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 practice station, this seaside metropolis makes a terrific launching pad for exploring Southern Spain. Make sure to keep not less than a number of days to discover Málaga’s sights earlier than venturing additional into Andalusia. Listed here 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 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 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 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 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 town and port.
Moorish (Spanish Muslim) royalty lived within the inside 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 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 shiny flowering bougainvillea. Fountain-filled gardens add to the attract of this lovely place.
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 through my trusted companion, GetYourGuide.
3. Roman Theatre of Málaga
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 Málaga and a small onsite interpretation middle are free. This attraction is closed on Mondays however can all the time be seen from a distance.
4. Gibralfaro Fort
At evening, the floodlit Castillo de Gibralfaro glows on Gibralfaro Mountain simply outdoors town middle. 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 motive to go to Gibralfaro Fort, 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. 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, sizzling hikes, and lengthy days of journey — a few lazy seaside days in Málaga have 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 fluctuate, however most provide showers, footbaths, and public loos. Lifeguards are sometimes on responsibility from June by means of September.
Though the seashores are sandy, count on rocks alongside the shore and when getting into the water. Floats and water footwear will assist shield delicate ft.
Malagueta Seashore
La Malagueta Seashore is likely one of the hottest seaside choices in Málaga. It’s lined with palm timber and affords a youngsters’s play space. It’s an city seaside near town, making it handy. However I discovered the economic Port of Málaga views to be lower than splendid.
Misericordia Seashore
My household most popular Misericordia Seashore. An area really helpful 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 may 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 alternative on a sizzling summer time seaside day.
7. Atarazanas Market
The colourful Mercado Central de Atarazanas affords 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 evaluations.
Wander the market by yourself or join a Foodie Tour of Atarazanas Market through GetYourGuide. The two-hour tour contains samples of Iberian ham, manchego cheese, olive oil, and extra. All ages are welcome.
8. Málaga Cathedral
The official identify of town’s main 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, 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 surface. 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 town centre to wander, socialize, and revel in drinks and tapas late into the evening.
Of the numerous Andalusian cities we visited, Málaga’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 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 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 youngsters 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 house to be a refreshing respite from 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 timber.
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 wonderful 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 street to Granada. It’s “too far to stroll, however effectively definitely worth the cab fare,” in accordance 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, “It is a romantic backyard with winding paths, ponds, waterfalls, and streams. It has lush semi-tropical vegetation and great examples of rubber crops, 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 Málaga. Sidewalk cafes and eating places line the sq.. Within the plaza’s middle, discover Monumento a Torrijos. This obelisk was erected to honor Basic Torrijos and 48 of his followers who have been shot to demise 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 residence, which now capabilities as a small museum in his honor. Guests can discover a set of his early sketches and different artistic endeavors, plus private artifacts that supply perception into his youth.
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 selected 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.
16. Avenue Artwork
Málaga sizzles with road artwork. Benefit from the vibrant shows as you stumble throughout them. Or comply with 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 pictures 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 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. 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 along 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 world wide 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.
Robust locals carry elaborate and intensely heavy floats referred to as pasos, which characteristic statues of Jesus or Mary. Collaborating in these processions is taken into account a terrific 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 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 girls carrying the paso!)
Catholic church leaders led the procession. Then, youngsters preceded the float, with older teenagers holding burning incense. A band taking part in rousing spiritual music adopted the paso. Regardless that I’m not Catholic, it was really 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 middle. Expertise the ritual of an Arab bathtub in a wonderful setting surrounded by Moorish mosaic tilework.
A hammam is a public bathhouse tailored from Roman occasions. The normal bathing course of includes cleansing the physique and thoughts by means of a mix of sizzling steam, exfoliation, and submersion in numerous swimming pools of various temperatures. E-book a 1.5-hour bathtub and therapeutic massage at Hammam al Andalus now.
21. Strolling Tour of Málaga
Cowl a whole lot of floor and historical past throughout a strolling tour of Málaga, which is very useful when you’ve got restricted time to discover 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 is no such thing as 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 price range 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 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 superb place to strive ajo blanco. This Andalusian chilled soup is made out of 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 middle, which I used to be stunned pairs effectively with the opposite elements.
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 fashionable restaurant.
Casa Lola
In fact, when in Málaga, it’s essential to go to their plentiful tapas bars. My household liked 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 residence. Anticipate a convivial, informal atmosphere with pleasant employees 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). A wide range of paellas can be found for these in search of 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 one of the best we ate in Spain. (And we ate a whole lot of patatas bravas!) Their deep-fried potatoes are served with a scrumptious creamy tomato sauce with simply the correct amount 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 residence to one among Málaga’s most in depth wine collections. Anticipate greater than 500 choices on the wine checklist, lots of that are very inexpensive.
Make sure to 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’ll be able to persist with salads and tapas (“media” parts). It’s price your money and time for the wine choice and inside patio coated with a blinding stained glass ceiling.
23. Wine and Tapas Tour
Pattern quite a lot 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 be the one White Village with practice entry. We, nonetheless, employed a non-public 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 would definitely hire a automobile 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 building in 1759 and took 34 years to construct. Make sure to put on good strolling footwear to make the hike to take pictures of this well-known website. 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 possibility is Del Salón Seashore. Locals want El Playazo, nevertheless it lacks eating places, showers, and different services.
Nerja is a few 50-minute trip by automobile from Málaga. Notice: Uber is obtainable in Málaga however not in Nerja. You should 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 somewhat 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 inns, and lovely seashores.
There aren’t any direct trains from Málaga to Marbella. A automobile trip is about 45 minutes in every course. Fortunately, Uber is obtainable 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 completely different inns with rooftop swimming pools in Málaga. My household liked them each! Contemplating the facilities and areas, each was a terrific cut price. That is very true when evaluating prices to remain in related caliber inns in U.S. cities.
AC Resort Málaga Palacio – Marriott
E-book a keep at AC Resort Málaga Palacio for wonderful views of 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 sights of downtown.
The swanky rooftop pool and bar are beautiful (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 improbable 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 affords direct entry to Maria Zambrano practice station, making journey simple. Vialia Buying Centre is situated inside the similar constructing because the related station, so purchasing for Spanish fashions or grabbing a fast chew on the meals court docket 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.
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