19 Outstanding Things to Do in Malaga, Spain in 2024

The outstanding things to do in Malaga, the south of Spain, is one of the most sought-after travel destinations worldwide. Thanks to its expansive sandy beaches and never-ending sunny days, one of the most well-known cities on the Costa del Sol is Malaga, which is located in the middle of the southern Spanish coast.

Malaga’s greatest feature is that it has something to offer everyone, regardless of interests in history or nightlife. The top activities in Malaga are suitable for all types of visitors.

Malaga is a place to think about, whether you wish to see all the Moorish castles in Andalusia or enjoy cocktails on the beach. Additionally, this list of the top activities in Malaga can assist you in creating the ideal schedule!

Highlights of a trip to Malaga include great tapas, excellent hiking routes, and a rich historical background. This gorgeous and diverse Spanish city makes it hard not to have a great time when visiting.

Malaga has something for everyone, so it doesn’t matter what you’re looking for. This city has lots to offer, from top-notch art museums to ancient monuments, and I’ll tell you all about it!

Top Outstanding Things to do in Malaga

One of the most well-liked tourist attractions worldwide, the Costa del Sol, is centered around Malaga. Anyone can love visiting Malaga because of its endless miles of sandy beaches, amazing mediaeval architecture, and world-class art museums.

A leisurely beach holiday and a multi-day trekking expedition would be wonderful here. Any time of year is a good time to visit Malaga because of its moderate climate, but you’ll want to return soon because of the delicious food.

1. Picasso Museum

A visit to the Picasso Museum is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga and is housed in a 16th-century mansion that has been refurbished. Pablo Picasso spent a large portion of his early years in Malaga, where he was born. The museum features 200 of the artist’s amazing works of art and honors his relationship with the city.

This museum might not be for you if you aren’t already a fan of Picasso or art in general. But one of your first visits to Malaga should be to this museum if you have even a passing interest in the creations of the artist who co-founded the Cubist movement: Picasso.

The Museo Casa Natal de Picasso is the next stop if Picasso is all you can’t seem to get enough of in Malaga City. It’s the artist’s former residence on Plaza de la Merced and has period furnishings along with even more gorgeous artwork. The hours of operation for the Picasso Museum are 10 am – 6 pm. The cost of tickets is 12 euros. Before you leave, make your reservation here.

2. Explore Alcazaba’s 3,000 Years of History

The Alhambra is the most well-known example of Moorish architecture found in the Spanish area of Andalusia. But Malaga has several amazing specimens of mediaeval architecture, so you don’t even need to go to Granada to see a Moorish fortress.

Exploring the Alcazaba is among the outstanding things to do in Malaga, the mediaeval stronghold Alcazaba is located in Malaga’s historic district. It provides some of the best panoramic views of the Spanish metropolis and is surrounded by lovely gardens. The palace took a long time to finish; work didn’t start until the eleventh century.

Admire the vistas as you stroll around the palace’s walls and discover its intriguing past. You are free to explore as many of the palace’s chambers as you choose; many of them feature little exhibitions that provide even more details about the area’s fascinating past.

3. Castillo De Gibralfaro

Another interesting mediaeval site in southern Spain is Castillo de Gibralfaro, which is only 20 minutes outside Malaga’s historic city center. The ruins of the castle atop Mount Gibralfaro provide breathtaking views of Malaga’s ports and downtown area.

A visit to Castillo de Gibralfaro is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga. The most distinctive feature of this old fortress is how its walls are arranged. There aren’t many bastions throughout the long perimeter; the most notable is the White Tower, which is located above the northwest walls.

Strolling around the castle walls is a wonderful experience, you should also explore the many castle chambers. Numerous historical exhibitions highlight artefacts found at the castle site and tiny versions of Malaga’s terrain. You can enter Castillo de Gibralfaro for €3.5 Daily hours for the castle are 9 am to 8 p.m.

4. Mercado Central De Atarazanas

On the western end of the city’s old center lies the covered market known as the Mercado Central de Atarazanas. It is the best spot in the city to buy souvenirs and is well-known for the artwork that covers its roof. Among the outstanding things to do in Malaga, Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a must-see

Stocking a fridge in Malaga is best done at the covered market, which has the greatest fresh produce and meats. Additionally, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many Tapas Bars located beneath the Mercado’s roof, even if you decide against bringing home a pound of Spanish ham. The hours of operation for Mercado Central de Atarazanas are 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Saturday. Entering the market doesn’t cost anything.

5. The Roman Theatre

Because the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba are so close together, you may spend a single afternoon touring two of the city’s most recognizable sites. The theatre is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga, a fascinating sight for anyone interested in history or Roman ruins, and it dates back to the first century AD.

In front of the Roman Theatre is a glass pyramid that lets guests gaze down into the ruins. It’s cool, but it’s a reminder of its bigger sister in front of the Louvre. This is fitting since Malaga’s Roman Theatre serves as both a modern museum and an exhibit space where statues and miniatures are strewn throughout the ruins of ancient buildings. Hours of operation for the Roman Theatre are 10 AM to 6 PM (closed on Sundays).

6. A Day Trip To Marbella

Southwest of Malaga is the resort city of Marbella. This is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga for a short day vacation in southern Spain because it just takes 45 minutes by bus or automobile.

With its expansive sandy beaches, luxurious resort hotels, and vibrant nightlife, Marbella is a location that has something to offer everyone. Travelers looking to unwind a little should check it out. They may enjoy a cocktail while lounging on the beach and cooling off in the sea when the weather gets too hot. After enjoying dinner at a fine dining establishment, spend the evening having a wild time at one of Marbella’s top nightclubs.

However, if history and archaeology are your main interests, Marbella is also a fantastic location. Marbella is an intriguing town on the Costa del Sol, home to historic buildings surrounded by Moorish walls, top-notch museums, and mediaeval ruins. There are 20 daily departures of buses from Malaga to Marbella, leaving from the major bus station every 20 minutes.

7. Sunbathing on the Malagueta Beach

Among the nicest beaches on Spain’s Costa del Sol is La Malagueta Beach. A visit to Malaga wouldn’t be complete without wasting at least one day relaxing on the beach because of the enormous length of sand’s constant invitation to visitors to come and unwind for a few hours.

There is no finer spot to be in Malaga on a nice, bright day. Take out a rental umbrella lounger and keep yourself at home for as long as possible, ideally with a nice book. You don’t even need to leave for lunch because the beach is lined with seafood shacks, and merchants selling refreshing iced drinks are always strolling up and down the shore. Sunbathing on the Malagueta beach is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga and entry is free.

8. Caminito Del Rey Hike

This is an adventure best left to more seasoned hikers. Although it isn’t as hazardous as it once was, the hiking path is still difficult and calls for a high level of technical expertise.

One feature that sets Caminito del Rey as an outstanding things to do in Malaga is the steep walking trail carved out of the cliffs. It’s certainly one of the best hikes in southern Spain, with breathtaking views of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge.

About two hours outside of Malaga, at the northern visitor center, is where you may enter Caminito del Rey. This Malaga day trip is very well-reviewed. An hour by vehicle or two hours by bus from Malaga will get you to the Caminito del Rey trailhead. Each ticket costs 10 euros.

9. The Carmen Thyssen Museum

Another fantastic art museum in Malaga is the Carmen Thyssen Museum. The museum, housed in a Renaissance palace from the 16th century, is noteworthy for both its outside architecture and its amazing collection of artwork.

The Carmen Thyssen Museum’s collection consists of works of art from internationally known artists. The museum features many pieces by foreign painters in addition to a sizable area devoted to Spanish artists. Among the outstanding things to do in Malaga, the Carman Thyssen Museum is a standout

Among the notable artists on display at this Malaga museum are Raimundo Madrazo, Manuel García y Rodríguez, Francisco de Zurbarán, and Niccolò Frangipane. The Carmen Thyssen Museum Malaga is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

10. The Cathedral Roof of Malaga

Málaga Cathedral is a must-visit location for stunning landscape photography, providing one of the most picturesque views of the city’s skyline. When I travel to a new city, my favorite thing to do is locate the tallest cathedral and climb the clock tower. Regardless of the number of steps involved, I will always ascend them to take in the beautiful view.

A visit to the cathedral is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga. Located in the heart of the old town’s historic district lies the city’s most significant church. Once inside, make sure to gaze up at the beautiful, complex sculptures on the ceiling. Climbing the Malaga Cathedral’s tower offers expansive, all-encompassing views over the city’s rooftops.

If you’re already in the vicinity, you should check out the cathedral’s little garden, which features lovely landscaping and a fountain. Typically, the Malaga Cathedral is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets for both the roof and the cathedral cost 12 euros. There are also single tickets available.

11. Jardín Botánico.

The botanical garden in Malaga is a genuinely unique location and, in my humble opinion, the nicest garden on the Costa del Sol. This garden boasts tropical flora from five different continents, making a stroll through it an amazing experience.

With man-made lakes, ponds, and an abundance of flora, the expansive green area resembles a forest right in the middle of the city. Although it takes 45 minutes to get there by bus from the Malaga city center, the additional travel time is well worth it.

This 23-hectare botanical garden in Malaga was established in the middle of the 19th century. With its many palm trees, cacti, and exquisitely designed walking routes, this location is among the outstanding things to do in Malaga. Indeed, I could and did, not least because of the breathtaking view of Malaga’s center. It costs 5.20€ to enter the botanical garden.

12. Antequera Archaeological Dolmens

The Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site around 55 kilometers north of Malaga, is thought to be 6,500 years old. For history enthusiasts who appreciate seeing artefacts from bygone eras, it’s one of the greatest places to go close to Malaga.

The most striking aspect of the location is that anyone can visit and explore it for free. However, because this attraction is essentially just a collection of very massive stones, you might want to pass if you’re not that interested in history.

Dolmen de Menga is a megalithic tomb and an old burial place. Originally built during the Copper Age, Dolmen de Viera required restoration. The burial chamber is open to visitors and is located beneath a mound. A visit to the Dolmens of Antequera is an outstanding things to do in Malaga, it costs nothing to enter the site.

13. Automobile Museum

The Museo Automovilístico de Málaga unites two great passions: luxury automobiles and haute fashion. A visit to this automobile museum is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga.

The museum, which is near Playa de Huelin in the southern part of the city, has an amazing collection of vintage cars and clothing. I can’t decide which is better. The beautifully maintained cars on display range from Hot Rods to Belle Epoque autos.

Within the museum’s fashion section, an exhibit delves into the relationship between luxury automakers and haute couture labels. The clothing on show in the museum is amazing, ranging from Versace to Chanel. The hours of operation for the museum are 4 am to 7 pm and 10 am to 2:30 pm. The cost of tickets is €10.

14. Centre Pompidou in Malaga

Exploring modern art at Center Pompidou is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga. The renowned museum in Paris has a branch called Centre Pompidou Málaga. Located close to Malaga’s port, it’s hard to overlook the striking museum structure when exploring the city.

However, it’s a typical museum of contemporary art, so not everyone will enjoy it. The exhibitions are unusual and frequently odd, but they’re also fascinating. For those who appreciate art, it’s a must-see location in Malaga, but even simply seeing and appreciating the ostentatious structure is plenty.

Every day save Tuesday, Centre Pompidou Malaga is open from 9:30 am until 8 p.m. The combined cost of the temporary and semi-permanent exhibits is €9.

15. Tapas Tour: A Culinary Journey

Tapas tour is one of the outstanding things to do in Malaga is to be involved in the mouthwatering cuisine. Located inside Malaga’s covered market are some of the top tapas bars in the city. You’ll come across at least ten more tapas bars if you go around the old town.

The most well-liked eateries in the city include Bar La Tranca, Lo Güeno Mesón, Lechuga Tapas, and Picasso Tapas Bar. Each has a fun, cozy interior, great food, and beverages. With an afternoon siesta from about 4 pm to 7 pm, the majority of tapas bars in Malaga are open in two shifts. In Spain, dinner is served late (8–10 pm), and reservations are advised.

16. Natural Park of Montes De Málaga

Another fantastic location for hikers in the Costa del Sol is the Montes de Malaga Natural Park. This gorgeous natural park is your best bet if the Caminito del Rey is a little too much for you. There are so many kilometers of hiking paths in this area that you could explore breathtaking scenery for the whole of your trip to Malaga.

The park is named for the dominant mountain range in the area, which provides fantastic hiking and climbing experiences. Reaching 1,030 meters for the highest summit is not at all a daunting trek, especially for those who have already summited an Alp.

Spending a day in nature and doing some easy hiking is also among the outstanding things to do in Malaga. In addition, the park has a large number of monuments, observation platforms, bike and mountain bike paths, and statues. Admission to the Montes de Málaga Natural Park is free and open around the clock. If you don’t have access to a car in Malaga, the best alternative is to go on a guided tour, as there is no public transport connection.

17. Explore Neanderthal Paintings in the Nerja Caves

The caverns, which span almost five km, are the location of Neanderthal drawings thought to be older than 42,000 years. Because they are the earliest cave paintings ever discovered on Earth, this Spanish attraction is very unique.

There are two sections to the subterranean system, and only one is accessible to the general public. One of the caves is a great amphitheater and is frequently used for concerts. It would be an incredible experience to see a performance in the Nerja Caves if you could make it there.

Tips And Details About Traveling To Malaga

Best Time To Visit Malaga

Malaga is most enjoyable in the summer, especially if you enjoy sunbathing and beaches. The city experiences its warmest months in July and August when average highs surpass 30° Celsius. The Spanish city is especially charming in May and October when there are few tourists and great weather.

In Malaga, November to April is considered the rainy season. Your plans may be derailed by the high humidity and increased likelihood of rain compared to other months, even though it doesn’t always rain. It’s not a bad time to visit Malaga if your main interests are in landmarks and sights rather than beaches because the rainy season sees fewer tourists.

On Getting to Malaga

The Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport serves Malaga and is located 15 minutes outside of the city center via train. The bus takes around ten minutes longer than the train to go from the airport to central Malaga. The city’s major transit station is where the bus and train both arrive and depart.

The busiest airport in southern Spain is Malaga Airport, which has numerous connections to foreign locations. The biggest airport in the nation is in Madrid, therefore, there may be less expensive flights there. If a direct flight to Malaga is unavailable, the three-hour train ride from Malaga is a viable option.

Navigating Malaga

Malaga has a well-developed public transit system that makes getting about the city simple. Everyone can utilize the metro, buses, and trains, and they are quite reasonably priced. Another option that is a little faster than public transport but usually costs more is a taxi.

Cyclists who want to stay active may reach most locations in Malaga by bicycle. There are several locations throughout the city where you can rent bicycles, and they are fairly reasonably priced. In addition, you can stroll to many of Malaga’s major attractions from the city center.

Places to Stay in Malaga

For those who are visiting Malaga for the first time, the finest spot to stay is the historic center. There are plenty of stores and dining options, and all the best sights are accessible on foot. There is a hotel in Malaga city center that suits every budget, ranging from cheap to luxurious.

I don’t think it’s required, but you might decide to stay in a suburb. Malaga’s traffic can also be awful, so if your accommodations require you to take the bus into town, you’ll be spending a lot of time on public transportation. The following are a few of the best hotels in Malaga that suit every budget:

In the center of ancient Malaga is Ibis Budget Málaga Centro, a trustworthy low-cost hotel.
A beautiful 4-star hotel housed in a historic edifice is called Palacio Solecio.
Situated close to the Malaga port, the five-star ONLY YOU Hotel Málaga offers convenient beach access.

In Malaga, having fun is as natural as breathing. Whether one is primarily interested in beaches or archaeology, everybody may have a good time in this city due to its abundance of attractions. If you follow your interests, you’ll have a great time in the city.

FAQs about the Outstanding Things to Do in Malaga

1. What in Malaga, Spain, should you not miss?
The most well-known sights in Malaga include Castillo de Gibralfaro, Alcazaba, and the Picasso Museum. World-famous Caminito del Rey is very well-known, particularly among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

2. For what is Malaga most well-known?
Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, which makes it famous. There is a Pablo Picasso museum in the city that holds around 200 of the well-known artist’s pieces.

3. Is a trip to Malaga worth it?
Yes, a trip to Malaga is worthwhile. The breathtaking Spanish city is home to first-rate art museums, breathtaking views of the sea, and exquisite architecture. Malaga is a great place to spend time, whether your plans involve relaxing on the beach, discovering the local way of life, or touring Andalusia.

4. How long will it take me to visit Malaga?
It’s ideal to spend two or three days in Malaga to explore all of the main tourist attractions. On the other hand, if you want to take your time to unwind, and see Malaga’s breathtaking beaches, think about taking a five to seven days trip.

With this article, I hope you will be able to experience the best that Malaga has to offer and find activities that you will truly enjoy while in Spain