MALAGA, SPAIN - TOP ACTIVITIES AND PLACES TO VISIT
Malaga is the European city you want to visit when you want to experience the mix between history and contemporary, stay at the beach or explore, hike or shop. If we also take into account the fact that you can enjoy absolutely gorgeous views, both of the city and of the sea, and good weather almost all year round, we can say that we have discovered a city that checks all the requirements of a wonderful vacation spot.
However, if you like exploring and don't want to stay on the beach, it is possible that Malaga can be visited even in a single day, ticking off the most beautiful places.
HOW TO GET TO MALAGA:
The city has its own airport with international flights. From the airport there are several transport options to the city. Depending on the time you land and your preferences, you can choose between:
taxi; the station is on the right side of the airport exit. Depending on the time, the fare varies between 16 and 30 euros to the central area of Malaga;
bus; the station is also on the right side of the airport exit. The bus runs every 20 minutes between 7am and midnight;
train, which has a station opposite the airport; Lines C1 and C2 have stops in Malaga;
private transfer to Malaga, can be booked here.
WHERE TO STAY IN MALAGA:
As a personal choice for accommodation in Malaga, we booked an apartment in Limehome complex, which I recommend regardless of your budget. Everything was superlative: cleanliness, password-based check in/out, good location.
Accommodation units rated 5 stars:
- Only You Hotel - accommodation unit with double rooms, located near the historic center. It has an outdoor infinity pool, gym, room service and is pet friendly;
- Gran Hotel Miramar GL - accommodation unit with double, twin or suite rooms, located near Malagueta beach. The hotel is located in an impressive building and has private parking, restaurant, fitness room, spa area, room service and airport transfer is available on request. It does not have a swimming pool;
Accommodation units rated 4 stars:
- Vincci Larios Diez - accommodation unit with double, twin or triple rooms, located in the historic center of the city. It has a restaurant, room service and terrace;
- Room Mate Valeria - accommodation unit with double or twin rooms, located in the historic center. It has an outdoor swimming pool and a gym;
Accommodation units rated 3 stars or less:
- Hotel Bro (adults only) - accommodation unit with double or twin rooms, located near the center. It has an outdoor swimming pool and terrace, and the reception is open non-stop;
- Hostal Real Maqueda - accommodation unit, which has double or single rooms. It is located outside the city and can be the ideal location if you want to visit other areas of Andalusia and return to Malaga. Although it is not mentioned in the hotel description, there are parking spaces nearby.
10 THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN MALAGA
1. Gibralfaro Fortress/Castle;
The Gibralfaro fortress is located at the top of the mountain with the same name and is the ideal place to enjoy a panoramic view over the city.
Being at the top of the mountain/hill, the climb up there can be quite demanding, especially in the summer, so I recommend that you have enough water to drink and don't forget to enjoy the view.
The castle was built in 1340 to strengthen the defense of the city. Nowadays, there are only the walls of what, in the past, was one of the resistance structures in the army of Malaga.
The ticket costs 3.5 euros or 5.50 euros in combination with the entrance at Alcazaba.
2. Alcazaba, located near the Gibralfaro fortress, is a fortification that preserves the memory of the period when Malaga was under Muslim domination.
I recommend visiting this location after visiting Gibralfaro. The Alcazaba is much bigger and more complex and you will definitely lose the energy to climb up to Gibralfaro, if you choose to visit it for the first time.
3. Malaga Cathedral, it is one of the most imposing cathedrals I have visited. Whether you choose to admire the exterior, or to visit it inside, it is one of the locations that should not be missed in Malaga.
The entrance ticket is a bit more expensive than the other tourist attractions in the city. It costs 8 euros to visit the interior and 12 euros to climb the tower.
4. A walk in the historic center must be added to the list of activities in Malaga. Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitution) is the crossroad of some of the most important streets of the old town.
5. Malagueta Beach is the closest beach to the city and is frequented by both tourists and locals. Whether you choose to stay at the beach or walk along the seafront, it is the ideal place to relax.
The beach is quite long and not very crowded. The sand is a bit ugly, a bit gray, and when I was there, at the beginning of September, the water was very cold. There are restaurants in the area where you can dine.
6. The harbour (Puerto de Malaga) is one of the oldest ports in the Mediterranean. I recommend visiting the tourist area of the port, which continues from Malagueta Beach to the Muelle Uno Promenade. A walk in this area is wonderful. The location is very animated during the evening, both by people out to enjoy a walk, and by the music from the terraces that stretch along the seafront.
7. Relaxation at Arabic baths with massage included. Malaga has preserved several traditions from the period when it was under the Muslim conquest. One of them is the Arab baths. The session lasts an hour and a half. Find tickets and other details here
8. The Picasso Museum, which houses approximately 285 works by the painter Pablo Picasso. Malaga is representative for the artist, being the place where he was born. The museum is open daily, and tickets are available here.
9. Catamaran ride on the Mediterranean at sunset is another way to enjoy your vacation and at the same time, another way to enjoy the city. The view of the city and the mountains that surround it are wonderful, and the sunset light creates a unique atmosphere. Book here.
10. Flamenco show How can you better enjoy Spanish authenticity? I would say enjoying a tapas (or several) and a Sangria, while enjoying a performance of traditional Spanish music. Flamenco is the popular music of the Spaniards, of which they are very proud and which we can enjoy in any city of Spain, shows of this kind are organized almoust everywhere in Spain. Tickets found here.
DAY TRIPS FROM MALAGA
If you want to visit other locations in Andalusia, you can do it both on your own (with public transport or a rented car), as well as through organized tours, which I recommend if you don't want to bother with the organization. Below, I leave some links with the excursions you can do from Malaga:
- Gibraltar, the only place in Europe where you can see monkeys (Magot, from the Macaque family) in their natural habitat, tickets here.
- Ronda and Setenil, two amazing villages, tickets here.
- Caminito del Rey, one of the most spectacular canyons in Europe, tickets here.
WHERE TO EAT IN MALAGA:
One of the most interesting restaurants in Malaga is, without a doubt, Vincci Rooftop Terrace (El Taller de Larios 10).
Even if you are not staying at the hotel where this restaurant belongs, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy the restaurant's atmosphere, the view and the delicious food there. The location has very good ratings on Trip Advisor, and most customers are satisfied with both the quality of the food and the service. The prices are a bit higher, compared to the average prices at other restaurants in Malaga.
CONCLUSION ABOUT MALAGA:
Somehow, this city made me think of a smaller, quieter version of Barcelona, with the same Mediterranean charm, but in a less crowded and friendlier form, both in terms of the general atmosphere and from a financial point of view. Malaga seemed to me to be a more provincial destination, in the most pleasant sense of the word, where the pace of life seems more relaxed, and the people are welcoming and warm. Entrance fees to the tourist attractions are considerably cheaper compared to other big cities, which means that you can fully enjoy the local attractions without spending a fortune. In addition, the accommodations offer excellent value for money, suitable for different preferences and budgets.
This makes Malaga an ideal destination for those looking for a weekend getaway or even a longer vacation. The city offers a wide range of activities, suitable for any type of traveler. From strolling along the fine sandy beach and tasting traditional Andalusian cuisine, to exploring local history and art through visits to museums such as the Picasso Museum or the Alcazaba, every day spent here can be a perfect mix of relaxation and discovery.
Read also about other locations in Spain: Tenerife Island, Mallorca Island, Barcelona, Ronda, Nerja, El Caminito del Rey, Mijas Pueblo, Marbella, 3 gorgeous villages in Andalusia or Frigliana.
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