Málaga boasts 320 days of solar per yr, sandy seashores, historic monuments, and vibrant nightlife. Dwelling to a significant worldwide airport and a well-connected practice station, this seaside metropolis makes an awesome launching pad for exploring Southern Spain. Make sure you keep a minimum of a couple of days to discover Málaga’s points of interest earlier than venturing additional into Andalusia. Listed below are 25 marvelous issues to do in Málaga, primarily based 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 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 dwelling to over 200 items of artwork created by Pablo Picasso over the course of 80 years. The paintings 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 Málaga’s best-known monument and my favourite attraction within the metropolis. Development of this imposing fortress started within the eighth century, however a lot 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 internal palace after they dominated Andalusia for a whole lot 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 vibrant flowering bougainvillea. Fountain-filled gardens add to the attract of this lovely 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 through my trusted companion, GetYourGuide.
3. Roman Theatre of Málaga
You may’t miss Teatro Romano de Málaga. It’s positioned 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 under the Alcazaba. In reality, 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 Málaga and a small onsite interpretation middle are free. This attraction is closed on Mondays however can at all times be considered from a distance.
4. Gibralfaro Fort
At night time, the floodlit Castillo de Gibralfaro glows on Gibralfaro Mountain simply exterior the town middle. This fortress started development within the tenth century and was expanded within the 14th century. For a whole lot 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, pretty gardens, and a restaurant. The actual cause to go to Gibralfaro Fort, nevertheless, 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. 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 full of museums, monuments, scorching hikes, and lengthy days of journey — a few lazy seaside days in Málaga have been simply what my household wanted.
Hire lounge chairs with umbrellas for a handful of euros per particular person. 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 provide 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 shield delicate toes.
Malagueta Seaside
La Malagueta Seaside is without doubt one of the hottest seaside choices in Málaga. It’s lined with palm bushes and presents a youngsters’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 very best.
Misericordia Seaside
My household most popular Misericordia Seaside. An area really helpful it to us for its fairly views and fewer crowded ambiance. A playground for youths provides to the enjoyable.
6. Chiringuitos Seaside Bars
Chiringuitos are seaside bars that serve drinks and, oftentimes, meals. You can also make reservations prematurely 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 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 scorching summer time seaside day.
7. Atarazanas Market
The colourful Mercado Central de Atarazanas presents 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 Málaga’s namesake candy wine. Atarazanas Market Bar will get rave evaluations.
Wander the market by yourself or join a Foodie Tour of Atarazanas Market through 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 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 Málaga Cathedral is beautiful 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 the town centre to wander, socialize, and luxuriate in drinks and tapas late into the night time.
Of the various Andalusian cities we visited, Málaga’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 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 positively the very best time to discover a festive surroundings.
As with most issues in Spain, paseo is a household affair. So, count on to see even younger youngsters 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 Outdated City and the port, the oval-shaped Parque de Málaga is also referred to 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. Take pleasure in 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 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. Made 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 positioned simply exterior the town, off the exit street to Granada. It’s “too far to stroll, however effectively well worth the cab fare,” in response to 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 great examples of rubber vegetation, 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 middle, discover Monumento a Torrijos. This obelisk was erected to honor Common Torrijos and 48 of his followers who have been shot to loss of life by order of Ferdinand VII. Moreover, there’s a bronze statue of Picasso inside the sq..
14. Museo Casa Natal de Picasso
Positioned in Plaza de la Merced, Picasso followers will wish to go to Museo Casa Natal de Picasso. That is Picasso’s birthplace dwelling, which now capabilities as a small museum in his honor. Guests can discover a group of his early sketches and different artworks, plus private artifacts that provide perception into his childhood.
15. 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 deal with Andalusian artists. The paintings 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 avenue artwork. Benefit from the vibrant shows as you stumble throughout them. Or comply with this self-guided avenue artwork tour of Málaga by The Flashpacker.
To grow to be 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 the very best of their particular person skills 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 positively wish to attend a tablao whereas in Southern Spain. Select from an array of flamenco exhibits in Málaga.
18. Sundown Catamaran Cruise
On the lookout for 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 Reside DJ & Drink.
19. Holy Week
Many individuals from all over the world journey to Spain to expertise the nation’s Holy Week processions. In reality, greater than 5 million vacationers go to Málaga 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 awesome honor and is finished as an indication of devotion and penance.
Semana de Santa de Málaga takes place over the last week of Lent, the week earlier than Easter. Throughout Ardour Week in Málaga, count on a joyous celebration full of 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, youngsters preceded the float, with older teenagers holding burning incense. A band enjoying rousing spiritual music adopted the paso. Regardless that I’m not Catholic, it was actually a shifting sight. View my video above to see what I imply!
20. Hammam al Andalus Arab Tub Home
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Málaga is to plan a day at Hammam al Andalus within the metropolis middle. 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 way of a mixture of scorching steam, exfoliation, and submersion in numerous swimming pools of various temperatures. Guide a 1.5-hour tub and therapeutic massage at Hammam al Andalus now.
21. Strolling Tour of Málaga
Cowl quite a lot of floor and historical past throughout a strolling tour of Málaga, which is particularly helpful you probably 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 reality, 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 Málaga under.
El Pimpi
The seafood served at El Pimpi is delivered each 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 made out of almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil. It’s typically known as “white gazpacho.” El Pimpi’s is served with a refreshing scoop of mango sorbet within the middle, which I used to be stunned pairs effectively with the opposite substances.
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 well-liked restaurant.
Casa Lola
In fact, when in Málaga, you should go to their plentiful tapas bars. My household liked Casa Lola. In reality, 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 dwelling. Count on a convivial, informal surroundings with pleasant workers and many menu decisions 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 jamón serrano (Spanish cured ham). Quite a lot of paellas can be found for these searching for a heartier Spanish meal. In the meantime, vegetarians (like my daughter) respect their salads, cheeses, and zucchini croquettes.
Our household of 4 agreed that Casa Lola’s patatas bravas have been the very best we ate in Spain. (And we ate 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.
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 dwelling to certainly one of Málaga’s most in depth wine collections. Count on greater than 500 choices on the wine listing, lots of that are very reasonably priced.
Make sure you get a bottle of wine to deliver dwelling or to drink throughout your trip in Spain. We purchased a bottle of their unbelievable 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 stick with salads and tapas (“media” parts). It’s value 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 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 Málaga.
Ronda can also be the one White Village with practice entry. We, nevertheless, employed a non-public driver for the 1.5-hour automotive journey. Parking is notoriously tough in Ronda, and the route is a bit precarious alongside winding cliffs, however you might definitely 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. Make sure you put on good strolling sneakers to make the hike to take images of this well-known website. We noticed many of us 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 Seaside. Locals desire El Playazo, however it lacks eating places, showers, and different services.
Nerja is a few 50-minute trip by automotive from Málaga. Word: Uber is accessible in Málaga however not in Nerja. You need to use the Cabify app to name a taxi as an alternative.
Buses depart from Málaga to Nerja each half-hour from round 7 am to 11 pm. The journey will take slightly 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 accommodations, and beautiful seashores.
There aren’t any direct trains from Málaga to Marbella. A automotive trip is about 45 minutes in every course. Fortunately, Uber is accessible 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, accessible with simple reserving through GetYourGuide. Choices embody British-owned and English-speaking Gibraltar, Caminito del Rey’s infamously thrilling hike, and Tetouan, a conventional metropolis in Morocco.
25. Rooftop Resort Swimming pools in Málaga
After a lot analysis, I booked two totally different accommodations with rooftop swimming pools in Málaga. My household liked them each! Contemplating the facilities and areas, every one was an awesome discount. That is very true when evaluating prices to remain in related caliber accommodations in U.S. cities.
AC Resort Málaga Palacio – Marriott
Guide a keep at AC Resort Málaga Palacio for superb views of the town, the port, and Málaga Cathedral. Sandwiched between the cathedral and Parque de Málaga, the situation can’t be beat. There’s quick access to the seaside in addition to the eating places and points of interest of downtown.
The swanky rooftop pool and bar are pretty (if windy) with unbeatable views. Count on 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 the town. Additionally boasting unbelievable 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 presents direct entry to Maria Zambrano practice station, making journey simple. Vialia Purchasing Centre is positioned inside the similar constructing because the related station, so purchasing for Spanish fashions or grabbing a fast chunk on the meals courtroom 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 unbelievable breakfast buffet.
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Save These Málaga Actions
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A Word from Colleen: I didn’t obtain any media charges, comps, or financial compensation associated to this text.
