The south of Spain is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations on this planet, because of huge sandy seashores and infinite sunny days. Malaga lies on the middle of the southern Spanish coast, one of the crucial standard cities in Costa del Sol. The very best factor about Malaga is that it affords one thing to everybody, whether or not they’re inquisitive about historical past or events. From excursions of Moorish castles to day journeys to Marbella for its fabulous nightclubs, the very best issues to do in Malaga can enchantment to anybody.
Other than the seashores and the events, the Spanish metropolis can be well-known for its impeccable artwork scene. It’s the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and it’s acquired a few museums to show it.
Whether or not you need 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 very best issues to do in Malaga will allow you to plan the right itinerary!
Wonderful climbing trails, a wealthy historical past, and scrumptious tapas are some highlights of a visit to Malaga. The Spanish metropolis is as various as it’s beautiful, 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 pieces. From fabulous artwork museums to monoliths from the Copper Age – there’s one thing for everybody on this metropolis and I’m about to inform you all about it!
Greatest Of Malaga Fast Information
Should See: Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre The place To Keep: Ibis funds Málaga Centro, Palacio Solecio, Solely YOU Lodge Málaga Enjoyable To Do: Caminito del Rey, Caves of Nerja, Playa de la Malagueta, Museo Automovilístico de Málaga Day Journeys: Granada, Marbella, Montes de Malaga Pure Park Should Strive Meals: Tapas, Jamon Iberico, Gazpacho, Paella
Greatest Issues To Do In Malaga
Malaga lies on the middle of Costa del Sol, one of the crucial standard vacationer locations on this planet. 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 good spot for a relaxed seashore trip in addition to a multi-day climbing journey. The gentle local weather makes a visit to Malaga worthwhile any time of the yr, nevertheless it’s the wonderful meals that may make you need to go to once more quickly.
1. Go to The Picasso Museum Malaga
Set in a restored palace from the Sixteenth century, the Picasso Museum is likely 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.
Should you’re not already a fan of artwork and Picasso, this museum won’t be for you. However when you’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: Should you can’t get sufficient of Picasso in Málaga Metropolis, head to Museo Casa Natal de Picasso subsequent. It’s the artist’s former house on Plaza de la Merced and options much more beautiful artworks in addition to interval furnishings.
Sensible Info: The Picasso Museum is open from 10 AM till 6 PM. Tickets are 12€. E-book yours right here earlier than you go.
2. Strolling Tour of Malaga Previous City
One of the simplest ways 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 pieces in regards to 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 the very best views of the Málaga Lighthouse and the ocean past it.
A avenue artwork tour of Malaga is another manner of discovering the town. It focuses on the Soho and Lagunillas neighborhoods, the place the majority of the town’s graffiti and avenue artwork is discovered. Gorgeous 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.
Sensible Info: Malaga’s previous city is walkable and self-guided excursions are simply organized.
3. Uncover 3,000 Years of Historical past at Alcazaba
The Spanish area of Andalusia is legendary for Moorish structure, with the Alhambra as probably the most well-known instance. However you don’t need to journey to Granada to admire a Moorish fortress as a result of Malaga additionally options some beautiful examples of medieval structure.
Alcazaba is a medieval fortress in Malaga’s historic middle. It’s surrounded by lush gardens and affords 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 possibly 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.
Sensible Info: Tickets for simply Alcazaba are 3.5€. Buy 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
Located simply 20 minutes exterior the historic metropolis middle of Malaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro is one other medieval landmark value visiting in southern Spain. The fort ruins atop Mount Gibralfaro supply spectacular views of downtown Malaga and its ports.
This historic fort is greatest recognized for the irregular structure of its partitions. The prolonged perimeter options just a few bastions, probably the most outstanding of which is the White Tower above its northwestern partitions.
Strolling alongside the fort partitions is a good expertise, however don’t overlook to go contained in the totally 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 web site.
Sensible Info: 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. Purchase 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 the very best place within the metropolis to buy souvenirs. So long as your thought of souvenirs from Spain is usually olive oil, wine, and Jamón ibérico.
With the very best recent produce and meats, the lined market is the very best vacation spot for stocking a fridge in Malaga. And even when you don’t need to convey house a pound of Spanish ham (please rethink), you may seize a chew to eat at one of many many Tapas Bars underneath the roof of the Mercado.
Sensible Info: 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 correct subsequent to the Alcazaba, permitting you to go to two of probably 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 inquisitive 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. That is applicable 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.
Sensible Info: The Roman Theater is open from 10 AM till 6 PM (4 PM on Sundays). Entrance to the location is free, and ideas are appreciated.
7. Day Journey to Marbella
Marbella is a resort metropolis southwest of Malaga. It’s solely 45 minutes by bus or automobile, and when you’re searching for a fast day journey in southern Spain, this is likely one of the greatest choices.
Identified for its spectacular resort inns, huge sandy seashores, and glorious nightlife, Marbella is a vacation spot that may supply one thing to anybody. It’s significantly a very good place for vacationers who simply need to chill out for some time – lounge on the seashore 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 greatest golf equipment.
Alternatively, Marbella can be an incredible vacation spot when you’re primarily inquisitive about historical past and archeology. With medieval ruins, glorious museums, and an previous city encircled by Moorish Partitions, Marbella is an enchanting city on Costa del Sol.
Sensible Info: Buses from Malaga to Marbella depart from the principle bus station each 20 minutes, with 20 every day departures. Tickets are $8.
8. Sunbathing at Playa de la Malagueta
La Malagueta Seashore is likely one of the greatest in Spain’s Costa del Sol. The huge stretch of sand is consistently inviting vacationers to return and chill out for just a few hours, and it wouldn’t be a correct journey to Malaga when you didn’t “waste” no less than at some point lounging on the seashore.
On a heat, sunny day, there isn’t a higher place to be in Malaga. Lease a lounger with an umbrella and spend as a lot time right here as you want, ideally with a very good ebook in hand. The seashore is lined with seafood shacks, so that you don’t even have to depart for lunch, and distributors with ice-cold drinks are continually strolling up and down the seashore.
Sensible Info: 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 not as harmful because it was, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a difficult climbing path that requires quite a lot of technical information and expertise.
Caminito del Rey is characterised by a steep strolling path constructed into the cliffs. It affords spectacular views of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, and it’s undoubtedly one of the crucial rewarding hikes in southern Spain.
The doorway to Caminito del Rey is on the northern customer’s middle, roughly two hours exterior Malaga. This present day tour from Malaga is extremely rated.
Sensible Info: The trailhead for Caminito del Rey is 2 hours from Malaga by bus or an hour by automobile. Tickets are 10€ per particular person.
10. Tour Carmen Thyssen Museum Homes
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 gathering of the Carmen Thyssen Museum consists of 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.
Outstanding artists featured at this Malaga museum embrace Niccolò Frangipane, Francisco de Zurbarán, Manuel García y Rodríguez, and Raimundo Madrazo, amongst others.
Sensible Info: 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 affords probably the greatest scenic vistas of the town’s skyline, and it’s an absolute should for beautiful panorama images.
Crucial church within the metropolis has a central location within the historic previous city. The intricate carvings on the ceiling are beautiful, so don’t overlook to lookup when you’re inside. Guests can climb the tower of the Malaga Cathedral for sprawling panoramic views of the town’s rooftops.
Moreover, the Cathedral additionally has a small backyard with a fountain and exquisite landscaping that’s value testing when you’re already within the space.
Sensible Info: The Malaga Cathedral is often open from 10 AM till 6 PM. Combo tickets for the Cathedral and roof are 12€. Particular person tickets are additionally obtainable.
12. Wander Round Jardín Botánico
Malaga’s botanical backyard is actually a particular place and, in my humble opinion, the very best 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 house is sort of like a forest within the metropolis with synthetic lakes, ponds, and too many vegetation to rely. It’s 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 superbly landscaped strolling paths, it’s a spot the place you may spend hours with out losing interest. Effectively, I might and did, not within the least as a result of the view of downtown Malaga is jaw-dropping.
Sensible Info: Jardín Botánico is within the northern space of Malaga, quarter-hour from the town middle by automobile or 40 minutes by bus. Entrance to the botanical backyard is 5.20€.
13. Tour to Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera
Some 55 kilometers north of Malaga lies the Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site estimated to be 6,500 years previous. It’s probably the greatest 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 location is solely freed from cost, and anybody can go to and stroll round. However when you’re not that inquisitive 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 web site and megalithic tomb. Dolmen de Viera was initially constructed within the Copper Age, nevertheless it needed to be restored. The burial chamber is located underneath a mound and accessible by guests.
Sensible Info: Dolmens of Antequera are accessible by bus (1-2 hours) or automobile (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 style and automobiles. I needed to choose up my jaw from the ground as soon as I realized in regards to the existence of this museum, and it instantly skyrocketed to the highest of my checklist.
Located within the southern a part of the town near Playa de Huelin, the museum contains a distinctive assortment of traditional automobiles and style, and I can’t resolve what I want. The automobiles exhibited vary from Belle Epoque automobiles to Sizzling Rods, and so they’re all in pristine situation.
On the style aspect of the museum, the exhibit explores the correlation (and collaborations) between high-end automobile producers and high fashion manufacturers. From Chanel to Versace, the outfits displayed on the museum are beautiful.
Sensible Info: The museum is open from 10 AM to 2:30 PM and from 4 AM to 7 PM. Tickets are 10€.
15. Uncover Up to date Artwork at Centre Pompidou Málaga
Centre Pompidou Málaga is a department of the enduring Parisian museum. Set close to the port of Malaga, the eye-catching museum constructing is unimaginable to overlook on a tour of the town.
Nevertheless it’s a typical modern artwork museum, which could not be everybody’s cup of tea. The reveals are out of the peculiar and sometimes weird however fascinating on the similar 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.
Sensible Info: 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 momentary 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 overlook about weight-reduction plan and bask in native delicacies.
Among the metropolis’s greatest tapas bars are inside Malaga’s lined market. Stroll for 10 minutes across the previous city, and also you’ll bump into no less than 10 different tapas bars. The most well-liked 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.
Sensible Info: 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 Round Montes de Málaga Pure Park
Montes de Malaga Pure 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 beautiful pure park is the very best various. With too many miles of climbing trails to rely, you can spend your complete journey to Malaga right here, discovering spectacular landscapes.
The park is called after the mountain vary that dominates the house and affords glorious 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 climbing and a day trip in nature. The park additionally options fairly just a few statues, landmarks, remark platforms, and a great deal of biking and mountain biking trails.
Sensible Info: Montes de Málaga Pure Park is accessible 24/7 and has free entrance. There’s no public transport connection so a guided tour is the best choice when you don’t have entry to a automobile in Malaga.
18. Tour to Granada (See the Alhambra)
The Alhambra is likely 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 in case you have entry to a automobile in southern Spain, and the very best day journey you are able to do from this metropolis.
The Moorish palace is likely one of the world’s greatest examples of Islamic structure. As such, it is likely one of the hottest vacationer points of interest in Andalusia, and you’ll typically count on it to be crowded.
A number of forms of tickets can be found for Alhambra, relying on which components of the advanced you need to entry. I like to recommend going all out and getting the costliest tickets that permit you to see all the pieces. Plan to spend a whole day right here, roaming across the palace advanced, marveling in any respect the little particulars on the totally different palace constructions, and coming into as many rooms as doable.
Sensible Info: 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 Work 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 house 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 very particular attraction in Spain.
The system of caverns is cut up in two, and just one part is open to the general public. Concert events are sometimes held in one of many caves, because it serves as a wonderful amphitheater. Should you can handle to attend a efficiency within the Nerja Caves, it might be an epic expertise.
Sensible Info: The Caves of Nerja are an hour and a half by bus or 50 minutes by automobile from Malaga. Entrance to the caverns is 16€ for adults and consists of an audioguide.
Incessantly Requested Questions
What Not To Miss In Malaga Spain?
The Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, and Castillo de Gibralfaro are probably the most well-known points of interest in Malaga. Caminito del Rey can be world-famous, particularly amongst hikers and outside lovers.
What Is Malaga Greatest Identified For?
Malaga is greatest recognized for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Town is house to a Pablo Picasso museum, which homes greater than 200 artworks from the well-known artist.
Is Malaga Price Visiting?
Sure, Malaga is value visiting. The beautiful Spanish metropolis boasts stunning structure, panoramic sea views, and glorious artwork museums. Whether or not you need to spend your time lounging on the seashore, exploring the town’s tradition, or touring by way of Andalusia, Malaga doesn’t disappoint.
How Many Days Do I Want To Go to Malaga?
Two to a few days is the right period of time in Malaga to see all the highest vacationer points of interest. However think about a visit of 5 to seven days, if you wish to take a while to chill out, unwind, and uncover Malaga’s spectacular seashores.
Ideas And Info For Visiting Malaga
Greatest Time To Go to
Summer time is the very best 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. Could and October are additionally good instances 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. Though it doesn’t rain continually, the humidity is excessive and the prospect of rain is far larger than throughout the different months, which could put a damper in your plans. As a result of the wet season sees fewer vacationers, it’s not a nasty time to be in Malaga when you’re primarily inquisitive about landmarks and points of interest 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 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. Each the prepare and bus cease on the foremost 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 very good various when you can’t discover a direct flight to Malaga.
Getting Round
The general public transport community in Malaga is well-developed and you will get across the metropolis simply. Metro, buses, and trains can be found to everybody, and so they’re very inexpensive. Taxis are additionally an choice that’s a little bit faster however typically dearer than public transport.
Vacationers preferring to remain energetic can cycle to most locations in Malaga. Bicycle rental is obtainable at a number of locations within the metropolis, and it’s very inexpensive. Moreover, Malaga’s metropolis middle is walkable, and you’ll go to many necessary locations on foot.
How A lot Time Do You Want
You can spend anyplace 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. Town is a good vacation spot for a relaxed trip, and if you wish to take every week to sip cocktails on the seashore, you are able to do so in Malaga.
Alternatively, it’s additionally acquired rather a lot to supply to anybody inquisitive about historical past, artwork, structure, and tradition. With Moorish castles, Roman Ruins, and the precise house of Pablo Picasso, Malaga is a prime vacation spot for a metropolis break.
It’s additionally centrally positioned on the southern coast of Spain, permitting for simple day journeys to close by locations. Marbella and Granada are each shut, as are beautiful nature parks, archeological websites, and a few of Spain’s greatest climbing trails.
The place To Keep In Malaga
The historic middle of Malaga is the very best place to remain, particularly for first-time guests. All the very best points of interest are inside strolling distance, and there are a great deal of outlets and locations to eat. The inns in Malaga metropolis middle vary from inexpensive to luxurious, so there’s an choice for everybody’s funds.
You can select to remain in one of many suburbs, however I actually don’t suppose it’s vital. Additionally, the visitors in Malaga may be fairly unhealthy, 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. Listed here are a few of the greatest inns in Malaga for everybody’s funds:
Having a very good time in Malaga is as simple as respiration. Town’s points of interest are so various that anybody can have enjoyable right here, whether or not they’re primarily inquisitive about archaeology or seashores. Keep on with what you want, and also you’ll get pleasure from each minute within the metropolis.
I hope this itinerary helps you uncover the very best of Malaga, and discover issues to try this genuinely curiosity you for a good time in Spain.