The south of Spain is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations on the earth, because of huge sandy seashores and countless sunny days. Malaga lies on the middle of the southern Spanish coast, one of the standard cities in Costa del Sol. The neatest thing about Malaga is that it provides one thing to everybody, whether or not they’re all in favour of historical past or events. From excursions of Moorish castles to day journeys to Marbella for its fabulous nightclubs, the most effective issues to do in Malaga can attraction to anybody.
Apart from the seashores and the events, the Spanish metropolis can also be well-known for its impeccable artwork scene. It is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and it’s bought a few museums to show it.
Whether you wish to sip cocktails on the seashore or discover all of the Moorish castles in Andalusia, Malaga is a vacation spot value contemplating. And this information to the most effective issues to do in Malaga will assist you to plan the right itinerary!
Excellent mountaineering 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 unattainable to not get pleasure from your keep right here.
Malaga doesn’t care what you count on from it as a result of it offers every part. 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 middle of Costa del Sol, one of the standard vacationer locations on the earth. With numerous miles of sandy seashores, unbelievable medieval structure, and spectacular artwork museums, Malaga is a vacation spot anybody can get pleasure from.
It’s an equally excellent place for a relaxed seashore trip in addition to a multi-day mountaineering journey. The delicate local weather makes a visit to Malaga worthwhile any time of the 12 months, nevertheless it’s the superb meals that can make you wish 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 without doubt one of the greatest 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 unbelievable artworks.
If you’re not already a fan of artwork and Picasso, this museum may not be for you. But when you’re even a bit of bit within the works of the artist who co-founded the Cubist motion, this museum must be considered one of your first stops in Malaga.
Insider Tip: If you possibly can’t get sufficient of Picasso in Málaga City, head to Museo Casa Natal de Picasso subsequent. It’s the artist’s former dwelling 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 greatest technique to get acquainted with a brand new metropolis is to do an in depth tour of its outdated city. Guided excursions of Malaga’s outdated city can be found for vacationers who wish to be taught every part concerning the metropolis’s historical past and tradition. And self-guided excursions are attainable for budget-conscious vacationers preferring to find the sights on their very own.
Roam across the slender 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 the most effective views of the Málaga Lighthouse and the ocean past it.
A road artwork tour of Malaga is another method 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 outdated 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 known for Moorish structure, with the Alhambra as essentially the most well-known instance. But you don’t must 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 middle. It’s surrounded by lush gardens and provides a few of the greatest panoramic views within the Spanish metropolis. The development of the palace started within the eleventh century, nevertheless it 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 exterior the historic metropolis middle of Malaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro is one other medieval landmark value visiting in southern Spain. The fortress ruins atop Mount Gibralfaro provide spectacular views of downtown Malaga and its ports.
This historic fortress is greatest identified for the irregular format of its partitions. The prolonged perimeter options only some bastions, essentially the most distinguished of which is the White Tower above its northwestern partitions.
Walking alongside the fortress partitions is a good expertise, however don’t neglect to go contained in the totally different fortress rooms. Many function reveals on the constructing’s historical past, together with miniature replicas of Malaga’s topography and weapons uncovered on the fortress website.
Practical Information: Castillo de Gibralfaro is accessible for a charge of three.5€. Combo tickets can be found for five.5€ and grant entry to each this fortress and the Alcazaba. The fortress is open each day from 9 AM to eight PM.
5. Buy Souvenirs at Mercado Central de Atarazanas
Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a coated market on the western fringe of the town’s outdated city. It’s well-known for the work that adorn its roof and the most effective place within the metropolis to buy souvenirs. As lengthy as your thought of souvenirs from Spain is usually olive oil, wine, and Jamón ibérico.
With the most effective contemporary produce and meats, the coated market is the most effective vacation spot for stocking a fridge in Malaga. And even when you don’t wish to deliver dwelling a pound of Spanish ham (please rethink), you possibly can seize a chew 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 all in favour of 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 suitable as a result of the Roman Theater in Malaga doubles as a recent museum, with an exhibit of statues and miniatures scattered across the historical ruins.
Practical Information: The Roman Theater is open from 10 AM till 6 PM (4 PM on Sundays). Entrance to the positioning 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 when you’re in search of a fast day journey in southern Spain, this is without doubt one of the greatest choices.
Known for its spectacular resort motels, huge sandy seashores, and wonderful nightlife, Marbella is a vacation spot that may provide one thing to anybody. It’s notably a superb place for vacationers who simply wish to loosen up for some time – lounge on the seashore with a cocktail in hand and leap within the sea every time it will get too sizzling. Then dine at a top-notch restaurant within the night, adopted by a wild night time out in considered one of Marbella’s greatest golf equipment.
On the opposite hand, Marbella can also be a terrific vacation spot when you’re primarily all in favour of historical past and archeology. With medieval ruins, wonderful museums, and an outdated 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 without doubt one of the greatest in Spain’s Costa del Sol. The huge stretch of sand is continually inviting vacationers to come back and loosen up for a couple of hours, and it wouldn’t be a correct journey to Malaga when you didn’t “waste” not less than in the future lounging on the seashore.
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 superb e book in hand. The seashore is lined with seafood shacks, so that you don’t even have to go away for lunch, and distributors with ice-cold drinks are continually strolling up and down the seashore.
Practical Information: Playa de la Malagueta is accessible any time of the day free of charge.
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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a difficult mountaineering path that requires plenty of technical data and expertise.
Caminito del Rey is characterised by a steep strolling path constructed into the cliffs. It provides 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 middle, roughly two hours exterior Malaga. This day tour from Malaga is extremely 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 particular person.
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 locate 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 provides among the finest scenic vistas of the town’s skyline, and it’s an absolute should for beautiful panorama pictures.
The most essential church within the metropolis has a central location within the historic outdated 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 value trying out when you’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 out there.
12. Wander Around Jardín Botánico
Malaga’s botanical backyard is actually a particular place and, in my humble opinion, the most effective backyard within the Costa del Sol area. With tropical vegetation from 5 totally different continents, a stroll round this backyard is an unbelievable expertise.
The huge inexperienced area is sort of like a forest within the metropolis with synthetic lakes, ponds, and too many vegetation to depend. It is a bit distant from the Malaga metropolis centre (45 minutes by bus), nevertheless it’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 possibly can spend hours with out losing interest. Well, I might 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 middle 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 outdated. It’s among the finest locations close to Malaga for historical past buffs who get pleasure from touring relics from a distinct period.
What’s most spectacular is that entrance to the positioning is solely freed from cost, and anybody can go to and stroll round. But when you’re not that all in favour of historical past, you would possibly wish to skip this attraction as a result of it’s primarily only a bunch of very giant stones.
Dolmen de Menga is an historical burial website and megalithic tomb. Dolmen de Viera was initially constructed within the Copper Age, nevertheless it 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 positioning is free.
14. Be Amazed at Museo Automovilístico de Málaga
Museo Automovilístico de Málaga combines two of my nice loves – haute vogue and vehicles. I needed to decide up my jaw from the ground as soon as I realized 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 vehicles and vogue, and I can’t resolve what I desire. The vehicles 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 unattainable to overlook on a tour of the town.
But it’s a normal modern artwork museum, which could not be everybody’s cup of tea. The reveals are out of the odd 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 each day besides Tuesday. A combo ticket for the semi-permanent and non permanent exhibit is 9€.
16. Gastro Tour of Malaga’s Tapas Bars
Spain has scrumptious meals and it doesn’t matter when you’re staying in Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga – the journey is the time to neglect about weight-reduction plan and take pleasure in native delicacies.
Some of the town’s greatest tapas bars are inside Malaga’s coated market. Walk for 10 minutes across the outdated city, and also you’ll come upon not less than 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 wonderful 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 wonderful vacation spot for hikers in Costa del Sol. If the Caminito del Rey is a bit of bit out of your league, this gorgeous pure park is the most effective different. With too many miles of mountaineering trails to depend, you can spend your total journey to Malaga right here, discovering spectacular landscapes.
The park is known as after the mountain vary that dominates the area and provides wonderful mountaineering 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 mountaineering and a time out in nature. The park additionally options fairly a couple of 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 most suitable choice when you don’t have entry to a automotive in Malaga.
18. Excursion to Granada (See the Alhambra)
The Alhambra is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks on the planet and it’s solely 2 hours exterior Malaga. Granada is an hour and 45 minutes if in case you have entry to a automotive in southern Spain, and the most effective day journey you are able to do from this metropolis.
The Moorish palace is without doubt one of the world’s greatest examples of Islamic structure. As such, it is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer sights in Andalusia, and you’ll usually count on it to be crowded.
Multiple sorts of tickets can be found for Alhambra, relying on which elements of the complicated you wish to entry. I like to recommend going all out and getting the costliest tickets that let you see every part. Plan to spend a complete day right here, roaming across the palace complicated, marveling in any respect the little particulars on the totally different palace constructions, and coming into as many rooms as attainable.
Practical Information: Granada is 1-2 hours from Malaga, accessible by vehicles, buses, and trains. Tickets for the Alhambra are 7-18€, relying on what number of areas you wish 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 almost 5 kilometers, the caverns are dwelling to Neanderthal work estimated to be greater than 42,000 years outdated. They’re the oldest cave work uncovered on our planet, which makes this a very 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 superb amphitheater. If you possibly can handle to attend a efficiency within the Nerja Caves, it might 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 also be world-famous, particularly amongst hikers and out of doors lovers.
What Is Malaga Best Known For?
Malaga is greatest identified for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The metropolis is dwelling to a Pablo Picasso museum, which homes greater than 200 artworks from the well-known artist.
Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
Yes, Malaga is value visiting. The gorgeous Spanish metropolis boasts lovely structure, panoramic sea views, and wonderful artwork museums. Whether you wish to spend your time lounging on the seashore, exploring the town’s tradition, or touring by means of Andalusia, Malaga doesn’t disappoint.
How Many Days Do I Need To Visit Malaga?
Two to 3 days is the right period of time in Malaga to see all the highest vacationer sights. But take into account 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 the most effective time to go to Malaga, particularly when you love seashores and sunbathing. July and August are the warmest within the metropolis, with temperatures persistently above 30° Celsius. May and October are additionally good instances to be within the Spanish metropolis as a result of the crowds are smaller however the climate continues to be nice.
From November to April is the wet season in Malaga. Although it doesn’t rain continually, the humidity is excessive and the possibility of rain is far increased than throughout 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 when you’re primarily all in favour of 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 exterior the town middle by practice. It’s additionally attainable to take the bus from the airport to central Malaga and it’s solely 10 minutes slower than the practice. Both the practice and bus cease on the predominant 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 biggest within the nation, and it’d provide cheaper flights. It’s solely three hours from Malaga by practice, so a superb different when you 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 possibility that’s a bit of faster however usually dearer than public transport.
Travelers preferring to remain energetic can cycle to most locations in Malaga. Bicycle rental is out there at a number of locations within the metropolis, and it’s very inexpensive. Additionally, Malaga’s metropolis middle is walkable, and you’ll go to many essential locations on foot.
How Much Time Do You Need
You might spend anyplace from 2-3 days as much as 2 weeks in Malaga, relying on what you wish to do and the way you wish to spend your time. The metropolis is a good vacation spot for a relaxed trip, and if you wish to take per week to sip cocktails on the seashore, you are able to do so in Malaga.
On the opposite hand, it’s additionally bought quite a bit to supply to anybody all in favour of historical past, artwork, structure, and tradition. With Moorish castles, Roman Ruins, and the precise dwelling 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 greatest mountaineering trails.
Where To Stay In Malaga
The historic middle of Malaga is the most effective place to remain, particularly for first-time guests. All the most effective sights are inside strolling distance, and there are a great deal of outlets and locations to eat. The motels in Malaga metropolis middle vary from inexpensive to luxurious, so there’s an possibility for everybody’s funds.
You might select to remain in one of many suburbs, however I actually don’t suppose it’s essential. Also, the site visitors in Malaga could be fairly dangerous, and when you’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 greatest motels in Malaga for everybody’s funds:
Having a superb 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 all in favour of 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 the most effective of Malaga, and discover issues to do this genuinely curiosity you for a good time in Spain.