19 Amazing Things To Do In Malaga, Spain In 2024

The south of Spain is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations on the planet, due to huge sandy seashores and limitless sunny days. Malaga lies on the heart of the southern Spanish coast, one of the crucial well-liked cities in Costa del Sol. The very best factor about Malaga is that it affords one thing to everybody, whether or not they’re thinking about historical past or events. From excursions of Moorish castles to day journeys to Marbella for its fabulous nightclubs, the perfect issues to do in Malaga can attraction to anybody. 

Aside from the seashores and the events, the Spanish metropolis can also be well-known for its impeccable artwork scene. It’s the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and it’s obtained 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 the perfect issues to do in Malaga will enable you 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 various as it’s gorgeous, and it’s unattainable to not get pleasure from your keep right here. 

Malaga doesn’t care what you count on from it as a result of it supplies all the things. 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! 

Greatest Of Malaga Fast Information

• Should See: Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre
• The place To Keep: Ibis budget Málaga Centro, Palacio Solecio, Only YOU Hotel 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

Greatest Issues To Do In Malaga

Malaga lies on the heart of Costa del Sol, one of the crucial well-liked vacationer locations on the planet. With numerous miles of sandy seashores, unimaginable medieval structure, and spectacular artwork museums, Malaga is a vacation spot anybody can get pleasure from. 

It’s an equally excellent place for a relaxed seashore trip in addition to a multi-day mountaineering journey. The delicate local weather makes a visit to Malaga worthwhile any time of the yr, but it surely’s the superb meals that may 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 without doubt one of 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. 

In the event you’re not already a fan of artwork and Picasso, this museum won’t be for you. However should you’re even just a little bit within the works of the artist who co-founded the Cubist motion, this museum must be considered one of your first stops in Malaga. 

Insider Tip: In the event you can’t get sufficient of Picasso in Málaga Metropolis, head to Museo Casa Natal de Picasso subsequent. It’s the artist’s former residence on Plaza de la Merced and options much more gorgeous artworks in addition to interval furnishings. 

Sensible Info: The Picasso Museum is open from 10 AM till 6 PM. Tickets are 12€. Book yours here earlier than you go.

2. Strolling Tour of Malaga Outdated 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 be taught all the things in regards to the metropolis’s historical past and tradition. And self-guided excursions are attainable for budget-conscious vacationers preferring to find the sights on their very own. 

Roam across the slender alleys to find the three,000-year historical past of this Spanish metropolis. See the Malaga Cathedral, the Roman Theater, Plaza de la Constitución, and Alcazaba. Then head right down to the port for the perfect views of the Málaga Lighthouse and the ocean past it. 

A street art tour of Malaga is an alternate manner of discovering town. It focuses on the Soho and Lagunillas neighborhoods, the place the majority of town’s graffiti and avenue artwork is discovered. Beautiful 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 known for Moorish structure, with the Alhambra as probably the most well-known instance. However you don’t must travel to Granada to admire a Moorish fortress as a result of Malaga additionally options some gorgeous examples of medieval structure. 

Alcazaba is a medieval fortress in Malaga’s historic heart. It’s surrounded by lush gardens and affords a number 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 may enter as many palace rooms as you want; many have small displays 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 outdoors the historic metropolis heart of Malaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro is one other medieval landmark value visiting in southern Spain. The citadel ruins atop Mount Gibralfaro provide spectacular views of downtown Malaga and its ports. 

This historic citadel is finest identified for the irregular format of its partitions. The prolonged perimeter options just a few bastions, probably the most distinguished of which is the White Tower above its northwestern partitions. 

Strolling alongside the citadel partitions is a good expertise, however don’t neglect to go contained in the completely different citadel rooms. Many characteristic displays on the constructing’s historical past, together with miniature replicas of Malaga’s topography and weapons uncovered on the citadel website.  

Sensible Info: Castillo de Gibralfaro is accessible for a charge of three.5€. Combo tickets can be found for five.5€ and grant entry to each this citadel and the Alcazaba. The citadel is open daily from 9 AM to eight PM. 

5. Purchase Souvenirs at Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a coated market on the western fringe of town’s outdated city. It’s well-known for the work that adorn its roof and the perfect 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 perfect contemporary produce and meats, the coated market is the perfect vacation spot for stocking a fridge in Malaga. And even should you don’t wish to convey residence a pound of Spanish ham (please rethink), you’ll be able to seize a chew to eat at one of many many Tapas Bars below 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 true 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 thinking 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 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 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 should you’re on the lookout for a fast day journey in southern Spain, this is without doubt one of the finest choices. 

Identified for its spectacular resort inns, huge sandy seashores, and glorious nightlife, Marbella is a vacation spot that may provide one thing to anybody. It’s notably place for vacationers who simply wish to loosen up for some time – lounge on the seashore with a cocktail in hand and leap within the sea each time it will get too sizzling. Then dine at a top-notch restaurant within the night, adopted by a wild evening out in considered one of Marbella’s finest golf equipment. 

However, Marbella can also be a terrific vacation spot should you’re primarily thinking about historical past and archeology. With medieval ruins, glorious museums, and an outdated 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 Seaside is without doubt one of the finest in Spain’s Costa del Sol. The huge stretch of sand is consistently inviting vacationers to come back and loosen up for a couple of hours, and it wouldn’t be a correct journey to Malaga should you didn’t “waste” at the least sooner or later lounging on the seashore. 

On a heat, sunny day, there is no such thing as 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 ebook in hand. The seashore is lined with seafood shacks, so that you don’t even have to go away for lunch, and distributors with ice-cold drinks are always strolling up and down the seashore.  

Sensible Info: Playa de la Malagueta is accessible any time of the day at no cost. 

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 whole lot 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 one of the crucial rewarding hikes in southern Spain. 

The doorway to Caminito del Rey is on the northern customer’s heart, roughly two hours outdoors Malaga. This day tour from Malaga is highly 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 contains masterpieces by famend artists from all around the world. A big part of the museum is targeted on artists from Spain, however there are additionally loads of works by worldwide artists. 

Distinguished 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 the most effective scenic vistas of town’s skyline, and it’s an absolute should for beautiful panorama pictures. 

A very powerful church within the metropolis has a central location within the historic outdated city. The intricate carvings on the ceiling are gorgeous, so don’t neglect to search for 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 delightful landscaping that’s value testing should you’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 accessible. 

12. Wander Round Jardín Botánico 

Malaga’s botanical backyard is really a particular place and, in my humble opinion, the perfect backyard within the Costa del Sol area. With tropical crops from 5 completely 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 well 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 bushes, and superbly landscaped strolling paths, it’s a spot the place you’ll be able to spend hours with out losing interest. Properly, 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 heart 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 the most effective locations close to Malaga for historical past buffs who get pleasure from touring relics from a distinct period. 

What’s most spectacular is that entrance to the positioning is fully freed from cost, and anybody can go to and stroll round. However should you’re not that thinking about historical past, you may 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 website 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 below 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 trend and automobiles. I needed to decide up my jaw from the ground as soon as I discovered in regards to the existence of this museum, and it instantly skyrocketed to the highest of my record. 

Located within the southern a part of town near Playa de Huelin, the museum includes a distinctive assortment of basic automobiles and trend, and I can’t resolve what I choose. The automobiles exhibited vary from Belle Epoque automobiles to Sizzling Rods, and so they’re all in pristine situation. 

On the style facet 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 gorgeous. 

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 long-lasting Parisian museum. Set close to the port of Malaga, the eye-catching museum constructing is unattainable to overlook on a tour of town. 

Nevertheless it’s a typical up to date artwork museum, which could not be everybody’s cup of tea. The displays are out of the peculiar and infrequently weird however fascinating on the identical time. It’s a must-visit vacation spot for artwork lovers in Malaga, however in any other case, simply seeing and admiring the extravagant constructing is sufficient. 

Sensible Info: Centre Pompidou Malaga is open from 9:30 AM till 8 PM daily besides Tuesday. A combo ticket for the semi-permanent and short-term exhibit is 9€. 

16. Gastro Tour of Malaga’s Tapas Bars

Spain has scrumptious meals and it doesn’t matter should you’re staying in Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga – the journey is the time to neglect about weight-reduction plan and take pleasure in native delicacies. 

A number of the metropolis’s finest tapas bars are inside Malaga’s coated market. Stroll for 10 minutes across the outdated city, and also you’ll bump into at the 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 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 beneficial. 

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 just a little bit out of your league, this gorgeous pure park is the perfect various. With too many miles of mountaineering trails to rely, you can spend your total journey to Malaga right here, discovering spectacular landscapes. 

The park is known as after the mountain vary that dominates the area and affords glorious 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 day trip in nature. The park additionally options fairly a couple of statues, landmarks, statement 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 excursion is the best choice should you don’t have entry to a automobile in Malaga. 

18. Tour to Granada (See the Alhambra)

The Alhambra is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks on the planet and it’s solely 2 hours outdoors Malaga. Granada is an hour and 45 minutes if in case you have entry to a automobile in southern Spain, and the perfect day journey you are able to do from this metropolis. 

The Moorish palace is without doubt one of the world’s finest examples of Islamic structure. As such, it is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer points of interest in Andalusia, and you may usually count on it to be crowded. 

A number of kinds of tickets can be found for Alhambra, relying on which components of the advanced you wish to entry. I like to recommend going all out and getting the most costly tickets that mean you can see all the things. Plan to spend a whole day right here, roaming across the palace advanced, marveling in any respect the little particulars on the completely different palace buildings, and getting into as many rooms as attainable. 

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 wish 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 practically 5 kilometers, the caverns are residence 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. In the event you can handle to attend a efficiency within the Nerja Caves, it will 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 contains 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 also be world-famous, particularly amongst hikers and out of doors lovers. 

What Is Malaga Greatest Identified For? 

Malaga is finest identified for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Town is residence 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 gorgeous Spanish metropolis boasts lovely structure, panoramic sea views, and glorious 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 loosen up, unwind, and uncover Malaga’s spectacular seashores. 

Ideas And Info For Visiting Malaga

Greatest Time To Go to

Summer season is the perfect time to go to Malaga, particularly should you love seashores and sunbathing. July and August are the warmest within the metropolis, with temperatures persistently above 30° Celsius. Might and October are additionally good occasions 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 always, 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 should you’re primarily thinking 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 outdoors town heart by practice. It’s additionally attainable to take the bus from the airport to central Malaga and it’s solely 10 minutes slower than the practice. Each the practice and bus cease on the principal 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 various should 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 reasonably priced. Taxis are additionally an choice that’s just a little faster however usually dearer than public transport. 

Vacationers preferring to remain lively can cycle to most locations in Malaga. Bicycle rental is on the market at a number of locations within the metropolis, and it’s very reasonably priced. Moreover, Malaga’s metropolis heart is walkable, and you may go to many essential 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. 

However, it’s additionally obtained so much to supply to anybody thinking about historical past, artwork, structure, and tradition. With Moorish castles, Roman Ruins, and the precise residence of Pablo Picasso, Malaga is a high vacation spot for a metropolis break. 

It’s additionally centrally positioned on the southern coast of Spain, permitting for straightforward day journeys to close by locations. Marbella and Granada are each shut, as are gorgeous nature parks, archeological websites, and a few of Spain’s finest mountaineering trails. 

The place To Keep In Malaga 

The historic heart of Malaga is the perfect place to remain, particularly for first-time guests. All the perfect points of interest are inside strolling distance, and there are a great deal of outlets and locations to eat. The inns in Malaga metropolis heart vary from reasonably priced to luxurious, so there’s an choice for everybody’s price range. 

You would select to remain in one of many suburbs, however I actually don’t suppose it’s essential. Additionally, the visitors in Malaga will be fairly unhealthy, and should 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 below are a number of the finest inns in Malaga for everybody’s price range: 

Having time in Malaga is as simple as respiratory. Town’s points of interest are so various that anybody can have enjoyable right here, whether or not they’re primarily thinking 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 perfect of Malaga, and discover issues to try this genuinely curiosity you for a good time in Spain.