The south of Spain is among the hottest vacationer locations on the earth, because of huge sandy seashores and limitless sunny days. Malaga lies on the middle of the southern Spanish coast, probably the most fashionable cities in Costa del Sol. The very best factor about Malaga is that it affords one thing to everybody, whether or not they’re interested by 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.
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 bought a few museums to show it.
Whether or not 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 one of the best issues to do in Malaga will provide help to plan the proper itinerary!
Wonderful 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 beautiful, and it’s not possible to not take pleasure in your keep right here.
Malaga doesn’t care what you anticipate from it as a result of it supplies the whole lot. 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!
Finest Of Malaga Fast Information
Should See: Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre The place To Keep: Ibis price range 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 Attempt Meals: Tapas, Jamon Iberico, Gazpacho, Paella
Finest Issues To Do In Malaga
Malaga lies on the middle of Costa del Sol, probably the most fashionable vacationer locations on the earth. With numerous miles of sandy seashores, unimaginable medieval structure, and spectacular artwork museums, Malaga is a vacation spot anybody can take pleasure in.
It’s an equally great spot for a relaxed seashore trip in addition to a multi-day mountaineering journey. The gentle local weather makes a visit to Malaga worthwhile any time of the 12 months, but it surely’s the superb meals that can make you wish 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 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 town and showcases 200 of his unimaginable artworks.
For those who’re not already a fan of artwork and Picasso, this museum may not be for you. However for those who’re even slightly bit within the works of the artist who co-founded the Cubist motion, this museum must be one among your first stops in Malaga.
Insider Tip: For those who 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
The easiest way 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 study the whole lot 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 one of the best views of the Málaga Lighthouse and the ocean past it.
A avenue artwork tour of Malaga is another method of discovering town. It focuses on the Soho and Lagunillas neighborhoods, the place the majority of town’s graffiti and avenue artwork is discovered. Gorgeous murals and fascinating 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 outdated 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 essentially the most well-known instance. However you don’t should 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 finest panoramic views within the Spanish metropolis. The development 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’ll be able to enter as many palace rooms as you want; many have small reveals inside, which provide 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 fortress ruins atop Mount Gibralfaro provide spectacular views of downtown Malaga and its ports.
This historic fortress is finest 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.
Strolling 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 web site.
Sensible Info: Castillo de Gibralfaro is accessible for a price 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. Purchase Souvenirs at Mercado Central de Atarazanas
Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a lined market on the western fringe of town’s outdated city. It’s well-known for the work that adorn its roof and one of the 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 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 for those who don’t wish to carry house a pound of Spanish ham (please rethink), you may seize a chunk to eat at one of many many Tapas Bars beneath 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 essentially the most iconic landmarks within the metropolis in a single afternoon. The theater dates again to the first century AD, and it’s a captivating sight for anybody interested by 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 acceptable 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.
Sensible Info: 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 Journey to Marbella
Marbella is a resort metropolis southwest of Malaga. It’s solely 45 minutes by bus or automobile, and for those who’re on the lookout for a fast day journey in southern Spain, this is among the finest choices.
Recognized for its spectacular resort resorts, huge sandy seashores, and wonderful nightlife, Marbella is a vacation spot that may provide one thing to anybody. It’s significantly a superb place for vacationers who simply wish 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 sizzling. Then dine at a top-notch restaurant within the night, adopted by a wild evening out in one among Marbella’s finest golf equipment.
Then again, Marbella can be an important vacation spot for those who’re primarily interested by historical past and archeology. With medieval ruins, wonderful museums, and an outdated city encircled by Moorish Partitions, Marbella is a captivating city on Costa del Sol.
Sensible Info: 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 Seaside is among the finest in Spain’s Costa del Sol. The huge stretch of sand is continually inviting vacationers to return and chill out for a number of hours, and it wouldn’t be a correct journey to Malaga for those who didn’t “waste” at the very least someday lounging on the seashore.
On a heat, sunny day, there isn’t a higher place to be in Malaga. Hire 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 depart for lunch, and distributors with ice-cold drinks are continuously 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 once, but it surely’s nonetheless a difficult mountaineering path that requires a variety of technical data 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 probably the most rewarding hikes in southern Spain.
The doorway to Caminito del Rey is on the northern customer’s middle, roughly two hours exterior Malaga. Today tour from Malaga is very 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 all around 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 embody 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 among the finest scenic vistas of town’s skyline, and it’s an absolute should for beautiful panorama images.
An important church within the metropolis has a central location within the historic outdated city. The intricate carvings on the ceiling are beautiful, so don’t neglect to lookup when you’re inside. Guests can climb the tower of the Malaga Cathedral for sprawling panoramic views of town’s rooftops.
Moreover, the Cathedral additionally has a small backyard with a fountain and exquisite landscaping that’s value testing for those who’re already within the space.
Sensible Info: The Malaga Cathedral is normally 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, one of the best backyard within the Costa del Sol area. With tropical crops from 5 totally different continents, a stroll round this backyard is an unimaginable expertise.
The huge inexperienced area is nearly like a forest within the metropolis with synthetic lakes, ponds, and too many crops to rely. It’s a bit distant 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 may spend hours with out becoming bored. Effectively, I may 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 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 Website estimated to be 6,500 years outdated. It’s among the finest locations close to Malaga for historical past buffs who take pleasure in touring relics from a distinct period.
What’s most spectacular is that entrance to the positioning is totally freed from cost, and anybody can go to and stroll round. However for those who’re not that interested by historical past, you would possibly wish to skip this attraction as a result of it’s primarily only a bunch of very massive stones.
Dolmen de Menga is an historical burial web site 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.
Sensible Info: Dolmens of Antequera are accessible by bus (1-2 hours) or automobile (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 style and vehicles. I needed to decide 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 listing.
Located within the southern a part of town near Playa de Huelin, the museum contains a distinctive assortment of basic vehicles and style, and I can’t determine what I want. The vehicles exhibited vary from Belle Epoque autos to Sizzling Rods, they usually’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 Modern Artwork 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 not possible to overlook on a tour of town.
Nevertheless it’s an ordinary modern artwork museum, which could not be everybody’s cup of tea. The reveals are out of the extraordinary and infrequently 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 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 for those who’re staying in Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga – the journey is the time to neglect about weight-reduction plan and take pleasure in native delicacies.
A number of the metropolis’s finest tapas bars are inside Malaga’s lined market. Stroll for 10 minutes across the outdated city, and also you’ll encounter at the very least 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 wonderful 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 helpful.
17. Roam Round Montes de Málaga Pure Park
Montes de Malaga Pure Park is one other wonderful vacation spot for hikers in Costa del Sol. If the Caminito del Rey is slightly bit out of your league, this beautiful pure park is one of the best various. With too many miles of mountaineering trails to rely, you could possibly spend your total journey to Malaga right here, discovering spectacular landscapes.
The park is called after the mountain vary that dominates the area and affords 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 number of 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 for those who don’t have entry to a automobile in Malaga.
18. Tour to Granada (See the Alhambra)
The Alhambra is among 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 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 points of interest in Andalusia, and you’ll usually anticipate it to be crowded.
A number of sorts of tickets can be found for Alhambra, relying on which elements of the advanced you wish to entry. I like to recommend going all out and getting the costliest tickets that will let you see the whole lot. Plan to spend a complete day right here, roaming across the palace advanced, marveling in any respect the little particulars on the totally different palace constructions, and getting into as many rooms as doable.
Sensible Info: 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 Work on the Caves of Nerja
The Caves of Nerja are a captivating 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 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 break up in two, and just one part is open to the general public. Live shows are sometimes held in one of many caves, because it serves as a wonderful amphitheater. For those who 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.
Regularly Requested Questions
What Not To Miss In Malaga Spain?
The Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, and Castillo de Gibralfaro are essentially 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 Finest Recognized For?
Malaga is finest identified 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 Value Visiting?
Sure, Malaga is value visiting. The beautiful Spanish metropolis boasts lovely structure, panoramic sea views, and wonderful artwork museums. Whether or not you wish to spend your time lounging on the seashore, exploring town’s tradition, or touring via Andalusia, Malaga doesn’t disappoint.
How Many Days Do I Want To Go to Malaga?
Two to a few days is the proper 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
Finest Time To Go to
Summer time is one of the best time to go to Malaga, particularly for those who love seashores and sunbathing. July and August are the warmest within the metropolis, with temperatures constantly 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 continuously, the humidity is excessive and the possibility of rain is way increased than in the course of 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 for those who’re primarily interested by landmarks and points of interest as a substitute of the seashores.
Getting There
Malga is serviced by the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which is simply quarter-hour exterior town middle by practice. It’s additionally doable to take the bus from the airport to central Malaga and it’s solely 10 minutes slower than the practice. Each the practice and bus cease on the essential 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 would provide cheaper flights. It’s solely three hours from Malaga by practice, so a superb various for those who 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, they usually’re very inexpensive. Taxis are additionally an possibility that’s slightly faster however usually costlier 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 would 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. 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.
Then again, it’s additionally bought quite a bit to supply to anybody interested by 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 finest mountaineering trails.
The place To Keep In Malaga
The historic middle of Malaga is one of the best place to remain, particularly for first-time guests. All one of the best points of interest are inside strolling distance, and there are a great deal of outlets and locations to eat. The resorts in Malaga metropolis middle vary from inexpensive to luxurious, so there’s an possibility for everybody’s price range.
You would select to remain in one of many suburbs, however I actually don’t suppose it’s mandatory. Additionally, the site visitors in Malaga might be fairly dangerous, and for those who’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 below are a few of the finest resorts in Malaga for everybody’s price range:
Having a superb time in Malaga is as straightforward as respiratory. Town’s points of interest are so numerous that anybody can have enjoyable right here, whether or not they’re primarily interested by archaeology or seashores. Follow what you want, and also you’ll take pleasure in each minute within the metropolis.
I hope this itinerary helps you uncover one of the best of Malaga, and discover issues to do this genuinely curiosity you for a good time in Spain.