Things to do in Malaga

When we think of Malaga, the beach is probably the first thing that comes to our mind. However, this modern and cosmopolitan town has much more to offer to the visitor. It is indeed a very cultural city that currently has more than 30 museums, many historical monuments to visit and a rich and varied gastronomical offer. 

If you are planning to rent a luxury apartment in Malaga to discover this amazing town, you cannot miss our list of things to do in Malaga:

Swimming in Malagueta beach

OK, let’s start with the obvious. Urban beach La Malagueta is probably the most famous one in town. Located just ten minutes distance from the city center, it is accessible to anyone staying in Malaga. It offers 1,200 meters of dark sands beach with an average of 45 meters of width. Its waters are calm and crystalline. Its always lively promenade offers a variety of beach bars known as ‘chiringuitos‘ where you can enjoy a cold drink with a dish of fried fish (‘pescaito frito’). 

Doing lots of sightseeing

The Alcazaba

Located on Alcazabilla street, it is an impressive palace-fortress built in the 11th century by the Muslim rulers of the city, located on a hill on the slope of Mount Gibralfaro.

The Roman Theater 

This Theater, located the foot of the Alcazaba, was discovered in 1951. It was for many years half-hidden by the building of the so-called Casa de la Cultura, which was definitively demolished in 1992 to put in value this historic theater.

The Castle of Gibralfaro 

It receives its name by a lighthouse that it had in its peak (Jabal-Faruk, the mount of the lighthouse). It was built by the Arabs in the 14th century, as a means to protect the nearby Alcazaba, as well as to house troops. The views from it are spectacular. 

The Cathedral

Built between 1528 and 1782 on the site of a former mosque, its original plans had allowed for two towers, but the lack of funds resulted in the completion of only one, giving rise to the name by which the cathedral is affectionately referred to, La Manquita, loosely interpreted as «one-armed woman».

Shopping time

If you want to shop till you drop, you cannot miss Larios street, whose official name is Marqués de Larios street. The main commercial artery of the city, solemn and elegant, has a length of 350 meters and it has become the fifth most expensive street in Spain and one of the 50 most expensive streets in Europe.

Visiting museums

The city of Málaga has become a Museum destination. There are more than 30 to choose from, among which there are some with an international reputation, such as Museo Picasso, Museo Carmen Thyssen, the CAC and the pop-up museum Pompidou which opened a few years ago in the Port area. 

Tasting delicious food

Malaga has a wide gastronomical offer, that ranges from tradition to vanguard, but there are two delicacies from the sea that are definitely a must-try: espetos and fritura malagueña. Espetos are basically sardines skewered and cooked over a pit of coals by the sea. Season them with sea salt and a bit of lemon!

Fritura malagueña includes a wide variety of seafood from the area, such as squid or cuttlefish, but mainly little fish like anchovies, coated in flour and fried in very hot oil. Delicious!

Strolling through the Port Area

El Puerto de Málaga is one of the oldest ports in the world with around three thousand years of antiquity. Accessing from the main entrance to the left, we arrive to Muelle Dos.  It is highly recommended to take a walk through the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, until arriving to Muelle Uno, which was inaugurated at the end of 2011 and is basically an open-air shopping and leisure center.

Enjoying a flamenco show

The flamboyant, traditional and seductive art of flamenco it is thought to have been originated by Romani gypsies, and it includes singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), dancing (baile) and handclapping (palmas). Our favourite venues in Malaga to enjoy a good flamenco show are the Tablao Los Amayas and Kalipé Centro de Arte Flamenco, both located in the city center. 

Watching the sunset from a rooftop

Now that the summer has started, it is officially rooftop season. Sipping a drink while watching the sunset from a terrace overlooking the city is another of the pleasures that Malaga offers. There is a wide variety, most of them located on top of hotels and hostels, but here are some of our favourites: Molina Lario, AC Málaga Palacio, Room Mate Valeria terrace, Hotel Sallés, Alcazaba Premium Hostel and San Juan Terrace.