10 Best Things To Do In Malaga, Spain

A sun-kissed city in the stunning Costa del Sol, Malaga is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia. This vibrant port city has a 2,700-year history, so visitors will find many fascinating palaces, churches, and buildings to explore.

Malaga also boasts fantastic beaches that can be enjoyed all year round, thanks to the mild climate. In this guide, you will find the 10 best things to do in Malaga, Spain, so you can organize your next trip without much effort. 

From Moorish fortresses to an astonishing number of museums to culturally rich neighborhoods, Malaga is loaded with things to see and do. There’s so much to discover here that you are in for a surprise. So let’s discover together how to make the most of your time in beautiful Malaga.

Things To Do In Malaga

Let me help you figure out what to see in Malaga by listing the city’s top attractions so that you can decide what best suits your travel style and budget.

#1 Tour the Alcazaba

With little to envy, Seville’s Real Alcazar, Malaga’s Alcazaba palace is an absolute must-visit. Built in the 11th century when the region was under the reign of the Berber king Badis-al-Ziri, the Alcazaba is one of the finest examples of a Moorish palace in the world. 

This astonishing building historically had a double purpose: it was a palatial fortress to defend Malaga from the Catholics, and it was the main residence of the Muslim rulers. Due to its defensive role, the Alcazaba has a strategic position at the base of Mount Gibralfaro, overlooking the city and the sea. The fortress is a proper citadel with defensive walls and towers. 

The royal palace is located in the inner part of the fortress complex. After having enjoyed the incredible vistas from the hill, step inside the Alcazaba to discover all its beauty. In this well-maintained building, visitors will discover sumptuous gardens filled with orange blossoms in the spring and bougainvillea in the winter. 

The palace also features three stunning patios with pools and fountains, all a must-visit. Particularly special is the Patio de los Surtidores, which leads to the Torre de la Armadura Mudéjar, its 16th-century carved wooden ceiling, and the Torre de Maldonado. This second tower boasts marble columns and balconies to enjoy the best views over Malaga. Inside the Alcazaba is also a small archaeological museum displaying Moorish pottery and ceramics. 

There is so much to discover about the Alcazaba, so a great idea is to take this guided tour to learn the palace’s history and the Moorish rule over the Andalusian region.

Price: General admission is €3,50

#2 Gibralfaro Castle

Another building of the Alcazaba complex to visit is the Gibralfaro Castle. This is the proper defensive part of the citadel, built in the 14th century to garrison the troops protecting the Alcazaba under the foothill.

The castle has two distinctive parts, the upper courtyard and the lower part, the soldiers’ dedicated area. We suggest starting your visit from the courtyard, where you will find a small museum showcasing artifacts and historic trivia. Behind the museum is a lovely cafe with a pergola and a huge fig tree perfect for a midday break. 

On the right of the museum is the staircase that leads to the castle walls. Take a leisurely walk on the defense walls, passing by the 8 towers and admiring beautiful vistas over Malaga and the sea. The lower part of the castle offers additional panoramic views. On clear days, it’s even possible to see the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Castillo de Gibralfaro, as it is called in Spanish, is indeed the best spot in Malaga to take in jaw-dropping vistas. Giving its best at sunset, to get to the castle from the Alcazaba is no direct route. Visitors will need to climb to the top of the hill, which takes around 40 minutes on foot. If walking uphill isn’t your jam, you can catch the public bus (#35) from Avenida de Cervantes in Malaga’s center.

Another way to get to this wonderful ancient landmark is by joining this fun segway tour of Malaga’s historic center, which includes a visit to the Gibralfaro castle. 

Hours: Winter season (November – March): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Summer season (April – October): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 Price: General admission is €3,50

#3 See the Roman Theater

Just below the Alcazaba is one of the top free things to do in Malaga, the Roman Theater. Built in the first century CE, it is considered among Europe’s oldest theaters.  

Erected under Roman Emperor Augustus, it was used as a theater until the third century AD. Subsequently, the theater was basically abandoned until the Moors took over the rules of Andalusia. At this point, the amphitheater became a stone quarry to excavate the material used to build the Alcazaba fortress.

Over time, the theater became buried under dirt and rubble, and it was rediscovered only in the 1950s. However, the building was abandoned again in 1995 and not reconstructed and open to the public until 2011.    

Of incredible archeological and historical significance, the Roman Theater has been the venue for theatrical performances. Rumors say that famous actor Antonio Banderas, who grew up in Malaga, performed at this theater as a child, but in total secret. In fact, those shows were technically banned under Francisco Franco’s ruling on the country in the 1970s.

Today, the Roman Theater hosts performances and shows during the summer. Throughout the year, visitors can access it for free and enjoy the venue at their own pace. For an extra educational experience, you can join this guided tour that combines a visit to the Alcazaba and the Roman Theater.

#4 Malaga Cathedral

If you are wondering what the 10 best things to do in Malaga, Spain are, be sure that one of them is Malaga Cathedral. This striking church is one of the tallest in the Andalusia region, and you will spot it from many angles around the city.

Its construction started in the 16th century and lasted for around 200 years as it was stopped suddenly for lack of funding. Due to this reason, Malaga Cathedral remains unfinished. In particular, it only features one bell tower instead of two. This peculiarity earned it the nickname “La Manquita” (“the armless one”), as the locals affectionately call it. 

The cathedral, built in an old mosque, boasts a wonderful mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles, which you can admire both in the external façade and inside. Enter Malaga Cathedral to marvel at opulent decors, beautiful stained-glass windows, ornate chapels, and a 4000-pipe organ.

Another must-do when visiting the cathedral is climbing the 200 steps to go up the tower. Eighty-seven meters high, from up there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view over the whole city, all the way to gazing at the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castle.

Get to know in detail this UNESCO-listed monument and its history with this guided tour with skip-the-line entrance.

#5 Shop at the Atarazanas Food Market

There are many beautiful markets in the city of Malaga. One that visitors should stroll through is the Atarazanas food market. Besides finding mouthwatering food produce, the market’s building is unique and worth visiting.

The market’s edifice originally had another purpose. Surprisingly, it was constructed as an Arabian shipyard, and it changed the destination of use over the centuries. It was only in the 19th century that it became the market that we know today. This lively market’s architecture is peculiar since it mixes the original Moorish style with modern cast iron elements. 

Once you’ve taken your time admiring the building, step inside to savor the local cuisine and shop for exceptional products. The Atarazanas food market features three sections. In the produce department, you will find locally grown fruits and vegetables along with produce from across Spain. The stalls in the fish section sell locally caught fish and offer samples to taste. While here, you should try “boquerones en vinagre”, a delicious tapas made of anchovies marinated in vinegar, parsley, and garlic. Then, head to the meat department, where you will want to taste the goat cheese made with milk from Cabra malagueña.

The Atarazanas market is one of the best places in Malaga for indulging in Spain’s tapas culture. This excellent tour with a local chef of Malaga’s tapas bars includes a stop at the Atarazanas market to sample the authentic culinary tradition of the city.

#6 Malaga Beaches

Malaga has perfect weather all year round, so stopping by one of its many beaches is always a great idea. 

Among the 10 best things to do in Malaga, Spain, is visiting the city’s most famous beach, Malagueta Beach. The closest beach to the center stretches for 1200 meters and is Blue Flag awarded. Malagueta Beach used to be the place to meet the fishing boats, but nowadays, it has a completely different feel and look.

A beautiful palm-lined promenade with many beach bars and restaurants to enjoy some of the region’s favorite drinks and meals. At Malagueta Beach, you will find many amenities, such as umbrellas, sun loungers, volleyball courts, and a kids’ playground. 

A leisurely stroll from Malagueta Beach by the seaside promenade is La Caleta Beach. Slightly less crowded, it is perfect for enjoying the sun and a good swim. One-kilometer-long, La Caleta Beach offers immaculate sand, umbrellas and sun loungers to rent, and kiosks to order cool drinks or hire water sports equipment. 

If you are looking for a less busy spot, Peñón del Cuervo Beach is perfect for you. Overlooked by a 450-meter-high cliff, this sandy beach is divided into two parts dotted with tall palm trees. Ideal for relaxing and taking leisure swims, the shallow waters of Peñón del Cuervo Beach make it a beloved one by families. At nighttime, this beach gets busy with youngsters who host bonfire parties.

A unique way to enjoy Malaga’s section of Costa del Sol is by venturing on this catamaran sailing adventure animated by a DJ set and with swimming stops.

#7 Check out the Picasso Museum

One thing that might surprise you about Malaga is its impressive number of museums. Around town, there are 30-something museums and art galleries, so much so that Malaga is considered Andalusia’s cultural capital.

With so many museums, you will need to make up your mind and choose which to visit. If there is one to consider, it is the Picasso Museum. The famous painter Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, so it’s only normal that a whole museum is dedicated to his life and works in the city. 

The Picasso Museum displays a collection of more than 200 art pieces organized in both chronological and thematic order to really show the evolution of the artist’s work. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions in a dedicated space upstairs. Besides the collections, this museum boasts a beautiful location. You will find it inside the Buenavista Palace, a stunning Andalucian-style building in the heart of Malaga’s historic center.

You can explore the interesting Picasso Museum at your own pace or join this excellent guided tour with skip-the-line-ticket for a more in-depth experience. 

#8 Explore the SoHo Neighborhood

Among the things to do in Malaga old town is explore the various neighborhoods that make it up. One of the coolest neighborhoods for a stroll is SoHo. Sharing its name with New York City’s famous art district, Malaga’s SoHo used to be a decaying area. 

This neighborhood was completely transformed and renovated by residents and business owners to transform it into a cultural center. Through the work of the civic association “Soho Málaga,” the neighborhood began as a venue for many artistic projects, including music festivals and flea markets. 

But what renders SoHo a must-visit is the overarching presence of street art by famous national and international artists. Walk around the neighborhood, and you will see the entire façades of buildings covered with amazing graffiti.

Among the most interesting (and photographed) street art pieces are the ones on the Colegio García Lorca’s edifice, a public school. On the left side of the building, you can see D*Face, representing a fighter pilot made by British artist Dean Stockton.

On the right side of the edifice, you can see instead the image of a woman and the words “Paz y Libertad” (Peace and Freedom). This second graffiti is the work of famous American artist Shepard Fairey.

In addition to mind blowing street art, in SoHo, you will also find new-wave coffee shops, bars serving craft beer and cocktails, small artist-owned galleries, and artisan shops. 

See epic graffiti and listen to the stories about its creation with this guided tour of Malaga’s Soho and Lagunillas neighborhoods.

#9 Automobile and Fashion Museum

Malaga has museums for all tastes and interests. A great idea if you want to see something different is to visit the renewed Automobile and Fashion Museum. Located inside an old tobacco factory, this museum houses one of Southern Europe’s biggest collections of vintage cars. 

Step inside the Automobile Museum to admire over 100 car models displayed in different themed areas, such as the Belle Époque, Crazy Years (1920s), and La Dolce Vita (1950s). Alongside legendary Rolls Royce’s, Bentleys, and Ferraris, visitors will find mannequins wearing fashion-appropriate clothing and accessories for the time the car was built.

The exhibition offers insights into how cars and fashion have changed throughout history, starting from the 1900s to futuristic models. If you are more into fashion than cars, two rooms are a must-visit. One showcases many designers’ hats, while the other is about fashion designers’ outfits. While in this second exhibition room, look for the surrealist hat-shoe designed by Dalí for Gala, his wife and muse.    

Enjoy your time and marvel at incredible cars and haute couture with this ticket to the Automobile Museum with optional guided tour.

#10 Hike El Caminito del Rey

The last entry on this ’10 best things to do in Malaga, Spain’ list isn’t technically in the city, but it is so iconic that it’s an absolute must if you have the time. Only 1 hour’s drive from Malaga is the Caminito del Rey. 

The Caminito del Rey is a series of ridge trails and bridges clinging to the steep cliffs along the Guadalhorce Valley. Stretching for 7.7 kilometers, this spectacular hiking path was once considered among the most dangerous trails in the world. After several people had died hiking it, the government temporarily shut it down to make the trail safe for visitors. 

The Caminito del Rey traced back to the early 20th century to connect the opposite sides of the valley. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is ideal for those looking for a good thrill!

The walking path is located more than 100 meters above the ground, and once you begin it, you have to get all the way to its end. In fact, the trail is only one-way, and in some spots, is so narrow that it doesn’t allow two people to walk side by side. 

To hike the Caminito del Rey, you will have to wear a hard hat for extra safety, but again, the path is now completely safe and easy to do. Get ready to feel like you are defying gravity with this round-trip tour to the Caminito del Rey from Malaga. This tour is fantastic as you will be accompanied by a local guide explaining interesting facts about the unique trail.

Where To Stay In Malaga

When planning your visit to beautiful Malaga, check out the following four accommodation options for your stay.

Closing Thoughts

Malaga is one of the best destinations to visit in Southern Spain. With endless charm, more museums than the ones you can see in a single trip, sandy beaches, and delicious food, taking a vacation to Malaga is the right choice. 

Thanks to the excellent weather all year and the high temperature in summer, Malaga is ideal for those planning a beach vacation and trying to escape the cold winter of their hometown. 

This extensive guide about the 10 best things to do in Malaga, Spain, is designed to let you know what you can plan in your Malaga itinerary and activities you should consider adding in.

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