Málaga or the capital of Costa del Sol, is more than a seaside city!
Don’t trust me, just read below…
As stated in another article – this city has an impressive history, some really stunning scenery from different parts of it, AMAZING food, and of course that great weather we are all searching for!
Málaga is home to some of Andalusia’s greatest historical monuments, and was once described by the poet Vicente Aleixandre as ‘a paradise between the sky and the earth’.
From historical places to luxurious shopping stores – here you can find it all!
Now let me tell you more about my TOP 10 favorite things to do in this amazing Andalusian city that – that in my opinion, you should not miss if you get there:
1. DISCOVER LA ALCAZABA FORTRESS
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” – Jennifer Lee
With powerful walls (even today) visible from almost anywhere in the city, Málaga’s Alcazaba Fortress is a Moorish fortress palace and valuable monument from the Islamic era.
It is the best preserved Moorish citadel in Spain, built on the remains of a Roman fortification around the middle of the 8th century.
Málaga Alcazaba, 2 Calle Alcazabilla, Málaga, Spain, +34 630 932 987
2. VISIT THE ROMAN THEATRE
Just down the hill, beyond the remains of the outer walls of the Alcazaba Fortress, you will find one of the best ancient monument of this Andalusian city.
It was build during the 1st century AD, at it was in use until the 3rd century AD, after which it fell into misuse until the Moors settled in the city of Málaga in the 8th century.
Unfortunately they showed no respect for this once magnificent place of entertainment, and plundered it for material used to build the Alcazaba.
“The Roman Theatre”
Walking along the length of its turrets, you can survey the ocean and the surrounding landscape for miles and miles.
Depending on your schedule you can decide how fast you have move 😀 We had many things on our bucket list so not so much for 100+ pics :))
Castillo de Gibralfaro, Camino Gibralfaro, S/N, Málaga, Spain, +34 952 22 72 30
4. STROLL AROUND THE BULLRING
Now, to be honest the absolute best views of Málaga’s attractive 19th-century Bullring are from The Alcazaba Fortress and The Gibralfaro Castle, from where you can see it tucked in amongst high-rise apartment blocks just a stone’s throw from the sea.
I have to admit that I’m definitely not a fan of Bullfighting and I personally think it should be banned.
If you want to visit it, the Bullring is located in La Malagueta district, in the heart of Málaga City.
Somewhere between the beach, the port and the centre of town, it also has a Bullfighting Museum. Here you can see some bullfighting costumes, pictures and many more.
La Malagueta Bullring, Paseo Reding, 29016 Málaga, Spain, +34 952 222 233
5. VISIT THE CATHEDRAL
The building is one of the best examples of Spanish religious art and it is located on the remains of other cultural buildings such as the early Almohad mosque.
It’s full name is Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Our Lady of Incarnatio) but everyone in Málaga calls it “The Cathedral”.
I suggest you to visit it and also the museum inside. You can access it from the Cathedral Shop Area.
The roof top tour of the cathedral is totally worth the visit…and let me show you why!
“Even though you have to climb two hundred steps, the view from the top is beautiful.”
Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga, Calle Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga, Spain, +34 952 22 03 45
6. EXPLORE PICASSO’S MUSEUM
Pablo Picasso ahhh…I guess everybody (at least the ones with internet connection) knows about him….if not first let me tell you one thing! He is considered the most important artist of the 20th century!
As proved by his works in multiple disciplines – he was a very versatile creator.
The Museo Picasso in Málaga was born out of the painter’s desire to have an exhibition space in his hometown. Cool right?!
The permanent collection features works from every stage of Picasso’s eclectic career, some of them rarely displayed to the public before.
It was an interesting tour we took in “espãgnol” and we discovered so many details!
“It was an interesting tour we took in “espãgnol” and we discovered so many details!”
Do you know his full name was:
Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso!
Wow, and I thought that mine with 2 names is long, haha.
Museo Picasso, Palacio de Buenavista, 8 Calle San Agustín, Málaga, +34 952 12 76 00
7. EMPTY YOUR WALLET ON CALLE MARQUÉS DE LARIOS
Calle Larios was opened officially to the public on 27 August 1891 and from its origins, was open both to pedestrian and vehicle use until its renovation in 2003, when it became a pedestrian precinct.
Besides being a major shopping street, where you can find big retailers and luxury stores it is also one of the most important in Spain.
“It was an interesting tour we took in “espãgnol” and we discovered so many details!”
Calle Larios together with Plaza Constitución, it is an urban space where the city’s most important events are held so if you really want to enjoy this city and it’s great vibes you can try to find some deals for August – when Feria de agosto takes place.
Calle Marqués de Larios, Málaga, Spain
8. SHOP LIKE A LOCAL AT ATARANZAS MARKET
A focal point of the daily life in Málaga where you can find all kind of vegies, fruits, meat etc.
The building itself is very colourful and elegant. You can see the amazing stained-glass window and discover the story.
We arrived there a bit to late and the market was closed but I’ve heard that here you can find everything! From fish, meat, cheese, to fruit and vegetables, all amazingly fresh and at the best prices. <3
“Mercado Central de Atarazanas”
Mercado Central de Atarazanas, Calle Atarazanas, 10, 29005 Málaga, Spain,
9. ENJOY THE STREET ART FROM SOHO DISTRICT
A good way to experience the urban street art is by having a walk around the neighbourhood itself.
Conveniently situated within easy walking distance from all of Malaga’s tourist highlights, a morning’s sightseeing and/or shopping can be easily broken up with a wander around SOHO.
We wanted to discover as many pieces as possible so we did some strolling in the morning and some at the end of the day!
You can read on the internet that here are many cafes and etc, but it is not really the case. You will see indeed some nice cafes and a microtheatre but between them is “a lot of nothing”.
I still recommend to take a walk along the Guadalmedina river to the port, like this you can also spot the street art pieces and avoid the Alameda road to the port.
“I loved some of the pieces in the Art District”
Soho Malaga, Alameda Principal, 29005 Málaga, Spain,
10. TAKE A SPIN IN THE SKIE @THE MIRADOR PRINCESS
I don’t say it just because we wandered around all day in town and arrived at the wheel almost at sunset but trust me:
The best time to visit is in early evening so you get the chance to see the sunset over the mountains to the west of Malaga.
The ride takes around 15 minutes and includes 3 turns plus a few minutes static time so there are plenty of photo opportunities, selfies, and so on. 😀
Mirador Princess, Puerto de Málaga, Muelle de Heredia, s/n, 29001 Málaga, Spain, +34 602 89 99 76
This was my top 10 things to do if you visit Málaga!
Or at least top activities we had time to do in just 1 DAY!!!
I will come back with more details and tips in the upcoming blog posts.
Hugs & kisses!
Lex’
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