Are you planning to visit Malaga during your trip to Andalusia and you’re looking for the best places to visit?
Then you’re in the perfect place!
Málaga is a city situated on the Costa del Sol in the southern part of Spain. Known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches and warm climate, it’s a well-visited destination during the summer.
Malaga has something for everyone with not one, not two, but sixteen sun-kissed beaches along its dazzling shoreline, as well as innumerable treks, hills, and historical sites tucked away interior. Some of the well-known beaches in the area include La Malagueta, Pedregalejo, and Playa de la Misericordia.
Throughout this blog post you will get tips on what to do when visiting Málaga, where to go on day-trips and exclusive insider tips – making your vacation as good and smooth as possible.
Here’s 15 things to do in Malaga
1. STROLL ALONG THE PORT
It is Spain’s oldest continually running port.
Large cargo ships, luxury yachts, cruise ships and charming fishing boats all share the waters. Málaga Port is much more than a harbor; it’s a vibrant place where locals and tourists go to enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, walk the scenic promenade and
Málaga is characterized as a city that effortlessly blends history with contemporary charm, making the port a vital component of its unique appeal.
2. VISIT LA ALCAZABA
The Arabic word “al-qasbash,” which means “fortress,” is the origin of the name “Alcazaba.” Alcazabas can be seen in many Andalucian cities as a result. Built between 1057 and 1063, “La Alcazaba” is probably the most important military fortification remaining from the Hispanic-Arabic period.
The site in Málaga is well-maintained and preserved. You can explore the courtyards, patios, fountains, and opulent gardens during your visit. It also provides a wonderful view of the sea and port because it is perched on a hill above Malaga.
You can also visit a small archeological museum, displaying pottery made by the original people of the area.
PRO TIP: If you’re on a budget, there are several free walking tours that visit both the Roman Theater and the Alcazaba fortress. Just remember to offer your friendly guide a tip.
LA ALCAZABA THEATRE
PORT OF MALAGA
3. GIBRALFARO CASTLE
While visiting the Alcazaba you can walk to Gibralfaro castle that provides stunning views of the city along a walkway. However, it is a little hilly, so if you’d like, take bus 35 from Avenida de Cervantes to go there.
4. TAKE A CATAMARAN SUNSET BOAT TRIP FROM THE PORT
Cruise along the Mediterranean Sea and see Malaga at sunset. Enjoy a drink and chillout music onboard, and admire stunning views of Malaga's Skyline.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking.
5. MERCADO CENTRAL DE ATARAZANAS
One thing you should definitely do is to stroll through the Atarazanas food market. The Atarazanas market, also known as the ‘Central Market’, is a vibrant and bustling hub of activity. Not only is the building itself well worth your time, but as well the local, seasonal food treasures. The building that houses this market was actually not made for that purpose. It was a shipyard and is of Arabian origin – and the name “Atarazanas” means in fact “place where ships are repaired”.
The market is open Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 2pm. It is closed on Sundays.
6. MALAGA CATHEDRAL (CATEDRAL DE LA ENCARNACIÓN DE MÁLAGA)
Built in the Renaissance architectural tradition, this stunning Roman Catholic church is one of Malaga’s most important attractions.
You can climb the steps to the top of the 87-meter tower, where you’ll have a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the whole city, including the Alcazaba, and the Gibralfaro castle. The price for visiting the Cathedral + climb the tower is €12. Ticket can be purchased just at the Cathedral’s entrance or on the Cathedrals official website.
Please remember to dress appropriately when entering the Cathedral.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00h – 20:00h.
Saturday: 10:00h – 18:00h.
Sunday: 14:00h – 18:00h.
(Last access 45 minutes before closing)
PRO TIP:
Normal entrance price is €8 but you can go for free on Sundays between 2 and 6pm.
7. FLAMECO SHOW IN THE HEART OF THE TOWN
The BEST authentic Flamenco Performance in town!
You don't want to miss this when in Málaga.
An hour in awe of the professional performers, where you're served with a wide variety of drinks, wines & tapas. After the show you can add a 3 course meal.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking.
8. VISIT MUSEO PICASSO MALAGA
Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881, and he once stated that he wanted his work to be presented in his home city. In 2003 the Museo Picasso Málaga was opened.
By visiting the Museum you can explore the life and art of Pablo Picasso. Admire more than 200 original works together with the stunning architecture of the Palacio de Buenavista which is the building that hosts the museum.
You can also go to the lower floor to see Phoenician, Roman and Arabic archaeological ruins
Opening hours:
Every day: 10am to 7pm
Free admission every Sunday, two hours before closing.
Other occasions to visit the museum for free: Day of Andalusia (28 February), International Museum Day (18 May), World Tourism Day (27 September), Anniversary of the museum’s inauguration (27 October).
What’s included?
- Entrance + audioguide for the Museum.
- Access to all, including temporary exhibitions.
- Entrance to the archeaological remains.
9. CENTRE POMPIDOU MALAGA
Famous for its striking multicolored cube facade, this museum has become a trademark for Málaga. If you’re modern art lover, don’t miss out on a visit to Centre Pompidou.
Opening times:
Wednesday to Monday: 9:30h – 20:00h.
Tuesdays: Closed
(Last access 30 minutes before closing)
A combined ticket cost €9 but is redused to €5,5. for seniors, students under 26 and youth eurocard holders.
Admission is FREE on Sundays after 4pm and on International Museum Day (18th May) and World Tourism Day (27th September).
10. HAMMAM AL ÁNDALUS
Enjoy a traditional Arab bath at the Hammam Al Andalus in Malaga.
It’s possible to walk to all the major attractions from Hammam Al Andalus, which is a tranquil oasis tucked away in the heart of Málaga.
The Arabic word hammam means ‘spreader of warmth‘. Two of the most common types of baths are the Moroccan hammam and the Turkish bath. Therefore it consist of different seam rooms and hot water which spreads a lot of warmth. But they also spread warmth in a metaphorical sense as its commonly used to catch up with friends and socialise.
You need to bring a bikini/ swimsuit, and flip-flops to your hammam treatment.
Relax at a traditional Arabic Hammam including a 90-minute massage.
11. SUNSET BY MIRADOR DE GIBRALFARO
Want to know the perfect sunset spot in Málaga?
Then you get no better than the Gibralfaro Viewpoint (Mirador del Gibralfaro) as it’s one of the most breathtaking vantage points in Málaga.
It’s all free of charge – but remember to go EARLY as it’s a popular but rather small area.
12. DRINKS AT THE ROOFTOP OF THE AC HOTEL BY MARRIOTT MALAGA PALACIO.
Also known as ÀTICO Bar & Restaurant, this rooftop is a classic hot-spot to enjoy drinks and tapas with a view. Being on the 15th floor the ÀTICO terrace is the highest in the city, which means you get an incredible view over the harbor, the Mediterranean Sea and the Malaga rooftops.
Entrance costs €8 – but it pays for a voucher which you can cash in at the bar to get a “free” drink.
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 12.30 – 23.30
Friday and Saturday: 12.30 – 00.30
13. ADMIRE THE ART AT THE CARMEN THYSSEN MUSEUM
Spanish paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries are displayed in the museum. And to top it all off, the museum itself is housed in a Renaissance palace from the sixteenth century.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 7pm
Mondays: Closed
A full-access ticket cost €13 and €9 for students. (For more information – click here)
FREE admission for Youth Card holders, teachers and every Sunday after 4pm.
Best things to do outside of Málaga
As you’ve come to know, there’s plenty to do in Málaga Town, but there’s just as much to do outside of the City.
Here’s some excursions to take when visiting Andalusia:
14. Excursion to Nerja
A natural attraction in Nerja is famous for its labyrinthine caves that stretch for almost 5 km
Leave Malaga around 8am to Nerja where we did a SUP+snorkeling tour (€25,10 each). Buses to Nerja run very frequently at reasonable prices.
Enjoy the Mediterranean sea along the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo.
This 2 hour excursion is perfect for the relaxed adventurer. You don't even have to worry about a thing - your guide even takes pictures along the way for you.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking.
15. Daytrip to Frigiliana
There is a bus straight to the city from Nerja for just €1.
Frigiliana is an absolute must-see when you visit Spain. It is part of Andalusia’s famous white towns and the perfect vacation spot.
To do:
Vista Panoramica
This spot in the heart of the old town has the best views of Frigiliana, hands down! You’ll find a little restaurant just a few metres away where you can get a drink and escape the heat for a while.
Take a tourist train through Frigiliana’s streets:
If you want to learn more about life in Frigiliana and don’t feel like walking around all day why not take the tourist train? It costs only 3€ and takes you to many of the important places around town. Plus you’ll get an audio guide in either Spanish or English.
Go on a walk through the Varribarto
The Barribarto is the old town of Frigiliana. This is where you’ll find the famous narrow streets with their white houses and eye-catching doors.
16. Caminito del Rey Excursion
Once considered the most dangerous hiking path in the world, this spectacular walk is a MUST to visit.
Read all you need to know about Caminito del Rey in this Complete guide.
Beware: If you’re afraid of heights, once you start the hike, you can’t turn around, as the path is only one way.
You can either walk the trail by yourself or reserve a tour of the Caminito del Rey. Throughout the tour, the guide will remain by your side and will fill you in on the history of the location – in addition transportation to the start of the hike is included. You NEED to make a reservation in advance – check out more information about Caminito del Rey and the optional tour.
Explore the historic Caminito del Rey (The King's Path) once considered the world’s most dangerous path!
Put on your blue safety helmet and be amazed by the canyon and gorge in Ardales.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking.
17. Take a trip to Marbella and spot dolphins
Marbella is known for its idyllic coastline and luxury lifestyle. It’s renowned for the ‘Golden Mile,’ a stretch of premier villas, private beaches, and five-star hotels. Also a perfect area to have a beach day!
Other things to do:
- Explore the old town: Marbella’s Old Town district is a magnificent tribute to the city’s legendary past, filled with religious institutions and warm public spaces. The Iglesia de Nuestra Seora de la Encarnación, a former mosque that was converted during the Catholic takeover in the late 1400s, and Ermita del Santo Cristo de Marbella, a stunning chapel with its own hermitage, are two more magnificent medieval churches that are well worth visiting.
- Stroll Paseo Maritimo: Sn endless carefree boulevard stretching along the Marbella coastline all the way toward Puerto Banus. The walk is about 7.5 km.
- Visit Alameda Park: Spend some time strolling among the lush tropical vegetation, observing people, admiring the ornamental fountains, and taking in the tranquil mood of this lush paradise.
- Spot Dolphins: While famous for its pristine beaches, nightclubs, and luxury venues – it’s also a hot spot for dolphin watching!
19. Hike among rock formations at El Torcal de Antequera
El Torcal de Antequera, a nature reserve approximately an hour’s drive north of Málaga, is hailed for its collection of huge limestone towers protruding from the cliffside, making it one of Andalusia’s most distinctive natural attractions.
These incredible limestone formations, which are said to be 150 million years old, were created during the Jurassic period!
20. Get close to Africa in Gibraltar
Only 40 km by sea to Africa, and about as far south as you can go in Europe, it’s hard to miss Gibraltar (which technically is a British colony in Spanish territory).
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND I MÁLAGA?
Although Malaga is relatively small, I suggest spending at least a few days here. Most people spend between 3 to 7 days in Malaga during their visit.
I spent 4 days in Malaga, which was enough time to explore the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, and hike what was once one of the world’s most dangerous trails.
WHEN TO VISIT?
Costa del Sol is the perfect place to spend your summer. I would recommend going in either may or september.
The hottest time of the year is July and August, where crowds swarm the beaches along the south of Spain. Compared to July and August, September is a much quieter month especially after the new school year starts (usually from 10-12 September). In may (when I went) it’s easily warm enough to go to the beach for the day, evenings start to get long and perfect for rooftop cocktails – but there’s no crowds and it’s cool enough to walk around all day.
WHERE TO STAY?
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