The Best Travel Guide to Malaga

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Malaga

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Overview

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Malaga The guide was updated: 2022-07-30

Malaga might not be as popular as other Spanish cities, but a quick visit to the birthplace of Pablo Picasso is enough to win any visitor's heart. With a great mix of ancient history and modern culture, nearly 3.000 hours of sunshine a year, and several kilometres of beach, it's quite easy to see why Malaga has been described as "Ciudad del Paraíso" ("Paradise City").

Facts

Population:	578,460 (2020)
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112 Fire Brigade: 080 Doctor: 061 Police: 091
Newspapers:	El Diario Sur El País
Opening hours:	The shops in Malaga are normally open from 10am to 1:30pm and from 5–9 pm on weekdays but there are exceptions. Larger shopping centres and shops stay open all day.
Tourist information:	Municipal Tourism Central Office Plaza de la Marina 11, Paris +34 952 122 020 Opening Hours: 1 April to 31 October: Mon–Fri 9 am–7pm, Sat–Sun and holidays: 10am–7pm. 1 November to 31 March: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun and holidays: 10am–6pm. Closed: 1 January and 25 December

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Section in Malaga

Malaga is an excellent base for those looking to take day trips along the coast, up to the small mountain villages, or to one of the larger Andalusian cities. It is approximately a two hours’ drive from Granada, Córdoba, or Seville in a hired car or by bus. When in Granada: don't miss the fabulous Moorish palace Alhambra, the Gothic cathedral, and the Arab quarters in the Albaicín. Córdoba: walk to the old Jewish quarters and La Mezquita to experience this region's rich history. Seville: make sure to visit the Santa Cruz and Real Alcázar districts at the heart of the city. In Puerto Banús, you will view the gigantic luxury yachts, splurge on designer name shopping, and mix with the rich and famous at the chic bars on the sea front. There are also yachts, discothèques, bars and restaurants in Puerto Marina in Benalmádena. Ronda is a picturesque town located on a precipitous limestone cliff. The road leading there from San Pedro de Alcántara on the coast is a dizzy mountain trip.

Picasso Museum

Picasso Museum

This beautiful 16th-century museum is a must for all visitors to Malaga, young and old. Thanks to the grandmaster’s daughter-in-law, Christine, and grandchild Bernard, the museum boasts a collection of nearly 200 works of art. Just a stone’s throw away at Plaza de la Merced the house where Picasso was born is also open to the public.

Museum of Glass and Crystal

Museum of Glass and Crystal

The Museum of Glass and Crystal features a private collection of more than 3,000 pieces of glass, from a wide range of epochs.

Puerto de Malaga

Puerto de Malaga

Puerto de Malaga is the port area in Malaga, home to bustling bars and restaurants. The perfect place for a stroll and a nice lunch in the sun.

Iglesia de Los Martires

Iglesia de Los Martires

If you enjoy the history and splendour of old churches, Iglesia de Los Martires, right in the city centre, will certainly impress you.

Malaga Feria

Malaga Feria

Dance both day and night away at The Malaga Feria, a week-long festival of street parties. To get you in to the Fiesta spirit, the Feria kicks off with a huge fire work display - make sure to try out your Flamenco moves!

Playas de Las Acacias

Playas de Las Acacias

Escape to Playas de Las Acacias. This quiet beach is great for a relaxing walk along the sea, or a filling meal at a local gourmet fish restaurant.

El Caminito del Rey Hike

El Caminito del Rey Hike

El Caminito del Rey begins an hour's drive away from the city of Malaga, running from north to south. The hike takes you through gorges, canyons and past a beautiful suspension bridge. The entire route is 8km long and takes 3-4 hours to complete. Adventurers will be rewarded with stunning views of the Andalusian landscape.

Centre Pompidou Malaga

Centre Pompidou Malaga

Fans of the postmodern won't want to miss Centre Pompidou Malaga, the only branch of the iconic gallery outside of France. Housed in El Cubo, a giant glass cube in Malaga Port, the centre houses seven sections: metamorphoses, the body in pieces, the political body, self-portraits, man without a face, the workshop of Brancusi, and one dedicated to the architecture of the first Pompidou Centre, in Paris. It is also home to the masterpiece "The Frame" by Frida Kahlo.

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Named after the 14th century boatyard it replaced, the Mercado is a traditional market with a wide range of fresh and local foods on offer. Get a taste of Andalucia by trying tapas and fresh “pescaíto" (typical small fried fish), or go for classic picnic fare such as fruit, bread and sweet treats. Note that the market is closed on Sundays,.

Montes de Málaga Natural Park

Montes de Málaga Natural Park

Named for the Montes de Málaga range located just 5km from Malaga city, this Natural Park is characterised by jagged massif and steep slopes. Admire the magnificent pine forest, teeming with birds of prey. Many species of flora can be found around the park, best explored while following many of the marked trails. There is also an ethnographic museum in the park.

Cueva del Tesoro

Cueva del Tesoro

One of only three marine caves in the world, Cueva del Teroso is home to unique geomorphic formations. First settled in in the Paelolithic Age, the caves are filled with cave paintings. Legend has it there is also a lost, ancient treasure ("Teroso") hidden somewhere in these crevices!

Hammam Al Ándalus - Arabic Baths

Hammam Al Ándalus - Arabic Baths

Immerse yourself in the Andalucian ritual of the Arabic bath. Blissful for hot & cold baths can be accompanied with massages. Reconnect with your self while surrounded by elegant arabesque architecture.

Russian Museum - Coleccion del Museo Ruso

Russian Museum - Coleccion del Museo Ruso

A rare collection of art from the Leningrad State Museum, this cultural outpost offers insight in to the cultural soul of Russia, from the palatial to the postmodern. Readings, lectures and performances of classical music and folklore accompany the permanent and rotating exhibitions to provide a thorough insight into all kinds of Russian art.

Alcazaba

Alcazaba

Alcazaba and Gibralfaro are military forts dating from the period of Arab rule. Visit the palace inside the walls to enjoy a splendid garden and exquisite views. The Roman theatre just beneath was built during the first century A.D. and has been restored and renovated after many years of neglect.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral

Malaga’s cathedral was built between 1500 and 1700 on the site that was once occupied by the Aljama Mosque. The cathedral features a Renaissance style with a Baroque main façade and décor.

Jardín Botanico

Jardín Botanico

The affluent couple Jorge Loring and Amalia Heredia created this fantastic garden around their Hacienda La Concepción in the 19th-century. Here you can find 30.000 square meters filled with 500 tropical plants.

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