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Málaga boasts 320 days of solar per 12 months, sandy seashores, historic monuments, and vibrant nightlife. Dwelling to a serious worldwide airport and a well-connected prepare station, this seaside metropolis makes an awesome launching pad for exploring Southern Spain. Make sure you keep at the least just a few days to discover Málaga’s points of interest earlier than venturing additional into Andalusia. Listed below are the 20 finest issues to do in Málaga!
1. Picasso Museum
Since Málaga is the birthplace of Picasso, a go to to this artwork museum is crucial for any trip itinerary. View Picasso’s work in a formidable everlasting assortment at Museo Picasso Málaga.
It’s dwelling to over 200 items of artwork created by Pablo Picasso over the course of 80 years. The art work was donated to the museum by his household.
Purchase your skip-the-line Picasso Museum ticket now. An audio tour is included with the value of admission.
2. Alcazaba of Málaga
The Alcazaba is Málaga’s finest recognized monument. Building of this imposing fortress started within the eighth century however many of the present construction dates to the eleventh century.
Moorish (Spanish Muslim) royalty lived within the inside palace after they dominated Andalusia for lots of of years till the Spanish Inquisition within the late 1400s. That is when Spain’s Moors and Jews had been banished, compelled to transform, or killed. Catholic monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella lived right here for some time after conquering town in 1487.
The fortress is laced with vines and dotted with sweet-scented citrus bushes and vivid flowering bougainvillea. Fountain-filled gardens add to the attract of this lovely place.
Put on good strolling sneakers as a result of it is fairly a hike to the highest of the Alcazaba. To your effort, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of town and port.
A small museum and audio tour are included along with your entrance ticket. For a extra in-depth expertise, join a guided tour of the Alcazaba through our companion, GetYourGuide.
3. Roman Theatre of Málaga
You possibly can’t miss Teatro Romano de Málaga. It is positioned within the coronary heart of town and sits on the foot of the Alcazaba.
The Roman Theater is the oldest monument in Málaga. It was constructed within the 1st century by Caesar Augustus, the primary Roman emperor.
For hundreds of years, the Roman Theatre was hidden by homes and streets that had been constructed on the slopes under the Alcazaba. In reality, it was not found till 1951 throughout a landscaping venture. That sparked years of excavation to disclose the ruins.
Entrance to the Roman Theatre of Málaga and a small onsite interpretation middle is free. It is closed on Mondays however can at all times be considered from a distance.
4. Gibralfaro Citadel
At evening, floodlit Castillo de Gibralfaro glows on Gibralfaro Mountain simply exterior town middle. This fortress started building within the tenth century and was expanded within the 14th century. For lots of of years, it was used as a protection construction and a lighthouse to information ships into Málaga’s harbor.
This fortress options eight towers, pretty gardens, a small museum, and a restaurant. The true purpose to go to Gibralfaro Citadel, nevertheless, is for its sweeping views of town and port.
It takes about half-hour to sort out the uphill stroll from the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro.
5. Sandy Seashores
When visiting the capital of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Solar), the seaside is a should. You possibly can lease lounge chairs with umbrellas for a handful of euros per individual.
Then settle in and order a chilly drink whilst you watch the mellow Mediterranean Sea waves. Sangria, anybody?
Málaga’s seaside facilities range however most supply showers, footbaths, and public bogs. Lifeguards are sometimes on responsibility from June by way of September.
Though the seashores are sandy, anticipate rocks alongside the shore and when getting into the water. Floats and water sneakers will assist defend delicate ft.
Malagueta Seaside
La Malagueta Seaside is without doubt one of the hottest seaside choices in Málaga. It is lined with palm bushes and presents a youngsters’s play space. It is an city seaside near town, making it handy. However I discovered the commercial Port of Málaga views to be lower than superb.
Misericordia Seaside
My household most popular Misericordia Seaside. A neighborhood really useful it to us for its fairly views and fewer crowded environment. A playground for youths provides to the enjoyable.
6. Chiringuitos Seaside Bars
Chiringuitos are seaside bars that supply drinks and infrequently meals. You can also make reservations prematurely at a few of these informal eating places or simply present up and ask for a desk.
Stacked skewers of charcoal-grilled sardines (sardine espetos) are the specialty at these institutions alongside Costa del Sol’s seashores. You possibly can order different recent fish, too.
Moreover, most chiringuitos serve easy Spanish meals. Spain’s well-known chilly tomato soup, gazpacho, makes a refreshing alternative on a scorching summer time seaside day.
7. Atarazanas Market
The colourful Mercado Central de Atarazanas presents an array of gorgeous recent produce, olives, spices, and different tempting meals. My household bought an array of dried fruits that we snacked on all through our trip in Spain.
For a fast chunk, pull up a seat at one of many stalls to seize a tapa or two with a glass of Málaga’s namesake candy wine. Atarazanas Market Bar will get rave opinions.
Wander the market by yourself or join a Foodie Tour of Atarazanas Market through our companion, GetYourGuide. The two-hour tour consists of samples of Iberian ham, manchego cheese, olive oil, and extra. All ages are welcome.
8. Málaga Cathedral
The official identify of town’s main cathedral is Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Basílica de la Encarnación. Locals, nevertheless, name it La Manquita. This nickname interprets as “the one-armed woman” and refers back to the cathedral’s lacking tower.
Constructed between 1528 and 1782, building halted when cash ran out. La Catédral de Málaga’s remaining tower is the second tallest in Andalusia.
The Baroque-Renaissance Málaga Cathedral is gorgeous from the surface. However the inside will take your breath away with its hovering dome encircled by stained glass home windows.
9. Night Paseo in Metropolis Heart
In Spanish, paseo means to walk or leisurely stroll. Spain’s night paseo is when locals and guests take to metropolis centre to wander, socialize, and luxuriate in drinks and tapas late into the evening.
Of the numerous Andalusian cities we visited, Málaga’s paseo was the liveliest and most concentrated inside one central space. Head to Outdated City and be a part of the crowds to absorb the bubbly vibe.
View my video above to see a small slice of Málaga’s night paseo. I recorded this bustling video round midnight on a Friday in July. We strolled Saturday and different nights, too, however Friday was positively the perfect time to discover a festive surroundings.
As with most issues in Spain, paseo is a household affair. So, anticipate to see even younger youngsters out late strolling with their dad and mom. That is very true on weekends in summer time.
10. Parque de Málaga
Stretching alongside Paseo del Parque between Outdated City and the port, the oval-shaped Parque de Málaga is often known as Parque de la Alameda. Locals, nevertheless, name it merely El Parque.
This inexperienced house supplies a refreshing respite from town. Take pleasure in fountains and ponds all through its 81 acres. Additionally, search for small playgrounds and an out of doors theater. It is a free spot to wander, play, or just calm down on a bench within the shade of palm, orange, and cypress bushes.
11. Centre Pompidou Málaga
The primary extension of the well-known artwork museum in France, Centre Pompidou Málaga options greater than 80 trendy artwork items from the twentieth and twenty first centuries. Search for works by Marc Chagall, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, and different well-known artists. Product of brightly coloured glass panes, The Dice sits atop the museum and is an attractive show of artwork in itself.
12. La Concepción Botanical Backyard
Created in 1855, La Concepción Botanic Backyard is positioned simply exterior town, off the exit street to Granada. Based on Fodor’s Important Spain, it is, “too far to stroll, however effectively definitely worth the cab fare.”
Along with native flora, the backyard consists of plantings from Latin America, the Philippines, and Australia. Spain’s official tourism web site says, “It is a romantic backyard with winding paths, ponds, waterfalls, and streams. It has lush semi-tropical vegetation and great examples of rubber vegetation, palm bushes, and a few spectacular Araucarias.”
13. Plaza de la Merced
Surrounded by leafy bushes, Plaza de la Merced is a reasonably public sq. in central Málaga. Sidewalk cafes and eating places line the sq..
Picasso followers will need to go to Casa Natal de Picasso, additionally positioned within the sq.. That is Picasso’s birthplace dwelling, which now features as a small museum in his honor. Moreover, there’s a bronze statue of Picasso throughout the sq..
Within the plaza’s middle, discover Monumento a Torrijos. This obelisk was erected to honor Basic Torrijos and 48 of his followers who had been shot to dying by order of Ferdinand VII.
14. Carmen Thyssen Museum
Acquire perception into native tradition with a go to to Carmen Thyssen Museum. The museum shows over 200 work and different Spanish items of artwork from the nineteenth century, with a specific give attention to Andalusian artists. The art work is displayed inside Palacio de Villalón, which was owned by a noble household within the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
15. Avenue Artwork
Málaga sizzles with road artwork. Benefit from the vibrant shows as you stumble throughout them. Or observe this self-guided road artwork tour of Málaga by The Flashpacker.
To turn into a part of the artwork your self, ebook this Málaga Skilled Picture Shoot and Metropolis Tour. An expert photographer will snap portraits of you (and your journey companions) on the street artwork districts of Soho and Lagunilla. You’ll obtain 20 edited, high-definition pictures as a memento of your time in Málaga.
16. Flamenco Present
Flamenco consists of a singer, guitarist, and dancer who work in live performance collectively to showcase the perfect of their particular person talents in a single passionate efficiency. The improvised artwork type takes years to grasp. It’s mesmerizing to observe the musicians and dancers synchronize their artwork varieties to create a seamless and enthralling show.
Andalucía is the birthplace of flamenco. Due to this fact, you’ll positively need to attend a tablao whereas in Southern Spain. Select from an array of flamenco exhibits in Málaga.
17. Holy Week
Many individuals journey from around the globe journey to Spain to expertise the nation’s Holy Week processionals. Sturdy locals carry elaborate and very heavy floats referred to as pasos. These function statues of Jesus or Mary. It’s thought of an awesome honor to take part in these processions and is finished as an indication of devotion and penance.
Greater than 5 million vacationers go to Málaga for this celebration yearly. Semana de Santa de Málaga takes place over the last week of Lent, the week earlier than Easter. Throughout Ardour Week in Málaga, anticipate a joyous celebration stuffed with flamenco and boisterous crowds. This differs from extra somber and meditative processionals in different areas of Spain.
My household visited Málaga throughout July, however we had been handled to a smaller model of the Holy Week processional. On a Sunday, we stumbled upon a parade of Malagueños in Outdated City carrying a paso on their shoulders and necks. (And, sure, I did see two robust girls carrying the paso!)
Catholic church leaders led the procession. Then, youngsters preceded the float, with older teenagers holding burning incense. A band enjoying rousing spiritual music adopted. Regardless that I’m not Catholic, it was really a shifting sight to see. View my video above to see what I imply!
18. Hammam al Andalus Arab Bathtub Home
For some of the enjoyable issues to do in Málaga, plan a day at Hammam al Andalus within the metropolis middle. Expertise the ritual of an Arab bathtub in an attractive setting surrounded by Moorish mosaic tilework.
A hammam is a public bathhouse tailored from Roman occasions. The standard bathing course of includes cleansing the physique and thoughts by way of a mixture of scorching steam, exfoliation, and submersion in varied swimming pools of various temperatures.
E-book a 1.5-hour bathtub and therapeutic massage at Hammam al Andalus now.
19. Spanish and Andalusian Delicacies
There isn’t any scarcity of nice meals in Málaga. In reality, there are a handful of Michelin-starred eating places within the metropolis. In case your funds would not permit for such extravagances, then check out my three favourite eating choices in Málaga under.
El Pimpi
The seafood served at El Pimpi is delivered day by day from the close by ports of Málaga, Almeria, Cadiz, and Huelva. And all their meat entreés, like oxtail stew or acorn-fed Iberian pork tenderloin in mustard sauce, include greens from the restaurant’s personal backyard.
This restaurant is a wonderful place to attempt ajo blanco. This Andalusian chilled soup is made out of almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil. It’s typically referred to as “white gazpacho.” El Pimpi’s is served with a refreshing scoop of mango sorbet within the middle, which pairs surprisingly effectively with the opposite substances.
The meals is excellent at El Pimpi however the primary draw is their al fresco eating patio with views of the Alcazaba within the distance. Make reservations on-line for this well-liked restaurant.
Casa Lola
After all, when in Málaga you will need to go to their plentiful tapas bars. My household liked Casa Lola. Anticipate a convivial, informal surroundings with pleasant workers and many menu decisions at inexpensive costs.
Search for conventional favorites like gambas al ajillo (prawns with garlic, chili, and white wine), calamares (deep-fried battered squid), and jamon sérrano (Spanish cured ham).
Our household of 4 agreed Casa Lola’s patatas bravas had been the perfect we ate in Spain. And we at plenty of patatas bravas! Their deep-fried potatoes are served with a scrumptious creamy tomato sauce with simply the correct quantity of kick.
A wide range of paellas can be found for these in search of a heartier Spanish meal. In the meantime, vegetarians (like my daughter) respect their salads, cheeses, and zucchini croquettes.
Los Patios de Beatas
Wine lovers will need to dine at Los Patios de Beatas earlier than or after a go to to the close by Museo Picasso. This restaurant and wine bar is dwelling to one in every of Málaga’s largest wine collections.
Anticipate greater than 500 choices on the wine listing, a lot of that are very inexpensive. Make sure you get a bottle of wine to go to carry dwelling or to drink throughout your trip in Spain.
We purchased a bottle of their unimaginable olive oil as a memento, too. (Do you know Spain is the world’s largest producer of olive oil?)
Meals costs aren’t low-cost, however you possibly can persist with salads and tapas (“media” parts). It is value your money and time for the wine choice and inside patio lined with a blinding stained glass ceiling.
20. Day Journeys from Málaga
Málaga works effectively as a central place from which you’ll be able to enterprise on day journeys to different fascinating Spanish locales.
Ronda
The White Villages, or Pueblos Blancos, embody 19 whitewashed cities in Spain’s Andalusia area. The most important and hottest is Ronda. That is the place my household stopped on our route from Seville again to Málaga.
Ronda can be the one White Village with prepare entry. We, nevertheless, employed a non-public driver for the 1.5-hour automobile journey. Parking is notoriously troublesome in well-liked Ronda and the route is a bit precarious alongside winding cliffs, however you would actually lease a automobile for the day. You may as well join a Ronda group day journey.
The first attraction in Ronda is the famend Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Regardless of its identify, this lovely bridge started building in 1759 and took 34 years to construct.
Nerja
Head to close by Nerja for a seaside day journey. Rick Steves recommends this city for its picturesque and well-equipped seashores. The most well-liked and crowded choice is Del Salón Seaside. Locals want El Playazo, but it surely lacks eating places, showers, and different services.
Nerja is a few 50-minute by automobile from Málaga. Word: Uber is out there in Málaga however not in Nerja. You need to use the Cabify app to name a taxi as a substitute.
Trains depart from Málaga to Nerja each half-hour from round 7 am to 11 pm. The journey will take a bit of over 1.5 hours every approach.
Marbella
For a swanky day journey, set your sights on Marbella. This metropolis is called the Beverly Hills of Southern Spain for its Michelin-starred eating places, luxurious inns, and beautiful seashores.
There aren’t any direct trains from Málaga to Marbella. A automobile experience is about 45 minutes in every path. Fortunately, Ubers can be found in Marbella. In the meantime, a one-way bus journey will take round 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Different Day Journeys
Check out different thrilling day journeys from Málaga, accessible with simple reserving through our companion, GetYourGuide. Choices embody British-owned and English-speaking Gibraltar, Caminito del Rey’s infamously thrilling hike, and Tetouan, a conventional metropolis in Morocco.
Really useful Lodges in Málaga
After a lot analysis, I booked two totally different inns in Málaga. My household liked them each! Contemplating the facilities and areas, each had been an awesome discount. That is very true when evaluating prices for staying in related caliber inns in U.S. cities.
AC Lodge Malaga Palacio – Marriott
E-book a keep at AC Lodge Malaga Palacio for wonderful views of town, the port, and Málaga Cathedral. Sandwiched between the cathedral and Parque de Málaga, the placement cannot be beat. There’s easy accessibility to the seaside as effectively the eating places and points of interest of downtown. The rooftop pool is gorgeous (if windy), too.
Barceló Málaga
My children liked the whimsical slide that sends riders proper into the resort foyer at Barceló Málaga. In the meantime, I appreciated the unimaginable breakfast buffet. The rooftop pool and bar supplied a refreshing retreat after lengthy days of touring town.
The resort presents direct entry to Maria Zambrano prepare station, making journey simple. Vialia Buying Centre is positioned throughout the similar constructing because the related station so searching for Spanish fashions or grabbing a fast chunk on the meals court docket is a cinch.
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Save These Málaga Actions
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Do you could have any questions on Andalusia or recommendations for extra issues to do in Malaga? Tell us within the feedback under!
A Word from The Journey Mama: I didn’t obtain any media charges, comps, or financial compensation associated to this text.
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