Summary
Recognized by many as the capital of the Costa del Sol, Málaga extends beyond a mere seaside destination. Visitors can explore Spain’s Islamic heritage through the impressive Alcazaba fortress, while also appreciating the legacy of Pablo Picasso, who was born here, through various museums dedicated to his formative years.
Moreover, during the city’s renowned festivals, one can immerse themselves in Andalusian culture by enjoying flamenco performances and sampling sherry in the region of its origin. Additionally, the globally acclaimed beaches, resorts, and golf courses of the Costa del Sol are conveniently nearby.
1. La Alcazaba
With its imposing walls visible from nearly every part of the city, Málaga’s Alcazaba stands as a significant Moorish fortress palace from the Islamic period.
Originally constructed in the 8th century, it underwent enhancements and expansions over the course of the next five centuries. This hill features both inner and outer citadels defended by two sets of walls.
The outer citadel encompasses the palace’s beautifully arranged gardens adorned with fountains and entrances crafted from ancient Roman columns by the Arabs.
The inner sanctuary houses the palace and grand residences, which are distributed among three tranquil courtyard gardens.
2. Roman Theatre
Located just below the hill, beyond the outer walls of the Alcazaba, lies the city’s premier ancient monument.
This theatre was actively utilized over a 300-year span until the 200s, after which it became forgotten and repurposed as a quarry during the Moorish era.
Rediscovered in 1951, it is surprisingly well-preserved considering its tumultuous history.
Several tiers of seating within the 16-meter-high cavea (viewing area) remain intact, and a newly established visitor center showcases various artifacts from the site, including amphorae and other everyday implements.
3. Málaga Cathedral
The construction of the city’s cathedral spanned more than 150 years, resulting in a structure that features a combination of Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements.
The facade, completed towards the end of the construction process, is impressively grand, adorned with arches, column pilasters, and intricate stone reliefs of saints.
The cathedral’s north tower reaches 84 meters in height, making it the second tallest in Andalusia, surpassed only by La Giralda in Seville.
A South Tower was planned but ultimately funding was redirected to support America’s independence from Britain instead.
This information is noted on the plaque where the tower was intended to be situated.
4. Castillo de Gibralfaro
Similar to the Alcazaba, this hilltop fortress towers above the city, serving as a distinguished landmark emblematic of Málaga and the wider province.
Distinct from the Alcazaba, this structure has a more militaristic purpose, characterized by lookout towers and ramparts that remain towering against the backdrop of pine trees on the hillside.
A fortress has existed here since the time of the Phoenicians, over 2,500 years ago, and this castle witnessed a critical siege in 1487.
Muslim Malagueños withstood the siege by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella for three months before capitulating due to food shortages.
5. Museo del Vidrio
This captivating museum is housed in a charming 18th-century building showcasing exposed beams, period furnishings, and tasteful decor.
The main attraction lies in its extensive collection of antique glassware, encompassing several millennia.
The exhibits include items from various ancient civilizations: Phoenicians, Romans, Ancient Greeks, and Egyptians.
Noteworthy pieces include a green Roman glass bowl, which remains intact after 2,000 years.
Additionally, visitors can observe exquisite Venetian items, glassworks from the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age, and a collection of English lead glass, such as jugs and wine cups from the 1500s.
6. Atarazanas Market
As is common throughout Spain, the central market serves as a vital hub of daily activity in Málaga, warranting a visit.
Locals prefer the vendors at Atarazanas for their freshness and reasonable prices.
Furthermore, the market itself is an aesthetically pleasing structure, featuring an elegant iron and glass roof, Mudéjar arches, and a splendid stained-glass window.
Visitors can purchase a variety of market staples, including fruits and vegetables, a range of meats (both fresh and cured), cheeses, fresh bread, and traditional honey or sherry.
Additionally, there are bars where patrons can enjoy a tapa alongside a cold glass of Cruzcampo.
7. Parque de Málaga
During hot days, this park serves as a refreshing retreat, providing a cool respite even in the summer.
The tall palm trees create ample shade over its three main pathways, offering a tranquil walking experience.
Moreover, the striking juxtaposition of Baroque and Renaissance sculptures alongside subtropical flora presents a unique aesthetic.
Adjacent to the City Council building, one can find a lovely rose garden bordered by orange trees and cypress trees.
8. Automobile and Fashion Museum
This attraction highlights the finer aspects of life, appealing to both women and men.
The male visitors will find delight in the 100 classic cars, featuring models including Maseratis, Cadillacs, Aston Martins, and Bugattis.
The exhibition spans from the earliest developments in automotive engineering, showcasing a De Dion Bouton from 1903.
As you traverse through various decades, from the vibrant 1920s to the 1950s Dolce Vita era, historical context is seamlessly interwoven with the models on display.
Additionally, there is a journey through fashion across seven galleries featuring 200 original haute-couture pieces.
9. Picasso’s Málaga
Pablo Picasso’s birthplace in Málaga is an essential visit for any traveler wishing to honor this iconic 20th-century artist.
Start your journey at his birthplace, or Casa Natal, located in Plaza de la Merced.
This site is within a short walking distance from the city’s landmarks where his parents resided in the early 1880s.
It features a modest collection of his artworks alongside artifacts from his formative years.
A broader exhibition of his paintings is accessible at the Picasso Museum, located just a few minutes away.
This museum showcases many early 20th-century works, reflecting Picasso’s artistic evolution over the years.
10. Beaches
La Malagueta beach, located along the city’s waterfront, is appealing yet directly adjacent to the busy N-340 highway, often crowded during summer.
Nonetheless, the Costa del Sol is celebrated as Europe’s sun and sand haven, ensuring an abundance of superior beach options in close proximity.
Those familiar with the region often drive to Torremolinos, which is a pleasant 20-minute journey.
Blue Flag-winning La Misericordia offers a beautiful, expansive sandy beach with gentle waves.
Similarly, Los Alamos provides an equally delightful experience but is more developed, featuring apartment estates and summer concerts along the shore.
11. Málaga Football Club
Located in the northern suburbs, La Rosaleda is an impressive stadium with a capacity of 30,000 spectators.
Its home club, Málaga CF, has been a contender in the Primera División for nearly a decade.
Previously, Málaga experienced significant financial investment from a Qatari owner, facilitating advancement to the Champions League. However, investment has since diminished, leading to a decline in performance.
Regardless, from August to May, matches featuring some of Europe’s best teams can be enjoyed here, alongside opportunities for stadium tours and a museum dedicated to Málaga CF’s notable players and achievements.
12. Espetos
For those seeking an authentic local dish, espeto (grilled sardines) from a local chiringuito (beachfront bar) is an excellent choice.
Traditionally prepared by digging a hole in the sand to create a fire, the sardines are then roasted over the glowing embers.
Typically, long, thick skewers are employed to hold the sardines, which, once cooked, can be enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of crisp white wine.
A statue of an “Espetero” preparing sardines can be found along Málaga’s Paseo Marítimo de Antonio Machado.
13. Semana Santa
Holy Week is notably significant throughout Spain, yet in Andalusia, and specifically Málaga, it holds a particularly profound importance.
This stems in part from the prominence of Catholic brotherhoods in this region, which are more actively involved in organizing events compared to other areas in Spain.
These groups conduct masses throughout the year and possess substantial manpower for planning the considerable activities of this crucial week.
The magnificent floats carried in processions from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday can reach several meters in height, with Virgin statues often elaborately adorned.
Moreover, the atmosphere among Malagueños during Holy Week contrasts with that of other Spanish cities; it is decidedly less solemn, inviting a more exuberant celebration.
14. Feria de Agosto
Málaga is a worthy destination throughout the year, but its appeal heightens in August.
Historically, it was one of the last cities in the Iberian peninsula to revert to Christian governance following the Islamic period.
The conquest of Málaga occurred on August 14, 1487, an event commemorated annually during the third week of August with a vibrant festival.
This celebration provides a deep insight into Andalusian culture, featuring toasts with fino (sherry), numerous flamenco performances, and daily bullfights at La Malagueta.
During this lively period, the city is beautifully adorned with flowers and paper lanterns.
15. Golf
Being on the Costa del Sol means one is never far from high-quality golf courses.
Located just 10 kilometers along the coast from the city, Parador de Málaga features an 18-hole course welcoming players of all skill levels.
This setting offers the perfect opportunity to reacquaint oneself with the sport.
The course is nestled within a picturesque landscape of dunes, palm trees, and eucalyptus groves and is among the oldest in the country, dating back to the 1920s.
On the city’s western outskirts, Guadalhorce offers an 18-hole course boasting a relaxed front nine and a back nine that is more demanding, filled with challenges for skilled players.
