Welcome to the ever sunny Málaga! In today’s article, we will provide you with plenty of options to see on your visit to Málaga – which places and beaches are most worth seeing. Here’s our top 12 of the best spots that Málaga has to offer.
What to see in Málaga?
Sightseeing in Málaga
Although Málaga may, perhaps, appear like a traditional ‘holiday beach resort’, it actually hides quite a bit more than initially meets the eye. Firstly, to actually get to Málaga, you can do so by train or, of course, hire a car. Thankfully, once you’re there, many of the main tourist attractions are relatively close together. Even the beaches in Málaga are practically in the centre, you can get anywhere on foot. Remember that Málaga is one of the hottest European cities, so please do bear that in mind when packing, preparing, or before you even plan a trip to Málaga, in case you may detest the heat, for instance.
But with that introduction out of the way: what are the best places to see in Málaga? Which beaches should you visit?
The Atarazanas Market
What to do in Málaga?
This market hall was built in the 14th century, with a purpose quite a bit different from its current function. It was originally intended as a shipyard, used by the Arabs who governed the area. The name itself actually references this, as Atarazanas means simply a place where ships are built. You can naturally enter this bustling place free of charge. Vendors offer their goods from 8:00am to 2:00pm, Monday to Saturday. There, you can find some fresh, regional products and local rarities not available anywhere else.
Alcazaba of Málaga
A highlight of Málaga
The oldest elements of this fortification date back as far as the 11th century and still remain a trace of the Muslim presence in Málaga. Alcazaba features a massive set of walls, defensive towers, beautiful gardens and, a cherry on top, a magnificent palace that should certainly be on your must-see list for Málaga. Entry to the palace costs €2.20, though, if you visit on Sundays after 2:00pm, you can actually visit free of charge. It’s also closed off on Mondays, so do keep that in mind.
Caminito del Rey
The King’s Path
The caminito del Rey is a famous trail built into the Los Gaitanes Gorge. It is located 37 miles from the centre of Málaga to the north-west. The whole route is almost 5 miles long and the walk will take you an average of 3-4 hours. The path takes you through cliffs, canyons, valleys, little rock bridges and trails hanging over a 100 metres above the ground – the views are simply magnificent. In days past, it was considered one of the most dangerous routes in the world, though most of the route has since been secured and its difficulty is now about average. The route runs northwards, with a bus service circling around from start to finish.
Entry to the Caminito del Rey in 2023 costs €10. Do consider buying your ticket early, as they do sell out rapidly at times.
Teatro Romano
What to see in Málaga?
This Roman theatre dates back as far as the 1st century BC, back when the Roman Empire ruled the area under Octavian Augustus. This ancient monument is located right next to the Alcazaba itself – in fact, Arabs even used parts of Teatro Romano columns as material for building Alcazaba. Today, the seating area, the stage itself and the spot for a choir to stay in remain in a very good condition, and the otherwise restored theatre is publicly open, completely free of charge. It is well worth a visit after dark, when the theatre gets adorned by an extremely impressive illumination.
Gibralfaro Castle
Málaga’s Castle
Located on a nearby hilltop, the castle, although it has very many features of Arabic architecture, is in fact a remnant of the Phoenician presence in the area. It wasn’t until the 10th century that the fortress was extensively rebuilt, eventually becoming one of the most important elements protecting the Alcazaba palace from invaders in the 14th century, meaning Christians. When visiting the Alcazaba, it is also definitely worth climbing these extremely high walls, as with good weather it is possible to see even the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast. The cost of the ticket is €2.20, but if you visit both the walls and the palace, you can buy a combined ticket for €3.45.
Málaga’s corrida, or bullring
Málaga’s most popular attraction?
No stay in Spain is complete without a visit to a corrida. The one in Málaga is especially worth seeing, as it is by far one of the best bullrings of its kind in the whole of Spain. It was built in 1876, in a characteristic architectural style for this type of venue, the neomudéjar. Unfortunately, getting tickets for the corrida is extremely difficult and requires booking well in advance. It’s also worth visiting the Museo Taurino, a museum located inside the arena, where you can admire various exhibits dedicated to the bullfighters. The collections of this museum have been amassed since the 18th century and you can expect to see swords, muletas and capes among other things.
Picasso Museum in Málaga
Málaga’s famous museum
Located in Plaza de la Merced, this museum, founded in 2003, is dedicated to one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. Pablo Picasso was born in one of the townhouses located in the square. The building, called Casa Natal de Picasso, houses the museum which contains around 200 of his works created between 1892 and 1972. This includes his most famous ones such as Maids von Avignon, Composición, Madre y niño and Olga Khokhlova con mantilla.
The entire exhibition is arranged inside 11 rooms, with works grouped into distinct stages where Picasso continuously re-defied the old canons of art. The cost of entry is about €6. Before visiting the museum, however, you should know that taking photos and filming are absolutely not allowed. This is strictly enforced, both by the security guards present in the halls and those overseeing visitors through cameras. Failure to comply can result in an expulsion from the museum.
Montes de Málaga Natural Park
A reserve in the Málaga area
Though Málaga has plenty of magnificent monuments, it is well worth taking a break from it all, at least for a day, and heading a few kilometres outside of Málaga to walk the hiking trails located in the Montes de Málaga Natural Park. Serenity and tranquillity, devoid of the hustle and bustle of the city – a perfect place for an active holiday for everyone tired of the crowds and noise. Of course, the park is not without a fair share of gastronomic points, where you can try some regional dishes known as ‘plato de los montes’, or simply ‘mountain dishes’.
Beaches in Málaga
Which beaches to visit in Málaga?
For those of you who are more comfortable lying down on a nice soft blanket than walking mountain trails, Málaga has got you covered too. It is, afterall, a seaside resort, and a real paradise for sunbathers at that. Although the whole coast is a great place for this, the beaches in Málaga are considered to be some of the best in the region.
The Playa las Acacias to the east and the Playa de la Misericordia to the west are highly recommended. Closer to the centre, however, is the beautiful Playa de la Malagueta. These bathing areas are very child-friendly, completely free and full of bars, restaurants and playgrounds for the kids.
Málaga Cathedral
Málaga’s beautiful temples
Málaga Cathedral is one of the most important tourist attractions both in this city and in the whole of Spain. This Renaissance cathedral is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings of its kind in the entire country.
Its construction began around the year 1530 and was not completed until the 18th century. It was designed by Diego de Siloé, one of Spain’s most eminent architects. The cathedral was built on the site where a mosque once stood, although it is very difficult to see signs of this past in either its interior or exterior facade.
The cathedral’s distinctive features are its huge tower, more than 90 metres tall, and its façade, which curiously remains unfinished to this day, allegedly due to a lack of money.
The interior of the cathedral is, of course, extremely richly decorated, but also features a very valuable altarpiece made in 1541 by Diego de Vergara. In addition, inside the cathedral, you can admire a beautiful pipe organ from the 18th century.
The Málaga Cathedral can be visited from 10:00am to 6:30pm during the week and the ticket costs €4 for adults and nothing at all for children.
The Contemporary Art Centre of Málaga
CAC in Málaga
Málaga is not just monuments and wondrous sights. It’s also abundant in modernity, with this wonderful contrast of high-tech clashing with the world of old. As a showcase of this, we recommend you pay a visit to the CAC, the Contemporary Art Centre of Málaga, even just to break the monotony of the treasures of the past. Admiring the works of 20th and 21st century artists can be a very interesting contrast to what you have seen so far. In addition to numerous Andalusian artists, works by Damian Hirst, Louis Bourgeois, Olafur Eliasson or Marina Abramovic can also be found here.
And, additionally, all visits to CAC are completely free!
Botanical Gardens
Gardens in Málaga
A great way to end your visit to Málaga is with a visit to the local botanical gardens, which can be a fantastic way to slow down after such an intense stay in this extraordinary city.
The Málaga Botanical Garden covers almost 250,000 square metres, with more than 2,000 different species of plants and trees. Experts consider this garden to be one of the most exotic and diverse natural sites of its kind in the whole of Europe. In addition to fascinating plants, many animals can also be found here, including a huge number of species of birds, insects and aquatic animals.
By far the best time to visit the gardens is on a Sunday afternoon, as you can enter them free of charge after 3:30pm. It’s also a favourable time due to a smaller number of tourists and thus the chance to immerse yourself a bit more deeply in this magical experience.
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