Malaga is known for its beaches, good weather, historical legacy, popular fair, flamenco and succulent dishes. This city is located on the Costa del Sol, where the sun shines almost 365 days a year, making it a perfect place for a vacation or a few days of disconnection. If you are wondering what to do in Malaga, it offers multiple tourist attractions, activities and interesting shows, which we reveal below.
Malaga, visit its historical heritage
Malaga is one of the oldest cities on the European continent. Its origin dates back to the 8th century B.C., when it was founded by the Phoenicians. Later it would become part of the Roman Empire and an Andalusian medina, which became the capital of the kingdom on four occasions. It was also the birthplace of the emblematic artist and painter Pablo Picasso. For all these reasons, this city is an amalgam of cultures that deserves to be visited. These are some of the architectural pieces and places you have to see in Malaga:
Alcazaba
The Alcazaba of Malaga – from the Arabic qasaba meaning ‘citadel’ – is a palatial fortification from the Muslim period, which was built over an earlier fortification of Phoenician-Punic origin. Built on the slopes of the Gibralfaro mountain, it is considered one of the most beautiful citadels and declared Historical Monument of Spain.
Malaga Cathedral
Another place you cannot miss in Malaga is its cathedral, the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, considered one of the most valuable Renaissance jewels of Andalusia. The Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand ordered the construction of this Christian temple days after conquering the city in 1487.
Gibralfaro Castle
The Gibralfaro Castle is a fortification located in the “Monte del Faro”, also known as Gibralfaro. It is located in an ancient Phoenician enclosure. But it was Abderraman III – the last emir and first caliph of Cordoba – who transformed the ancient ruins into a fortress.
Picasso Museum
The Pablo Picasso museum is housed in a restored 16th century palace and houses more than 200 works, even though the painter and sculptor from Malaga spent much of his life in France. If you are an art lover, you cannot leave Malaga without a visit to this gallery.
Central Market of Atarazanas
The municipal food market is a work of nineteenth-century architecture in which it is worth spending some time, while discovering the great gastronomic offer and its bars. One of the peculiarities of the market is that it was built on the site of a former 14th century Nasrid shipyard, of which only the old Andalusian-style gate remains. The rest of the building was built between 1876 and 1879 by architect Joaquín de Rucoba.
Enjoy flamenco with the best shows
If you come to Andalusia, you cannot leave without experiencing the magic of flamenco. Malaga is culture and flamenco, and this city offers you the best shows and artists when the night comes. Enjoy the best dancing, Spanish guitar and singing in Flamenco Alegria, a place where you can feel the flamenco while you dine, or just have a drink.
Taste the gastronomy of Malaga
Who comes to Malaga has to try its famous sweet wine and its popular espetos. The espetos are nothing more than sardines, but grilled with firewood on the sand of the beach. This tasty dish from Malaga can be found in many restaurants.
Visit the seaport and beaches
If you ask us what to see in Malaga, it is clear that a visit to the port and its beaches is a must. In the Seaport you will find plenty of bars and restaurants where you can watch the sunset or enjoy a good meal. And if it is summer, take the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in its many gray sand beaches. The most famous are: Playa Peñón del Cuervo, Playa del Palo, Playa-Balneario Baños del Carmen, Playa La Caleta or Playa Pedregalejo.
Malaga Fair
The Malaga Fair, also known as the August Fair, is all about joy and revelry. Thousands of tourists come every year to this city bathed by the Mediterranean to enjoy its festivities. It is a celebration that has taken place since ancient times and commemorates the entrance of the Catholic Monarchs to the city on August 19, 1487. During the day the celebrations take place in the historic center, where the tradition is to go from bar to bar drinking wine. If you decide to go out at night, the party continues at the municipal fairgrounds, where the locals dance in their mythical “casetas” surrounded by family and friends.
We hope you liked this selection of places and activities to do and see in Malaga. None of them is wasted! That’s why we have no doubt that you will fall in love with the Andalusian city.
