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12 Top Things To Do in Málaga, Spain
- Authors
- Name
- Jonathan Chum
- @jchum
Introduction
Málaga, the capital of Andalusia, is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you are looking for a beach getaway or want to discover some of Spain's most famous landmarks, Málaga has something to offer everyone. Here are my top recommendations for things to do in Málaga:
La Alcazaba
La Alcazaba is a Moorish castle on the hill of Gibralfaro, one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval Moorish castle. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you can be sure that it's been well preserved over time. The views from here are like nothing else in Málaga---you'll get panoramic views of the coast and city below as well as Gibraltar (a British Overseas Territory). If you're not convinced yet, there's also an excellent restaurant here called La Alcazaba Restaurant which offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine with an incredible view!
Located right next door to La Alhambra palace in Granada, this fortress was built by Emir Muhammad I between 889 and 931 AD to protect against invaders coming from North Africa. The original structure has been expanded over time into its current form: four gates surround secluded gardens filled with citrus trees while towers offer protection from assault by land or sea. This site was so critical during times of war that it became one of Europe's most important fortresses until it fell under siege by Christians who took control in 1483 after seven years under Muslim rule; today visitors can tour its walls and watchtowers to learn about its history firsthand!
Málaga Cathedral
Málaga Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Spain. The church was built on the site of an earlier mosque, with construction beginning on December 8, 1402. The building was completed in 1528 after multiple extensions were completed over several decades. It has a beautiful Gothic interior and many beautiful chapels inside it. The cathedral is open to the public and is a great place to visit while you're in Málaga!
Málaga Archeological Museum
This museum is located in a former mosque, built in 929 AD. It houses exhibits from the Roman era through to Moorish Spain, including some intriguing mosaics from Roman times and an impressive collection of ceramics from the Moors. It's free to visit and you can't take photos inside (as it's part of the old mosque).
Picasso's Birthplace Museum
The Picasso Birthplace Museum is a small museum located in the El Arenal neighborhood. It is one of the best museums in Málaga and worth visiting if you want to learn more about the famous artist's life and work.
The museum has been renovated recently, making it worth another visit. It has a lot of information on Picasso's early years growing up in Malaga, as well as his later years spent working here during World War II when he lived with his second wife Jacqueline Roque at number 14 Rue du Cherche Midi where they had three children together: Claude (b 1945), Paloma (b 1947) and Maya (b 1949). The museum also shows some of Picasso's most important paintings from this period including "Guernica" which was finished here during World War II but wasn't shown until 1937 at the Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne art exhibition where it received worldwide acclaim
La Malagueta Beach and the Malagueta Bullring
La Malagueta Beach and the Malagueta Bullring are two of the most popular attractions in Málaga. These are both great places to relax, enjoy the sun, and take in some Spanish culture.
The beach is one of the most popular beaches in all of Málaga and an excellent place to get some sun or swim around. You'll have plenty of room for you and your friends as well; it's one of the largest beaches on this stretch (or anywhere else). While you're at it, don't forget to try some delicious paella from one of the nearby restaurants!
The bullring is also a very popular attraction here in Spain--it's been around since 1846! This is one of the oldest arenas still standing today which means that if you're interested in seeing a bullfight then this may be your best chance--unless you want a more modern stadium experience with air conditioning then check out Sevilla's Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeros Audiencia y Cortes de Castilla la Nueva (or Las Ventas).
Shopping in Calle Larios
Calle Larios, otherwise known as the "shopping street" of Málaga, is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors can find nearly anything they need here, including clothes, shoes, art, and jewelry. The most popular shops are located along the main road where you'll find brands like Zara and H&M. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts for someone back home (or yourself), head to Calle Larios where there are dozens of local designer stores with everything from hand-painted T-shirts to leather jackets.
If you're hungry after shopping on Calle Larios (or even before) stop by one of its many restaurants or cafés for lunch or dinner---this area has some amazing food options! The best way to eat at a restaurant in Calle Larios is by walking around until something catches your eye---there's no shortage of places offering up delicious dishes made using fresh ingredients straight from Spain's abundant farms.
Visit the Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is the best place to start your day in Málaga. Located on top of a hill overlooking the city, it was built in the 9th century as a Moorish fort and showcased some incredible architecture for its time. You can walk through it to get to the cathedral or simply enjoy its views from up above.
Stroll La Alameda Principal
La Alameda Principal is a beautiful park in the center of Málaga. It has many monuments and sculptures, including the statue of Pablo Picasso and other artists who have lived in or visited Málaga.
The park is home to a large variety of trees and plants, making it a great place to relax after exploring all day long!
Savor Your Meals at Mercado Central
The Mercado Central is a great place to start any day in Málaga, especially if you're hungry. It's a major tourist attraction and it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to eat at this famous market.
The local cuisine in Málaga is well worth trying, whether you want to go for one of their famous tapas or something more substantial like paella. If you want some fresh fish after your meal, take advantage of all the sellers who sell their catches right there at the market! If wine is more your thing, then head over to any of the vendors who are selling bottles from around Andalusia (or even from other regions).
The best time for eating and drinking at Mercado Central is during morning hours when everything seems fresh and exciting (and less crowded). In contrast, evenings are when most people come here for dinner so if that's how you're feeling then go ahead and visit!
Take a Vino Tinto Tour
Vino Tinto is a red wine that's the traditional drink of Málaga. You can find it in bars, restaurants, and shops around the city. It's a great way to learn about Spanish culture, as well as try some wines you may not be familiar with.
The Vino Tinto Tour will take you through three different wineries where they'll show you how Vino Tinto is produced, and give you tastings and tips on how to pair it with food (as well as other kinds of alcohol) at home.
See the City from El Perchel Panoramic Viewpoint
If the city of Málaga itself isn't enough to take in, this isn't the only view that it has to offer. You can also see the entirety of Málaga from El Perchel Panoramic Viewpoint, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The name "El Perchel" comes from the Arabic word for "little hill." The hill itself was formed when an earthquake hit the region centuries ago, splitting off part of it from what used to be land and creating a new peak above the shoreline. At its highest point, El Perchel sits at about 650 meters above sea level, giving visitors an unobstructed view of what lies beyond by day or night---so long as it's not foggy!
The easiest way to get here is by taking Bus Line 17 (you'll find this line along Avenida de Marítimo) from anywhere in town that's near a bus stop with numbers starting with '17'. El Perchel is located right behind Castillo de Gibralfaro Castle (which you should visit if you get lost or your GPS fails). Once there, take some time walking around this rocky outcrop while soaking in all that there is...and maybe snap some pictures if you're feeling brave!
Málaga is an excellent choice for a vacation city in Spain.
Málaga is a city with a long history and culture and is a popular tourist destination. It's known for its beaches, nightlife, festivals, and unique architecture. The best thing about Málaga is that you can see everything by walking around the old town in less than 2 hours.
There are many things to do in Málaga: from having lunch at one of its restaurants or visiting the Alcazaba fortress (castle) on top of the hill (you can get there via funicular), to enjoying tapas in Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square), sightseeing on foot or by bike along Calle Larios into El Centro district where you will find many shops, bars and restaurants open until late at night!
Conclusion
We've covered some of the top things to do in Málaga, Spain. It's a city that's perfect for families and couples alike. Whether you're looking for museums and monuments or shopping, food, and drinks - you'll find everything in Málaga!