting There
Malga is serviced by the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which is simply quarter-hour outdoors town middle by prepare. It’s additionally potential to take the bus from the airport to central Malaga and it’s solely 10 minutes slower than the prepare. Each the prepare and bus cease on the principal transit station within the metropolis.
Malaga airport is the busiest in southern Spain, with loads of connections to worldwide locations. The Madrid Airport is the biggest within the nation, and it’d supply cheaper flights. It’s solely three hours from Malaga by prepare, so various in the event you can’t discover a direct flight to Malaga.
Getting Round
The general public transport community in Malaga is well-developed and you will get across the metropolis simply. Metro, buses, and trains can be found to everybody, they usually’re very inexpensive. Taxis are additionally an possibility that’s a little bit faster however typically dearer than public transport.
Vacationers preferring to remain lively can cycle to most locations in Malaga. Bicycle rental is offered at a number of locations within the metropolis, and it’s very inexpensive. Moreover, Malaga’s metropolis middle is walkable, and you may go to many vital locations on foot.
How A lot Time Do You Want
You can spend anyplace from 2-3 days as much as 2 weeks in Malaga, relying on what you wish to do and the way you wish to spend your time. The town is a good vacation spot for a relaxed trip, and if you wish to take per week to sip cocktails on the seaside, you are able to do so in Malaga.
Alternatively, it’s additionally obtained so much to supply to anybody considering historical past, artwork, structure, and tradition. With Moorish castles, Roman Ruins, and the precise house of Pablo Picasso, Malaga is a prime vacation spot for a metropolis break.
It’s additionally centrally situated on the southern coast of Spain, permitting for straightforward day journeys to close by locations. Marbella and Granada are each shut, as are gorgeous nature parks, archeological websites, and a few of Spain’s finest mountain climbing trails.
The place To Keep In Malaga
The historic middle of Malaga is the most effective place to remain, particularly for first-time guests. All the most effective points of interest are inside strolling distance, and there are a great deal of outlets and locations to eat. The lodges in Malaga metropolis middle vary from inexpensive to luxurious, so there’s an possibility for everybody’s finances.
You can select to remain in one of many suburbs, however I actually don’t suppose it’s obligatory. Additionally, the site visitors in Malaga will be fairly dangerous, and in the event you’re staying someplace that requires you to take the bus into city, you’ll spend fairly a little bit of time on public transport. Listed here are a few of the finest lodges in Malaga for everybody’s finances:
Having time in Malaga is as simple as respiratory. The town’s points of interest are so numerous that anybody can have enjoyable right here, whether or not they’re primarily considering archaeology or seashores. Stick with what you want, and also you’ll take pleasure in each minute within the metropolis.
I hope this itinerary helps you uncover the most effective of Malaga, and discover issues to do this genuinely curiosity you for a good time in Spain.
