Málaga boasts 320 days of solar per yr, sandy seashores, historic monuments, and vibrant nightlife. Residence to a significant worldwide airport and a well-connected prepare station, this seaside metropolis makes a fantastic launching pad for exploring Southern Spain. Make sure to keep at the very least a number of days to discover Málaga’s sights earlier than venturing additional into Andalusia. Listed below are 25 marvelous issues to do in Málaga, based mostly on my household’s explorations.
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1. Picasso Museum
Since Málaga 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 house 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 value of admission.
2. Alcazaba of Málaga
The Alcazaba is Málaga’s best-known monument and my favourite attraction within the metropolis. Development of this imposing fortress started within the eighth century, however many of the present construction dates to the eleventh century. 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 the town and port.
Moorish (Spanish Muslim) royalty lived within the interior palace after they dominated Andalusia for tons of of years till the Spanish Inquisition within the late 1400s. That’s when Spain’s Moors and Jews had been banished, pressured to transform, or killed. Catholic monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella lived right here for some time after conquering the town in 1487.
The fortress is laced with vines and dotted with sweet-scented citrus bushes and brilliant flowering bougainvillea. Fountain-filled gardens add to the attract of this stunning place.
A small museum and audio tour are included together with your entrance ticket. For a extra in-depth expertise, join a guided tour of the Alcazaba by way of my trusted accomplice, GetYourGuide.
3. Roman Theatre of Málaga
You possibly can’t miss Teatro Romano de Málaga. It’s situated within the coronary heart of the 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 had been constructed on the slopes under the Alcazaba. In actual fact, it was not found till 1951 throughout a landscaping challenge. That sparked years of excavation to disclose the ruins.
Entrance to the Roman Theatre of Málaga 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 Fortress
At evening, the floodlit Castillo de Gibralfaro glows on Gibralfaro Mountain simply exterior the town heart. This fortress started building within the tenth century and was expanded within the 14th century. For tons of of years, it was used as a protection construction and a lighthouse to information ships into Málaga’s harbor.
This fortress options eight towers, a small museum, beautiful gardens, and a restaurant. The true purpose to go to Gibralfaro Fortress, nevertheless, is for its sweeping views of the town and port. It takes about half-hour to sort out the uphill stroll from the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro.
5. Málaga’s Seashores
When visiting the capital of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Solar), the seaside is a should. Throughout a sightseeing trip crammed with museums, monuments, scorching hikes, and lengthy days of journey — a few lazy seaside days in Málaga had been simply what my household wanted.
Lease lounge chairs with umbrellas for a handful of euros per individual. Then settle in and order a chilly drink when you watch the mellow Mediterranean Sea waves. Sangria, anybody?
Málaga’s seaside facilities differ, however most supply showers, footbaths, and public loos. Lifeguards are usually on responsibility from June by way of September.
Though the seashores are sandy, count on rocks alongside the shore and when getting into the water. Floats and water sneakers will assist defend delicate ft.
Malagueta Seashore
La Malagueta Seashore is among the hottest seaside choices in Málaga. It’s lined with palm bushes and gives a kids’s play space. It’s an city seaside near the town, making it handy. However I discovered the commercial Port of Málaga views to be lower than ultimate.
Misericordia Seashore
My household most well-liked Misericordia Seashore. A neighborhood really helpful it to us for its fairly views and fewer crowded environment. A playground for teenagers provides to the enjoyable.
6. Chiringuitos Seashore Bars
Chiringuitos are seaside bars that serve drinks and, oftentimes, meals. You may 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 possibly can order different contemporary fish, too. Moreover, most chiringuitos serve easy Spanish meals. Spain’s well-known chilly tomato soup, gazpacho (my favourite!), makes a refreshing alternative on a scorching summer time seaside day.
7. Atarazanas Market
The colourful Mercado Central de Atarazanas gives an array of gorgeous contemporary 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 chew, pull up a seat at one of many stalls to seize a tapa or two with a glass of Málaga’s namesake candy wine. Atarazanas Market Bar will get rave critiques.
Wander the market by yourself or join a Foodie Tour of Atarazanas Market by way of GetYourGuide. The two-hour tour consists of samples of Iberian ham, manchego cheese, olive oil, and extra. All ages are welcome.
8. Málaga Cathedral
The official identify of the town’s major cathedral is Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Basílica de la Encarnación. Locals, nevertheless, 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 Málaga Cathedral is gorgeous from the skin. However the inside took my breath away with its hovering dome encircled by stained glass home windows.
9. Night Paseo in Metropolis Heart
In Spanish, paseo means to walk or leisurely stroll. Spain’s night paseo is when locals and guests take to the town centre to wander, socialize, and revel in drinks and tapas late into the evening.
Of the various Andalusian cities we visited, Málaga’s paseo was the liveliest and most concentrated inside one central space. Head to Previous City and be part of the crowds to soak up the bubbly vibe.
View my video above to see a small slice of Málaga’s night paseo. I recorded this bustling video round midnight on a Friday in July. We strolled on Saturday and different nights, too, however Friday was undoubtedly one of the best time to discover a festive atmosphere.
As with most issues in Spain, paseo is a household affair. So, count on to see even younger kids out late strolling with their mother and father. That is very true on weekends in summer time.
10. Parque de Málaga
Stretching alongside Paseo del Parque between Previous City and the port, the oval-shaped Parque de Málaga is often known as Parque de la Alameda. Locals, nevertheless, name it merely El Parque.
We discovered this inexperienced house to be a refreshing respite from the town. Get pleasure from fountains and ponds all through its 81 acres. Additionally, search for small playgrounds and an outside theater. It’s a free spot to wander, play, or just calm down on a bench within the shade of palm, orange, and cypress bushes.
11. Centre Pompidou Málaga
The primary extension of the well-known artwork museum in France, Centre Pompidou Málaga options greater than 80 trendy artwork items from the twentieth and twenty first centuries. Search for works by Marc Chagall, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, and different well-known artists. Product of brightly coloured glass panes, The Dice sits atop the museum and is a gorgeous show of artwork in itself.
12. La Concepción Botanical Backyard
Created in 1855, La Concepción Botanic Backyard is situated simply exterior the town, off the exit street to Granada. It’s “too far to stroll, however nicely well worth the cab fare,” in keeping with Fodor’s Important Spain.
Along with native flora, it consists of 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 crops, palm bushes, and a few spectacular Araucarias.”
13. Plaza de la Merced
Surrounded by leafy bushes, Plaza de la Merced is a reasonably public sq. in central Málaga. Sidewalk cafes and eating places line 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 had been shot to demise by order of Ferdinand VII. Moreover, there’s a bronze statue of Picasso throughout the sq..
14. Museo Casa Natal de Picasso
Positioned in Plaza de la Merced, Picasso followers will need to go to Museo Casa Natal de Picasso. That is Picasso’s birthplace house, which now capabilities as a small museum in his honor. Guests can discover a set of his early sketches and different artworks, plus private artifacts that provide perception into his early life.
15. Carmen Thyssen Museum
Acquire 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 selected 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.
16. Road Artwork
Málaga sizzles with road artwork. Benefit from the vibrant shows as you stumble throughout them. Or observe this self-guided road artwork tour of Málaga by The Flashpacker.
To develop into a part of the artwork your self, e-book this Málaga Skilled Picture Shoot and Metropolis Tour. Knowledgeable photographer will snap portraits of you (and your journey companions) on the street artwork districts of Soho and Lagunilla. Obtain 20 edited, high-definition images as a memento of your time in Málaga.
17. Flamenco Present
Flamenco consists of a singer, guitarist, and dancer who work in live performance collectively to showcase one of the best of their particular person skills in a single passionate efficiency. The improvised artwork type takes years to grasp. It’s mesmerizing to look at the musicians and dancers synchronize their artwork varieties to create a seamless show.
Andalucía is the birthplace of flamenco. Subsequently, you’ll undoubtedly need to attend a tablao whereas in Southern Spain. Select from an array of flamenco exhibits in Málaga.
18. Sundown Catamaran Cruise
In search of one thing romantic to do in Málaga? Set sail on a Málaga Sundown Catamaran Cruise to soak up sweeping views of the shoreline and metropolis skyline together with your sweetheart. Watch the solar dip behind the mountains whereas having fun with a glass of Spanish cava. Partiers can go for a rowdier Málaga Catamaran Cruise with Stay DJ & Drink.
19. Holy Week
Many individuals from around the globe journey to Spain to expertise the nation’s Holy Week processions. In actual fact, greater than 5 million vacationers go to Málaga for this celebration yearly.
Sturdy locals carry elaborate and very heavy floats referred to as pasos, which characteristic statues of Jesus or Mary. Taking part in these processions is taken into account a fantastic honor and is completed 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 Málaga, count on a joyous celebration crammed 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 had been handled to a smaller model of the Holy Week processional. On a Sunday, we stumbled upon a parade of Malagueños in Previous City carrying a paso on their shoulders and necks. (And, sure, I did see two sturdy girls 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. Despite the fact that I’m not Catholic, it was actually a transferring sight. View my video above to see what I imply!
20. Hammam al Andalus Arab Tub Home
One of the vital stress-free issues to do in Málaga is to plan a day at Hammam al Andalus within the metropolis heart. Expertise the ritual of an Arab tub in a gorgeous setting surrounded by Moorish mosaic tilework.
A hammam is a public bathhouse tailored from Roman occasions. The normal bathing course of entails cleansing the physique and thoughts by way of a mixture of scorching steam, exfoliation, and submersion in varied swimming pools of various temperatures. E-book a 1.5-hour tub and therapeutic massage at Hammam al Andalus now.
21. Strolling Tour of Málaga
Cowl loads of floor and historical past throughout a strolling tour of Málaga, which is very useful in case you have restricted time to discover the town. A number of guided excursions can be found from GetYourGuide, that includes websites just like the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Málaga Cathedral, Picasso Museum, and extra — relying on the tour you select.
22. Spanish and Andalusian Delicacies
There isn’t a scarcity of nice meals in Málaga. In actual fact, there are a handful of Michelin-starred eating places within the metropolis. In case your funds doesn’t permit for such extravagances, then check out my three favourite eating choices in Málaga under.
El Pimpi
The seafood served at El Pimpi is delivered every day from the close by ports of Málaga, 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 constructed from almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil. It’s generally 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 shocked pairs nicely 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 widespread restaurant.
Casa Lola
In fact, when in Málaga, you could go to their plentiful tapas bars. My household cherished Casa Lola. In actual fact, we dined right here a number of occasions, and it’s the one restaurant in Spain that all of us reminisce about now that we’re house. Count on a convivial, informal atmosphere with pleasant workers and many menu decisions at inexpensive costs.
Search for conventional favorites like gambas al ajillo (prawns with garlic, chili, and white wine), calamares (deep-fried battered squid), and jamón serrano (Spanish cured ham). 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.
Our household of 4 agreed that Casa Lola’s patatas bravas had been one of the best we ate in Spain. (And we ate loads of patatas bravas!) Their deep-fried potatoes are served with a scrumptious creamy tomato sauce with simply the correct quantity of kick.
Los Patios de Beatas
Wine lovers will need 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 house to one among Málaga’s most in depth wine collections. Count on greater than 500 choices on the wine record, lots of that are very inexpensive.
Make sure to get a bottle of wine to deliver house 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 may follow salads and tapas (“media” parts). It’s price your money and time for the wine choice and inside patio coated with a stunning stained glass ceiling.
23. Wine and Tapas Tour
Pattern a wide range of Spanish wines and scrumptious bites at a few of Málaga’s high tapas bars throughout a guided Wine and Tapas Tour. Join with fellow vacationers whereas discovering what makes Málaga a standout culinary vacation spot in Andalusia.
24. Day Journeys from Málaga
Málaga works nicely 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 Málaga.
Ronda can be the one White Village with prepare entry. We, nevertheless, employed a personal driver for the 1.5-hour automobile journey. Parking is notoriously troublesome in Ronda, and the route is a bit precarious alongside winding cliffs, however you can actually hire a automobile for the day. You can too 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 to put on good strolling sneakers to make the hike to take images of this well-known web site. We noticed many people regretting their flip-flops alongside the precarious pathway.
Nerja
Head to close by Nerja for a seaside 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 choose El Playazo, nevertheless it lacks eating places, showers, and different services.
Nerja is a couple of 50-minute experience by automobile from Málaga. Be aware: Uber is on the market in Málaga however not in Nerja. You should use the Cabify app to name a taxi as a substitute.
Buses depart from Málaga to Nerja each half-hour from round 7 am to 11 pm. The journey will take a bit of over 1.5 hours every method.
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 inns, and beautiful seashores.
There are not any direct trains from Málaga to Marbella. A automobile experience is about 45 minutes in every route. Fortunately, Uber is on the market 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 Málaga, out there with simple reserving by way of GetYourGuide. Choices embrace British-owned and English-speaking Gibraltar, Caminito del Rey’s infamously thrilling hike, and Tetouan, a standard metropolis in Morocco.
25. Rooftop Lodge Swimming pools in Málaga
After a lot analysis, I booked two completely different inns with rooftop swimming pools in Málaga. My household cherished them each! Contemplating the facilities and places, every one was a fantastic cut price. That is very true when evaluating prices to remain in comparable caliber inns in U.S. cities.
AC Lodge Málaga Palacio – Marriott
E-book a keep at AC Lodge Málaga Palacio for wonderful views of the town, the port, and Málaga Cathedral. Sandwiched between the cathedral and Parque de Málaga, the placement can’t be beat. There’s easy accessibility to the seaside in addition to the eating places and sights of downtown.
The swanky rooftop pool and bar are beautiful (if windy) with unbeatable views. Count on a see-and-be-seen vibe and a enjoyable bar with overpriced cocktails and lightweight bites.
Barceló Málaga
The rooftop pool and bar at Barceló Málaga present a refreshing retreat after lengthy days of touring the town. Additionally boasting improbable views of the 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 lodge gives direct entry to Maria Zambrano prepare station, making journey simple. Vialia Buying Centre is situated throughout the similar constructing because the linked station, so searching for Spanish fashions or grabbing a fast chew on the meals court docket is a cinch.
My youngsters loved the lodge’s whimsical slide that sends riders proper into the lodge foyer. In the meantime, my husband and I appreciated Barceló Málaga’s unimaginable breakfast buffet.
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Save These Málaga Actions
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Do you have got any questions on Andalusia or solutions for extra issues to do in Málaga? Tell us within the feedback under!
A Be aware from Colleen: I didn’t obtain any media charges, comps, or financial compensation associated to this text.
