The south of Spain is among the hottest vacationer locations on the planet, due to huge sandy seashores and infinite sunny days. Malaga lies on the heart of the southern Spanish coast, one of the widespread cities in Costa del Sol. The neatest thing about Malaga is that it presents one thing to everybody, whether or not they’re enthusiastic about historical past or events. From excursions of Moorish castles to day journeys to Marbella for its fabulous nightclubs, one of the best issues to do in Malaga can enchantment to anybody.
Apart from the seashores and the events, the Spanish metropolis can be well-known for its impeccable artwork scene. It is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and it’s received a few museums to show it.
Whether you need to sip cocktails on the seaside or discover all of the Moorish castles in Andalusia, Malaga is a vacation spot price contemplating. And this information to one of the best issues to do in Malaga will provide help to plan the right itinerary!
Excellent mountain climbing trails, a wealthy historical past, and scrumptious tapas are some highlights of a visit to Malaga. The Spanish metropolis is as numerous as it’s gorgeous, and it’s unimaginable to not get pleasure from your keep right here.
Malaga doesn’t care what you count on from it as a result of it supplies all the things. From fabulous artwork museums to monoliths from the Copper Age – there’s one thing for everybody on this metropolis and I’m about to let you know all about it!
Best Of Malaga Quick Guide
Must See: Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre Where To Stay: Ibis funds Málaga Centro, Palacio Solecio, Only YOU Hotel Málaga Fun To Do: Caminito del Rey, Caves of Nerja, Playa de la Malagueta, Museo Automovilístico de Málaga Day Trips: Granada, Marbella, Montes de Malaga Natural Park Must Try Foods: Tapas, Jamon Iberico, Gazpacho, Paella
Best Things To Do In Malaga
Malaga lies on the heart of Costa del Sol, one of the widespread vacationer locations on the planet. With numerous miles of sandy seashores, unimaginable medieval structure, and spectacular artwork museums, Malaga is a vacation spot anybody can get pleasure from.
It’s an equally excellent spot for a relaxed seaside trip in addition to a multi-day mountain climbing journey. The delicate local weather makes a visit to Malaga worthwhile any time of the yr, but it surely’s the wonderful meals that can make you need to go to once more quickly.
1. Visit The Picasso Museum Malaga
Set in a restored palace from the Sixteenth century, the Picasso Museum is among the finest in Malaga. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and spent many childhood years right here. The museum celebrates the artist’s connection to the town and showcases 200 of his unimaginable artworks.
If you’re not already a fan of artwork and Picasso, this museum won’t be for you. But if you happen to’re even a little bit bit within the works of the artist who co-founded the Cubist motion, this museum must be one in every of your first stops in Malaga.
Insider Tip: If you’ll be able to’t get sufficient of Picasso in Málaga City, head to Museo Casa Natal de Picasso subsequent. It’s the artist’s former residence on Plaza de la Merced and options much more gorgeous artworks in addition to interval furnishings.
Practical Information: The Picasso Museum is open from 10 AM till 6 PM. Tickets are 12€. Book yours right here earlier than you go.
2. Walking Tour of Malaga Old Town
The finest technique to get acquainted with a brand new metropolis is to do an in depth tour of its previous city. Guided excursions of Malaga’s previous city can be found for vacationers who need to study all the things concerning the metropolis’s historical past and tradition. And self-guided excursions are doable for budget-conscious vacationers preferring to find the sights on their very own.
Roam across the slim alleys to find the three,000-year historical past of this Spanish metropolis. See the Malaga Cathedral, the Roman Theater, Plaza de la Constitución, and Alcazaba. Then head right down to the port for one of the best views of the Málaga Lighthouse and the ocean past it.
A road artwork tour of Malaga is another means of discovering the town. It focuses on the Soho and Lagunillas neighborhoods, the place the majority of the town’s graffiti and road artwork is discovered. Stunning murals and charming work adorn the streets of Malaga’s buildings in these areas, making this tour a best choice for all artwork lovers in Malaga.
Practical Information: Malaga’s previous city is walkable and self-guided excursions are simply organized.
3. Discover 3,000 Years of History at Alcazaba
The Spanish area of Andalusia is legendary for Moorish structure, with the Alhambra as essentially the most well-known instance. But you don’t need to journey to Granada to admire a Moorish fortress as a result of Malaga additionally options some gorgeous examples of medieval structure.
Alcazaba is a medieval fortress in Malaga’s historic heart. It’s surrounded by lush gardens and presents a few of the finest panoramic views within the Spanish metropolis. The building of the palace started within the eleventh century, but it surely wasn’t accomplished till the fifteenth century.
Stroll alongside the partitions of the palace, admiring the views and studying about its fascinating historical past. You can enter as many palace rooms as you want; many have small reveals inside, which supply much more details about the wealthy historical past of the place.
Practical Information: Tickets for simply Alcazaba are 3.5€. Purchase a combo ticket for five.5€ if you wish to go to each the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro. Alcazaba is open from 9 AM till 8 PM.
4. Admire the Views From Castillo de Gibralfaro
Situated simply 20 minutes outdoors the historic metropolis heart of Malaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro is one other medieval landmark price visiting in southern Spain. The fort ruins atop Mount Gibralfaro supply spectacular views of downtown Malaga and its ports.
This historic fort is finest identified for the irregular format of its partitions. The prolonged perimeter options just a few bastions, essentially the most distinguished of which is the White Tower above its northwestern partitions.
Walking alongside the fort partitions is a superb expertise, however don’t neglect to go contained in the completely different fort rooms. Many function reveals on the constructing’s historical past, together with miniature replicas of Malaga’s topography and weapons uncovered on the fort website.
Practical Information: Castillo de Gibralfaro is accessible for a payment of three.5€. Combo tickets can be found for five.5€ and grant entry to each this fort and the Alcazaba. The fort is open every single day from 9 AM to eight PM.
5. Buy Souvenirs at Mercado Central de Atarazanas
Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a lined market on the western fringe of the town’s previous city. It’s well-known for the work that adorn its roof and one of the best place within the metropolis to buy souvenirs. As lengthy as your thought of souvenirs from Spain is generally olive oil, wine, and Jamón ibérico.
With one of the best recent produce and meats, the lined market is one of the best vacation spot for stocking a fridge in Malaga. And even if you happen to don’t need to carry residence a pound of Spanish ham (please rethink), you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat at one of many many Tapas Bars beneath the roof of the Mercado.
Practical Information: Mercado Central de Atarazanas is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 AM till 3 PM. Entrance to the market is free.
6. See the Málaga Roman Theatre
The Roman Theater in Malaga is true subsequent to the Alcazaba, permitting you to go to two of essentially the most iconic landmarks within the metropolis in a single afternoon. The theater dates again to the first century AD, and it’s an enchanting sight for anybody enthusiastic about historical past and Roman ruins.
A glass pyramid is located in entrance of the Roman Theater, and it permits guests to look down into the ruins. It’s cool, and I couldn’t assist however be reminded of its a lot bigger sister in entrance of the Louvre. This is acceptable as a result of the Roman Theater in Malaga doubles as a up to date museum, with an exhibit of statues and miniatures scattered across the historic ruins.
Practical Information: The Roman Theater is open from 10 AM till 6 PM (4 PM on Sundays). Entrance to the location is free, and suggestions are appreciated.
7. Day Trip to Marbella
Marbella is a resort metropolis southwest of Malaga. It’s solely 45 minutes by bus or automotive, and if you happen to’re on the lookout for a fast day journey in southern Spain, this is among the finest choices.
Known for its spectacular resort lodges, huge sandy seashores, and glorious nightlife, Marbella is a vacation spot that may supply one thing to anybody. It’s notably a great place for vacationers who simply need to loosen up for some time – lounge on the seaside with a cocktail in hand and leap within the sea every time it will get too scorching. Then dine at a top-notch restaurant within the night, adopted by a wild night time out in one in every of Marbella’s finest golf equipment.
On the opposite hand, Marbella can be an awesome vacation spot if you happen to’re primarily enthusiastic about historical past and archeology. With medieval ruins, glorious museums, and an previous city encircled by Moorish Walls, Marbella is an enchanting city on Costa del Sol.
Practical Information: Buses from Malaga to Marbella depart from the primary bus station each 20 minutes, with 20 day by day departures. Tickets are $8.
8. Sunbathing at Playa de la Malagueta
La Malagueta Beach is among the finest in Spain’s Costa del Sol. The huge stretch of sand is consistently inviting vacationers to return and loosen up for just a few hours, and it wouldn’t be a correct journey to Malaga if you happen to didn’t “waste” a minimum of sooner or later lounging on the seaside.
On a heat, sunny day, there is no such thing as a higher place to be in Malaga. Rent a lounger with an umbrella and spend as a lot time right here as you want, ideally with a great guide in hand. The seaside is lined with seafood shacks, so that you don’t even have to go away for lunch, and distributors with ice-cold drinks are consistently strolling up and down the seaside.
Practical Information: Playa de la Malagueta is accessible any time of the day totally free.
9. Hike Caminito del Rey
This journey is one thing solely skilled hikers ought to try. It’s now not as harmful because it was once, but it surely’s nonetheless a difficult mountain climbing path that requires plenty of technical information and expertise.
Caminito del Rey is characterised by a steep strolling path constructed into the cliffs. It presents spectacular views of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, and it’s undoubtedly one of the rewarding hikes in southern Spain.
The entrance to Caminito del Rey is on the northern customer’s heart, roughly two hours outdoors Malaga. This day tour from Malaga is very rated.
Practical Information: The trailhead for Caminito del Rey is 2 hours from Malaga by bus or an hour by automotive. Tickets are 10€ per individual.
10. Tour Carmen Thyssen Museum Houses
Carmen Thyssen Museum is one other fabulous artwork museum in Malaga. Set inside a Sixteenth-century Renaissance palace, the museum is fascinating each for the structure of its constructing and the spectacular artworks inside.
The assortment of the Carmen Thyssen Museum contains masterpieces by famend artists from everywhere in the world. A big part of the museum is concentrated on artists from Spain, however there are additionally loads of works by worldwide artists.
Prominent artists featured at this Malaga museum embody Niccolò Frangipane, Francisco de Zurbarán, Manuel García y Rodríguez, and Raimundo Madrazo, amongst others.
Practical Information: Carmen Thyssen Museum Malaga is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM till 8 PM. Tickets are 10€.
11. Stand on the Roof of Málaga Cathedral
My favourite factor to do in any new metropolis I go to is use the tallest cathedral and climb its clock tower. I don’t care what number of steps there are to climb, I’ll do it each time as a result of I can’t resist a panoramic view. Málaga Cathedral presents among the best scenic vistas of the town’s skyline, and it’s an absolute should for beautiful panorama pictures.
The most necessary church within the metropolis has a central location within the historic previous city. The intricate carvings on the ceiling are gorgeous, so don’t neglect to lookup when you’re inside. Visitors can climb the tower of the Malaga Cathedral for sprawling panoramic views of the town’s rooftops.
Additionally, the Cathedral additionally has a small backyard with a fountain and exquisite landscaping that’s price testing if you happen to’re already within the space.
Practical Information: The Malaga Cathedral is normally open from 10 AM till 6 PM. Combo tickets for the Cathedral and roof are 12€. Individual tickets are additionally obtainable.
12. Wander Around Jardín Botánico
Malaga’s botanical backyard is really a particular place and, in my humble opinion, one of the best backyard within the Costa del Sol area. With tropical crops from 5 completely different continents, a stroll round this backyard is an unimaginable expertise.
The huge inexperienced house is sort of like a forest within the metropolis with synthetic lakes, ponds, and too many crops to depend. It is a bit far-off from the Malaga metropolis centre (45 minutes by bus), but it surely’s completely definitely worth the longer journey.
This botanical backyard in Malaga dates again to the mid-Nineteenth century and spans an space of 23 hectares. With cacti, numerous palm timber, and fantastically landscaped strolling paths, it’s a spot the place you’ll be able to spend hours with out becoming bored. Well, I may and did, not within the least as a result of the view of downtown Malaga is jaw-dropping.
Practical Information: Jardín Botánico is within the northern space of Malaga, quarter-hour from the town heart by automotive or 40 minutes by bus. Entrance to the botanical backyard is 5.20€.
13. Excursion to Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera
Some 55 kilometers north of Malaga lies the Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site estimated to be 6,500 years previous. It’s among the best locations close to Malaga for historical past buffs who get pleasure from touring relics from a unique period.
What’s most spectacular is that entrance to the location is fully freed from cost, and anybody can go to and stroll round. But if you happen to’re not that enthusiastic about historical past, you would possibly need to skip this attraction as a result of it’s basically only a bunch of very massive stones.
Dolmen de Menga is an historic burial website and megalithic tomb. Dolmen de Viera was initially constructed within the Copper Age, but it surely needed to be restored. The burial chamber is located beneath a mound and accessible by guests.
Practical Information: Dolmens of Antequera are accessible by bus (1-2 hours) or automotive (1 hour) from Malaga. Entrance to the location is free.
14. Be Amazed at Museo Automovilístico de Málaga
Museo Automovilístico de Málaga combines two of my nice loves – haute trend and automobiles. I needed to choose up my jaw from the ground as soon as I discovered concerning the existence of this museum, and it instantly skyrocketed to the highest of my checklist.
Situated within the southern a part of the town near Playa de Huelin, the museum encompasses a distinctive assortment of basic automobiles and trend, and I can’t determine what I choose. The automobiles exhibited vary from Belle Epoque automobiles to Hot Rods, they usually’re all in pristine situation.
On the style facet of the museum, the exhibit explores the correlation (and collaborations) between high-end automotive producers and high fashion manufacturers. From Chanel to Versace, the outfits displayed on the museum are gorgeous.
Practical Information: The museum is open from 10 AM to 2:30 PM and from 4 AM to 7 PM. Tickets are 10€.
15. Discover Contemporary Art at Centre Pompidou Málaga
Centre Pompidou Málaga is a department of the long-lasting Parisian museum. Set close to the port of Malaga, the eye-catching museum constructing is unimaginable to overlook on a tour of the town.
But it’s a normal up to date artwork museum, which could not be everybody’s cup of tea. The reveals are out of the bizarre and infrequently weird however fascinating on the identical time. It’s a must-visit vacation spot for artwork lovers in Malaga, however in any other case, simply seeing and admiring the extravagant constructing is sufficient.
Practical Information: Centre Pompidou Malaga is open from 9:30 AM till 8 PM every single day besides Tuesday. A combo ticket for the semi-permanent and short-term exhibit is 9€.
16. Gastro Tour of Malaga’s Tapas Bars
Spain has scrumptious meals and it doesn’t matter if you happen to’re staying in Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga – the journey is the time to neglect about weight-reduction plan and bask in native delicacies.
Some of the town’s finest tapas bars are inside Malaga’s lined market. Walk for 10 minutes across the previous city, and also you’ll encounter a minimum of 10 different tapas bars. The hottest ones within the metropolis are Picasso Tapas Bar, Lechuga Tapas, Lo Güeno Mesón, and Bar La Tranca. All have glorious meals, cocktails, and a unusual, inviting inside.
Practical Information: Most tapas bars in Malaga are open in two shifts, with a day siesta from round 4 PM to 7 PM. Dinner is served late in Spain (8-10 PM), and reservations are really useful.
17. Roam Around Montes de Málaga Natural Park
Montes de Malaga Natural Park is one other glorious vacation spot for hikers in Costa del Sol. If the Caminito del Rey is a little bit bit out of your league, this gorgeous pure park is one of the best different. With too many miles of mountain climbing trails to depend, you possibly can spend your total journey to Malaga right here, discovering spectacular landscapes.
The park is called after the mountain vary that dominates the house and presents glorious mountain climbing and climbing alternatives. The tallest summit rises to a top of 1,030 meters; that’s removed from an intimidating hike, particularly for somebody who has conquered a summit within the Alps.
Come right here for some informal mountain climbing and a time out in nature. The park additionally options fairly just a few statues, landmarks, statement platforms, and a great deal of biking and mountain biking trails.
Practical Information: Montes de Málaga Natural Park is accessible 24/7 and has free entrance. There’s no public transport connection so a guided tour is the best choice if you happen to don’t have entry to a automotive in Malaga.
18. Excursion to Granada (See the Alhambra)
The Alhambra is among the most well-known landmarks on the planet and it’s solely 2 hours outdoors Malaga. Granada is an hour and 45 minutes you probably have entry to a automotive in southern Spain, and one of the best day journey you are able to do from this metropolis.
The Moorish palace is among the world’s finest examples of Islamic structure. As such, it is among the hottest vacationer sights in Andalusia, and you’ll typically count on it to be crowded.
Multiple kinds of tickets can be found for Alhambra, relying on which elements of the complicated you need to entry. I like to recommend going all out and getting the most costly tickets that let you see all the things. Plan to spend a whole day right here, roaming across the palace complicated, marveling in any respect the little particulars on the completely different palace constructions, and getting into as many rooms as doable.
Practical Information: Granada is 1-2 hours from Malaga, accessible by automobiles, buses, and trains. Tickets for the Alhambra are 7-18€, relying on what number of areas you need to entry.
19. See Neanderthal Paintings on the Caves of Nerja
The Caves of Nerja are an enchanting pure landmark close to Malaga. Stretching for practically 5 kilometers, the caverns are residence to Neanderthal work estimated to be greater than 42,000 years previous. They’re the oldest cave work uncovered on our planet, which makes this a really particular attraction in Spain.
The system of caverns is cut up in two, and just one part is open to the general public. Concerts are sometimes held in one of many caves, because it serves as a wonderful amphitheater. If you’ll be able to handle to attend a efficiency within the Nerja Caves, it will be an epic expertise.
Practical Information: The Caves of Nerja are an hour and a half by bus or 50 minutes by automotive from Malaga. Entrance to the caverns is 16€ for adults and contains an audioguide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Not To Miss In Malaga Spain?
The Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, and Castillo de Gibralfaro are essentially the most well-known sights in Malaga. Caminito del Rey can be world-famous, particularly amongst hikers and outside lovers.
What Is Malaga Best Known For?
Malaga is finest identified for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The metropolis is residence to a Pablo Picasso museum, which homes greater than 200 artworks from the well-known artist.
Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
Yes, Malaga is price visiting. The gorgeous Spanish metropolis boasts stunning structure, panoramic sea views, and glorious artwork museums. Whether you need to spend your time lounging on the seaside, exploring the town’s tradition, or touring via Andalusia, Malaga doesn’t disappoint.
How Many Days Do I Need To Visit Malaga?
Two to a few days is the right period of time in Malaga to see all the highest vacationer sights. But think about a visit of 5 to seven days, if you wish to take a while to loosen up, unwind, and uncover Malaga’s spectacular seashores.
Tips And Information For Visiting Malaga
Best Time To Visit
Summer is one of the best time to go to Malaga, particularly if you happen to love seashores and sunbathing. July and August are the warmest within the metropolis, with temperatures constantly above 30° Celsius. May and October are additionally good occasions to be within the Spanish metropolis as a result of the crowds are smaller however the climate remains to be nice.
From November to April is the wet season in Malaga. Although it doesn’t rain consistently, the humidity is excessive and the possibility of rain is far greater than in the course of the different months, which could put a damper in your plans. Because the wet season sees fewer vacationers, it’s not a nasty time to be in Malaga if you happen to’re primarily enthusiastic about landmarks and sights as an alternative of the seashores.
Getting There
Malga is serviced by the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which is simply quarter-hour outdoors the town heart by prepare. It’s additionally doable to take the bus from the airport to central Malaga and it’s solely 10 minutes slower than the prepare. Both the prepare and bus cease on the most important transit station within the metropolis.
Malaga airport is the busiest in southern Spain, with loads of connections to worldwide locations. The Madrid Airport is the most important within the nation, and it’d supply cheaper flights. It’s solely three hours from Malaga by prepare, so a great different if you happen to can’t discover a direct flight to Malaga.
Getting Around
The public transport community in Malaga is well-developed and you may get across the metropolis simply. Metro, buses, and trains can be found to everybody, they usually’re very inexpensive. Taxis are additionally an choice that’s a little bit faster however typically costlier than public transport.
Travelers preferring to remain energetic can cycle to most locations in Malaga. Bicycle rental is offered at a number of locations within the metropolis, and it’s very inexpensive. Additionally, Malaga’s metropolis heart is walkable, and you’ll go to many necessary locations on foot.
How Much Time Do You Need
You may spend wherever from 2-3 days as much as 2 weeks in Malaga, relying on what you need to do and the way you need to spend your time. The metropolis is a superb vacation spot for a relaxed trip, and if you wish to take per week to sip cocktails on the seaside, you are able to do so in Malaga.
On the opposite hand, it’s additionally received rather a lot to supply to anybody enthusiastic about historical past, artwork, structure, and tradition. With Moorish castles, Roman Ruins, and the precise residence of Pablo Picasso, Malaga is a prime vacation spot for a metropolis break.
It’s additionally centrally situated on the southern coast of Spain, permitting for straightforward day journeys to close by locations. Marbella and Granada are each shut, as are gorgeous nature parks, archeological websites, and a few of Spain’s finest mountain climbing trails.
Where To Stay In Malaga
The historic heart of Malaga is one of the best place to remain, particularly for first-time guests. All one of the best sights are inside strolling distance, and there are a great deal of outlets and locations to eat. The lodges in Malaga metropolis heart vary from inexpensive to luxurious, so there’s an choice for everybody’s funds.
You may select to remain in one of many suburbs, however I actually don’t suppose it’s crucial. Also, the visitors in Malaga will be fairly unhealthy, and if you happen to’re staying someplace that requires you to take the bus into city, you’ll spend fairly a little bit of time on public transport. Here are a few of the finest lodges in Malaga for everybody’s funds:
Having a great time in Malaga is as simple as respiratory. The metropolis’s sights are so numerous that anybody can have enjoyable right here, whether or not they’re primarily enthusiastic about archaeology or seashores. Stick to what you want, and also you’ll get pleasure from each minute within the metropolis.
I hope this itinerary helps you uncover one of the best of Malaga, and discover issues to try this genuinely curiosity you for a good time in Spain.