Malaga boasts 320 days of solar per yr, sandy seashores, historic monuments, and vibrant nightlife. House to a serious worldwide airport and a well-connected practice station, this seaside metropolis makes an ideal launching pad for exploring Southern Spain. Make sure you keep at the very least a couple of days to discover Malaga’s sights earlier than venturing additional into Andalusia. Listed below are 21 marvelous issues to do in Malaga, primarily based on my household’s explorations.
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1. Picasso Museum
Since Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, a go to to this artwork museum is crucial for any trip itinerary. Though I’m not an enormous Picasso fan, I loved viewing his work in a everlasting assortment and studying extra about this well-known artist at Museo Picasso Málaga.
It’s residence to over 200 items of artwork created by Pablo Picasso over the course of 80 years. The art work was donated to the museum by his household.
Purchase your skip-the-line Picasso Museum ticket now. An audio tour is included with the worth of admission.
2. Alcazaba of Málaga
The Alcazaba is Malaga’s best-known monument and my favourite attraction within the metropolis. Building of this imposing fortress started within the eighth century however a lot of the present construction dates to the eleventh century.
Moorish (Spanish Muslim) royalty lived within the internal palace after they dominated Andalusia for a whole bunch of years till the Spanish Inquisition within the late 1400s. That’s when Spain’s Moors and Jews have been banished, pressured to transform, or killed. Catholic monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella lived right here for some time after conquering town in 1487.
The fortress is laced with vines and dotted with sweet-scented citrus timber and vivid flowering bougainvillea. Fountain-filled gardens add to the attract of this stunning place.
Put on good strolling sneakers as a result of it’s fairly a hike to the highest of the Alcazaba. For the trouble, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of town and port.
A small museum and audio tour are included along with your entrance ticket. For a extra in-depth expertise, join a guided tour of the Alcazaba by way of our companion, GetYourGuide.
3. Roman Theatre of Malaga
You may’t miss Teatro Romano de Málaga. It’s situated within the coronary heart of town and sits on the foot of the Alcazaba. The Roman Theater is the oldest monument in Málaga. It was constructed within the 1st century by Caesar Augustus, the primary Roman emperor.
For hundreds of years, the Roman Theatre was hidden by homes and streets that have been constructed on the slopes under the Alcazaba. In actual fact, it was not found till 1951 throughout a landscaping mission. That sparked years of excavation to disclose the ruins.
Entrance to the Roman Theatre of Malaga and a small onsite interpretation heart are free. This attraction is closed on Mondays however can all the time be seen from a distance.
4. Gibralfaro Citadel
At night time, floodlit Castillo de Gibralfaro glows on Gibralfaro Mountain simply outdoors town heart. This fortress started building within the tenth century and was expanded within the 14th century. For a whole bunch of years, it was used as a protection construction and a lighthouse to information ships into Malaga’s harbor.
This fortress options eight towers, a small museum, pretty gardens, and a restaurant. The true motive to go to Gibralfaro Citadel, nonetheless, is for its sweeping views of town and port. It takes about half-hour to deal with the uphill stroll from the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro.
5. Sandy Seashores
When visiting the capital of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Solar), the seashore is a should. Throughout a sightseeing trip stuffed with museums, monuments, sizzling hikes, and lengthy days of journey — a few lazy seashore days in Malaga was simply what we wanted.
Hire lounge chairs with umbrellas for a handful of euros per particular person. Then settle in and order a chilly drink whilst you watch the mellow Mediterranean Sea waves. Sangria, anybody?
Málaga’s seashore facilities range however most provide showers, footbaths, and public loos. Lifeguards are usually on responsibility from June by way of September.
Though the seashores are sandy, anticipate rocks alongside the shore and when getting into the water. Floats and water sneakers will assist shield delicate toes.
Malagueta Seashore
La Malagueta Seashore is without doubt one of the hottest seashore choices in Malaga. It’s lined with palm timber and gives a kids’s play space. It’s an city seashore near town, making it handy. However I discovered the economic Port of Málaga views to be lower than preferrred.
Misericordia Seashore
My household most well-liked Misericordia Seashore. An area really useful it to us for its fairly views and fewer crowded ambiance. A playground for teenagers provides to the enjoyable.
6. Chiringuitos Seashore Bars
Chiringuitos are seashore bars that serve drinks and, oftentimes, meals. You can also make reservations upfront at a few of these informal eating places or simply present up and ask for a desk.
Stacked skewers of charcoal-grilled sardines (sardine espetos) are the specialty at these institutions alongside Costa del Sol’s seashores. You may order different recent fish, too.
Moreover, most chiringuitos serve easy Spanish meals. Spain’s well-known chilly tomato soup, gazpacho (my favourite!), makes a refreshing selection on a sizzling summer season seashore day.
7. Atarazanas Market
The colourful Mercado Central de Atarazanas gives an array of lovely recent produce, olives, spices, and different tempting meals. My household bought an array of dried fruits that we snacked on all through our trip in Spain.
For a fast chunk, pull up a seat at one of many stalls to seize a tapa or two with a glass of Malaga’s namesake candy wine. Atarazanas Market Bar will get rave evaluations.
Wander the market by yourself or join a Foodie Tour of Atarazanas Market by way of GetYourGuide. The two-hour tour contains samples of Iberian ham, manchego cheese, olive oil, and extra. All ages are welcome.
8. Malaga Cathedral
The official identify of town’s major cathedral is Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Basílica de la Encarnación. Locals, nonetheless, name it La Manquita. This nickname interprets as “the one-armed girl” and refers back to the cathedral’s lacking tower.
Constructed between 1528 and 1782, building halted when cash ran out. La Catédral de Málaga’s remaining tower is the second tallest in Andalusia.
The Baroque-Renaissance Malaga Cathedral is gorgeous from the surface. However the inside took my breath away with its hovering dome encircled by stained glass home windows.
9. Night Paseo in Metropolis Middle
In Spanish, paseo means to walk or leisurely stroll. Spain’s night paseo is when locals and guests take to metropolis centre to wander, socialize, and luxuriate in drinks and tapas late into the night time.
Of the numerous Andalusian cities we visited, Malaga’s paseo was the liveliest and most concentrated inside one central space. Head to Outdated City and be part of the crowds to soak up the bubbly vibe.
View my video above to see a small slice of Malaga’s night paseo. I recorded this bustling video round midnight on a Friday in July. We strolled Saturday and different nights, too, however Friday was positively the perfect time to discover a festive setting.
As with most issues in Spain, paseo is a household affair. So, anticipate to see even younger kids out late strolling with their mother and father. That is very true on weekends in summer season.
10. Parque de Málaga
Stretching alongside Paseo del Parque between Outdated City and the port, the oval-shaped Parque de Málaga is also called Parque de la Alameda. Locals, nonetheless, name it merely El Parque.
We discovered this inexperienced house to be a refreshing respite from town. Take pleasure in fountains and ponds all through its 81 acres. Additionally, search for small playgrounds and an out of doors theater. It’s a free spot to wander, play, or just loosen up on a bench within the shade of palm, orange, and cypress timber.
11. Centre Pompidou Málaga
The primary extension of the well-known artwork museum in France, Centre Pompidou Málaga options greater than 80 fashionable artwork items from the twentieth and twenty first centuries. Search for works by Marc Chagall, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, and different well-known artists.
Manufactured from brightly coloured glass panes, The Dice sits atop the museum and is a ravishing show of artwork in itself.
12. La Concepción Botanical Backyard
Created in 1855, La Concepción Botanic Backyard is situated simply outdoors town, off the exit highway to Granada. It’s, “too far to stroll, however effectively definitely worth the cab fare,” in line with Fodor’s Important Spain.
Along with native flora, it contains plantings from Latin America, the Philippines, and Australia. We didn’t get an opportunity to go to this backyard, however Spain’s official tourism web site says, “This can be a romantic backyard with winding paths, ponds, waterfalls, and streams. It has lush semi-tropical vegetation and great examples of rubber vegetation, palm timber, and a few spectacular Araucarias.”
13. Plaza de la Merced
Surrounded by leafy timber, Plaza de la Merced is a reasonably public sq. in central Malaga. Sidewalk cafes and eating places line the sq..
Picasso followers will wish to go to Casa Natal de Picasso, additionally situated within the sq.. That is Picasso’s birthplace residence, which now features as a small museum in his honor. Moreover, there’s a bronze statue of Picasso throughout the sq..
Within the plaza’s heart, discover Monumento a Torrijos. This obelisk was erected to honor Normal Torrijos and 48 of his followers who have been shot to demise by order of Ferdinand VII.
14. Carmen Thyssen Museum
Achieve perception into native tradition with a go to to Carmen Thyssen Museum. The museum shows over 200 work and different Spanish items of artwork from the nineteenth century, with a specific give attention to Andalusian artists. The art work is displayed inside Palacio de Villalón, which was owned by a noble household within the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
15. Avenue Artwork
Malaga sizzles with road artwork. Benefit from the vibrant shows as you stumble throughout them. Or observe this self-guided road artwork tour of Malaga by The Flashpacker.
To change into a part of the artwork your self, e book this Malaga Skilled Picture Shoot and Metropolis Tour. An expert photographer will snap portraits of you (and your journey companions) on the street artwork districts of Soho and Lagunilla. Obtain 20 edited, high-definition pictures as a memento of your time in Málaga.
16. Flamenco Present
Flamenco consists of a singer, guitarist, and dancer who work in live performance collectively to showcase the perfect of their particular person skills in a single passionate efficiency. The improvised artwork kind takes years to grasp. It’s mesmerizing to observe the musicians and dancers synchronize their artwork types to create a seamless show.
Andalucía is the birthplace of flamenco. Due to this fact, you’ll positively wish to attend a tablao whereas in Southern Spain. Select from an array of flamenco reveals in Malaga.
17. Holy Week
Many individuals from all over the world journey to Spain to expertise the nation’s Holy Week processionals. In actual fact, greater than 5 million vacationers go to Malaga for this celebration yearly.
Robust locals carry elaborate and very heavy floats referred to as pasos, which characteristic statues of Jesus or Mary. Collaborating in these processions is taken into account an ideal honor and is finished as an indication of devotion and penance.
Semana de Santa de Málaga takes place over the past week of Lent, the week earlier than Easter. Throughout Ardour Week in Malaga, anticipate a joyous celebration stuffed with flamenco and boisterous crowds. This differs from extra somber and meditative processionals in different areas of Spain.
My household visited Málaga in July, however we have been handled to a smaller model of the Holy Week processional. On a Sunday, we stumbled upon a parade of Malagueños in Outdated City carrying a paso on their shoulders and necks. (And, sure, I did see two sturdy ladies carrying the paso!)
Catholic church leaders led the procession. Then, kids preceded the float, with older teenagers holding burning incense. A band taking part in rousing non secular music adopted the paso. Though I’m not Catholic, it was really a shifting sight. View my video above to see what I imply!
18. Hammam al Andalus Arab Tub Home
For probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Malaga, plan a day at Hammam al Andalus within the metropolis heart. Expertise the ritual of an Arab tub in a ravishing setting surrounded by Moorish mosaic tilework.
A hammam is a public bathhouse tailored from Roman occasions. The standard bathing course of entails cleansing the physique and thoughts by way of a mixture of sizzling steam, exfoliation, and submersion in numerous swimming pools of various temperatures. E book a 1.5-hour tub and therapeutic massage at Hammam al Andalus now.
19. Spanish and Andalusian Delicacies
There isn’t any scarcity of nice meals in Malaga. In actual fact, there are a handful of Michelin-starred eating places within the metropolis. In case your funds doesn’t enable for such extravagances, then check out my three favourite eating choices in Malaga under.
El Pimpi
The seafood served at El Pimpi is delivered every day from the close by ports of Malaga, Almeria, Cadiz, and Huelva. All their meat entrees, like oxtail stew or acorn-fed Iberian pork tenderloin in mustard sauce, include greens from the restaurant’s personal backyard.
This restaurant is a wonderful place to strive ajo blanco. This Andalusian chilled soup is produced from almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil. It’s typically referred to as “white gazpacho.” El Pimpi’s is served with a refreshing scoop of mango sorbet within the heart, which I used to be stunned pairs effectively with the opposite components.
The meals is excellent at El Pimpi however the principle draw for me was their al fresco eating patio with views of the Alcazaba within the distance. Make reservations on-line for this standard restaurant.
Casa Lola
After all, when in Malaga it’s essential to go to their plentiful tapas bars. My household liked Casa Lola. In actual fact, we dined right here a couple of occasions and it’s the one restaurant in Spain that all of us reminisce about now that we’re residence. Anticipate a convivial, informal setting with pleasant workers and many menu selections at inexpensive costs.
Search for conventional favorites like gambas al ajillo (prawns with garlic, chili, and white wine), calamares (deep-fried battered squid), and jamon sérrano (Spanish cured ham).
Our household of 4 agreed Casa Lola’s patatas bravas have been the perfect we ate in Spain. And we at quite a lot of patatas bravas! Their deep-fried potatoes are served with a scrumptious creamy tomato sauce with simply the correct quantity of kick.
Quite a lot of paellas can be found for these in search of a heartier Spanish meal. In the meantime, vegetarians (like my daughter) admire their salads, cheeses, and zucchini croquettes.
Los Patios de Beatas
Wine lovers will wish to dine at Los Patios de Beatas earlier than or after a go to to the close by Museo Picasso. This restaurant and wine bar is residence to certainly one of Malaga’s largest wine collections. Anticipate greater than 500 choices on the wine record, lots of that are very inexpensive.
Make sure you get a bottle of wine to convey residence or to drink throughout your trip in Spain. We purchased a bottle of their unimaginable olive oil as a memento, too. (Do you know Spain is the world’s largest producer of olive oil?)
Meals costs aren’t low cost, however you possibly can persist with salads and tapas (“media” parts). It’s value your money and time for the wine choice and inside patio coated with a blinding stained glass ceiling.
20. Day Journeys from Malaga
Malaga works effectively as a central place from which to enterprise on day journeys to different fascinating Spanish locales.
Ronda
The White Villages, or Pueblos Blancos, are 19 whitewashed cities in Spain’s Andalusia area. The most important and hottest is Ronda. That’s the place my household stopped on our route from Seville again to Malaga.
Ronda can be the one White Village with practice entry. We, nonetheless, employed a personal driver for the 1.5-hour automobile journey. Parking is notoriously tough in Ronda and the route is a bit precarious alongside winding cliffs, however you would actually hire a automobile for the day. You may as well join a Ronda group day journey.
The first attraction in Ronda is the famend Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Regardless of its identify, this stunning bridge started building in 1759 and took 34 years to construct. Make sure you put on good strolling sneakers to make the hike to take pictures of this well-known web site. We noticed many of us regretting their flip-flops alongside the precarious pathway.
Nerja
Head to close by Nerja for a seashore day journey. Rick Steves recommends this city for its picturesque and well-equipped seashores. The most well-liked and crowded choice is Del Salón Seashore. Locals want El Playazo, but it surely lacks eating places, showers, and different amenities.
Nerja is a couple of 50-minute trip by automobile from Malaga. Notice: Uber is accessible in Malaga however not in Nerja. You should utilize the Cabify app to name a taxi as an alternative.
Buses depart from Malaga to Nerja each half-hour from round 7 am to 11 pm. The journey will take a bit over 1.5 hours every manner.
Marbella
For a swanky day journey, set your sights on Marbella. This metropolis is named the Beverly Hills of Southern Spain for its Michelin-starred eating places, luxurious accommodations, and lovely seashores.
There aren’t any direct trains from Malaga to Marbella. A automobile trip is about 45 minutes in every route. Fortunately, Ubers can be found in Marbella. In the meantime, a one-way bus journey will take round 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Different Day Journeys
Check out different thrilling day journeys from Malaga, accessible with simple reserving by way of our companion, GetYourGuide. Choices embrace British-owned and English-speaking Gibraltar, Caminito del Rey’s infamously thrilling hike, and Tetouan, a standard metropolis in Morocco.
21. Rooftop Motels in Malaga
After a lot analysis, I booked two totally different rooftop accommodations in Malaga. My household liked them each! Contemplating the facilities and areas, each was an ideal cut price. That is very true when evaluating prices to remain in comparable caliber accommodations in U.S. cities.
AC Resort Malaga Palacio – Marriott
E book a keep at AC Resort Malaga Palacio for wonderful views of town, the port, and Malaga Cathedral. Sandwiched between the cathedral and Parque de Málaga, the placement can’t be beat. There’s easy accessibility to the seashore as effectively the eating places and sights of downtown.
The swanky rooftop pool and bar are pretty (if windy) with unbeatable views. Anticipate a see-and-be-seen vibe and a enjoyable bar with overpriced cocktails and light-weight bites.
Barceló Málaga
The rooftop pool and bar at Barceló Málaga present a refreshing retreat after lengthy days of touring town. Additionally boasting incredible views of town and the Mediterranean Sea, the BHeaven pool space attracts swimmers and sunbathers of all ages, with loads of loungers and good wind safety.
The resort gives direct entry to Maria Zambrano practice station, making journey simple. Vialia Purchasing Centre is situated throughout the similar constructing because the related station so searching for Spanish fashions or grabbing a fast chunk on the meals courtroom is a cinch.
My youngsters loved the resort’s whimsical slide that sends riders proper into the resort foyer. In the meantime, my husband and I appreciated Barceló Málaga’s unimaginable breakfast buffet.
Discover Extra
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Do you’ve gotten any questions on Andalusia or recommendations for extra issues to do in Malaga? Tell us within the feedback under!
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