Málaga, the jewel of the Costa del Sol, is not only one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal cities, but also a true paradise of art, history and gastronomy. Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, it boasts stunning architecture, world-class museums and a vibrant old town where tradition and modernity meet in perfect harmony.
Did you know? Málaga is not only one of the jewels of Andalusia, but also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The city pays homage to the world-famous painter with numerous museums and artistic monuments.
The History of Málaga – Where Past and Present Meet
The city has a history of more than 2800 years, making it one of the oldest settlements in Spain. It was founded by the Phoenicians and left a lasting mark by the Romans and the Moors. During the Middle Ages, under Arab rule, Malaga became a thriving commercial centre, before being reconquered by the Catholic kings in 1487. Over the centuries, the city has grown and developed, and still proudly preserves its historical heritage.
Main Attractions in Málaga
Málaga’s historic old town, the Centro Histórico, is the heart and soul of the city, where past and present meet in perfect harmony. The narrow, winding streets of the old town are almost labyrinthine, making it easy to get lost – but that’s the charm. Walking through the cobbled alleys, hidden squares and charming Andalusian buildings, you’ll always find new treasures. The old town is home to some of Málaga’s most important attractions, such as the impressive cathedral, the bustling Mercado Central, as well as many historic monuments and cosy tapas bars.
One of the most charming streets in Málaga is the palm tree-lined Calle Puerta del Mar. Although short, it is worth stopping here for a moment to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. From here, it’s a short walk to the city’s famous shopping street, Calle Marqués de Larios, which leads to Plaza de la Constitución. With its colourful buildings, cosy cafés and fountains, the square is one of the liveliest meeting places in Málaga.
History lovers should not miss the Teatro Romano, Málaga’s Roman amphitheatre. Built in the 1st century BC, the theatre was the centre of the city’s cultural life during the Roman occupation and its impressive remains still bear witness to the glory of the past. The neighbouring fortress of Alcazaba is also noteworthy, offering unrivalled views of the whole city.
Málaga Cathedral – „The One-Armed Lady”
Málaga’s impressive cathedral towers in the heart of the old town, near the port, making it impossible to miss. Officially named Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, locals affectionately call it „La Manquita.” This peculiar nickname refers to the cathedral’s unfinished state. Originally planned to have two towers, the southern tower was never completed due to a lack of funds, leaving only a few columns in its place. This makes Málaga’s cathedral unique and iconic.
As with most Spanish cathedrals, an entrance fee is required, costing €6 (as of 2024). For a truly special experience, visitors can climb to the rooftop for a spectacular panoramic view of Málaga’s old town and coastline.
Alcazaba de Málaga – The Magic of the Moorish Fortress
Málaga’s former Moorish fortress, the Alcazaba, may remind visitors of the famous Alhambra in Granada, though it is smaller and less ornate. Nevertheless, it is well worth a visit, offering a fascinating historical experience and beautifully designed courtyards.
The Alcazaba entrance is located in the city center, right next to the Teatro Romano. Visitors can explore the fortress by following a gently sloping path that leads to its inner sections. Along the way, they will pass through lush gardens and shaded courtyards showcasing Moorish architectural heritage. Walking along the fortress walls, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of Málaga’s old town and the sea.
Picasso Museum – Málaga’s Cultural Treasure
If there is one place in the world to truly explore the art of Pablo Picasso, it is undoubtedly his hometown, Málaga. The Museo Picasso Málaga, located in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace, is an architectural gem in itself.
The museum has a rich collection of over 200 works of art on two floors, offering an insight into Picasso’s artistic development. Works on display include paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and ceramics, all of which illustrate the master’s varied and experimental style.
The exhibition takes visitors through Picasso’s different creative periods, from his early, more traditional works to his revolutionary cubist and abstract compositions. The museum also regularly organises temporary exhibitions that give a more complete picture of the artist’s oeuvre.
A visit to the Picasso Museum will not only bring you closer to the work of the genius painter, but will also give you a deeper insight into the cultural heritage of Malaga. If you really want to understand Picasso’s art, this is a place not to be missed!
Did you know? Photography is strictly forbidden in the exhibition area
Discover Málaga’s Alternative Side: Soho District and Street Art
For those eager to explore a lesser-known but equally exciting side of Málaga, a visit to the Soho district is a must. Unlike the classic sights, this area stands out with its vibrant atmosphere and impressive street art.
Located just west of the port, Soho has evolved into the city’s creative hub, featuring large-scale murals and graffiti created by both local and international artists. The district is closely linked to the Málaga Arte Urbano Soho (MAUS) project, which aims to revitalize the area through art.
To locate the most remarkable pieces, visitors should check out the MAUS project’s official website, which provides a detailed map of the key street art locations.
Tapas – The Essence of Spanish Gastronomy
Tapas is not just a meal, it is a true Spanish way of life. Served in small portions, they are the perfect way to sample several flavours at once while enjoying a glass of wine or a refreshing sangria and soaking up the Andalusian atmosphere. As a coastal town, Málaga is particularly famous for its seafood tapas, such as boquerones en vinagre (pickled anchovies) or gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns).
Other classic Spanish tapas include patatas bravas (fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce), jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) and tortilla española (Spanish omelette). Málaga boasts a number of tapas bars where you can discover both traditional and modern flavours. In some places you can still experience the authentic tradition of getting a free portion of tapas with your drink.
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If you want a truly authentic tapas experience, visit the Mercado Central de Atarazanas market, where you can sample local specialities made with fresh ingredients. Tapas is therefore not only a cavalcade of flavours, but also a social event that is an integral part of Spanish culture.
DID YOU KNOW? The bullfight, or corrida de toros in Spanish, is one of Andalusia’s oldest and most shared traditions. This spectacular, yet controversial event for many, is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the region. Andalusian cities such as Seville, Ronda, Málaga and Córdoba are famous for their bullfighting arenas, where these special ceremonies have been held for centuries. You can read more about them here
Exploring the Surrounding Areas
Nerja and its caves : Nerja, a charming seaside town, is just 50 kilometres from the centre of Málaga, about a 1-hour drive away. The town’s most famous attraction is the Cueva de Nerja (Nerja Caves), where prehistoric wall paintings and cave drawings dating back more than 42 000 years have been found. Because of the caves’ special acoustics, concerts are occasionally held here and visitors can also tour the impressive stalactite formations. The town of Nerja is also well worth a visit, with its charming beach and the Balcon de Europa, a beautiful lookout point with stunning sea views.
Ronda: Ronda, a unique town in Andalusia, is 130 kilometres from Málaga, which is about a 1.5-2 hour drive. Ronda is known for the famous Puente Nuevo bridge, which spans over a ravine, offering a stunning view. The town has a rich history, Roman and Moorish heritage, and is home to the El Tajo gorge alongside the stunning bridge. The city’s unique location makes it a must-see destination in Andalusia, offering breathtaking views and a wealth of historical monuments.
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Caminito del Rey. This famous and once dangerous mountain path has now been made completely safe and accessible to visitors. The trail leads along breathtaking cliff faces, where you can enjoy magnificent views during the exciting walk. The hike takes you along wooden stairs built into the rocks, while you enjoy the magical view of the river running through the gorge and the surrounding nature.
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Mijas. The village is famous for its whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets and traditional Andalusian atmosphere. Mijas is the ideal place if visitors want to experience typical Andalusian rural life. Its authentic charm can be enjoyed in the local markets and in local restaurants where you can sample the best tapas. The Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña chapel is also worth a visit, as it offers a wonderful view of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
Málaga has a famous type of wine, the Malaga wine, which is produced in local wineries and is particularly known for its Malaga sweet wine. This wine is usually made from muscat or Pedro Ximénez grapes and is renowned for its intense, rich flavour, which is the result of the grapes’ unique ageing process. Sweet wines are often served with desserts, but can also be a pleasant aperitif on their own. Read more about it here
Malaga is a city that has something special for every traveller. Whether it’s historical exploration, gastronomic delights, artistic inspiration or simply experiencing the Mediterranean way of life, this city is guaranteed to enchant its visitors. If you want to experience the heart and soul of Andalusia, Málaga is the perfect destination.