Planning your visit to Malaga, Spain? Wondering what to do in Malaga, what to see in Malaga, where to go in Malaga, and what to visit in Malaga? Relax! I feel you. Been there, done that! Here’s my ultimate guide to the best things to do in Malaga, Spain!
GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MALAGA SPAIN IN 2024
In my Malaga guide you will find out:
- what to see in Malaga Spain
- what to do in Malaga Spain
- where to go in Malaga Spain
- where to eat in Malaga Spain
- where to stay in Malaga Spain
- when to travel to Malága Spain
- where is Malaga and how to get to Malaga, and of course
- what is Malaga and what is Malaga famous for
- is Malaga worth visiting
- how many days to stay in Malaga
Are you planning a trip to Malaga last minute?
If you are traveling to Malaga last minute, I prepared for you a short summary of the best tours in Malaga, the best hotels in Malaga, and more!
BEST EXPERIENCES AND TOURS IN MALAGA:
Malaga: Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Glass of Cava( the most popular tour in Malaga, especially loved by couples)
Málaga: Alcazaba and Roman Theatre Guided Tour With Entry (a top-selling tour in Malaga)
Málaga: Flamenco Show at Tablao Alegría (a top seller show in Malaga, loved by solo travelers and families with kids)
Málaga: Evening Wine and Tapas Tour (the most popular tour in Malaga for foodies)
From Málaga: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Bus (the most popular day trip from Malaga)
From Costa del Sol or Malaga: Granada and Alhambra Tour ( a top day trip from Malaga)
BEST HOTELS IN MALAGA:
Gran Hotel Miramar (luxury)
Hotel Eurostars Málaga (mid-range)
Alcazaba Premium Hotel(budget)
What is Malaga
Malaga is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The city of Malaga is the capital of Costa de Sol in Andalusia in the south of Spain.
Lovely Malaga is the second largest city in the region of Andalusia, following Seville. But, it is the largest coastal city in Andalusia.
Shiny Malaga is the capital of the famous Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and the birthplace of art genius Pablo Picasso.
Costa del Sol is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world appreciated for the plenty of sunshine, pretty sandy beaches, and flavorsome traditional Spanish food. And Malaga, the capital of Costa del Sol proves it the best.
Where is Malaga Spain
Malaga is on the Mediterranean coast in the region of Andalusia in southern Spain.
Malaga lies on the Costa del Sol, a part of the Mediterranean coast known for plenty of sunshine and large sandy beaches. Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol in Spain.
Malaga is about 80 mi (130 km) south of Granada, 86 mi (14O km) northeast of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 124 mi (200 km) southeast of Seville.
The city of Malaga in Andalusia is also 330 mi (530 km) south of Madrid in Spain.
Is Malaga worth visiting?
Malaga is one of the best beach destinations in Spain. Vast sandy beaches are some of the finest in Spain. After all, Malaga is the capital of the famous Costa del Sol.
Malagaa is a world-renowned destination for beach lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, museum fans, and gourmands.
If you love beaches, good food, museums, shopping, and energetic nightlife, you will enjoy Malaga!
How to get to Malaga Spain
Malaga is served by Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport, which is among the busiest airports in Spain.
The airport connects Malaga with 132 destinations in 30 countries around the world.
Iberia, RyanAir, Vueling, EasyJet, TUI Fly, Air Europa, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia, and Turkish Airlines are some of the airline companies that fly to Malaga Airport.
Spanish Iberia connects Malaga with other domestic destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and the Canary Islands.
Malaga is connected by high-speed trains with Madrid, Seville, and Valencia. A train ride from Madrid to Malaga lasts 3 h on average and costs 85€. A train ride from Seville to Malaga takes about 2 h and costs about 25 €. A train ride from Valencia to Malaga lasts 5 h on average and costs between 85 -170 €.
Malaga is connected by bus to many places in Spain, Portugal, and France. ALSA bus company has the most extensive range of connections.
Malaga is connected with Morocco by ferry from Tanger. Ferry companies Balearia and Transmediterannea have ferry rides from the Port of Tangier Med to the Port of Malaga.
However, if you are flying into Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport and planning to explore the area, I’d suggest renting a car at the airport. Marabella, Mijas, Nerja, Frigiliana, Antequera, and Ronda are in the area and worth visiting!
DiscoverCarRentals is my favorite site for renting cars. The site aggregates the offers from hundreds of car rental companies.
The offer of rental cars and their prices are easily checked online in a few minutes from the chair of the home. Once when a car is chosen, it will wait for you upon your arrival at the airport (ready to be picked up).
The process of renting a car via DiscoverCarRentals and picking it up at the airport is quick and smooth.
What is Malaga famous for
Malaga is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and amazing museums. Sun-bathed Malaga is famous as the birth town of Pablo Picasso, too.
Sunny and sandy Malaga is one of the best Spain vacation spots. It’s one of the best places in southern Spain for leisure and pleasure. The capital of the Costa del Sol is one of the most beautiful beach cities in Spain.
Spanish Malaga is a mecca for museum lovers, beach enthusiasts, and foodies.
Fabulous Malaga has more than 30 museums, among which Museo Pablo Picasso is the most popular. Malaga beaches are some of the very best beaches of Costa del Sol.
In addition, Malaga has numerous traditional tapas bars, taverns, Michelin-star restaurants, and upscale cocktail bars.
Touring Malaga’s museums, sunbathing and swimming on Malaga beaches, and indulging in delicious food are among the best things to do in Malaga.
So, if you are after a top sunny destination, head to Malaga on Costa del Sol.
And here’s the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Malaga, the best things to see in Malaga, the best Malaga attractions, the best places to stay in Malaga, and the best time to travel to Malaga.
How many days to stay in Malaga?
Mlaga has so much to offer to its visitors. This southern Spanish city is a perfect weekend getaway but also an excellent destination for a longer vacation.
You can visit Malaga in two days. But you could also stay there for a longer vacation. Malaga is well-connected to some of the most incredible places in southern Spain, like Seville, Granada, and Ronda. Malaga is perfect for starting a loop Andalucia road trip. That’s something I did. I flew to Malaga, rented a car a Malaga airport, and started my Andalucia road trip!
If you are traveling to Malaga with your family or a partner, book an apartment in Malaga, rent a car, and explore the nearby places on day trips from Malaga!
Where to stay in Malaga
BUDGET: Alcazaba Premium Hotel, – a 2-star hotel near La Caleta Beach, Picasso Museum, and Alcazaba in the center of Malaga. The hotel rooms come with high ceilings, comfortable beds, and lovely balconies.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Eurostars Málaga, – is a 4-star hotel with spacious and modern rooms in Malaga. The hotel is within a 5-minute walk to Malaga train station and a 20-minute walk to the city center.
UPSCALE: Gran Hotel Miramar, – is a superb 5-star hotel with a spa center, gym, seasonal pool, and beautiful garden in a top location in Malaga. This beachfront hotel provides spacious and magnificently decorated rooms.
For a complete overview of the best areas and places to stay in Malaga, please read my guide to Where to Stay in Malaga!
Best restaurants in Malaga
Malaga is a top destination for gourmands. Sampling the regional and local dishes is among the best things do to in Malaga. Here are the top restaurants in Malaga, Spain:
EL Pimpi is an iconic tapas bar and restaurant in the heart of Malaga. Malaga’s El Pimpi is a gourmands institution with a long tradition of serving excellent food. El Pimpi offers traditional Spanish dishes, and Mediterranean and European food with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options in a leisure atmosphere of a classic Andalusian tapas bar.
Tablao Flamenco Alegría is a top-rated restaurant in Malaga. The restaurant offers traditional Spanish cuisine and Fusion cuisine in a small and intimate venue. Tablao Flamenco Alegría is best known for its amazing atmosphere and great performers. The visitors rave about Flamenco Night in Tablao Flamenco Alegría.
Restaurante Balausta is a fine-dining Michelin-star restaurant in Malaga. The restaurant is set on the patio of the 18th-century Palacio Solecio hotel. It offers contemporary Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines and the chef is José Carlos García.
RELATED TRAVEL GUIDES IN SPAIN:
Best Things to Do in Seville
Travel guide to Cordoba, Spain
The ultimate travel guide to Avila, Spain
Travel guide to Salamanca, Spain
How to Plan a Week in Spain
Andalucia Roadtrip
Popular Spanish food
Famous drinks from Spain
Spanish desserts
Spanish breakfasts
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO.
The 30 top things to do in Malaga Spain
What is there to do in Malaga Spain?
Malaga things to do
Interested in 10 things to do in Malaga? I covered you!
However, here is my guide to the best things to do in Mlaga, which goes beyond the standard 10 best things to do in Malaga
1. Visit Alcazaba, the Moorish fortress from the 11th century
Alcazaba, or Al-Qasba in Arabic means citadel (castle fortress).
Impressive Alcazaba fortresses dominate many historic places in Andalusia: like Alcazaba de Granada, Alcazaba de Almeria, Alcazaba de Antequera, Alcazaba de Jerez de La Frontera… but Alcazaba de Malaga is the best preserved Alcazaba in Spain.
Malaga Alcazaba is a beautiful Moorish fortress from the 11th century. The castle fortress was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs of Isabella and Ferdinand in the 15th century when some Renaissance makeovers were done. Therefore, Malaga Alcazaba exhibits a mix of Moorish and Renaissance architecture.
Alcazaba de Malaga is a landmark of Malaga and a must-see attraction in Málaga Spain.
This Malaga must-see site is located on Gibralfaro Hill in the center of Malaga. The Coracha (Arabic qawraya), a walled passage corridor leads from the Malaga downtown to Alcazaba. The passage goes through wonderful gardens decorated with gorgeous fountains. Visiting Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle are among the 10 best things to do in Malaga.
Alcazaba ticket price: 3,50 €
Alcazaba-Gibralfaro Castle ticket price: 5,50 €
Free tour: on Sundays at 2 pm.
2. Head to Gibralfaro Castle for the most spectacular views
The Gibralfaro Castle is a castle and a military garrison from the 14th century.
It tops Gibralfaro hill and it was built to protect the Alcazaba. The Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba are connected by the steep Coracha corridor.
The castle has two lines of wall and eight towers, the main courtyard with the main tower, the Phoenician well and the baths, and the parade ground with the White Tower, outbuildings, and warehouses.
The Gibralfaro Castle among the Mediterranean pines and eucalyptus trees on the Gibralfaro hill overlooks the city of Malaga. The castle provides the most beautiful views of Malaga.
On clear days, it offers the most magnificent views of the entire Costa del Sol and even the Strait of Gibraltar.
Visiting Malaga’s Gibralfaro Castle for the most beautiful views of Malaga is one of the best things to do in Malaga.
Gibralfaro Castle ticket price: 3,50 €
Alcazaba-Gibralfaro Castle ticket price: 5,50 €
Free tour: on Sundays at 2 pm.
3. Visit La Maquita Cathedral
Malaga’s Cathedral of Our Lady of Incarnation is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain. The Cathedral is a top tourist attraction in Malaga.
The cathedral has two towers. While the north tower is the second-highest tower in Andalusia (following the Giralda Tower in Seville), the south tower is unfinished (because of the lack of funding means). That’s why the cathedral of Malaga is also called the One-Arm Lady or La Manquita in Spanish.
The La Manquita has several beautiful chapels, the 17th-century choir with 42 wooden statues of saints, an incredibly beautiful marble Pieta, two 18th-century organs with over 4.000 pipes …
But, climbing to the Cathedral’s roof for the amazing views of the city is among the top ten things to do in Malaga Spain.
Cathedral ticket price: 6 €
Cathedral – Cathedral´s roof ticket price. 10 €
4. See Teatro Romano de Malaga
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Phoenicians founded Malaka around 700 BC and Romans ruled Malacca from around 200 BC to around 500 AD.
Ancient Roman Theatre in Malaga dates back to the 1st century when Emperor Augustus ruled the empire. The theater was in use from the 1st century until the 3rd century. It has a radius of 31 m and a 15 m long orchestra with 13 raised rows of seats. One of the interesting facts is that Arabs took some parts of the Roman Theater for building the Alzacaba. So, you can see columns of Malaga’s Roman Theatre in the abovementioned Alcazaba Fort, for instance.
The Roman Theater is located on the foot of Alcazaba Hill in the historic center of the city and is only one minute’s walk from the Alcazaba. Check out Málaga: Roman Theatre and Alcazaba Guided Tour
5. Admire Picasso’s work at the Museo Picasso
Pablo Picasso is unquestionably the most famous malagueño of all time.
He was born in Malaga and lived in Malaga until the age of 10.
Today Picasso Museum in Malaga holds a collection of about 300 works of the artist. The artwork shows the evolution of Picasso’s art throughout time. Picasso’s family donated the majority of the artwork. The museum has also a library and archive with several hundreds of documents, titles, and photographs related to Picasso’s life.
Museo Picasso is set in the beautiful 16th-century Buenavista Palace and only 200 m from the house where Picasso was born.
The queues for visiting the Picasso Museum are often long. I’d recommend booking tickets in advance to skip the lines: Málaga: Museo Picasso Málaga Entry Ticket. Admiring Picasso’s work at the Picasso Museum is one of the top 5 things to do in Malaga.
6. Check out Picasso Museo Casa Natal
The Picasso Birthplace Museum is set in the building where the artist was born in 1881.
The museum’s collection shows the life of Pablo from his birth and childhood in Malaga and his life after. The museum is recommended for Picasso’s fans who want to learn about the artist’s life. But for those Picasso fans who are interested in Picasso’s art, I recommend visiting above mentioned Picasso Museum.
The Picasso Birthplace Museum is located in Plaza de la Merced in the center of Malaga.
Picasso Museo Casa Natal ticket price: 4 €
Free entry: Sundays
7. Sample fresh Andalusian food at Mercado Atrazanas de Malaga
Vibrant Mercado Central de Atarazanas is my favorite place in Malaga and one of the top places to see in Malaga.
Málaga’s central market is an amazing indoor market set in a beautiful building from the 19th century. The building is wonderfully decorated with arched windows and stained glass. Inside the market, there are about 250 market stalls selling local fresh products: fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, and seafood. There are also cozy tapas bars that offer great Andalusia tapas inside the market.
One of the best things to do in Malaga is to have tapas (one-bite appetizers) or raciones (dishes to share) with a glass of wine in a tapas bar at Mercado Central de Atarazans.
Opening times: 8 am – 2 pm (Monday – Saturday)
8. Shop in La Calle Larios
La Calle Larios in the city center is the best place for shopping in Malaga.
This fashionable and busy street goes from Plaza de la Constitución to the Parque de la Alameda. It is a beautiful pedestrian street, equally beautiful at night and at the daytime.
This upscale street in the Malaga city center has gorgeous ornate buildings, beautiful shops, and restaurants that are a true fest for the eyes. It gets exceptionally beautifully decorated during Christmastime.
La Calle Larios is a top place in Malaga for shopping, people-watching, strolling, and enjoying tapas with a glass of fine wine.
9. Rest in exotic Parque de Malaga
Beautiful Malaga Park is one of the most beautiful places to see in Malaga.
The park is famous for its beauty and biodiversity, It holds many tropical and subtropical plants and a wide range of botanical species from five continents.
It’s one of the most exotic public parks in Europe. Malaga’s Park was designed in 1896. It covers 3.3 ha with lovely sculptures, pretty fountains, interesting park benches decorated with Sevillian tiles, and beautiful flora.
Parque de Malaga is located in the city center from the Plaza de la Marina to the Plaza del General Torrijos next to La Malagueta Beach.
10. Have beach time at Playa Malagueta
Malagueta Beach is a gorgeous sandy public beach in Malaga and one of the most famous Malaga beaches.
Playa Malagueta is equally loved by locals and tourists. It is an urban sandy 1,200 m long beach awarded with a Blue flag by the European Foundation for Environmental Education. A wonderful promenade goes all the way along the beach. Playa de la Malagueta is Malaga’s strip with bars, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Playa de la Malagueta is the best area to stay in Malaga for the beach. Many luxury hotels are along the Playa de La Malagueta too. So, this is also the best area to stay in Mlaga for luxury travelers. The stunning Gran Hotel Miramar is next to Playa Malagueta.
Playa Malagueta stretches from the Port of Málaga and La Caleta Beach. It’s the nearest beach to Malaga downtown. In fact, the beach is only 10 min walk from the city center in the Malagueta neighborhood (famous for the bullring of La Malagueta). Having some beach time on the Playa Malagueta is one of the best things to do in Malaga.
11. Enjoy seafood in a chiringuito
Chiringuitos are traditional beach bars and restaurants in Malaga. They sell fish and seafood. Typical chiringuitos come with terraces and sun-loungers to make the most of enjoying the food on a beach.
If you love to eat fresh fish and seafood on a beach, head to a chiringuito and order traditional pescaito frito (fried fish), boquerinos en limon (fried anchovies in lemon), pescaito combinado (a platter of mixed fish), or classic seafood paella.
12. Try wines of Malaga in traditional bodegas
The tradition of making wine in the Malaga province goes back to the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans.
Traditional wines of Malaga are sweet and fortified. Malaga wines are made from the Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grape varieties.
Naturally, bodega hopping and sampling the sweet wines of Malaga are some of the best things to do in Malaga.
For the ultimate bodega experience in Mlaga, visit Antigua Casa de Guardia or Bodega Bar El Pimpi.
Iconic Antigua Casa de Guardia is the oldest wine bar in Malaga, and Bodega Bar El Pimpi is one of the most famous bodegas in Malaga. Tasting wines and eating local dishes in Antigua Casa de Guardia and Bodega Bar El Pimpi are the top best things to do in Malaga. I enjoyed them tremendously. And, trust me, you we love them too! Touring bodegas in Malaga is among the 10 best things to do in Malaga!
13. Stroll Muelle Uno
Muelle Uno is a seafront promenade and a modern shopping and restaurant area in Malaga.
Lovely Muelle Uno with a lined oranges tree serves as an open-air shopping center. This is one of the places to go shopping in Malaga. The promenade features bars, restaurants, shops, and a spectacular modern museum of Centre Pompidou.
Malaga harbor promenade is one of the most vibrant parts of Malaga. It’s one of the top places in Malaga to watch people passing by. Strolling the Muelle Uno promenade is a top thing to do in Malaga.
14. Head to Center Pompidou for contemporary art
Malaga’s Centre Pompidou is a branch of the celebrated Centre Pompidou in Paris.
The museum structure is made in the shape of a big colorful glass cube. The building is popularly called El Cubo. It holds a permanent exhibition of Pablo Picasso, Frida Khalo, Chagall, Kandinsky, Francis Bacon, and Magritte, to name a few.
The museum is located in the heart of Malaga harbor. To make the most of your time in Malaga, go for Skip-the-line Málaga: Center Pompidou Málaga Ticket.
Malaga Centre Pompidou ticet: 9 €
Free entrance: Sunday evening
15. Take photos of La Farola
La Farola is an iconic lighthouse in Malaga.
It’s a landmark of Malaga. The elegant lighthouse was built in 1816.
La Farola de Malaga is one of the most photographed buildings in Malaga and a must-see in Malaga.
It’s located at the end of Paseo de la Farola and the entrance to the harbor in Malaga. Take a walk to Malaga harbor ad see La Farola lighthouse!
16. Cruise the Malaga Bay
Every malagueño would agree, cruising Malaga Bay and enjoying the sea time on a boat are some of the best things to do in Malaga.
Chill and appreciate romantic moments with a glass of sparkling Cava wine while cruising Malaga Bay on a luxury boat in the sunset. Chilling on a catamaran in the beautiful Malaga Bay is among the top things to do in Malaga.
Take a catamaran trip in Malaga and enjoy spectacular sea views of Malaga in the sunset.
17. Rejuvenate at Hamman Al Andalus
The Hammam Al-Andalus in Malaga is one of the Arab baths in Andalusia you have to try.
The Malaga’s Hammam Al-Andalus offers cold, hot, and warm baths, and various massages with aromatic essential oils for the ultimate relaxation. Hot green mint tea is served in the lounge area of the hammam, in line with the traditional Arab bath rituals.
Unquestionably, rejuvenating in Hammam Al-Andalus is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Malaga. Check out Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes Málaga !
18. Go for a tapas crawl
If you are a foodie like me, then most certainly you enjoy tasting local foods on your travels.
One of the best things to do in Malaga is to take a walking food tour in Malaga and learn about traditional Andalusian and Malaga food from a food sherpa.
Explore Malaga cuisine, and have traditional Spanish tapas with some fine Andalusian wines while touring traditional taverns and tapas bars in Málaga. If you want to experience Malaga culinary scene differently, check out Bike Tour of Malaga: Tapas and Wine
But, if your Malaga itinerary suits more an evening tapas crawl, check out Málaga: Evening Wine and Tapas Tour
19. Take a hop-on hop-off bus
Explore Malaga from the comfort of a Malaga Hop-on Hop-off Bus.
If you are short on time in Malaga, or you simply want to sights all the famous Malaga attractions in the most comfortable way, take a Hop-on-Hop-off Bus in Malaga. One loop by bus takes only 1 hour and 20 min.
Malaga: Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Experience Card Options
20. Explore Malaga by segway
Looking for some fun activities in Malaga? Riding a segway in the streets of Malaga is one of the most fun things to do in Malaga.
Choose between segway tours that last one hour or two hours and have fun touring the city of Malaga.
Check out Málaga: Segway City Tour
21. Experience glorious Semana Santa in Malaga in April
Celebrating Holy Week and Easter in Spain is exceptional.
Experiencing Holy Week, or Semana Santa in Malaga is one of the most unique things to do in Malaga.
Semana Santa in Malaga is one of the most important traditional events in Malaga. 42 religious brotherhoods dressed in unique robes organize distinctive processions carrying wooden sculptures of the sorrowful Virgin Mary and the scenes from the Passion.
The processions go from brotherhoods’ houses or their churches along the official route to the Malaga Cathedral or back to their brotherhood houses.
The celebration of the Semana Santa happens the week before Easter. During the celebration, the city is amazingly decorated. Attending Semana Santa processions is one of the best things to do in Malaga, Spain.
READ MORE: Celebrating Easter in Spain
22. Attend May Crosses Festival in Malaga in May
May Crosses festival, or (Cruces de Mayo) is a contest of Catholic hermandades (brotherhoods) and neighborhood associations for the most beautiful decorated cross in Andalusia.
The May Crosses festival happens in many towns and villages across Andalusia. The decorated crosses stand at squares of neighborhoods. This festival happens in reverence to the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The Ayuntamiento (town hall) awards the winners.
Typical May Crosses are about three m-tall and decorated in red and white flowers (sometimes even in yellow and green flowers) with leaves. A small street stall selling wine (Sherry) and tapas stands traditionally next to the cross. Usually, live flamenco music accompanies crosses and street stalls
May Crosses festival happens on the nearest Sunday to May 1st. May Crosses festival in Cordoba lasts for four days.
If you visit Cordoba in May, don’t forget to check out small hidden squares and attend the May Crosses festival!
23. Hike Camnito del Rey from Malaga
Interested in the best things to see around Malaga? Check out Caminito del Rey!
Take a day trip from Malaga and walk Caminito del Rey.
El Caminito del Rey (the Little Pathway of the King) is a spectacular path over the magnificent canyon of the Guadalhorce River. The amazing canyon features cliffs 700 m high, while the Caminito del Rey path hangs 100 m above the river.
El Camino del Rey is among the best places to visit around Malaga. And hiking El Camino del Rey is one of the best things to do near Malaga Spain!
The Caminito del Rey path is about 3 km long and about 1 meter wide. The hike takes 3 hours and it always goes only in one direction.
It takes an hour by car and about 3 hours by bus from Malaga to Caminito del Rey.
Taking a day tour to Caminito del Rey from Malaga is one of the best things to do in Malaga for adventurous souls.
From Costa del Sol or Malaga: Caminito del Rey with Tapas
24. Watch authentic flamenco
Seeing a genuine flamenco is one of the best things to do in Andalusia.
Amazing flamenco represents a unique artistic expression and musical fusion of song (cante), musicianship (toque – the art of guitar playing), and dance (baile). UNESCO inscribed flamenco to the list of Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
If you want to see an authentic flamenco show in Malaga, head to Tablao Los Amayas!
Watching Traditional Flamenco Show in Tablao Los Amayas is one of the top fun things to do in Malaga!
25. Take a day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga
To experience the British atmosphere on the Iberian peninsula and in the near proximity to Andalusia, visit Gibraltar.
Take a cable car up the rock, see amazing Barbary macaques (the only wild primates in Europe), eat fish and chips, and say hello to Africa from Europa Point.
It takes about 2 hours by car and about 3 hours by bus from Malaga to Gibraltar. But getting into Gibraltar can be stressful because of the customs and long queues, so taking a guided day tour to Gibraltar from Malaga is the easiest way to tour Gibraltar from Malaga.
26. Visit Mijas, Marbella and Puerto Banus
Worldwide known Marbella is one of the most luxurious seaside resorts in Spain, while Puerto José Banús is a famous luxury marina and shopping complex where the rich and famous spend their holidays. Marabella is one of the best beach towns near Malaga. Marbella is a famous upscale destination in Spain.
But everyone who travels to southern Spain dreams of seeing picturesque authentic pueblo blancos (white villages) in Andalusia. Charming Mijas near Malaga is a typical Andalusian white village. The lovely Mijas is one of the most beautiful and the most visited pueblo blancos in southern Spain. Mijas is one of those must-see white villages near Malaga!
One of the best things to do in Malaga is to take a day trip to Mijas, Marbella & Puerto Banús From Málaga and visit them in one day.
27. Tour Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces from Malaga
Alhambra in Granada is the most visited site in Spain. 2.000.000 people visit Alhambra every year.
Magnificent Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a top tourist attraction in Spain, and one of the most famous tourist attractions in the World overall.
If you want to visit Alhambra from Malaga, take a day trip from Malaga to Granada.
It takes an hour and 40 min by car and up to 3 hours by bus from Malaga to Granada.
But if you want to visit Alhambra on a day tour from Malaga, take Alhambra Full-Day Tour with Nasrid Palaces from Malaga.
28. Visit Cordoba and Mezquita from Malaga
Charming Cordoba is one of the most beautiful places in southern Spain.
Absolutely gorgeous Cordoba is famous for La Mezquita Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), lovely Juderia, the picturesque Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir river, fantastic Roman mosaics, charming Arab courtyards with gorgeous fountains, flowers, and aromatic plants.
It takes only 1 hour by train, and about 2 hours by car from Malaga to Cordoba.
But if you fancy taking organized tours, take a day tour from Malaga to Cordoba.
29. Make a day trip to Ronda
The famous town of Ronda is the most spectacular white-washed town in southern Spain. Ronda is best known for its incredible mountaintop setting above a deep gorge.
Ronda is home to the oldest bullring in Spain. Ernest Hemingway and Alexander Dumas praised the beauty of Ronda.
It takes about an hour and a half by car from Malaga to Ronda. But if like guided tours, take this awesome guided day tour from Malaga to Ronda.
30. Buy a souvenir in Malaga
Wondering what to buy in Malaga Spain?
Spain is a country with strong coffee culture. So, if you are a coffee lover like me, you’ll especially appreciate your coffee time at Costa del Sol.
Malaga is well-known for the distinctive Malaga coffee types called shadow (sombra), cloud (nube), short (corto), half and half (mitad), etc. These coffee types you can not find in the rest of Spain. These coffee types you can order only in the Malaga province!
If you are looking for a unique souvenir from Malaga, you might like this funky bag that illustrates Malaga coffee types.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAGA
Malaga and the Costa del Sol are some of the sunniest places in Europe. Malaga has an average of 320 days of sun a year or in other words more than 3000 hours of sunlight a year.
Summer is the high season for beach and sun lovers. July is the hottest month in Malaga with a daily average temperature of 25°C (77°F). Winter in Malaga is mild and rarely cold. The coldest month in Malaga is January with a daily average temperature of 15°C (55°F).
But, spring and autumn are the best time to visit Malaga for pleasant temperatures ideal for sightseeing in Malaga with no crowds.
March/April is a great month for visiting Malaga for the spectacular Holy Week in Malaga.
Q&A
What is Malaga like?
Malaga is a beautiful beach city in southern Spain. It is the capital of the world-renowned Costa de Sol and one of the best holiday destinations in Spain for sandy beaches, food, nightlife, shopping, history, culture, and art.
What can you do in Malaga?
Start your visit to Malaga by touring the famous tourist attractions in Malaga like Malaga Alcazaba, Gibralfaro fortress, and Malaga Cathedral. Explore museums in Maga like the famous Piccaso Museum and the Birthhouse of Picasso. Dine at El Pimpi bodega, shop in La Calle Larios shopping street, cruise the Malaga Bay on a catamaran trip, enjoy Malaga’s sandy beaches, and watch a flamenco show … Those are only some of the top things to do in Malaga you could do!
What is there to see in Malaga?
Malaga Alcazaba, Gibralfaro fortress, Malaga Cathedral, the Roman amphitheater, Malagueta Beach, La Cale Larios, Parque de la Malaga, Malaga Central Market, Museo Picasso, Casa Natal Picasso are the top things to see in Malaga.
What should I not miss in Malaga?
Don’t miss out on visiting the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Fortress, Cathedral, and Mercado de Atarazanas in Malaga. Also, don’t forget to tour bodegas in Malaga, like the famous El Pimpi bodega. And certainly have beach time on Malagueta Beach!
What is Malaga known for?
Malaga is known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious food, shopping, and amazing museums. Malaga is also the birth town of Pablo Picasso. Malaga has the excellent Pablo Picasso Museum and Picasso Birthhouse.
What is there to do in Malaga?
Malaga is a fantastic destination for museums-hopping, enjoying sandy beaches, cultural sightseeing, and sampling the delicious food of Andalucia. Visit Pablo Picasso Museum and Picasso Birthhouse, swim in Malagueta Beach, visit Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Fortress, Cathedral, and Mercado de Atarazanas, take a tapas food tour in Malaga, and shop in La Cale Larios. And, fun in Malaga is guaranteed!
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