Málaga is often thought of as just a beach resort, but it offers so much more for city breakers. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, this Andalusian gem is perfect for those looking to explore beyond the sun and sand. In this post, we’ll share the best that Málaga has to offer, from historic castles to the birthplace of Picasso.
We’ve captured all the highlights of our trip in a vlog on our YouTube channel. Check it out for a visual tour of everything to see and do in Málaga!
Getting to Málaga
Where is Málaga?
Málaga is located on the southern coast of Spain, in the region of Andalusia. It’s nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, close to the cities of Granada and Seville.
How to Get to Málaga
There are plenty of flights from all major UK airports to Málaga. Once you arrive, Málaga airport is just a 20-minute taxi ride from the city centre, making it easy and convenient to get into town. So, upon arrival, simply jump in a taxi and start your adventure.
Accommodation
For the best experience, stay in the historic centre. This not only places you near beautiful architecture, but it’s also just a 20-minute walk away from the beach.
We stayed at Hotel Don Curro, which has excellent rooms and facilities. And it was incredible value considering its location right around the corner from the cathedral. For a closer look, check out our video review of the hotel!
Top Attractions in Málaga
Castillo de Gibralfaro
The Castillo de Gibralfaro is an impressive fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The sheer size of the castle and its extensive walkways make it a fascinating place to explore. The castle was built in the 14th century to protect the nearby Alcazaba, which sits just below it on the same hillside. It’s a great spot to learn about the city’s history and enjoy some breathtaking scenery.
Tickets: €3.50
Combined ticket with Alcazaba: €5.50
Málaga Cathedral
Málaga Cathedral is a 16th-century Renaissance cathedral located right in the centre of town. Nicknamed La Manquita (“The One-Armed Lady”), the cathedral has a unique unsymmetrical façade with just a single tower, as funds ran out before the second tower could be built. The cathedral is expansive both inside and out, with beautiful gold ceilings and intricate columns to discover inside. We’d also recommend the Málaga rooftop experience, which sees you walk up to the roof and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Although the rooftop experience is currently closed until 2027, the cathedral itself is a must-see.
Tickets: €10
Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is an 11th-century Moorish fortress that appears as if it has been intricately carved into the hillside above the old town. It offers visitors a blend of beautiful gardens, historical artefacts, and stunning views over the city. To be honest, the ‘interior’ areas of the fortress were not that impressive in my opinion, but the walk up to the top through the gardens is well worth the money. The architecture and the layout of the Alcazaba are truly unique, making it a highlight for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Tickets: €3.50
Combined ticket with the Castle: €5.50
Parque de Málaga
Parque de Málaga is a beautiful, lush green space that runs alongside the city’s harbour. For me, the highlight of the park is the paved walkway lined with palm trees, offering ocean views and a peaceful escape from the bustling city centre. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, relax, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheatre in Málaga is a fascinating historical site that was surprisingly only discovered in 1951, having been buried for centuries. It’s one of the oldest monuments in the city, dating back to the 1st century BC. The amphitheatre is located at the foot of the Alcazaba and offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient Roman past.
Tickets: Free
Pablo Picasso Statue
Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and the city’s best tribute to its famous son is the bronze statue of the artist located in Plaza de la Merced. This location is not random: at the edge of the square lies the very house where Picasso was born in 1881. It’s a fitting tribute to one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, and the nearby Picasso Museum is also a must-visit for art lovers.
Other Attractions:
- Town Hall: A striking example of Neo-Baroque architecture, located near the Alcazaba.
- Port: A modern area with shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Malagueta Beach: The city’s most popular beach, just a short walk from the centre, offering golden sands and clear waters. Plus, a great photo opportunity with the Malagueta beach sign.
Transport
Málaga has a small metro system, but it doesn’t really serve the tourist areas. If you’re staying in the centre, most attractions are within walking distance. The furthest walk is to Malagueta Beach, which takes about 20-25 minutes, taking you through the beautiful Parque de Málaga on the way.
The one time it is definitely worth using some form of transport is when you’re heading up to Castillo de Gibralfaro. It’s best to take a taxi or a bus from the centre (bus number 35) to avoid the long uphill walk, but I definitely recommend walking back down afterwards for the amazing views. This was one of the unexpected highlights of our trip.
Day Trips from Málaga
Córdoba
A trip to Córdoba offers a rich historical experience, including the famous Mezquita and charming old town. The city is just a 50-minute train ride from Málaga, making it a perfect day trip destination. If you want to learn more about Córdoba, check out our Córdoba Travel Guide here.
Ronda
Ronda is known for its dramatic cliffs and deep ravines, offering breathtaking views. It’s about a 2-hour drive or train ride from Málaga, but the scenic beauty and unique townscape make it well worth the journey.
Caminito del Rey
For adventure seekers, the Caminito del Rey offers a thrilling walk along a narrow pathway clinging to the side of a cliff. It’s about an hour’s drive from Málaga, and it’s an unforgettable experience for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their trip.
How Long to Stay in Málaga
How long you stay in Málaga depends on what you’re looking to do. If you’re just there for the city sights, 2-3 days are probably enough. We managed to see everything in about 36 hours, though that was a bit of a rush, even for us. However, if you want to include some beach time and perhaps a few day trips, you could easily spend 5-7 days enjoying everything Málaga and the surrounding area has to offer.
Review
Málaga was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know much about the city before our trip, but it’s packed with history and beautiful sights. The Castillo de Gibralfaro, with its stunning views, was a particular highlight, and the Cathedral and Alcazaba are also top-tier attractions. The combination of beach and city attractions makes Málaga comparable to other Spanish cities like Barcelona and Valencia in terms of variety, making it the perfect destination for a mix of relaxing and exploration.
Thanks for reading our Málaga Travel Guide! If you have any questions about visiting Málaga, please leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this post, follow our blog for more travel tips, and subscribe to our YouTube channel, “Rob on Holiday,” for more vlogs and travel advice. Happy travels!
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