Wondering what the perfect issues to do in Malaga, Spain are? Here are our picks for the highest issues to do when visiting this magical seaside metropolis!
We spent a month dwelling in Malaga and completely liked spending time within the metropolis. It is the proper steadiness of seashore and metropolis life and is near numerous different locations, making it the proper base for day journeys across the Costa del Sol Area.
Sitting within the coronary heart of Costa del Sol, Málaga seeps Andalusian tradition and attraction at each flip.
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, Costa del Sol actually interprets to “sun coast” and consists of an extended stretch of Mediterranean shoreline in Southern Spain.
Malga is home to among the most vital historic monuments in Europe, glowing seashores stretching out to the glittering sea, and a spicy Spanish flare, there are numerous superior issues to do in Málaga.
In this information on the perfect issues to do in Malaga, we’ll add numerous insider suggestions, info on high points of interest, issues to do, the place to eat, and extra.
Malaga Things to Do Highlights
Malaga is a reasonably in style vacationer vacation spot in Spain so I extremely suggest you guide issues prematurely! I included a couple of must-do excursions whereas within the space, in addition to native Airbnb excursions which provide extra distinctive experiences.
- Best of Malaga Tour: Discover the perfect of Malaga on this full-day tour displaying you round Malaga’s highlights just like the Málaga Cathedral, Alcazaba, and extra.
- Caminito Del Rey: Go on a surprising day tour with an area, mountaineering the well-known Caminito Del Rey Gorges that Malaga is thought for.
- Go Local For a Day!: Uncover the perfect of Malaga by the eyes of an area as she takes you round for the day, permitting you to “live as the locals do!”
- Hiking Torcal de Antequera: Join a guided nature hike with an area, strolling by the UNESCO Heritage web site within the Natural Park of Torcal de Antequera.
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How to Get to Malaga, Spain?
Known because the birthplace of Pablo, Picasso, Malaga is situated on the Mediterranean shoreline within the southern a part of Spain.
The greatest technique to get to Málaga is to fly into its airport, Malaga Airport or Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). From Spain, there are a number of direct flights to this airport.
Malaga airport is situated simply 10km away from the town heart, making it very handy as you may simply take a bus, taxi, or prepare in as quickly as your flight lands. There are a number of prepare stations inside Malaga metropolis, making it a straightforward choice to get to your lodge.
Alternatively, it’s also possible to journey to Malaga through excessive pace prepare from cities like Madrid, Valencia, and extra. For instance, Madrid to Malaga is a mere 2:30 prepare experience.
From different important hotspot locations, listed here are tough distances to present you an concept of how accessible Malaga is.
- Malaga to Granada: 83 miles or 133 km
- Malaga to Madrid: 334 miles or 538 km
- Malaga to Sevilla: 133 miles or 214 km
- Malaga to Cordoba: 105 miles or 169 km
- Malaga to Valencia: 408 miles or 656 km
Best Time of the Year to Go to Malaga
If you’re heading to Malaga to benefit from the solar and the ocean, the greatest time to go to is between the months of June- September. The hottest time of the yr is July and August and is the busiest.
We personally lived in Malaga in the course of the month of December and located the climate to be nice. We additionally acquired to benefit from the beautiful mild reveals that Malaga is thought for in the course of the Christmas season!
The coldest month of all the yr is January so plan your journey accordingly. However, having stated that, Spain’s Costa del Sol is thought to have among the mildest winters in Europe and is commonly sunny for a lot of the yr.
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Things to Do in Malaga
1. Explore the Alcazaba
First constructed in the course of the eighth century, Málaga’s Alcazaba underwent greater than 500 years of growth till it took the type of the towering fortress it’s immediately. The construction is without doubt one of the most vital examples of Moorish structure standing immediately — a miracle after present process captures and sieges all through its lengthy, turbulent historical past.
Like most fortresses, the Alcazaba sits strategically atop a hill. It’s surrounded by partitions guarding twin citadels, lavish gardens, Arab arches, and Roman columns, making it certainly one of Málaga’s most vital monuments and a surprising place to go to.
The Alcazaba is a brilliant in style vacationer attraction within the Costa del Sol Region so count on to see some crowds.
In order to essentially perceive the which means of the place, we suggest taking a guided tour of the Alcazaba to study all about its winding historical past, or just seize a ticket and discover it by yourself (P.S. entry is free on Sunday afternoons!)
Either approach, be ready to be amazed by the Islamic structure and lovely views of Málaga!
2. Step Back in Time on the Roman Theatre
Sitting simply on the base of the Alcazaba you’ll discover the Roman Theatre — or somewhat what stays of it.
This is the oldest web site in all of Málaga; it dates again to the first century nevertheless it wasn’t found till the Nineteen Fifties — how wild is that!? You can see the robust Roman affect in Malaga on this theater, which stood tall and robust earlier than being damaged down and used for constructing supplies below Arab rule.
Today, you may nonetheless see the completely different layers of seating and the grand entrance, remnants from historical instances. Hit the Visitor’s Center to study extra in regards to the web site and take a better take a look at the completely different artifacts that had been unearthed from the theatre, like vessels and instruments.
For the total rundown on the Roman Theater, contemplate taking a guided tour which additionally features a tour of the Alcazaba, letting you in on the secrets and techniques of Málaga’s previous.
3. Take in Panoramic Views from Castillo de Gibralfaro
Another certainly one of Málaga’s most spectacular issues to do is a go to to Castillo de Gibralfaro, an eighth century fortress sitting on a steep hillside.
Like most historical monuments, Castillo de Gibralfaro was rebuilt in the course of the 14th century and used as a spot to deal with troops and shield the Alcazaba. On a go to right here, wander by the lookout towers and alongside the towering ramparts which might be straightforward to think about as Málaga’s line of defense.
The better part about this fortress is it provides guests sprawling views of Málaga under. Take within the sights of all the city with the low-hanging buildings, lush rolling hills, and naturally the ocean within the distance.
To get to Castillo de Gibralfaro, you may take a bus to the highest of the hill, nevertheless it’s significantly better to stroll so you may take within the infinite panoramas of Málaga alongside the way in which.
4. Learn About History on the Málaga Cathedral
A mishmash of Renaissance and Baroque structure, the Málaga Cathedral stands tall within the heart of the town, with a facade constructed of grand arches, towering columns, and complex pictures of saints carved into stone.
The Cathedral took greater than 150 years to finish which is why there are such a lot of completely different kinds in its structure. Today, it stays one of many metropolis’s important landmarks and one of many high issues to see in Málaga.
The Málaga Cathedral is exclusive as there’s solely a single tower within the north standing at 84 meters tall, making it the second-largest tower in Andalusia, following intently behind Seville’s belltower. The Cathedral was meant to have a south tower, however as a substitute, the cash was used to help America with gaining their independence from England — fascinating, proper?
You can find out about this and extra on a go to to the Cathedral which is definitely probably the greatest issues to do in Málaga, Spain!
5. Gaze at Masterpieces at Museo Picasso (Picasso Museum)
One of Málaga’s claims to fame is that it’s the birthplace of the famed Pablo Picasso, and as such, a lot of the town is devoted to the late and nice artist.
In truth, proper by Plaza de la Merced, you may see a statue of Pablo Picasso constructed by constructed by Francisco López Hernández.
No journey to Málaga is full with out a go to to the Picasso Museum the place a lot of his work are on show, making up a stunning assortment of his early works. It’s additionally a fantastic place to study in regards to the fascinating historical past of his life.
The Picasso museum sits proper within the coronary heart of Old Town and has greater than 230 works on show. For true insider entry to Picasso’s life in Málaga and his early profession as a painter, we suggest taking a guided tour of the museum.
If you’re thinking about studying extra about Picasso’s affect in Málaga, it’s also possible to go to his homeland and Casa Natal, an condo rented by his dad and mom within the Eighties the place the artist was raised.
Since the Picasso Museum is a well-liked attraction, we suggest reserving tickets / reserving forward of time. Click the button under for extra particulars. A go to to Museo Picasso Málaga is certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Malaga, City.
6. Enjoy Art in a Cube at Centre Pompidou Málaga
To break free from the traditional historical past and custom of Málaga, pay a go to to Centre Pompidou for a hearty dose of latest artwork in a charming setting.
An offshoot of the extraordinarily well-known Pompidou Centre in Paris, this contemporary artwork gallery is housed in a large, multicolored glass dice filled with offbeat displays by well-known Spanish artists. This may be present in metropolis centre near the principle promenade.
Seek works by the likes of Damien Hirst, Frida Kahlo, Antoni Tapies and extra, alongside extra present-day Spanish artists in a mix of mediums.
While the Contemporary Art heart is supposed to be short-term, it would proceed to be a vibrant a part of Málaga’s port space till 2025. It provides free admission on Sunday afternoons and is the proper place to chill off after an extended morning within the sunshine!
7. Time Travel on the Automobile and Fashion Museum
A closing museum price a go to in Málaga is the Automobile and Fashion Museum, house to one thing for everybody.
Here you’ll discover an out-of-this-world assortment of greater than 100 basic automobiles, starting from Aston Martins, Cadillacs, Bugattis and extra! Besides simply automobiles, the museum is house to seven galleries devoted to style, the place you’ll find shows made up of greater than 200 items of high fashion. How dreamy is that?
To go to someplace that may appease practically each man and woman visiting Málaga, make a beeline for this distinctive museum!
8. Find Yummy Bites at Mercado Atarazanas
It wouldn’t be a visit to Spain with out consuming and ingesting your approach by Málaga. One of the perfect locations to seize one thing recent to eat within the metropolis is Mercado Ataranzas, the central market crammed with a maze of stalls and frequented by locals and vacationers alike.
The constructing that homes Ataranzas is solely beautiful, crafted from iron and glass, with an impressive stained glass window depicting scenes of Málaga and boats within the port. The market itself can also be probably the greatest examples of nineteenth century structure within the metropolis!
While wandering round, you’ll discover all the things from recent fruits and veggies to just-caught fish, butcher stalls, home-baked bread, and melty cheeses. Spanish meals is a favourite of ours and there’s a motive why!
Visit the market early because it closes at 2 pm and understand that it’s closed on Sundays, as properly. The market is barely a ten minute stroll from Palacio de Buenavista and different important areas.
9. Take a Wine & Tapas Tour
Another improbable technique to expertise Málaga’s eating scene is to take a wine and tapas tour by the town.
This night tour stops at 4 completely different tapas bars and consists of a complete of eight meals tastings and 5 completely different wine varieties – yum!
It’s a small group, so that you’ll have the prospect to get to know different vacationers and have an intimate expertise. Plus your native information will share info on the historical past of Málaga’s meals scene, native specialties, and a lot extra!
10. Brave the Caminito del Rey
A stroll alongside the Caminito del Rey is no doubt probably the most adventurous factor you are able to do in Málaga. It is without doubt one of the greatest pure points of interest in Costa del Sol and is taken into account a must-do!
But what’s the Caminito del Rey? Well, as soon as thought of the world’s most harmful hike, the Caminito is a path that traces rocky mountains and crosses deep gorges, with views over turquoise reservoirs and Spanish wildlife.
While it was as soon as fairly precarious because it was constructed 100 years in the past, the path was renovated and improved for security after which reopened in 2015 — so no want to fret, it’s completely secure. Read our article on the hike to search out out precisely how superior it’s!
The greatest technique to go to Caminito del Rey is to take a guided tour. If you don’t wish to fear about getting your self to the path, this native tour consists of round-trip transportation from Málaga and is extraordinarily extremely rated.
11. Go on a Quad Bike Tour
Looking for journey in Málaga? Take a quad bike tour alongside the dust roads on the outskirts of the town.
You’ll cross by crop fields, experience alongside the coast, and cross the Guadalhorce River the place you’ll get to take a fast afternoon dip earlier than persevering with on along with your experience. This is the final word technique to get out of the town for a day and have some wild enjoyable with attractive surroundings!
Note: To guide this exercise, contributors should be 18 years or older and have a sound driver’s license.
12. Kick Back at Malagueta Beach
It wouldn’t be an inventory of issues to do in Málaga with out the seashore. Málaga is house to some improbable sandy stretches, probably the most well-known being La Malagueta with its big signal, traces of seashore bars, and brightly coloured umbrellas.
In truth, folks flock to Malaga from completely different components of Costa del Sol simply to get pleasure from some solar and sand!
The seashore at Málaga stretches alongside the shoreline and also you’re capable of finding another nice spots to chill and tan for the day.
Other seashores to get pleasure from in Malaga is Playa de la Caleta which is situated between Baños del Carmen and La Malagueta seashore. One of the issues I really like probably the most about Málaga City is the truth that there are such a lot of accessible seashores close by.
If you’re hoping to have a sunny and sandy vacation season, Malaga can also be one of many greatest locations to spend Christmas in Europe.
Head east to Playa de las Acacias or pop over to Torremolinos, a fast 20-minute drive down the coast. If you don’t thoughts just a little little bit of a experience, most of Costa del Sol’s greatest seashores are straightforward to achieve inside an hour from Málaga!
13. Relax at a Hammam
To unwind in your trip in Málaga, the perfect factor to do is go to a standard hammam, or Arab bathhouse.
With this cross, you get a 90-minute session at Hammam Al-Andalus in Málaga. Let the stress simply soften away — take a dip in numerous temperature baths, sweat out toxins within the steam room, and drink conventional tea within the lounge.
You may calm down with a therapeutic massage on the hammam, full with important oils of your selecting. Now that’s what I’m speaking about!
14. Enjoy Málaga on a Bike Tour
One of probably the most improbable methods to see Málaga is by bike, biking between historic monuments and stopping for candy drinks to chill off.
On this bike tour, you’ll go to the Roman Theater, Gibralfaro Castle, and experience alongside the oceanfront promenade. You’ll additionally get to go to the Semana Santa Museum in addition to the maze-like Moorish Quarter.
Along the way in which, your information will level out websites of curiosity and provide the alternative to snap show-stopping photos, all whereas educating you on the historical past of the town.
This is one of the best ways to see a lot of Málaga’s sights at one go and will positively be in your checklist of issues to do whereas visiting!
15. Visit a Winery
When we had been in Malaga, one of many issues we didn’t get to do was go to a vineyard! This native tour takes you from Malaga metropolis heart to a winery, 30 minutes away within the coronary heart of Costa del Sol the place you may pattern completely different wines and eat some tapas.
This tour is extremely rated and is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do whereas in Malaga.
16. Spend an Adventurous Day Out
If you’re keen on journey, this enjoyable native tour takes you to the Natural Park of Sierra Alhama the place you may hike to Saltillo Gorge. During the summer season months, it’s also possible to swim within the river which is completely improbable.
17. View the Malaga Christmas Lights
The Christmas Lights in Malaga is the star of Costa del Sol and is frequented by many. We need to admit, previous to arriving in Malaga, we needed to concept that Christmas was so in style right here.
We had been pleasantly shocked by the lights and went to see the present a number of instances throughout our month lengthy keep!
The important decorations may be seen in Calle Larios and the present itself is full with 3D Video mapping in addition to a light-weight and sound present. It is really a spectacular sight!
18. Enjoy the Food in Malaga
Like all of Spain, mMalagueños (native folks from Malaga) take their meals very severely. There is an abundance of fine meals throughout Malaga.
From native fares to Michelin star meals in Malaga, you’re spoilt for alternative. If you’re questioning what to eat in Spain, try our full information right here.
When we had been there, we loved native dishes like Huevos Rotos, tapas, and extra. For native eats, we propose trying out Casa Lola or Gorki.
Best Day Trips from Málaga
Due to its strategic location within the coronary heart of Costa del Sol, there are a great deal of day journey choices round Málaga.
For starters, you may spend the day in Gibraltar the place you’re actually on the tip of Europe, or head up the coast to Nerja to discover caves and lounge on the seashore.
From Málaga, it’s also possible to take a day journey to Marbella, one of the crucial in style locations in Costa del Sol for a day filled with ingesting, positive eating, and exploring the slender streets crammed with colourful homes.
Finally, it’s also possible to take a day journey to the villages close by to admire whitewashed homes in Frigiliana, Antequera, and Casares, all nice locations to have an genuine, native meal as properly.
Another in style day journey from Malaga is Ronda the place you may see the beautiful bridge that highlights the town.
It’s most handy to take day journeys from Málaga should you’ve rented a automotive, which supplies you the liberty to journey across the area at your personal tempo, stopping while you really feel prefer it. Click the button under to match the worth of automobiles!
Where to Stay in Malaga
As Malaga is a big metropolis, there are tons of choices in the case of discovering a spot to remain. Here are a few of our suggestions.
Looking for extra suggestions? Read our the place to remain in Malaga information for recommendations on the perfect areas to remain.
Travel Must: At the danger of sounding like your dad and mom, be sure to get journey insurance coverage earlier than hitting the street. Trust us, it’s a type of belongings you don’t wish to depart house with out. We suggest both World Nomads or Safety Wing, relying on the kind of traveler you’re.
Málaga, Spain actually has one thing for everybody: lots to maintain the historical past buff occupied, miles of seashore for the tanning fanatic, and a powerful Spanish identification that shines by for anybody in search of true tradition.
From the monuments to the museums, the castles to the hidden tapas bars, Málaga is certain to give you loads of issues to do in your go to.
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