28 Attractions in Malaga Worth Visiting

Malaga, known to many as the capital of the Costa del Sol (which translates from Spanish to "Sunny Coast") - is not just another seaside city. Its history is very rich and diverse. In this city, you can learn about Spain's Islamic past by visiting the majestic Alcazaba fortress-palace. Since this is also the birthplace of the genius Pablo Picasso, you will find museums here that tell about the early years of the master's life.

During notable city festivals, you can also experience Andalusian culture, watch flamenco shows, and enjoy local sherry. And of course, we cannot forget to mention the world-famous beaches, restaurants, and golf courses.

Moorish rulers in southern Spain built the Alcazaba fortress in the mid-8th century on the ruins of a Roman fortification. This fortress is considered the best-preserved Moorish citadel in Spain. Although this structure lacks the splendid interiors of its more famous counterpart in Granada, this well-preserved fortress is just as majestic as the legendary Alhambra.

In the 11th century, the fortress was significantly reconstructed by the Sultan of Granada, which resulted in its connection to the nearby Gibralfaro castle, built in the 14th century. One of the most striking features of this fortress is how easily it blends into the hillside overlooking Malaga.

However, inside, the fortress features a maze of secret courtyards, open corridors, and battlements that offer incredible views of the sea and the city rooftops.

Address: Alcazaba, Calle Alcazabilla, 2, 29012 Málaga, Spain.

The museum, established in the birthplace of the great master, offers comprehensive information about his life and work. Remarkably, it opened only in 2003 after 50 years of planning and approvals. Over 200 works by Picasso were donated to the museum by Cristina Ruiz-Picasso (wife of Paul, Picasso's eldest son) and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso (Picasso's grandson).

Thus, the paintings displayed here provide a decent overview of the artist's brilliant career, although there are noticeable "gaps" (very few works from the "blue" and "rose" periods of the master).

Address: Museo Picasso, Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Agustín, 8, 29015 Málaga, Spain.

The majestic Malaga Cathedral was founded in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque. The only reminder of the mosque is the small courtyard of Naranjos, filled with fragrant orange trees. The incredible domed vault with floral and figure ornamentation rises up to 40 meters, and in the vast nave with rows of columns, there is a giant choir made of cedar wood.

There are 15 chapels with magnificent halls from the 18th century, decorated with works of religious art. Be sure to book a tour to the roof, from which there is a luxurious panoramic view of the city.

Address: Catedral de la Encarnación, Calle Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga, Spain.

These exotic gardens were created in the mid-19th century by the Loring-Eredia clan - a wealthy family of railroad builders and bankers who bequeathed their valuable archaeological collection to the city (now displayed in the Malaga museum).

The garden was founded in 1855 on the slopes of a hill, and in 1911, new owners undertook a large-scale reconstruction. The gardens were transferred to state ownership in 1990 and were ceremonially opened to the public in 1994.

Address: Jardín Botánico Histórico, Camino del Jardín Botánico, 3, 29014 Málaga, Spain.

Fashion and classic cars may not seem like the best combination, but your opinion might change if you decide to visit this unusual museum located in a former tobacco factory.

The museum showcases vintage cars from 1900 to the 1960s alongside samples of high fashion from the same era. Picture an elegant 1936 Mercedes against a mannequin dressed in a Chanel jacket.

Address: Museo Automovilístico de Málaga, Av de Sor Teresa Prat, 15, 29003 Málaga, Spain.

The Malaga Museum reopened in the neoclassical Palacio de Aduana in December 2016 after a complete renovation. It houses a diverse collection of artistic and archaeological artifacts.

The first floor collection of visual art mainly consists of works by Andalusian landscape artists and painters from the 19th century, as well as more modern works by artists from the "Generation of 27".

The extensive archaeological collection, bequeathed to the city by the wealthy Loring-Eredia family, includes a wide variety of finds - from Neolithic pottery discovered in the nearby Cueva de Nerja to a headless statue of a Roman noblewoman.

Address: Museo de Málaga, Plaza de la Aduana, 29015 Málaga, Spain.

The Carmen Thyssen Museum is located in a restored 16th-century palace in the heart of the former Moorish quarter. Its extensive collection includes works of Spanish and Andalusian art from the 19th century, including pieces by artists such as Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida and Ignacio Zuloaga.

A particular highlight is a series of paintings that immortalize the image of 19th century Spain as a place of banditry, flamenco, carnivals, bar fights, and bullfighting. The museum also hosts regular temporary exhibitions and, of course, there is a lovely café patio here.

Address: Museo Carmen Thyssen, Calle Compañía, 10, 29008 Málaga, Spain.

MAUS is a mass creative movement that emerged from an influx of street artists to Malaga. This street art serves as a counterpoint to the prestigious art museums of Malaga.

The result of the MAUS project was a complete transformation of a previously unattractive area located between the city center and the port. This area is now known as Soho, with its buildings adorned with bright graffiti several stories high, and streets filled with art cafés, ethnic restaurants, and street markets.

Address: MAUS, Calle Casas de Campos, 12-16, 29001 Málaga, Spain.

One of the main architectural artifacts of Islamic Malaga is the rocky ramparts of Gibralfaro Castle, located on a hill overlooking the city.

The fortification was built in the 8th century by the Emir of Córdoba Abd al-Rahman I and initially served as a lighthouse and military barracks. In the 14th century, when Malaga became the main port for the Emirate of Granada, Gibralfaro was significantly rebuilt. You won't find anything special in the castle's interior, but the path around the ramparts offers the best views of the city.

Address: Castillo de Gibralfaro, Camino Gibralfaro, 11, 29016 Málaga, Spain.

The Basilica of Santa Maria de la Victoria is located north of the Picasso Museum. This baroque church from the 17th century is one of the most important churches in Malaga. The building is listed as a historical monument of Spain and stands on the site where Catholic monarchs laid siege to the city during the Reconquista.

Inside the church is the statue of Saint Mary of Victory, regarded as the city's patron saint. It was gifted by Emperor Maximilian I to King Ferdinand. Among all the paintings and sculptures that adorn the sanctuary, two sculptures by Pedro de Mena stand out.

Another striking detail of the basilica is the altar of San Francisco de Paula, which was created by Luis Ortiz de Vargas. The exhibition room has a decent collection of visual art samples.

Address: Iglesia De La Victoria, Calle Fernando el Católico, 40, 29013 Málaga, Spain.

The history of the excavation of the Roman amphitheater in Malaga is almost as interesting as the history of the theater itself. Built during the reign of Emperor Augustus (around the 1st century AD), the amphitheater remained buried until 1951 when workers preparing the foundation for a new cultural center accidentally discovered it.

Today, the amphitheater is fully excavated and located right under the walls of the Alcazaba. In a small cultural center, you can learn the history of the structure and see several artifacts found during the excavations.

Address: Teatro Romano, Calle Alcazabilla, s/n, 29015 Málaga, Spain.

This "branch" of the legendary Paris Pompidou Center is located in a low building at the port, made of transparent colored cubes. The permanent exhibition includes the unusual installation "Ghost" by Kader Attia, depicting Muslim women made of aluminum foil, bowed in prayer, as well as works by modern masters such as Frida Kahlo, Francis Bacon, and Antoni Tàpies. There are also audiovisual installations here.

Address: Centre Pompidou, Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n, 29016 Málaga, Spain.

This charming museum is located in a typical Andalusian building from the 17th century in the old part of Malaga. The architecture of the building features characteristic Moorish elements, including whitewashed walls, Islamic decorative tiles, a central courtyard, and cozy gardens.

The museum introduces visitors to local crafts and folklore, providing insight into the distinctive features of the local culture. The range of themes for exhibitions held here is very diverse - from antique kitchen utensils and fishing gear to handmade ceramics and folk costumes.

If you're unsure of what to see in Malaga to truly understand the spirit and culture of its people, you definitely should visit the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.

Address: Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares, Plaza Enrique García-Herrera, 1, 29005 Málaga, Spain.

If you want to better understand Pablo Picasso's childhood, we recommend visiting the museum called Casa Natal de Picasso. This is the house where he was born in 1881. Now, it houses an accurate replica of the artist's 19th-century workshop and small neighborhood exhibitions of the genius's works. Part of the exhibition consists of personal memorabilia of Picasso.

Address: Fundación Picasso, Plaza de la Merced, 29012 Málaga, Spain.

The Contemporary Art Museum is located in a skillfully renovated wholesale market building from the 1930s, situated at the mouth of the river. The façade, windows, and walls of the building are painted bright white, and the structure itself has an elongated rectangular shape.

Temporary exhibitions are held here, showcasing the works of renowned contemporary artists, with a clear preference for artists from Spain. Here, you will always find strange and unusual exhibits.

Address: Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, Calle Alemania, S/N, 29001 Málaga, Spain.

From the hill of Gibralfaro, this area resembles a mini-jungle. The Paseo de España area was created in the 1890s on territory that authorities literally "reclaimed" from the sea.

The garden along its southern side is filled with exotic plants and trees that will protect you from the city noise and hustle. Sundays are always crowded here, and street musicians and performers start appearing along the pedestrian street.

Address: Paseo España, 29015 Málaga, Spain.

This interesting museum is located in a luxurious 18th-century house with three central courtyards in the old part of the city. The exhibition is made up of a private collection assembled by an aristocrat and historian named Gonzalo Fernández-Prieto.

The focus is on glass items, but there is also antique furniture, invaluable carpets, stained glass, and large family portraits from the 16th century.

Address: Museo del Vidrio y Cristal, Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre, 2, 29012 Málaga, Spain.

You should visit this place just for its architecture, courtyards, and fountains. It was once a military hospital, then an orphanage, and finally a community center. Now, concerts, performances, and exhibitions are held here (the famous graffiti artist Banksy participated in one of the recent shows), and on the first Sunday of every month, an antique market opens here.

Address: La Térmica, Av. de los Guindos, 48, 29004 Málaga, Spain.

In 2013, the city's port area was redesigned to accommodate the increasing number of cruise passengers. As a result, a modern pedestrian promenade with palm trees, shops, restaurants, bars, and a small aquarium was created for the entertainment of children. This is one of the favorite spots for evening strolls among locals.

Address: Muelle Uno, Paseo del Muelle Uno, 29016 Málaga, Spain.

The now-bustling Alameda Principal area was created in the late 18th century on the site of an empty lot. The broad road, adorned with sprawling trees from North and South America, is surrounded by buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and in the central part is a row of flower stalls.

Address: Alameda Principal, Málaga, Spain.

The city's central sandy beach, Playa de la Malagueta, is the main spot for relaxation and sports for the locals. The beach stretches for several kilometers to the east of the port. You can dine at one of the upscale restaurants or admire the modest fishing huts along the shore.

Address: Playa la Malagueta, Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 29016, Málaga, Spain.

North of the city's main artery, Alameda Principal, stands a remarkable 19th-century building with Moorish-style gates that once connected the city to the port. The magnificent stained glass window of the building depicts historical landmarks of the city. The market operates daily and is usually very crowded.

Address: Central de Atarazanas Market, Calle Atarazanas, 10, 29005 Málaga, Spain.

This modern museum houses musical instruments with a history spanning all ages and cultures. The museum's collection allows you to embark on a short musical-geographical journey, starting from bongos in Africa to guitars in Andalusia.

Moreover, you can try playing nearly any of the instruments on display.

Address: Interactive Music Museum, Calle Beatas, 15, 29008 Málaga, Spain.

One of the central squares of old Malaga is Plaza de la Merced, where Pablo Picasso was born in 1881. It is now surrounded by bars and restaurants with sun-drenched terraces, making it a lovely place to relax.

Upon leaving Plaza de la Merced, you will enter the La Merced area, which can be considered a paradise for true hedonists: Calle Alamo is literally dotted with super trendy bars and clubs of all kinds. Calle Carretería is equally popular, where you will find La Tranka, a favorite establishment for local food enthusiasts.

Address: Plaza de la Merced, 29012 Málaga, Spain.

The best views of the magnificent 19th-century bullring open from the towers of Gibralfaro Castle, where you can see it amidst residential buildings just steps from the sea. Work on creating this square began in 1874, and two years later it hosted its first bullfight.

Today, it is one of the central arenas in Andalusia, hosting prestigious performances during Easter and the August fiesta. For a more detailed introduction to the arena, you can purchase a special tour or visit the museum located here, dedicated to the history of this controversial Spanish tradition.

Address: Plaza de toros de La Malagueta, Paseo Reding, 29016 Málaga, Spain.

This gritty yet charming neighborhood is situated between the Guadalmedina River to the east and the María Zambrano train station to the west. El Perchel is one of the oldest areas in Malaga, and it's sometimes hard to believe it's in the same city as the majestic, refined old town.

However, it is precisely for this reason that a walk through this area gives you an authentic picture of what life was like before Malaga became a popular tourist destination.

El Perchel was, and still is, a working-class district, where many residents make their living by fishing, selling directly from the doorstep of their homes. Currently, you can bargain for the freshest fish in the city, sold at stands in the marvelous Mercado del Carmen.

Address: Calle la Serna, 2, 29002 Málaga, Spain.

The Flamenco Museum is located on two floors of the oldest and most prestigious flamenco club in Malaga. The museum has a luxurious collection of fans, costumes, posters, and other items used in flamenco performances.

Address: Peña Juan Breva, Calle Ramón Franquelo, 4, 29008 Málaga, Spain.

In one of the newest museums in Malaga, works by one of the most contemporary artists are presented. Rando is now over 70, and his abstract paintings and sculptures mainly focus on the theme of poverty among African peoples. We definitely recommend visiting this place.

Address: Museo Jorge Rando, Calle Cruz del Molinillo, 12, 29013 Málaga, Spain.