Top 10 Malaga Attractions

Our top 10 things to do in Malaga cover the old and the new, the classic and the contemporary. Use this guide as a passport for a memorable stay in this underrated Spanish destination.

Alcazaba

It may not have the scale or grandeur of nearby Granada’s Alhambra, but Malaga’s Moorish fortress has the benefit of smaller crowds to navigate. Alcazaba is actually built on the site of an eighth-century Roman fort. As you wander the gardens and circle the fountains, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked back through the centuries, or maybe even across the sea to North Africa. It’s a perfectly preserved reminder of Spain’s period of Arabic rule, and a feast for the senses as you pass orange trees and scented flowers.

Museo Picasso

Pablo Picasso is Malaga’s most famous son – something the city is happy to remind you of. His life and work are celebrated in style at the Museo Picasso, a palace renovated in 2003 to house more than 200 of his pieces.

The artworks you’ll see on display here have mostly been loaned or donated by family members, covering many eras of the artist’s career. As an added bonus, visiting exhibitions have recently covered Andy Warhol and Louise Bourgeois - a treat for modern art fans.

Catedral de Málaga

More than 250 years in the making, Malaga’s impressive cathedral – the Catedral de Málaga – is nicknamed La Manquita, the one-armed woman, because only one tower was ever built. The matching south tower, although planned, was eventually lost in time due to a lack of funding.

This impressive Renaissance construction replaced a mosque on the same site, although a courtyard filled with orange trees, the Patio de los Naranjos, still exists today. Head inside to see the interior of the dome, hear the impressive choir, and peer into some marvelous chapels. Join a guided tour to get access to the roof, which has sensational views across the city.

Puerto de Málaga

The renovation of Malaga’s once shabby port, the Puerto de Málaga, is the star of the city’s regeneration. The waterfront is a lovely place to explore, and it links up with the city’s passion for art galleries and museums that lead Malaga into the 21st century.

This port, in particular, is Spain’s oldest that is still in use. It’s been a place of trade for around 3,000 years, and the key to its renovation has been the addition of the Palmeral de las Sorpresas – Palm Garden of Surprises – where there are hundreds of palm trees and thousands of vibrant plants to wander through.

The Pompidou Center

With the Picasso Museum already making Malaga a must-see destination for art lovers, the addition of the Pompidou Center is the icing on the cake. The cousin of the famous original in Paris, it’s hard to miss – it’s topped by a gleaming, multi-colored cube. Inside, you’ll find both permanent and temporary exhibitions, which generally lean towards contemporary artists.

Malagueta

For a break from sightseeing and culture, head to Malaga’s bounty of beaches. After all, this is the Costa del Sol. Travel in either direction along the coastline to find a perfect spot for sunbathing. Whether it’s pretty Nerja or touristy Torremolinos, there are countless resorts just a short drive away.

Even better, the city has its own sun spots. Malagueta is close to the port, and once you sink your toes into the soft sand, you’ll be ready to relax. If it gets too hot, there’s a plethora of shaded spots for a cold drink or some fresh seafood, all in sight of the azure ocean.

Museo Carmen Thyssen

Back in the city itself, the Museo Carmen Thyssen is a double treat. It’s housed in a former 16th-century palace that has since been sensitively restored and adapted. Today it hosts events and exhibitions. Inside, you’ll see a perfectly curated collection of Spanish art with a focus on the 18th century, as well as unattributed carvings from the 12th and 13th centuries.

Teatro Romano

With a history taking in Spanish, Moorish, and Roman rule, it’s no surprise there’s such a range of relics and remains to be unearthed in Malaga.

Close to the Alcazaba, the amazing Teatro Romano – or Roman theater – was built in the first century but was only rediscovered in 1951 during renovation works. It took a while to open it to the public – another 60 years, due to the issues with restoration – but now it’s one of the city’s highlights. Look out for any plays or concerts that might be on. Among these ancient surroundings, it’s an experience you’ll remember forever.

Castilo de Gibralfaro

Overlooking the city, Castillo de Gibralfaro is another clue to Malaga’s historical appeal as a place to plunder and invade. The castle dates back to the 10th century when it was constructed by the Caliph of Cordoba, and later bolstered by the 14th-century Sultan. The famous Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella took it back for Spain in 1487 after a three-month siege, and its history has been well preserved ever since. Head to the turrets for sensational views.

Mercado del Carmen

The Malagueños love their food, and the city boasts several vibrant markets. Atarazanas is the city’s major food market, but the Mercado del Carmen is one the best places to visit in Malaga. Found in the El Perchel neighborhood, it specializes in seafood and fish, sparklingly fresh from the port. The smell is enchanting, bartering lively, and the fish is incredible – making it the perfect place to stock up if you’re self-catering. If not, you can try some of it in the teeming tapas bars that surround the market that serve up the day’s catch with simplicity.

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