Malaga is the capital of the Andalusia region and a vibrant port city with many newer facilities waiting for you to explore them. The city also has a fascinating past and many places where you can learn more about this city’s 2,700-year history. Old rambling streets hold many unique places to visit. In addition to seeing the attractions, there are many fascinating things to do in Malaga.
This extensive guide is designed to let you know what you can plan in your Malaga itinerary and activities you should consider adding in.
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Top Things to Do in Malaga
You may be wondering what to do in Malaga, so we have created this guide to help you make informed decisions about things to do in Malaga, Spain.
In addition to Malaga being a growing culture capital, the city is loaded with history and full of energy. There’s so much to explore here, you just need to know where to look.
#1. Watch a Flamenco Show
This Spanish-dance style originated in this region, and a prestigious competition is held every two years to pick the best flamenco dancers.
If your trip does not coincide with the festival where you will see flamenco dancers at numerous locations, then going to Tipi Tapa, where you can see authentic flamenco shows in the evening lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, is one of the top answers given when people want to know what to do in Malaga Spain.
The show includes an authentic dinner.
Activities you can check out – Viator offers several flamenco shows, including tickets to the prestigious Tablao Flamenco los Amaya, a tapas tasting tour with show, and an Old Town tavern flamenco show with drink.
GetYourGuide offers a three-hour guide street tapas tour ending with a flamenco show making it one of the top things to do in Malaga Spain.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Antigua Casa de Guardia, Alameda Principal, 18. Málaga
- Duration: 3 hours
- Starting time 7:00 PM
#2. Tour the Alcazaba
The Alcazaba palace is one of the finest examples of a Moorish palace in the world. When you include this stop on your list of things to do in Malaga Spain, our visit will start with an elevator ride to the original entrance gates.
Stroll through the gardens filled with orange blossoms in the spring and bougainvillea the rest of the year while paying particular attention to the decorative fountains.
Climb to near the defensive walls for amazing views of the entire region and gaze at the 6,000 embossed aluminum tiles that make up the roof of this palace built from the ninth to 13th centuries.
Activities You Can Check Out – GetYourGuide offers a 90-minute combined of the Roman Theater (Teatro Romano) and Alcazaba. They also provide a combined Islamic Nasrid palace and Alcazaba Fortification tour.
Viator also offers a combined tour along with free time to explore the area along with tours combine Alcazaba with the Generalife Gardens.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Alcazaba de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Departs at 4:00 PM
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
#3. Shop at the Atarazanas Food Market
The Atarazanas Food Market was initially constructed as an Arabian shipyard, and the architecture of this lively market is worth the stop. Still, you will also want to savor the local cuisine once you are inside this market. Spend time exploring each of its three sections.
In the produce section, you will find many locally grown fruits and vegetables along with produce from across Spain. The fish department is a great place to sample locally caught fish, including trying the octopus and shrimp skewers. In the meat department, you will want to make sure to sample the goat cheese made with milk from Cabra malagueña goat milk.
The market and the surrounding area have several vendors selling ready-to-eat foods and drinks.
Activities You Can Check Out – Booking a private tour on Viator is the perfect way to get where you want to go with an expert.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Paseo de la Farola, 4, 29016 Málaga, Spain
- Let a local guide create an itinerary ideal for you
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
#4. Play on Malagueta Beach
There are two blue-flag beaches in Malaga, Spain, but the closest one to the city’s center is Playa de la Malagueta Beach. In the past, this was the place to meet the fishing boats, but now you will want to walk along the palm-lined promenade to enjoy some of the region’s favorite drinks. You can easily walk from here along the shoreline to reach the city’s other blue-flag beach.
Activities you can check out – Viator’s Hop On Hop Off Bus is a great way to get to this beach eliminating any parking hassles.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: You can start/end the tour at any of the allocated stops.
- 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
- The Red Route operates from 9:40 AM to 7:00 PM, every 40-minutes. A full loop takes 1-hour and 20-minutes
- Gain lots of amazing perks depending on ticket selected, including entry to various attractions, and a relaxing boat tour
#5. Stroll Through the Malaga Car Museum
See over 100 cars at the Malaga Car Museum. Each vehicle is accompanied by at least one mannequin wearing fashion appropriate for the time the car was built.
This museum also offers several rooms dedicated to fashion, including a fabulous hat room.
The cars are divided by eras with the oldest dating to the early 1900s, making it easy to see how cars have changed throughout history.
Special events are often held, such as an opportunity to learn to tune an antique car.
Activities You can Check Out – Save money by getting your ticket to this museum on Viator.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Depart from – Museo Automovilistico y de la Moda, Avenida de Sor Teresa Prat 15 Edificio de Tabacalera, 29004 Malaga Spain
-
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
-
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: $11.40 USD
What to bring: Good walking shoes
#6. Create Your Masterpiece at El Retorno de Lilith
You can make your artwork at the El Retorno de Lilith that is located within steps of where Picasso worked.
Led by artists and art students at this art school in Old Town, you will be introduced to the art techniques Picasso used to create his masterpieces. Then, you will be given paint and paper to create your own.
Students and teachers will also lead you through the neighborhood where Picasso lived, giving you a unique view of his life.
Activities You Can Check Out – There are many activities related to Picasso that you will want to check out, including Viator’s Picasso Walking Tour for up to 10 people and TripAdvisor’s Paint Your Own Picasso.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Calle Cobertizo del Conde, 6, 29013 Málaga
- 10:30, 12:30, 5:00
- 12-hour notice required
Price: $42USD
What to bring: All supplies furnished
A Quick Malaga Travel Guide
In general, Malaga is like many other Spanish port cities. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Money – Numerous ATMs make it easy to get cash, banks offer money exchange, and you can exchange money at some of the resorts.
When is the best time? – June to September is the dry summer months here, while December to February is mild and rainy.
Getting here – Train and bus service from neighboring areas is easy to find. The Malaga Airport services this city.
Getting around – Taxis, Segways, bike rentals, trains, car rentals, and city buses are all available. Viator’s Hop-on Hop-off bus is an excellent choice.
Where to stay in Malaga
AFFORDABLE
Atarazanas Málaga Boutique Hotel
Guests love this boutique hotel, highly rating the quality of service. “The whole experience was nice!!! Sleeping at night peacefully was great even though a couple of times I heard some noise on the wall. My questions were answered promptly as well as requests.”
BED AND BREAKFAST
La Casa Azul
B&B + Apartments
This 19th-century style property includes many unique touches such as ornamental chandeliers and an antique cannon. Escape the heat with air conditioning, and enjoy your own private bathroom and gorgeous views from your room.
MID-RANGE
Petit Palace Plaza Málaga
This hotel has a great location rating and is only 300 m from the Picasso Museum and 500 m from Málaga Port. Guests can take advantage of the continental breakfast in the hotel’s traditional Andalusian courtyard. Another excellent features is free Wi-Fi that includes free use of an iPad.
LUXURY
Gran Hotel Miramar GL
Beachgoers will love this choice because it’s a beach front hotel with views from some of the rooms and it also includes a spa. Night time brings a stunning sea view on their roof-top chill-out terrace where guests can enjoy drinks. Luxury oozes on every inch of this hotel right down to their Hermès toiletries.
In Conclusion
There is something that everyone can enjoy in Malaga, Spain and this guide will help you explore and find the things that you’ll enjoy doing the most.
Comment below if you have some favorite activities you enjoy in Malaga you’d like to share.
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