Malaga boasts 320 days of solar per 12 months, sandy seashores, historic monuments, and vibrant nightlife. Residence to a significant worldwide airport and a well-connected practice station, this seaside metropolis makes an amazing launching pad for exploring Southern Spain. You should definitely keep a minimum of a couple of days to discover Malaga’s points of interest earlier than venturing additional into Andalusia. Listed here are 21 marvelous issues to do in Malaga, based mostly on my household’s explorations.
Journey Mamas and Grownup Getaways generally obtain compensation and/or hosted journey and pattern merchandise associated to weblog posts. This story might embrace affiliate hyperlinks for which we obtain a small fee at no further value to customers. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn cash from qualifying purchases.
1. Picasso Museum
Since Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, a go to to this artwork museum is important 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 Malaga’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.
Moorish (Spanish Muslim) royalty lived within the interior 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 the town in 1487.
The fortress is laced with vines and dotted with sweet-scented citrus bushes and shiny flowering bougainvillea. Fountain-filled gardens add to the attract of this lovely place.
Put on good strolling footwear 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.
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 our companion, GetYourGuide.
3. Roman Theatre of Malaga
You’ll be able to’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 have been constructed on the slopes beneath the Alcazaba. In truth, it was not found till 1951 throughout a landscaping undertaking. 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 Fortress
At night time, floodlit Castillo de Gibralfaro glows on Gibralfaro Mountain simply exterior the town heart. This fortress started development 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, beautiful gardens, and a restaurant. The actual cause to go to Gibralfaro Fortress, nonetheless, is for its sweeping views of the 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 seaside is a should. Throughout a sightseeing trip crammed with museums, monuments, sizzling hikes, and lengthy days of journey — a few lazy seaside days in Malaga was simply what we would have liked.
Hire 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 fluctuate however most supply showers, footbaths, and public loos. Lifeguards are sometimes on obligation from June by means of September.
Though the seashores are sandy, anticipate rocks alongside the shore and when getting into the water. Floats and water footwear will assist shield delicate toes.
Malagueta Seashore
La Malagueta Seashore is without doubt one of the hottest seaside choices in Malaga. It’s lined with palm bushes and provides a kids’s play space. It’s an city seaside near the 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. A neighborhood advisable 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 seaside 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’ll be able to 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 selection on a sizzling summer time seaside day.
7. Atarazanas Market
The colourful Mercado Central de Atarazanas provides 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 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 consists of samples of Iberian ham, manchego cheese, olive oil, and extra. All ages are welcome.
8. Malaga Cathedral
The official identify of the 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 woman” and refers back to the cathedral’s lacking tower.
Constructed between 1528 and 1782, development 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 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 metropolis centre to wander, socialize, and revel 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 a 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 undoubtedly the most effective 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 dad and mom. That is very true on weekends in summer time.
10. Parque de Málaga
Stretching alongside Paseo del Parque between Outdated City and the port, the oval-shaped Parque de Málaga is also referred to as Parque de la Alameda. Locals, nonetheless, name it merely El Parque.
We discovered this inexperienced area 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 chill out 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 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 good looking 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 effectively well worth the cab fare,” in accordance 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, “It is a romantic backyard with winding paths, ponds, waterfalls, and streams. It has lush semi-tropical vegetation and fantastic 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 Malaga. Sidewalk cafes and eating places line the sq..
Picasso followers will need to go to Casa Natal de Picasso, additionally situated within the sq.. That is Picasso’s birthplace house, which now capabilities as a small museum in his honor. Moreover, there’s a bronze statue of Picasso inside 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 dying 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 concentrate on 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 grow to be a part of the artwork your self, guide 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 images 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 most effective of their particular person talents in a single passionate efficiency. The improvised artwork kind 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 Malaga.
17. Holy Week
Many individuals from world wide journey to Spain to expertise the nation’s Holy Week processionals. In truth, greater than 5 million vacationers go to Malaga for this celebration yearly.
Sturdy locals carry elaborate and intensely heavy floats known as pasos, which function statues of Jesus or Mary. Taking part in these processions is taken into account an amazing 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 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 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 robust ladies carrying the paso!)
Catholic church leaders led the procession. Then, kids preceded the float, with older teenagers holding burning incense. A band enjoying rousing non secular music adopted the paso. Though I’m not Catholic, it was actually a shifting sight. View my video above to see what I imply!
18. Hammam al Andalus Arab Tub Home
For one of the vital stress-free 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 good looking setting surrounded by Moorish mosaic tilework.
A hammam is a public bathhouse tailored from Roman instances. The normal bathing course of entails cleansing the physique and thoughts by means of a mixture of sizzling steam, exfoliation, and submersion in varied swimming pools of various temperatures. Guide a 1.5-hour tub and therapeutic massage at Hammam al Andalus now.
19. Spanish and Andalusian Delicacies
There isn’t a scarcity of nice meals in Malaga. In truth, there are a handful of Michelin-starred eating places within the metropolis. In case your price range doesn’t enable for such extravagances, then check out my three favourite eating choices in Malaga beneath.
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 attempt ajo blanco. This Andalusian chilled soup is created from almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil. It’s generally known 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 effectively with the opposite elements.
The meals is excellent at El Pimpi however the primary 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 you should go to their plentiful tapas bars. My household cherished Casa Lola. In truth, we dined right here a couple of instances and it’s the one restaurant in Spain that all of us reminisce about now that we’re house. Count on a convivial, informal setting with pleasant employees and many menu selections at reasonably priced 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 most effective we ate in Spain. And we at a variety of patatas bravas! Their deep-fried potatoes are served with a scrumptious creamy tomato sauce with simply the correct amount of kick.
Quite a lot of paellas can be found for these looking for a heartier Spanish meal. In the meantime, vegetarians (like my daughter) recognize their salads, cheeses, and zucchini croquettes.
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 Malaga’s largest wine collections. Count on greater than 500 choices on the wine checklist, a lot of that are very reasonably priced.
You should definitely get a bottle of wine to convey 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 keep on 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 biggest and hottest is Ronda. That’s the place my household stopped on our route from Seville again to Malaga.
Ronda can also be the one White Village with practice entry. We, nonetheless, employed a non-public driver for the 1.5-hour automotive journey. Parking is notoriously troublesome in Ronda and the route is a bit precarious alongside winding cliffs, however you could possibly actually hire a automotive for the day. You may also join a Ronda group day journey.
The first attraction in Ronda is the famend Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Regardless of its identify, this lovely bridge started development in 1759 and took 34 years to construct. You should definitely put on good strolling footwear 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 preferred and crowded choice is Del Salón Seashore. Locals choose El Playazo, however it lacks eating places, showers, and different services.
Nerja is a couple of 50-minute trip by automotive from Malaga. Be aware: 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 somewhat over 1.5 hours every manner.
Marbella
For a swanky day journey, set your sights on Marbella. This metropolis is called the Beverly Hills of Southern Spain for its Michelin-starred eating places, luxurious lodges, and lovely seashores.
There aren’t any direct trains from Malaga to Marbella. A automotive trip is about 45 minutes in every path. 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, obtainable 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 conventional metropolis in Morocco.
21. Rooftop Lodges in Malaga
After a lot analysis, I booked two totally different rooftop lodges in Malaga. My household cherished them each! Contemplating the facilities and places, every one was an amazing cut price. That is very true when evaluating prices to remain in comparable caliber lodges in U.S. cities.
AC Resort Malaga Palacio – Marriott
Guide a keep at AC Resort Malaga Palacio for wonderful views of the 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 seaside as effectively the eating places and points of interest 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 incredible 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 provides direct entry to Maria Zambrano practice station, making journey simple. Vialia Buying Centre is situated inside the identical constructing because the linked station so purchasing for Spanish fashions or grabbing a fast chunk on the meals courtroom is a cinch.
My children 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.
Discover Extra
Check out all of the issues to do in Seville, my favourite Spanish metropolis.
Find out about what there’s to do in Barcelona with children (and what NOT to do!).
In Spain, it’s standard to put on a selected colour of undergarments on New Yr’s Eve. Discover out what colour underwear brings good luck within the New Yr.
Morocco is only a fast journey from Spain. Examine Morocco with children, from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.
Save These Málaga Actions
For future reference, hold this checklist of marvelous issues to do in Malaga, Spain. Merely pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll observe Journey Mamas on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Do you may have any questions on Andalusia or strategies for added issues to do in Malaga? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
A Be aware from The Journey Mama: I didn’t obtain any media charges, comps, or financial compensation associated to this text.
