21 Marvelous Things to Do in Malaga, Spain (2024)

Malaga boasts 320 days of sun per year, sandy beaches, historic monuments, and vibrant nightlife. Home to a major international airport and a well-connected train station, this seaside city makes a great launching pad for exploring Southern Spain. Be sure to stay at least a few days to explore Malaga’s attractions before venturing further into Andalusia. Here are 21 marvelous things to do in Malaga, based on my family’s explorations.

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1. Picasso Museum

Since Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, a visit to this art museum is essential for any vacation itinerary. Although I’m not a huge Picasso fan, I enjoyed viewing his work in a permanent collection and learning more about this famous artist at Museo Picasso Málaga.

It is home to over 200 pieces of art created by Pablo Picasso over the course of 80 years. The artwork was donated to the museum by his family.

Buy your skip-the-line Picasso Museum ticket now. An audio tour is included with the price of admission.

2. Alcazaba of Málaga

The Alcazaba is Malaga’s best-known monument and my favorite attraction in the city. Construction of this imposing fortress began in the 8th century but most of the current structure dates to the 11th century.

Moorish (Spanish Muslim) royalty lived in the inner palace when they ruled Andalusia for hundreds of years until the Spanish Inquisition in the late 1400s. That’s when Spain’s Moors and Jews were banished, forced to convert, or killed. Catholic monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella lived here for a while after conquering the city in 1487.

The fortress is laced with vines and dotted with sweet-scented citrus trees and bright flowering bougainvillea. Fountain-filled gardens add to the allure of this beautiful place.

Wear good walking shoes because it’s quite a hike to the top of the Alcazaba. For the effort, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city and port.

A small museum and audio tour are included with your entrance ticket. For a more in-depth experience, sign up for a guided tour of the Alcazaba via our partner, GetYourGuide.

3. Roman Theatre of Malaga

You can’t miss Teatro Romano de Málaga. It’s located in the heart of the city and sits at the foot of the Alcazaba. The Roman Theater is the oldest monument in Málaga. It was built in the 1st century by Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor.

For centuries, the Roman Theatre was hidden by houses and streets that were built on the slopes below the Alcazaba. In fact, it was not discovered until 1951 during a landscaping project. That sparked years of excavation to reveal the ruins.

Entrance to the Roman Theatre of Malaga and a small onsite interpretation center are free. This attraction is closed on Mondays but can always be viewed from a distance.

4. Gibralfaro Castle

At night, floodlit Castillo de Gibralfaro glows on Gibralfaro Mountain just outside the city center. This fortress began construction in the 10th century and was expanded in the 14th century. For hundreds of years, it was used as a defense structure and a lighthouse to guide ships into Malaga’s harbor.

This fortress features eight towers, a small museum, lovely gardens, and a cafe. The real reason to visit Gibralfaro Castle, however, is for its sweeping views of the city and port. It takes about 30 minutes to tackle the uphill walk from the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro.

5. Sandy Beaches

When visiting the capital of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), the beach is a must. During a sightseeing vacation filled with museums, monuments, hot hikes, and long days of travel — a couple of lazy beach days in Malaga was just what we needed.

Rent lounge chairs with umbrellas for a handful of euros per person. Then settle in and order a cold drink while you watch the mellow Mediterranean Sea waves. Sangria, anyone?

Málaga’s beach amenities vary but most offer showers, footbaths, and public bathrooms. Lifeguards are typically on duty from June through September.

Although the beaches are sandy, expect rocks along the shore and when entering the water. Floats and water shoes will help protect sensitive feet.

Malagueta Beach

La Malagueta Beach is one of the most popular beach options in Malaga. It’s lined with palm trees and offers a children’s play area. It’s an urban beach close to the city, making it convenient. But I found the industrial Port of Málaga views to be less than ideal.

Misericordia Beach

My family preferred Misericordia Beach. A local recommended it to us for its pretty views and less crowded atmosphere. A playground for kids adds to the fun.

6. Chiringuitos Beach Bars

Chiringuitos are beach bars that serve drinks and, oftentimes, food. You can make reservations in advance at some of these casual restaurants or just show up and ask for a table.

Stacked skewers of charcoal-grilled sardines (sardine espetos) are the specialty at these establishments along Costa del Sol’s beaches. You can order other fresh fish, too.

Additionally, most chiringuitos serve simple Spanish foods. Spain’s famous cold tomato soup, gazpacho (my favorite!), makes a refreshing choice on a hot summer beach day.

7. Atarazanas Market

The vibrant Mercado Central de Atarazanas offers an array of beautiful fresh produce, olives, spices, and other tempting foods. My family purchased an array of dried fruits that we snacked on throughout our vacation in Spain.

For a quick bite, pull up a seat at one of the stalls to grab a tapa or two with a glass of Malaga’s namesake sweet wine. Atarazanas Market Bar gets rave reviews.

Wander the market on your own or sign up for a Foodie Tour of Atarazanas Market via GetYourGuide. The 2-hour tour includes samples of Iberian ham, manchego cheese, olive oil, and more. All ages are welcome.

8. Malaga Cathedral

The official name of the city’s primary cathedral is Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Basílica de la Encarnación. Locals, however, call it La Manquita. This nickname translates as “the one-armed lady” and refers to the cathedral’s missing tower.

Built between 1528 and 1782, construction halted when money ran out. La Catédral de Málaga’s remaining tower is the second tallest in Andalusia.

The Baroque-Renaissance Malaga Cathedral is lovely from the outside. But the interior took my breath away with its soaring dome encircled by stained glass windows.

9. Evening Paseo in City Center

In Spanish, paseo means to stroll or leisurely walk. Spain’s evening paseo is when locals and visitors take to city centre to wander, socialize, and enjoy drinks and tapas late into the night.

Of the many Andalusian cities we visited, Malaga’s paseo was the liveliest and most concentrated within one central area. Head to Old Town and join the crowds to take in the bubbly vibe.

View my video above to see a small slice of Malaga’s evening paseo. I recorded this bustling video around midnight on a Friday in July. We strolled Saturday and other nights, too, but Friday was definitely the best time to find a festive environment.

As with most things in Spain, paseo is a family affair. So, expect to see even young children out late strolling with their parents. This is especially true on weekends in summer.

10. Parque de Málaga

Stretching along Paseo del Parque between Old Town and the port, the oval-shaped Parque de Málaga is also known as Parque de la Alameda. Locals, however, call it simply El Parque.

We found this green space to be a refreshing respite from the city. Enjoy fountains and ponds throughout its 81 acres. Also, look for small playgrounds and an outdoor theater. It’s a free spot to wander, play, or simply relax on a bench in the shade of palm, orange, and cypress trees.

11. Centre Pompidou Málaga

The first extension of the famous art museum in France, Centre Pompidou Málaga features more than 80 modern art pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. Look for works by Marc Chagall, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, and other famous artists.

Made of brightly colored glass panes, The Cube sits atop the museum and is a beautiful display of art in itself.

12. La Concepción Botanical Garden

Created in 1855, La Concepción Botanic Garden is located just outside the city, off the exit road to Granada. It is, “too far to walk, but well worth the cab fare,” according to Fodor’s Essential Spain.

In addition to native flora, it includes plantings from Latin America, the Philippines, and Australia. We didn’t get a chance to visit this garden, but Spain’s official tourism website says, “This is a romantic garden with winding paths, ponds, waterfalls, and streams. It has lush semi-tropical vegetation and wonderful examples of rubber plants, palm trees, and some spectacular Araucarias.”

13. Plaza de la Merced

Surrounded by leafy trees, Plaza de la Merced is a pretty public square in central Malaga. Sidewalk cafes and restaurants line the square.

Picasso fans will want to visit Casa Natal de Picasso, also located in the square. This is Picasso’s birthplace home, which now functions as a small museum in his honor. Additionally, there is a bronze statue of Picasso within the square.

In the plaza’s center, find Monumento a Torrijos. This obelisk was erected to honor General Torrijos and 48 of his followers who were shot to death by order of Ferdinand VII.

14. Carmen Thyssen Museum

Gain insight into local culture with a visit to Carmen Thyssen Museum. The museum displays over 200 paintings and other Spanish pieces of art from the 19th century, with a particular focus on Andalusian artists. The artwork is displayed within Palacio de Villalón, which was owned by a noble family in the 15th and 16th centuries.

15. Street Art

Malaga sizzles with street art. Enjoy the vibrant displays as you stumble across them. Or follow this self-guided street art tour of Malaga by The Flashpacker.

To become part of the art yourself, book this Malaga Professional Photo Shoot and City Tour. A professional photographer will snap portraits of you (and your travel companions) in the street art districts of Soho and Lagunilla. Receive 20 edited, high-definition photos as a souvenir of your time in Málaga.

16. Flamenco Show

Flamenco consists of a singer, guitarist, and dancer who work in concert together to showcase the best of their individual abilities in one passionate performance. The improvised art form takes years to master. It is mesmerizing to watch the musicians and dancers synchronize their art forms to create a seamless display.

Andalucía is the birthplace of flamenco. Therefore, you will definitely want to attend a tablao while in Southern Spain. Choose from an array of flamenco shows in Malaga.

17. Holy Week

Many people from around the world travel to Spain to experience the country’s Holy Week processionals. In fact, more than 5 million tourists visit Malaga for this celebration every year.

Strong locals carry elaborate and extremely heavy floats called pasos, which feature statues of Jesus or Mary. Participating in these processions is considered a great honor and is done as a sign of devotion and penance.

Semana de Santa de Málaga takes place during the last week of Lent, the week before Easter. During Passion Week in Malaga, expect a joyous celebration filled with flamenco and boisterous crowds. This differs from more somber and meditative processionals in other areas of Spain.

My family visited Málaga in July, but we were treated to a smaller version of the Holy Week processional. On a Sunday, we stumbled upon a parade of Malagueños in Old Town carrying a paso on their shoulders and necks. (And, yes, I did see two strong women carrying the paso!)

Catholic church leaders led the procession. Then, children preceded the float, with older teens holding burning incense. A band playing rousing religious music followed the paso. Even though I am not Catholic, it was truly a moving sight. View my video above to see what I mean!

18. Hammam al Andalus Arab Bath House

For one of the most relaxing things to do in Malaga, plan a day at Hammam al Andalus in the city center. Experience the ritual of an Arab bath in a beautiful setting surrounded by Moorish mosaic tilework.

A hammam is a public bathhouse adapted from Roman times. The traditional bathing process involves cleaning the body and mind through a combination of hot steam, exfoliation, and submersion in various pools of different temperatures. Book a 1.5-hour bath and massage at Hammam al Andalus now.

19. Spanish and Andalusian Cuisine

There is no shortage of great food in Malaga. In fact, there are a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. If your budget doesn’t allow for such extravagances, then take a look at my three favorite dining options in Malaga below.

El Pimpi

The seafood served at El Pimpi is delivered daily from the nearby ports of Malaga, Almeria, Cadiz, and Huelva. All their meat entrees, like oxtail stew or acorn-fed Iberian pork tenderloin in mustard sauce, come with vegetables from the restaurant’s own garden.

This restaurant is a fabulous place to try ajo blanco. This Andalusian chilled soup is made from almonds, garlic, bread, and olive oil. It is sometimes called “white gazpacho.” El Pimpi’s is served with a refreshing scoop of mango sorbet in the center, which I was surprised pairs well with the other ingredients.

The food is very good at El Pimpi but the main draw for me was their al fresco dining patio with views of the Alcazaba in the distance. Make reservations online for this popular restaurant.

Casa Lola

Of course, when in Malaga you must visit their plentiful tapas bars. My family loved Casa Lola. In fact, we dined here a few times and it is the one restaurant in Spain that we all reminisce about now that we’re home. Expect a convivial, casual environment with friendly staff and lots of menu choices at affordable prices.

Look for traditional favorites like gambas al ajillo (prawns with garlic, chili, and white wine), calamares (deep-fried battered squid), and jamon sérrano (Spanish cured ham).

Our family of four agreed Casa Lola’s patatas bravas were the best we ate in Spain. And we at a lot of patatas bravas! Their deep-fried potatoes are served with a delicious creamy tomato sauce with just the right amount of kick.

A variety of paellas are available for those seeking a heartier Spanish meal. Meanwhile, vegetarians (like my daughter) appreciate their salads, cheeses, and zucchini croquettes.

Los Patios de Beatas

Wine lovers will want to dine at Los Patios de Beatas before or after a visit to the nearby Museo Picasso. This restaurant and wine bar is home to one of Malaga’s largest wine collections. Expect more than 500 options on the wine list, many of which are very affordable.

Be sure to get a bottle of wine to bring home or to drink during your vacation in Spain. We bought a bottle of their incredible olive oil as a souvenir, too. (Did you know Spain is the world’s largest producer of olive oil?)

Food prices aren’t cheap, but you can stick to salads and tapas (“media” portions). It’s worth your time and money for the wine selection and interior patio covered with a dazzling stained glass ceiling.

20. Day Trips from Malaga

Malaga works well as a central place from which to venture on day trips to other fascinating Spanish locales.

Ronda

The White Villages, or Pueblos Blancos, are 19 whitewashed towns in Spain’s Andalusia region. The largest and most popular is Ronda. That’s where my family stopped on our route from Seville back to Malaga.

Ronda is also the only White Village with train access. We, however, hired a private driver for the 1.5-hour car journey. Parking is notoriously difficult in Ronda and the route is a bit precarious along winding cliffs, but you could certainly rent a car for the day. You can also sign up for a Ronda group day trip.

The primary attraction in Ronda is the renowned Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Despite its name, this beautiful bridge began construction in 1759 and took 34 years to build. Be sure to wear good walking shoes to make the hike to take photos of this famous site. We saw many folks regretting their flip-flops along the precarious pathway.

Nerja

Head to nearby Nerja for a beach day trip. Rick Steves recommends this town for its picturesque and well-equipped beaches. The most popular and crowded option is Del Salón Beach. Locals prefer El Playazo, but it lacks restaurants, showers, and other facilities.

Nerja is about a 50-minute ride by car from Malaga. Note: Uber is available in Malaga but not in Nerja. You can use the Cabify app to call a taxi instead.

Buses depart from Malaga to Nerja every 30 minutes from around 7 am to 11 pm. The journey will take a little over 1.5 hours each way.

Marbella

For a swanky day trip, set your sights on Marbella. This city is known as the Beverly Hills of Southern Spain for its Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and gorgeous beaches.

There are no direct trains from Malaga to Marbella. A car ride is about 45 minutes in each direction. Thankfully, Ubers are available in Marbella. Meanwhile, a one-way bus journey will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Other Day Trips

Take a look at other exciting day trips from Malaga, available with easy booking via our partner, GetYourGuide. Options include British-owned and English-speaking Gibraltar, Caminito del Rey’s infamously thrilling hike, and Tetouan, a traditional city in Morocco.

21. Rooftop Hotels in Malaga

After much research, I booked two different rooftop hotels in Malaga. My family loved them both! Considering the amenities and locations, each one was a great bargain. This is especially true when comparing costs to stay in similar caliber hotels in U.S. cities.

AC Hotel Malaga Palacio – Marriott

Book a stay at AC Hotel Malaga Palacio for amazing views of the city, the port, and Malaga Cathedral. Sandwiched between the cathedral and Parque de Málaga, the location can’t be beat. There’s easy access to the beach as well the restaurants and attractions of downtown.

The swanky rooftop pool and bar are lovely (if windy) with unbeatable views. Expect a see-and-be-seen vibe and a fun bar with overpriced cocktails and light bites.

Barceló Málaga

The rooftop pool and bar at Barceló Málaga provide a refreshing retreat after long days of touring the city. Also boasting fantastic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, the BHeaven pool area attracts swimmers and sunbathers of all ages, with plenty of loungers and good wind protection.

The hotel offers direct access to Maria Zambrano train station, making travel easy. Vialia Shopping Centre is located within the same building as the connected station so shopping for Spanish fashions or grabbing a quick bite at the food court is a cinch.

My kids enjoyed the hotel’s whimsical slide that sends riders right into the hotel lobby. Meanwhile, my husband and I appreciated Barceló Málaga’s incredible breakfast buffet.

Explore More

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Morocco is just a quick trip from Spain. Read about Morocco with kids, from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.

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Do you have any questions about Andalusia or suggestions for additional things to do in Malaga? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: I did not receive any media rates, comps, or monetary compensation related to this article.

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