Situated at the vibrant core of the Costa del Sol is Malaga, a city boasting an enviable climate and a plethora of outstanding tourist attractions. The city, birthplace of the celebrated artist Pablo Picasso, exudes history from every corner. Explore its array of monuments, from the impressive Alcazaba to the marvellous Roman theatre – in Malaga, the list of things to see and do seems endless. To ensure you make the most of your visit, we've curated a list of must-see attractions below.
The best activities and guided tours in Malaga:
1. Explore the cathedral and historic centre:
Wander through the narrow streets of Malaga's historic centre, lined with tapas bars and fashionable shops, and be wowed by its squares and monuments. Marvel at the Cathedral of Malaga, a true gem of the Spanish Renaissance – affectionately nicknamed 'La Manquita'. Besides its imposing interior, it's worth climbing the 200+ steps to the cathedral's towering rooftop, from where you can soak up incredible views at almost 50 meters high.
2. Visit the Picasso Museum Malaga:
Art lovers are invited to delve into the life and work of Pablo Picasso at his namesake museum. Located in the Bellavista Palace, this museum houses more than 200 works by the legendary artist. Likewise, the Picasso Birthplace Museum, situated in the building where the artist was born and spent his early years, is another essential visit. The collection includes works and personal belongings of Picasso and his family.
3. Take a guided tour of the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre:
The Alcazaba, one of Malaga's most emblematic attractions, is a fascinating maze of palace chambers, gardens and impressive walls offering spectacular views of the city and the sea. As if that weren't enough, it's deemed one of the most outstanding monuments of Islamic art in Spain. Many guided tours include a stop at the Roman Theatre, located at the foot of the fortress. This theatre is one of the oldest monuments in Malaga, dating back to the 1st century. Thanks to excavation work, it's now possible to admire the cavea, orchestra, proscenium and vomitorium of this architectural gem.
4. Walk the Caminito del Rey:
The Caminito del Rey, one of the world’s most spectacular trails, is an absolute must for thrill seekers. Experience heights of over 100 meters on the wooden walkways that traverse the gorges along the trail. One of the most impressive parts of the route is through the Gaitanes Gorge, whose walls reach up to 700 meters in height. The panoramic views along the trail are truly picture-worthy. For all this and more, it’s an essential activity in Malaga.
5. Relax in the Arab baths:
After a busy day visiting Malaga’s most popular attractions, there's nothing better than relaxing in an authentic Arab bath. Book an experience at Hamman Al Andalus, located in the city centre, and shake off any tiredness in its thermal waters. Here, the intricate Nazarí decoration creates the perfect ambiance for relaxing both the mind and body. Treat yourself and enhance the experience by indulging in a rejuvenating massage.
6. Savour Malaga's cuisine:
For food enthusiasts, Malaga's gastronomy scene is a true delight. It's no surprise that dining at its tapas bars ranks as a favourite activity for travellers in this charming Andalusian city. Here, fresh fish and seafood take centre stage in dishes like ‘pescaíto’ – fried fish. The star of the show is undoubtedly the 'espetos de sardinas' – skewered sardines – widely celebrated across the Costa del Sol, especially when savoured at one of the beach-front restaurants. Complete this gastronomic journey with a sip of the renowned sweet wine, crafted from Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes.
