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 infinite sunny days. Malaga lies on the heart of the southern Spanish coast, one of the crucial in style cities in Costa del Sol. The neatest thing about Malaga is that it affords one thing to everybody, whether or not they’re concerned about historical past or events. From excursions of Moorish castles to day journeys to Marbella for its fabulous nightclubs, the most effective issues to do in Malaga can attraction to anybody. 

Apart from the seashores and the events, the Spanish metropolis can also be well-known for its impeccable artwork scene. It is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and it’s acquired a few museums to show it. 

Whether you need to sip cocktails on the seaside or discover all of the Moorish castles in Andalusia, Malaga is a vacation spot price contemplating. And this information to the most effective issues to do in Malaga will provide help to plan the right itinerary! 

Excellent climbing 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 unattainable to not take pleasure in your keep right here. 

Malaga doesn’t care what you count on 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 inform you all about it! 

Best Of Malaga Quick Guide

Must See: Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre Where To Stay: Ibis finances Málaga Centro, Palacio Solecio, Only YOU Hotel Málaga Fun To Do: Caminito del Rey, Caves of Nerja, Playa de la Malagueta, Museo Automovilístico de Málaga Day Trips: Granada, Marbella, Montes de Malaga Natural Park Must Try Foods: Tapas, Jamon Iberico, Gazpacho, Paella

Best Things To Do In Malaga

Malaga lies on the heart of Costa del Sol, one of the crucial in style vacationer locations on the planet. With numerous miles of sandy seashores, unbelievable medieval structure, and spectacular artwork museums, Malaga is a vacation spot anybody can take pleasure in. 

It’s an equally excellent place for a relaxed seaside trip in addition to a multi-day climbing journey. The delicate local weather makes a visit to Malaga worthwhile any time of the 12 months, but it surely’s the wonderful meals that may make you need to go to once more quickly. 

1. Visit 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 the town and showcases 200 of his unbelievable artworks. 

If you’re not already a fan of artwork and Picasso, this museum may not be for you. But in case you’re even a bit bit within the works of the artist who co-founded the Cubist motion, this museum must be certainly one of your first stops in Malaga. 

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

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

2. Walking Tour of Malaga Old Town

The finest option to get acquainted with a brand new metropolis is to do an in depth tour of its previous city. Guided excursions of Malaga’s previous city can be found for vacationers who need to be taught the whole lot in regards to the metropolis’s historical past and tradition. And self-guided excursions are potential 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 all the way down to the port for the most effective views of the Málaga Lighthouse and the ocean past it. 

A avenue artwork tour of Malaga is an alternate method of discovering the town. It focuses on the Soho and Lagunillas neighborhoods, the place the majority of the town’s graffiti and avenue artwork is discovered. Stunning 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. 

Practical Information: Malaga’s previous city is walkable and self-guided excursions are simply organized. 

3. Discover 3,000 Years of History at Alcazaba

The Spanish area of Andalusia is known for Moorish structure, with the Alhambra as probably the most well-known instance. But you don’t need to journey to Granada to admire a Moorish fortress as a result of Malaga additionally options some beautiful examples of medieval structure. 

Alcazaba is a medieval fortress in Malaga’s historic heart. 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 can enter as many palace rooms as you want; many have small reveals inside, which supply much more details about the wealthy historical past of the place. 

Practical Information: Tickets for simply Alcazaba are 3.5€. Purchase 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 

Situated simply 20 minutes exterior the historic metropolis heart of Malaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro is one other medieval landmark price 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 structure of its partitions. The prolonged perimeter options only some bastions, probably the most distinguished of which is the White Tower above its northwestern partitions. 

Walking alongside the citadel partitions is a good expertise, however don’t overlook to go contained in the completely different citadel rooms. Many function reveals on the constructing’s historical past, together with miniature replicas of Malaga’s topography and weapons uncovered on the citadel web site.  

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

5. Buy Souvenirs at Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a coated market on the western fringe of the town’s previous city. It’s well-known for the work that adorn its roof and the most effective place within the metropolis to buy souvenirs. As lengthy as your concept of souvenirs from Spain is usually olive oil, wine, and Jamón ibérico. 

With the most effective recent produce and meats, the coated market is the most effective vacation spot for stocking a fridge in Malaga. And even in case you don’t need to carry residence a pound of Spanish ham (please rethink), you may seize a chunk to eat at one of many many Tapas Bars underneath the roof of the Mercado. 

Practical Information: 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 concerned 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. This is suitable as a result of the Roman Theater in Malaga doubles as a up to date museum, with an exhibit of statues and miniatures scattered across the historic ruins. 

Practical Information: 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 Trip to Marbella 

Marbella is a resort metropolis southwest of Malaga. It’s solely 45 minutes by bus or automotive, and in case you’re in search of a fast day journey in southern Spain, this is without doubt one of the finest choices. 

Known for its spectacular resort accommodations, huge sandy seashores, and glorious nightlife, Marbella is a vacation spot that may provide one thing to anybody. It’s notably a superb place for vacationers who simply need to chill out for some time – lounge on the seaside with a cocktail in hand and soar within the sea every time it will get too sizzling. Then dine at a top-notch restaurant within the night, adopted by a wild night time out in certainly one of Marbella’s finest golf equipment. 

On the opposite hand, Marbella can also be an awesome vacation spot in case you’re primarily concerned about historical past and archeology. With medieval ruins, glorious museums, and an previous city encircled by Moorish Walls, Marbella is an enchanting city on Costa del Sol. 

Practical Information: 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 Beach is without doubt one of the finest in Spain’s Costa del Sol. The huge stretch of sand is continually inviting vacationers to come back and chill out for just a few hours, and it wouldn’t be a correct journey to Malaga in case you didn’t “waste” no less than someday lounging on the seaside. 

On a heat, sunny day, there isn’t a higher place to be in Malaga. Rent 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 seaside 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 seaside.  

Practical Information: Playa de la Malagueta is accessible any time of the day without spending a dime. 

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 climbing path that requires lots of technical information and expertise. 

Caminito del Rey is characterised by a steep strolling path constructed into the cliffs. It affords spectacular views of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, and it’s undoubtedly one of the crucial rewarding hikes in southern Spain. 

The entrance to Caminito del Rey is on the northern customer’s heart, roughly two hours exterior Malaga. This day tour from Malaga is very rated.

Practical Information: The trailhead for Caminito del Rey is 2 hours from Malaga by bus or an hour by automotive. Tickets are 10€ per particular person. 

10. Tour Carmen Thyssen Museum Houses

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 assortment of the Carmen Thyssen Museum consists of masterpieces by famend artists from everywhere in the world. A big part of the museum is targeted on artists from Spain, however there are additionally loads of works by worldwide artists. 

Prominent artists featured at this Malaga museum embody Niccolò Frangipane, Francisco de Zurbarán, Manuel García y Rodríguez, and Raimundo Madrazo, amongst others. 

Practical Information: 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 the town’s skyline, and it’s an absolute should for beautiful panorama images. 

The most vital church within the metropolis has a central location within the historic previous city. The intricate carvings on the ceiling are beautiful, so don’t overlook to lookup when you’re inside. Visitors can climb the tower of the Malaga Cathedral for sprawling panoramic views of the town’s rooftops. 

Additionally, the Cathedral additionally has a small backyard with a fountain and delightful landscaping that’s price testing in case you’re already within the space. 

Practical Information: The Malaga Cathedral is often open from 10 AM till 6 PM. Combo tickets for the Cathedral and roof are 12€. Individual tickets are additionally obtainable. 

12. Wander Around Jardín Botánico 

Malaga’s botanical backyard is actually a particular place and, in my humble opinion, the most effective backyard within the Costa del Sol area. With tropical vegetation from 5 completely different continents, a stroll round this backyard is an unbelievable expertise. 

The huge inexperienced house is nearly like a forest within the metropolis with synthetic lakes, ponds, and too many vegetation to rely. It is a bit far-off 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 superbly landscaped strolling paths, it’s a spot the place you may spend hours with out losing interest. Well, I might and did, not within the least as a result of the view of downtown Malaga is jaw-dropping. 

Practical Information: Jardín Botánico is within the northern space of Malaga, quarter-hour from the town heart by automotive or 40 minutes by bus. Entrance to the botanical backyard is 5.20€.

13. Excursion to Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera

Some 55 kilometers north of Malaga lies the Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site estimated to be 6,500 years previous. It’s the most effective 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. But in case you’re not that concerned about historical past, you may need to skip this attraction as a result of it’s basically only a bunch of very giant stones. 

Dolmen de Menga is an historic 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 underneath a mound and accessible by guests. 

Practical Information: Dolmens of Antequera are accessible by bus (1-2 hours) or automotive (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 automobiles. 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 checklist. 

Situated within the southern a part of the town near Playa de Huelin, the museum contains a distinctive assortment of traditional automobiles and style, and I can’t determine what I favor. The automobiles exhibited vary from Belle Epoque autos to Hot Rods, they usually’re all in pristine situation. 

On the style facet of the museum, the exhibit explores the correlation (and collaborations) between high-end automotive producers and high fashion manufacturers. From Chanel to Versace, the outfits displayed on the museum are beautiful. 

Practical Information: The museum is open from 10 AM to 2:30 PM and from 4 AM to 7 PM. Tickets are 10€.

15. Discover Contemporary Art 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 the town. 

But it’s a normal modern artwork museum, which could not be everybody’s cup of tea. The reveals are out of the odd and sometimes 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. 

Practical Information: Centre Pompidou Malaga is open from 9:30 AM till 8 PM daily 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 in case you’re staying in Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga – the journey is the time to overlook about weight-reduction plan and take pleasure in native delicacies. 

Some of the town’s finest tapas bars are inside Malaga’s coated market. Walk for 10 minutes across the previous city, and also you’ll encounter no less than 10 different tapas bars. The hottest 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. 

Practical Information: 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 Around Montes de Málaga Natural Park

Montes de Malaga Natural Park is one other glorious vacation spot for hikers in Costa del Sol. If the Caminito del Rey is a bit bit out of your league, this beautiful pure park is the most effective various. With too many miles of climbing trails to rely, you can spend your whole journey to Malaga right here, discovering spectacular landscapes. 

The park is called after the mountain vary that dominates the house and affords glorious climbing and climbing alternatives. The tallest summit rises to a peak of 1,030 meters; that’s removed from an intimidating hike, particularly for somebody who has conquered a summit within the Alps. 

Come right here for some informal climbing and a time out in nature. The park additionally options fairly just a few statues, landmarks, remark platforms, and a great deal of biking and mountain biking trails. 

Practical Information: Montes de Málaga Natural Park is accessible 24/7 and has free entrance. There’s no public transport connection so a guided tour is the most suitable choice in case you don’t have entry to a automotive in Malaga. 

18. Excursion 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 exterior Malaga. Granada is an hour and 45 minutes in case you have entry to a automotive in southern Spain, and the most effective 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 sights in Andalusia, and you’ll typically count on it to be crowded. 

Multiple forms of tickets can be found for Alhambra, relying on which elements of the advanced you need to entry. I like to recommend going all out and getting the most costly tickets that will let you see the whole lot. 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 coming into as many rooms as potential. 

Practical Information: Granada is 1-2 hours from Malaga, accessible by automobiles, buses, and trains. Tickets for the Alhambra are 7-18€, relying on what number of areas you need to entry. 

19. See Neanderthal Paintings on the Caves of Nerja

The Caves of Nerja are an enchanting pure landmark close to Malaga. Stretching for almost 5 kilometers, the caverns are residence to Neanderthal work estimated to be greater than 42,000 years previous. They’re the oldest cave work uncovered on our planet, which makes this a very particular attraction in Spain. 

The system of caverns is cut up in two, and just one part is open to the general public. Concerts are sometimes held in one of many caves, because it serves as a wonderful amphitheater. If you may handle to attend a efficiency within the Nerja Caves, it might be an epic expertise. 

Practical Information: The Caves of Nerja are an hour and a half by bus or 50 minutes by automotive from Malaga. Entrance to the caverns is 16€ for adults and consists of an audioguide. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Not To Miss In Malaga Spain?

The Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, and Castillo de Gibralfaro are probably the most well-known sights in Malaga. Caminito del Rey can also be world-famous, particularly amongst hikers and out of doors lovers. 

What Is Malaga Best Known For? 

Malaga is finest identified for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The metropolis is residence to a Pablo Picasso museum, which homes greater than 200 artworks from the well-known artist. 

Is Malaga Worth Visiting?

Yes, Malaga is price visiting. The beautiful Spanish metropolis boasts stunning structure, panoramic sea views, and glorious artwork museums. Whether you need to spend your time lounging on the seaside, exploring the town’s tradition, or touring by way of Andalusia, Malaga doesn’t disappoint. 

How Many Days Do I Need To Visit Malaga? 

Two to 3 days is the right period of time in Malaga to see all the highest vacationer sights. But 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. 

Tips And Information For Visiting Malaga

Best Time To Visit

Summer is the most effective time to go to Malaga, particularly in case you love seashores and sunbathing. July and August are the warmest within the metropolis, with temperatures constantly above 30° Celsius. May 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. Although it doesn’t rain continuously, the humidity is excessive and the possibility of rain is way larger than in the course of the different months, which could put a damper in your plans. Because the wet season sees fewer vacationers, it’s not a foul time to be in Malaga in case you’re primarily concerned about landmarks and sights as a substitute of the seashores. 

Getting There

Malga is serviced by the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which is simply quarter-hour exterior the town heart by prepare. It’s additionally potential to take the bus from the airport to central Malaga and it’s solely 10 minutes slower than the prepare. Both the prepare and bus cease on the important transit station within the metropolis. 

Malaga airport is the busiest in southern Spain, with loads of connections to worldwide locations. The Madrid Airport is the most important within the nation, and it would provide cheaper flights. It’s solely three hours from Malaga by prepare, so a superb various in case you can’t discover a direct flight to Malaga. 

Getting Around

The 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 reasonably priced. Taxis are additionally an possibility that’s a bit faster however typically costlier than public transport. 

Travelers preferring to remain energetic 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. Additionally, Malaga’s metropolis heart is walkable, and you’ll go to many vital locations on foot. 

How Much Time Do You Need

You might spend anyplace from 2-3 days as much as 2 weeks in Malaga, relying on what you need to do and the way you need to spend your time. The metropolis is a good vacation spot for a relaxed trip, and if you wish to take every week to sip cocktails on the seaside, you are able to do so in Malaga. 

On the opposite hand, it’s additionally acquired rather a lot to supply to anybody concerned 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 situated on the southern coast of Spain, permitting for straightforward 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 climbing trails. 

Where To Stay In Malaga 

The historic heart of Malaga is the most effective place to remain, particularly for first-time guests. All the most effective sights are inside strolling distance, and there are a great deal of retailers and locations to eat. The accommodations in Malaga metropolis heart vary from reasonably priced to luxurious, so there’s an possibility for everybody’s finances. 

You might select to remain in one of many suburbs, however I actually don’t assume it’s needed. Also, the visitors in Malaga might be fairly unhealthy, and in case 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. Here are a few of the finest accommodations in Malaga for everybody’s finances: 

Having a superb time in Malaga is as straightforward as respiration. The metropolis’s sights are so numerous that anybody can have enjoyable right here, whether or not they’re primarily concerned about archaeology or seashores. Stick to what you want, and also you’ll take pleasure in each minute within the metropolis. 

I hope this itinerary helps you uncover the most effective of Malaga, and discover issues to try this genuinely curiosity you for a good time in Spain.