Malaga

Why visit Malaga?

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history that stretches back to the Phoenicians. Over the last twenty years it has transformed into a vibrant cultural city with more than thirty museums, a beautifully restored old town and a modern harbour front. It is easy to fill a whole day here – or several – with sightseeing, shopping and food. From Riviera del Sol it is around 45 minutes by car, which makes it a perfect day trip during your stay with us.

Top sights in Malaga

The Alcazaba. This Moorish fortress-palace from the 11th century sits on a hill right in the city centre. Walk up through its gardens, fountains and horseshoe arches for some of the best views over the harbour. It is one of the best-preserved Moorish fortresses in Spain.

Gibralfaro Castle. Above the Alcazaba lies the Gibralfaro castle, connected by ancient walls. The walk up is steep but rewarding – the view over the bullring, the port and the whole bay is spectacular, especially in the late afternoon.

The Roman Theatre. At the foot of the Alcazaba you will find a Roman theatre from the 1st century, rediscovered in the 20th century. It is free to look at from the street and a beautiful sight when lit up in the evening.

Malaga Cathedral. Locals call it La Manquita – "the one-armed lady" – because its second tower was never finished. Inside you will find an impressive Renaissance and Baroque interior, and a rooftop tour gives you a unique view over the old town.

Picasso Museum. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881, and the Museo Picasso Málaga in the Buenavista Palace holds a large collection of his work. You can also visit his birthplace, the Casa Natal, on Plaza de la Merced.

Muelle Uno and the harbour. The redeveloped port area is perfect for a walk, with restaurants, shops and the colourful glass cube of the Centre Pompidou Málaga. The palm-lined Paseo del Parque connects the harbour with the old town.

Calle Larios and the old town. Malaga's elegant marble-paved main street is lined with shops and cafés and leads up to Plaza de la Constitución. The narrow streets around it are full of tapas bars, churches and small squares.

Atarazanas Market. The central market, housed in a 19th-century iron building with a Moorish gate, is the place to see local produce – fresh fish, olives, cured ham and seasonal fruit. Many stalls serve tapas at lunchtime.

Food and drink

Malaga is a fantastic food city. Try espetos – sardines grilled on skewers over an open fire – at a beach bar (chiringuito) on La Malagueta beach. In the old town, look for traditional bodegas serving sweet Malaga wine straight from the barrel, and order a pescaíto frito (fried fish) or porra antequerana, a thick cold tomato soup. Coffee in Malaga has its own names, so ask for a sombra or a nube if you want to order like a local.

Beaches in the city

La Malagueta is the city beach, just a short walk from the old town. Further east, the former fishing districts of Pedregalejo and El Palo are known for their relaxed promenade and seafood restaurants.

Getting to Malaga from Riviera del Sol

By car the drive along the coast takes around 45 minutes. Parking in the centre is easiest in one of the public underground car parks. Alternatively, drive the short distance to Fuengirola and take the local train, which runs along the coast and stops at Malaga Airport and in the city centre (Málaga Centro-Alameda) – a stress-free way to spend the day in the city without worrying about parking.

Good to know

• Many museums are closed on Mondays – check opening times before you go.

• Book the Picasso Museum and the cathedral rooftop online in high season to avoid queues.

• In summer, visit the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro in the morning or late afternoon – the climb can be hot at midday.

• Easter week (Semana Santa) and the August fair (Feria de Málaga) are spectacular, but the city is very busy – plan ahead.

Book tours and tickets

Want a guided walk, tapas tour or skip-the-line tickets? Use the button below to see hand-picked tours and experiences in Malaga. And when you are ready to explore, our apartments in Riviera del Sol are the perfect base.