Málaga, what to do?

There is an incredible amount to do in Málaga. The city combines historical attractions, beaches, museums, shops, market halls, and cosy tapas restaurants. Popular sights include the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, the Picasso Museum, Málaga Cathedral, and the modern waterfront area of Muelle Uno. Málaga is located about 40 minutes by car from Finca Las Nuevas, making it an ideal destination for a day trip during your holiday in Andalusia.

Highlights of Málaga

If you only have one day in Málaga, these are the attractions you should not miss:

Alcazaba of Málaga
Castillo de Gibralfaro
Roman Theatre
Málaga Cathedral
Picasso Museum
Muelle Uno and the harbour
Mercado Central de Atarazanas
La Malagueta Beach
Calle Larios Shopping Street

Why visit Málaga?

Málaga is one of the most popular cities in Andalusia. The city has a beautiful historic centre, a modern harbour, kilometres of beaches, and a wide range of museums.

Thanks to its pedestrian-friendly city centre, Málaga is also a wonderful city to explore on foot. Whether you enjoy culture, shopping, great food, or simply soaking up the Spanish atmosphere, Málaga has it all.

What are the most beautiful sights in Málaga?

The most visited attractions in Málaga are the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman Theatre, Málaga Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum.

Alcazaba and Gibralfaro

The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle together form Málaga’s most famous historical monument. Gibralfaro Castle is located on top of a hill and offers panoramic views over the city, the harbour, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Lower down the hill lies the Alcazaba, an impressive Moorish palace that is often compared to the Alhambra of Granada because of its architecture.

Roman Theatre of Málaga

At the foot of the Alcazaba lies the Roman Theatre. This theatre dates back to the 1st century AD and is one of the oldest monuments in the city.

Which museums are worth visiting in Málaga?

Málaga is considered one of the most important museum cities in Spain. The most popular museums are:

Picasso Museum
Carmen Thyssen Museum
Centre Pompidou Málaga
Automobile Museum
Interactive Music Museum

Picasso Museum

At the Picasso Museum, you can discover an extensive collection of his artworks and learn more about his life.

This famous Spanish artist was born in Málaga. This blog describes a route memory of Picasso

Carmen Thyssen Museum

This museum features a beautiful collection of 19th-century Spanish paintings, with a strong focus on Andalusian landscapes and everyday life.

What can you do in Málaga with children?

Málaga is also a great destination for families. Children especially enjoy:

La Malagueta Beach
Muelle Uno and the harbour
The Roman Theatre
The Interactive Music Museum
Atarazanas Market Hall
A boat trip from the harbour

In our e-book, you will find an overview of family-friendly activities and museums in Málaga.

Where can you go shopping in Málaga?

The most famous shopping street in Málaga is Calle Larios. Here you will find major international retail chains. For local boutiques, Spanish delicacies, and artisan shops, it is better to explore the small streets around the historic centre.

Tip:

Unlike the larger stores, these small shops still observe traditional siesta hours, which means they are usually closed between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., and often also on Saturday afternoons.

Which market should you visit in Málaga?

Mercado Central de Atarazanas is Málaga’s most famous market hall. Here you will find fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, herbs, olives, cured hams, and many other typical Andalusian products. The atmosphere is especially lively and enjoyable in the morning.

Free attractions in Málaga

Would you like to visit Málaga on a budget? On Sunday afternoons, several museums and cultural attractions offer free admission.

The exact times vary by location. Some museums offer free admission from 2:00 p.m., while others only open their doors free of charge later in the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Málaga

Where can you park in Málaga?

We usually park at Muelle Uno, Málaga’s modern harbour area. Here you will find a spacious parking garage within walking distance of both the beach and the historic city centre. From the harbour, you can walk through a beautiful park filled with tropical plants and trees directly into the heart of the city.

Can you visit Málaga without a car?

Yes. From Cártama, a train departs to Málaga Centro-Alameda. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

How many days do you need for Málaga?

One day is enough to see the main attractions. If you also want to visit museums, go shopping extensively, or enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace, you may want to add an extra afternoon or evening.

What should you not miss in Málaga?

The Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, the Picasso Museum, Málaga Cathedral, and the harbour area of Muelle Uno are among the absolute highlights of the city.