Last Updated on 19/05/2018 by secretmoona

Málaga, the beautiful Andalusian city, has long been unknown unlike other cities like Sevilla or Cordoba. However, it is now becoming the destination of choice for many. Málaga is a welcoming destination rich in culture. So what are the best things about Málaga?

The city, also known as the capital of Costa del Sol is full of sunshine and is very popular with young people, fashionistas and beach lovers, as well as those more interested in the rich history of the city. 

The city is going through an ongoing big renovation project so there are lots of work happening (2017), but nothing major to inconvenience your trip. These works mean that there is a change in the aesthetic of the city. The combination of the old (e.g Centro Historico) and new (port) works well together.

Why not add Málaga to your travel bucket list? Here’s why you should visit!

Best things about Málaga 

Centro Historico

Wander around the historic centre and enjoy what Málaga has to offer. The area has retained its Moorish architecture. Walk along Calle Larios and you will find yourself surrounded by a large number of shops, bars, terraces and also nightclubs if you’re out late. The area is also the place for shopping with clothing shops and handicrafts.

Admire Málaga’s architectural and historic heritage by visiting the Roman Theatre of Málaga. It is the oldest monument in Málaga and is situated at the bottom of the Alcazaba fortress.

Take a hike and enjoy the view

Discover Alcazaba, its beautiful garden and Castle of Gibralfaro. The Alcazaba of Málaga is an ancient fortress used to protect the province from invasions. It was also used by many kings and both Muslims and Christians. The Alcazaba was built in the eleventh century. It is a must-see and overlooks the city of Málaga. Although the Castle of Gibralfaro, located on the hill of the same name, appears to be a natural extension of the Alcazaba, these two buildings are quite distinct. This castle was built on the site of an ancient lighthouse from where its name Gibralfaro. You can visit both Alcazaba and Gibralfaro for 3,55€.

Cultural discoveries

The Cathedral of Málaga is another stop in your itinerary, being very close to both Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro. It is beautiful at night as well with all the lights.

If you are a cultural tourist, you will be pleased with the choice of museums to visit in Málaga. Museum Carmen Thyssen holds Spanish paintings, mostly Andalusian. The paintings are part of Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza’s own collection. It’s impossible to visit the beautiful town without stopping by the Picasso Museum. The Centre Pompidou Málaga opened in 2015 is also worth a visit if you like modern art (it’s a branch of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris).

Shop and dine with the locals

One of the best thing about Málaga is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables so where is best to go than the local market? Mingle with the locals at Atarazanas Market and admire the impressive stained glass windows. The market is definitely a feast for all senses (eyes, ears, nose and especially mouth!). The scent is the first thing that hits you as you enter and see all sorts of food, each in their own sections: fruits and vegetables; fish and meat. Stop by one of the many tapas bars outside the market to sample the freshness of the food.

There are lots of restaurants in Málaga where you can sample fresh fish dishes. One of them is the restaurant El Tintero (Playa del Dedo, 29018, Málaga). Not only you will experience the typical “chiringuito” but also a “lively” eating experience. The concept is similar to a food auction, you don’t get a menu. Instead, you see waiters walking inside the restaurants with a handful of dishes in their arms. If you like one of the dishes, you take it if not you wait for the next waiter. This is an amazing experience which you have to try. Mesón Mariano (Calle Granados, 2, 29008 Málaga, Spain) is another restaurant worth trying.

Take a walk

Take a stroll at the Port of Málaga and enjoy the many restaurants, shops and art galleries on offer.  Walk down Paseo del Parque, a promenade that runs alongside a grand park with many palm trees and statues to the harbour. A boat tour around the harbour is also possible.

Hit the beaches

As well as its cultural and architectural beauties, the city offers kilometres after kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches. Whether you are there for “farniente” or family friendly beaches, you will be spoiled for choice. Have a go at Malagueta, Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Playa de la Caleta.

Window shopping

Málaga is a fashionable city so obviously has lots of shopping district. Calle Larios as mentioned above is one of the main shopping streets. You can find branded shops and a number of independent shops on Calle Grenada. I bought a lovely ring in one of the shops Málaga in tribal and African art. If you prefer shopping centres or department stores more, you also have the choice: El Cortes Inglés, Málaga Plaza, Vialia or Plaza Mayor (situated between Málaga and Torremolinos, it is very close to the airport)

Where to stay

I stayed in an Airbnb flat located in Trinidad, the gipsy neighbourhood of Málaga (more info and booking details here). The apartment was a 2 bedroom flat with a massive roof terrace. The room had plenty of natural daylight.

How to get to Málaga

Getting to Málaga is very easy from England and other European countries. Some of the airlines going to Málaga Airport include EasyJet, British Airways, Monarch, Jet2, Ryanair and FlyBe.

Bonus…Sun all year around!

So this is it! The best things about beautiful Málaga. The city is great to visit whatever the season but it is even more festive during the winter period. Check out here for things to do in Málaga for New Year. If you want to know more about the city in general, why not have a look at Málaga Tourism official website (click here)

As always, thanks for reading. What do you think of Málaga? 

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