In case you are seeking to expertise among the high issues to do in Malaga, the place to remain and one of the best locations to search out some tasty tapas then you’ve gotten come to the precise place.
After a few years of turning proper after I arrived at Malaga airport, I lastly obtained round to staying within the metropolis. Malaga airport is frequented by tens of millions of worldwide guests every year, however most use it as a gateway to remain in seashore resorts on the Costa del Sol. I used to be a type of individuals, and may’t consider what I’ve been lacking for the final 30 years! There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Malaga, and it’s a lovely metropolis.
Malaga was a conventional port city to civilisations such because the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Spanish Moors and you may see their influences throughout Malaga metropolis centre. Amongst its vibrant streets and eclectic mixture of architectural types, you will see a Roman Theatre and a Moorish fortress.
Malaga is the third oldest metropolis in Western Europe after Lisbon and Cadiz, and its historic centre is a pleasure to discover. The streets are lined in marble tiles and there are lovely buildings round each nook, together with the magnificent Cathedral of Malaga. In typical Spanish style, the streets are lined with tapas bars the place locals collect to socialize – the town is bursting with power.
It could shock you to study that Malaga has over 30 museums – there’s loads to fulfill tradition vultures too. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and the Picasso Museum is definitely value a go to. Our journey coincided with Picasso’s fiftieth anniversary and there are a lot of cultural occasions deliberate all through the town for 2023.
In addition to a wide array of issues to see in Malaga, and its beautiful outdated city, Malaga is residence to a contemporary port space that’s lined with market stalls and worldwide eating places, in addition to the one Pompidou Museum exterior of France.
Regardless of being the six largest metropolis in Spain, Malaga feels extra like a vibrant city. Many of the high issues to do in Malaga are situated shut collectively so you possibly can see a lot of the highlights in a brief break.
Malaga is fascinating, pleasant and enjoyable. Take a look at my high 10 issues to do in Malaga under.
Prime Issues to do in Malaga
1. Take a cruise of the bay
A stunning solution to get your bearings of the place Málaga is situated on the shoreline, is to take a cruise of the bay. These depart from the newly developed quays of Muelle 1 on the seafront. Muelle 1 can also be a great spot to have lunch or dinner at one of many many worldwide eating places right here. I didn’t spot this cruise till my final afternoon – I’ll have to return to attempt it subsequent time!
2. Go to Malaga Cathedral
Probably the most dominant a part of the panorama in Málaga is its Cathedral of the Encarnación, recognized regionally because the one armed girl (La Manquita), as a result of solely considered one of its two deliberate towers was accomplished.
Work started within the sixteenth century on the location of the previous mosque. Its gorgeous Gothic exterior is simply as spectacular as its inside, which has Renaissance and Baroque influences and a spectacular domed ceiling. It’s also possible to take a guided tour to the roof to get pleasure from views of the town, though verify mass occasions earlier than you go to.
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3. The Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and Citadel Gibralfaro
The Alcazaba is an outdated Moorish palace and gardens situated on the hillside behind the historic centre. The Alcazaba is a smaller model of the extra well-known Alhambra in Granada. You’ll discover elegant gardens and fairly walkways in addition to panoramic views of the town.
TOP TIP: As a substitute of climbing the lengthy stairs you may get a raise from the road which is situated to the precise of the constructing.
The Roman Theatre is one other should on your listing of Malaga points of interest, it’s situated beside the doorway to the Alcazaba. You may take a guided tour or take within the views from the steps.
Citadel Gibralfaro is situated on the same peak to the Alcazaba, however just isn’t accessible by raise. You must stroll up the steep hill, or take a bus or taxi. The views are much more spectacular from right here, however I’ve been informed that the inside of the Alcazaba is extra spectacular, so if time is in opposition to you and you may solely select one, the Alcazaba could also be extra interesting total.
In case you are taking the time to go to Gibralfaro Citadel, pop into the luxurious Parador Lodge subsequent door and revel in a espresso in its elegant cafeteria.
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4. Go to one of many 30 Museums in Malaga
Malaga has over 30 museums, however two stand out – the Picassso Museum and the Thyssen Museum. The previous is adjoining to the Cathedral and with Malaga being the birthplace of Picasso, it’s positively value a go to. I like to recommend you pre-book your go to because it is likely one of the high issues to do in Malaga.
Malaga is a busy cruise vacation spot so when there are ships on the town you possibly can come throughout massive teams visiting. Nevertheless, it’s open till 7pm so if there are queues exterior, pop again at a later time. Relying in your style in artwork, chances are you’ll discover the inside nearly as spectacular!
Picasso’s home, Casa Natal de Picasso, the place he was born and spent his early years, is an attention-grabbing and thought scary perception in to Málaga life within the early Twentieth century, and it’s fairly near the Picasso Museum.
The Carmen Thyssen Museum brings you in to the center of outdated Málaga, but when up to date artwork is extra your fashion, the one Pompidou Centre exterior of France is situated on the port space in Malaga.
Automobile fans will love Malaga’s automotive museum, Museo Automovilístico – this has a spectacular non-public assortment of outdated classic vehicles. A few of these vehicles can be found to rent with drivers for company occasions and weddings. It additionally has a fantastic assortment of classic designer garments.
In case you are would really like a personal tour of Malaga’s museums and high points of interest, I can advocate Felipe Lopez. Felipe has intensive data of Malaga’s tradition and artwork scene.
5. Spend a day on the seashore
Whether or not you need to go for a swim, or reside like an area and go all the way down to the seashore for lunch, it’s best to take time to go to Malagueta seashore for a number of hours.
It’s a few 30 minute stroll from the town and there are a lot of seashore bars providing sardines on a spit – probably the most iconic dish of the Costa del Sol. These are nice worth and really tasty with a inexperienced salad or a facet of calamares!
I beloved Pedregalejo – a reasonably fishing village about 4km from the centre, however if you wish to go to the bigger seaside resorts of the Costa del Sol – Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Fuengirola, they’re simply reached by the Cercanías practice – an environment friendly and low cost solution to journey.
6. Chill out on the Moorish baths
One other nice solution to calm down is to attempt the Hamaam Moorish baths – these had been really helpful to me by many individuals, however I didn’t get the chance to attempt them. This atmospheric constructing is situated within the outdated Jewish quarter the place expert therapists provide all sorts of massages.
It’s also possible to select to simply bathe within the baths. It isn’t like a luxurious trendy Spa, however the setting and structure captures the essence of conventional Arab baths.
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7. Store Larios Road
Larios road is considered one of Malaga’s most important procuring streets and is known as after the Marquis of Larios, a rich industrialist and philanthropist in Málaga who based the Spanish Larios gin.
Throughout the summer time the city council covers the road with overhead awnings to guard from the sturdy solar throughout the day. It’s also possible to select to buy within the night time as many retailers open till 10pm. Observe many retailers shut on Sunday.
Larios road and its many facet streets are lined with conventional and trendy retailers and boutiques, in addition to excessive road shops like Mango and Zara that are about 20% lower than the costs at residence.
Don’t miss the road distributors promoting scrumptious salted toasted almonds freshly ready every day, or the various ice cream parlours which can be dotted round Malaga’s outdated city.
8. Bike the town
An e-bike tour is a good way to discover Malaga, notably if you wish to catch the views of the town from the Citadel, or cycle to the close by seaside cities. It was my first time to journey an e-bike and I couldn’t consider how straightforward it was to navigate the steep hill to the fortress.
We additionally made stops within the historic centre too. I booked a 3-hour bike tour with Bike Excursions Malaga, there are additionally two hour choices obtainable by way of the hyperlink under.
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9. Take a tapas tour
A tapas tour is all the time a good suggestion when visiting Spain’s cities, and our tour with WeLoveMalaga was no exception. We booked a night tour to coincide with dinner and we beloved it.
Our first cease was Spain’s oldest wine home – Antigua Casa de Guardia the place wine continues to be served from barrels. This was a novel and attention-grabbing expertise, though not my favorite on the tour.
We then moved to Las Gatos the place we had been ready to decide on two pintxos (tapas normally served on bread with toothpicks) in addition to different dishes that had been served to our desk. There was all kinds of meals obtainable and every part was scrumptious, notably the Jamon Iberico and steak burger with pepper sauce.
Our closing cease was on the gourmet-style tapas restaurant Los Patios de Beatas. The codfish and pork fillet was elegant, in actual fact it was so good we returned right here for lunch a number of days later.
Stops on the tour fluctuate relying on the time of day and your dietary necessities, and very often embrace a go to to the primary meals market.
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10. Take a look at the meals market
The outdated meals market in Málaga is one other should see. The Atarazanas market is a working marketplace for housekeepers and meals companies alike, and like most meals markets in Spain, it has a vibrant and various vary of meals stalls and companies.
The fish counters are all the time fascinating with their deep-sea catches and shell fish. The fruit and vegetable stalls remind us of the fine quality of those merchandise in Spain, a constructing block of the well-known Mediterranean food plan. The cheese and cured meats, the butchers counters and the spice stalls all vie on your consideration.
You may calm down afterwards by making an attempt among the produce on the many bars and meals stalls across the exterior of the market – that is the place locals take a break after their every day meals store.
Ensure that to verify costs and ask for a menu – individuals have been recognized to order big seafood platters assuming the costs can be low cost – this isn’t all the time the case!
On this space yow will discover some older companies such because the crisps and snacks store, Paco José, in addition to conventional tailor companies and shoe retailers. Observe the market is closed on Sunday.
11. Take a Day Journey to Go to The Caminito del Rey
From seashore days to metropolis strolls, Malaga metropolis has a lot to supply, nonetheless, the area of Andalucia is filled with prospects too. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Websites situated right here, in addition to the gorgeous cities of Seville and Cordoba.
There are numerous day journeys from Malaga to select from. Excursions to Rhonda, the Alhambra in Grenada, in addition to Tangier in Morocco are the most well-liked, however I urge you to go to considered one of Spain’s greatest stored secrets and techniques – the Caminito del Rey.
The Caminito del Rey was on my bucket listing for a few years and I lastly obtained to stroll it not too long ago. It was much more spectacular than I imagined and is one thing I extremely advocate everybody to do when visiting Malaga or the Costa del Sol. The views are spectacular from starting to finish, with gorgeous gorges, canyons and cliffs round each nook.
This 7.7km cliff path stroll was as soon as thought of extremely harmful – however not anymore. The Caminito del Rey was initially constructed to convey supplies and upkeep staff to the native hydroelectric dam. In 1921, King Alfonso XIII formally opened it, and since then it has been often known as the King’s little stroll – Caminito del Rey. After a whole restoration course of it was reopened to the general public in 2015.
Regardless of strolling on walkways that dangle over a sheer cliff face, I by no means felt scared at any time. It isn’t too difficult both, the stroll takes roughly 2.5 hours, and also you don’t must be notably match to stroll it.
Positioned simply an hour from Malaga metropolis, it may be reached by practice or by an organised tour. Tickets must be booked effectively prematurely as numbers are restricted, and you may go together with or with out a information.
For those who take the practice, you have to to get off at El Chorro station and catch a shuttle bus to the beginning of the Caminito del Rey. Permit loads of time (I recommend 90 minutes) to get to the place to begin from the practice station. Though the shuttle buses go each half-hour, chances are you’ll want to attend for an hour or extra if one of many buses is full.
An organised tour from Malaga metropolis or chosen choose up factors on the Costa del Sol could also be a greater possibility and I’ve linked the most well-liked small group tour under. Observe, youngsters beneath 8 are usually not allowed on the stroll and it isn’t appropriate for anybody with a worry of heights.
Learn: Prime Suggestions for strolling the Caminito del Rey cliff path stroll.
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Locations to Go to in Malaga – For Foodies
Subsequent in our publish on what to do in Malaga, I needed to share with you a few of my favorite eating places, or those who got here extremely really helpful to me.
As I discussed beforehand, there are some improbable tapas excursions that you would be able to take to pattern the culinary scene in Malaga. I’ve highlighted one of many high rated excursions down under.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Style of Malaga Tour
✔️ ⭐️ 5 Star Score
✔️Seven Tastings
✔️4 Drinks
✔️3h30 Minutes Tour
1. El Pimpi
El Pimpi is considered one of Malaga’s hottest eating places and a should go to. It’s owned by Antonio Banderas (who was born in Malaga and has a home across the nook), and the inside is filled with memorabilia from numerous celebrities.
The meals is nice, not excellent, however it’s value going to expertise the ambiance. E book a desk inside to profit from your expertise. A pre-dinner drink can be preferrred too, however be sure you pre-book because it will get booked out in a short time.
2. Las Gatos
Las Gatos is a vigorous restaurant that provides a wide array of tapas to swimsuit all tastes. It’s filled with locals, which is all the time an excellent signal, and it’s a cease on all of WeLoveMalaga’s tapas excursions. Ensure that to have the steak burger with pepper sauce!
3. Casa Lola
Casa Lola is a tapas bar that I didn’t get an opportunity to go to, nevertheless it got here extremely really helpful to me by quite a few individuals. Positioned within the coronary heart of the outdated city, beside the Picasso Museum, put it in your listing for nice tapas and environment.
4. Los Patios de Beatas
Los Patios de Beatas presents gourmet-style tapas however if you happen to get an opportunity go for one of many tasting menus that’s paired with numerous wines from their very own vineyard. We had a powerful five-course feast right here and it value simply €50 together with wine.
The carpaccio of shrimp with mango ice cream and ajoblanco was divine, as was the tuna lasagne, and codfish with African spices. We additionally had a big pork fillet with greens and panna cotta – I recommend having the taster menu at meal time slightly than lunch!
5. Restaurant Jose Carlos Garcia
Restaurant Jose Carlos Garcia is Malaga’s Michelin Star restaurant overlooks the luxurious yachts within the Muelle Uno port. It showcases the native flavours of Andalucia in a up to date but elegant setting.
(TORO Muelle 1 presents nice Spanish tapas and seafood in the identical location).
6. Taberna Lo Güeno
Lunch in Taberna Lo Güeno presents a really conventional Spanish menu with staples resembling bean stews, seafood and roast lamb, in addition to glorious steaks. That is additionally a fantastic possibility for tapas, and you will see it exhausting to select from all their freshly ready dishes. Lo Güeno is off the primary pedestrian procuring road, Larios.
The place to remain in Malaga Metropolis – My high 10 picks
4 Star Inns in Malaga
1. Soho Boutique Lodge Colón
⭐️ Score: 8.7/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms & Suites | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
I stayed within the Soho Boutique Lodge Colón, a up to date boutique lodge situated within the Soho space of the town. It’s simply 5 minutes stroll to the market and an extra 5 minutes stroll to the historic centre and port space. It doesn’t have a bar or solar terrace, however does have spacious rooms with all mod cons, pleasant employees, and presents good worth for a central keep in Malaga.
Examine costs right here
2. Lodge Palacio Solecio
⭐️ Score: 9.1/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms & Suites | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
I noticed the luxurious boutique Lodge Palacio Solecio throughout my journey and instantly put it on my bucket listing. It’s situated on a surprising road within the coronary heart of the outdated city, near the Roman Theatre and Picasso Museum.
This 18th century constructing belonged to a noble household and has been superbly reconverted in to a spacious city lodge. I’ve since discovered that it has been awarded a Conde Nast prize for Finest City Lodge, and is a member of the Small Luxurious Inns of the World . I’m additionally informed each the service and breakfast is improbable, nevertheless it is likely one of the costlier four-star resorts within the metropolis.
Examine costs right here
3. AC Lodge Málaga Palacio by Marriott
⭐️ Score: 8.8/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms & Suites | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The AC Lodge Málaga Palacio by Marriott is one other centrally situated lodge near the port and across the nook from the Cathedral. It has a rooftop swimming pool and presents nice sea and metropolis views.
Examine costs right here
4. Lodge Molina Lario
⭐️ Score: 8.8/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms & Suites | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The Lodge Molina Lario is located throughout the highway from the AC Lodge Málaga Palacio, across the nook from the Cathedral and beside the port. It’s housed in a nineteenth century constructing and boasts a solar terrace and rooftop pool.
Examine costs right here
5. Petit Palace Plaza
⭐️ Score: 8.5/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The Petit Palace Plaza is in a fantastic central location a couple of minutes stroll from the cathedral and the favored Larios Road. This chain of resorts is situated in outdated refurbished buildings and are usually situated within the historic a part of metropolis centres. The Petit Palace Plaza isn’t any exception and is housed in a Twentieth-century palatial residence.
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5 Star Inns in Malaga
1. Solely YOU lodge
⭐️ Score: 9.1/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms & Suites | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The brand new Solely YOU lodge on the Plaza de Marina is situated near the seafront and simply minutes from the primary business centre. This lodge has a high class restaurant on road stage in addition to a roof high terrace providing nice views of the town and shoreline.
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2. Gran Lodge Miramar
⭐️ Score: 9.2/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms & Suites | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The 5-star Gran Lodge Miramar is a comparatively new lodge constructed within the outdated Customs Home. It’s beside the bull ring and has a spectacular, although dear, rooftop terrace bar that provides nice views of the bay.
Examine costs right here
3. Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio
⭐️ Score: 9/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms & Suites | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio is likely one of the greatest rated 5 star resorts in Malaga. Its central location mixed with a a rooftop terrace, rooftop pool and a poolside bar make it the best choice, notably throughout the summer time months. The historic centre, Cathedral and the Picasso Museum are simply 500 metres away.
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Finances-friendly resorts in Malaga
1. Lodge Don Curro
⭐️ Score: 8.3/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The three-star Lodge Don Curro is centrally situated in one of many slender outdated streets within the business centre. It’s an outdated established lodge in Málaga, however has been refurbished, and its bar and restaurant are recurrently frequented by the native residents.
Examine costs right here
2. Atarazanas Málaga Boutique Lodge
⭐️ Score: 8.6/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The three-star Atarazanas Málaga Boutique Lodge is one other in style selection proper within the coronary heart of the outdated city. It’s situated throughout the highway from the outdated Ataranzas meals market, so it’s in a fantastic, central location stuffed with the bustle of outlets and market merchants.
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Self-catering residences in Malaga
1. Pinar Málaga Centro
⭐️ Score: 8.7/10 | 🏨 Lodging kind: Rooms | 🔗 Examine Charges and Availability
The Apartamentos Pinar Málaga Centro are centrally situated and are perfect for a household or group keep within the metropolis. They’re extremely really helpful on Reserving.com and TripAdvisor, and are simply 5 minutes’ stroll from the primary Sq. and the well-known Larios Road.
Examine costs right here
Finest time to go to Malaga
The ocean is the fixed backdrop to Málaga, so even within the scorching summer time months you possibly can escape the town and revel in some stress-free seashore time. For sightseeing in Malaga, Spring and Autumn are one of the best time to go to, though the town enjoys a temperate local weather throughout the winter, with common temperatures of 18 levels, so it’s a vacation spot that’s appropriate all 12 months spherical.
We flew immediately from Dublin to Malaga with Aer Lingus who provide every day flights all 12 months spherical from Dublin airport, and every day flights from Cork from the top of March.
I hope my Malaga journey information will assist you plan a go to to this lovely metropolis quickly. My high issues to do in Malaga are only a snapshot of what’s obtainable, and with a brilliant practice service, Andalucia’s fairly cities, villages and cities are only a quick journey away.
I used to be a visitor of the Spanish Tourism Workplace on a press journey to Malaga. All views, as all the time are my very own.
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