Malaga is often sidelined by better known Andalusian cities such as Sevilla, Jerez, Cordoba and Granada. We chose it because it’s smaller and less known, so we expected it to have less tourists (we found out that that it’s not entirely true). It is a city that has a rich historical background from the phoenicians, to the arabs and romans. As it gets extremely hot in the summer, we recommend to visit during fall,winter and spring since they are also low season and you will be able to enjoy more the city.
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It is blessed with many quality museums such as the Carmen Thyssen, Museo Picasso, and Centro Pompidou Malaga. There are many interesting places where you could go for a day trip such as Ronda, Marbella or Nerja. To be fair, Morocco and more specifically Tangiers is only a brief ferry ride away from the Spanish coast. If you do end up going, we would recommend to stay well over a day.
We stayed 3 days in Malaga, which was more than enough to see it and explore all its beauty. Here are our recommendations of what to do in Malaga so you can make the most out of you trip:
The Encarnación de Málaga Cathedral
This was our first stop. We woke up early to be the first ones there (8am) and it was worth it! Not only is the city still asleep at that time but you get to see the cathedral and all its gardens by yourself. We were the only ones there for about an hour and then went to have breakfast in front. You can’t miss this gem.
Castillo de Gibralfaro and La Alcazaba
Some of the city’s most iconic sights are its two moorish castles. They will give you an idea of Malaga’s rich history and some quality views. In the Alcazaba you will find some of the most impressive Islamic gardens we have ever seen.
- Hours: 9h – 18h
- Price: 3,5 euros. Free on sundays from 14h
The Gardens on the port
Our favorite part of the whole city. They are like a mini-crammed botanical garden. It had a jungly feeling while you walk through it even if it is next to the port.
Both these gardens allude the notion that Islamic gardens were made to remind of paradise. Meaning: fresh, shadowy places where they could get aways from the harsh weather and heat.
El Teatro Romano
Next to the Alcazaba and it is impressive. You can stand both in the place where the speaker would stand and where the audience would be.
- Hours: open all day
- Price: free
Museo Picasso
If you are a Pablo Picasso enthousiast , then you are in for a treat! He was born in the city, which is why a palace was consecrated to his art and life story. Some of his most famous art works are here and you can see his evolution as an artist. The museum also has works from other artist that influenced him. It is not too big so you can visit it in one afternoon. Make sure to get your tickets before the counter closes at 18h30.
- Hours: 9h – 19h
- Price: 8 euros for the permanent collection or 6,5 for the temporary one (make sure to bring your student or senior ID for a reduction). It’s free the last two hours on sunday. If you plan on going in for free on sunday you should get in line at least 30 or 40 minutes before otherwise the queue spirals two streets back.
La Malagueta
Soak in the sun at Malaga´s most renown beach. It is no secret that one of Malaga’s biggest attractions is its sunny coast on the marvelous Mediterranean sea! Other beaches worth a visit are not in Malaga but nearby in Nerja (40 min by car) like Playa de Calahonda y Playa de Maro.
La Concepción Historical-Botanical Garden
Its great if you like plants and botanical gardens. It’s not in the center but it’s worth the visit (15 minute ride). It´s also 15-minute walk from the last stop on the number 2 bus route.
- Hours: 9h30 – 16h30 (winter) 9h30 – 19h30 (summer)
- Price: 5,20. Free on sunday
Make sure to go around sunset to see it from the view point.
Walk around Soho
This is a charming neighborhood next to the port where you can see its quintessential street art and quirky residents.
You can also go to a hammam. Granted it’s not a budget option (you can always scope out a deal at Groupon!). We personally didn’t visit one, so we can’t recommend a particular one but Malaga is well known to offer a lovely day at the hammam.
Visit Ronda!
-Seriously-. Ronda is a bus ride away (1h30 min) and we can assure you that it is stunning. It holds the unofficial title of being the prettiest town in all of Spain! Make sure to check the bus tickets the night before or get a blablacar since the schedules are specific. The main bus station is about a 30 min walk from Malaga’s center.
If you can, going to a Flamenco show is a great idea, if you do not have the luxury of going to Sevilla. It’s kind of like eating paella in Barcelona, not from there but you could find a decent one if you do your reaserch.
Where to stay?
We stayed in Oasis Backpackers hostel when went. It is adjacent to the Parroquia de los Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula. The Hostel is dead in the center of Malaga, 7 minutes away from the castles and it’s a great budget option (about 15 euros a night). The communal living spaces are very pleasant, decent shower facilities, public computers, and helpful staff. They have a modern terrace with bar and offer pub crawls.
Anywhere in the center would be ideal to stay since it’s so small and you can walk anywhere. As previously mentioned Soho is nice as well, but slightly more residential (you might prefer it depending on your interests). Malaga is not a massive city so if you cannot book a place right in the center it really should not be a problem.
On the weekends Malaga’s center gets nice and rowdy so buckle up!
We hope this helps you and please make sure to let us know what you thought about Malaga! Also remember to put on sunscreen and as you would anywhere keep an eye on your belongings!
