The 17 things to do in Malaga • Wanderlix

Visit Malaga: what are the best things to do and to see in this extraordinary city of the Costa del Sol in Spain?

Ideally located in the south of Spain, Malaga evokes above all the Costa del Sol, this beautiful coastal region of Andalusia that deploys kilometers of beaches, constantly bathed by the sun. A vibrant city with unheardly riches is the ideal opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful Andalusian cities.

Old harbour city of several centuries, Malaga is described as a joyful and lively city, which combines perfectly culture, history and relaxation. It is a dynamic city, with many shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, that we will make you discover in this article. Are you wondering what to do in Malaga? This is it!

1. The Picasso Museum

Visiting Malaga is necessarily going through the Picasso Museum! A must-see visit to the city that saw the painter born in 1881. You will discover a summary of his 80 years of work through a rich and amazing collection. 11 rooms, 233 works and various temporary exhibitions presiding over exciting visiting hours at the Buenavista Palace which houses the museum.

Note that if you are a feru Picasso , it is possible to visit his home Malaga.

2. The Alcazaba

At the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, you will find the Alcazaba, a splendid fortresse with Arab architectural influences, a vestige of ancient Muslim domination.

This Arab influence is visible in many cities in Andalusia, and today brings a unique cachet to Malaga. The highlight of the show: the exceptional panorama revealed by the visit of the fortress on other monuments, including the Roman theatre.

3. The Flamenco Art Museum of the Peña Juan Breva

Passionate about flamenco or simple curious, this visit will make you discover the whole story of this dance from Andalusia thanks to its 2 floors of works of art. Between collections of paintings and drawings, discs, beautiful flamenco dresses or historical guitars, this museum will make you feel thrilled!

4. Théâtre Romain de Málaga

The Roman theatre of Malaga, symbol of the Hipania Romana in the city, was discovered in 1951 following works. It was during the reign of Augustus that the city was developed and the theatre was built. Alongside the theatre, a very modern interpretation centre will allow you, thanks to new technologies, to better know the life and customs of the time.

5. Centre d’Art Contemporain de Malaga (CAC Málaga)

Fully dedicated to reflection on contemporary art, CAC Malaga is located in the old halls of the city, a historic building. Enlarged and more modern, this dynamic and innovative museum has a wonderful collection of contemporary works. Numerous publications, conferences, educational programmes, workshops and seminars also rhythm the life of CAC Malaga. An original visit if you ask yourself to do in Malaga!

6. Le Jardin Botanique-Historique « La Concepción »

You can’t visit Malaga without passing through one of the most beautiful gardens in Spain, and even Europe: the Botanical Garden Histoic “La Concepción”. This splendid haven of peace of about 3 hectares, raised in the historico-artistic garden in 1943, unveils a painting that makes dream.

You will discover more than 25,000 plants belonging to 2000 different species, mixing with fountains and other waterfalls of the site. The botanical garden offers thematic routes for all desires: cactus and fat plants, aquatic plants, etc.

7. The Natural Park of the Montes de Malaga

Want to leave the city for a more relaxing and natural moment? Take the direction of the Montes Natural Park, just 5 kilometers from the city.

This huge park whose greenery contrasts perfectly with the blue of the sea is full of rivers, while the forest offers 45 kilometers of practicable trails, for hiking enthusiasts.

8. Castle of Gibralfaro

The Château de Gibralfaro was built in the 14th century to protect the Alcazaba. From the top of its ramparts you will discover an impressive view of the city and you will learn more about its history in its interpretation centre. If it’s one of the most visited monuments in Malaga, it’s probably not for nothing!

9. The Cathedral of the Incarnation

His full name is Notre-Dame de l’Incarnation, but the Malaguènes simply call him “the Cathedral”, or “La Manquita” (the estropiée), because of the absence of a tower that gives him a very characteristic singular aspect.

Located in the centre of the city, it occupies the location of an ancient mosque-Aljama. Unfinished work, you will notice that the main façade and the south tower are not quite finished. Don’t miss going for a ride in its gardens and its beautiful patio.

10. The beaches of Malaga

Are you wondering what to do in Malaga? Take a sunbath or a short bath of course! In total, the city has 14 kilometers of beaches, all well separated from urban traffic by beautiful walks that make it real havens of peace and tranquility. After a nice day of visit, you will have the choice between 16 beaches! Popular, isolated, full of charm... It's for all tastes! You can easily find beach restaurants (chiringuitos), perfect for discovering the traditional cuisine of Malaga and enjoying a fried pescaitos or grilled sardines (espetos).

11. The Centre Pompidou de Malaga

Inaugurated in 2015, Centre Pompidou de Málaga occupies the Cubo, an original building located in the port, facing the bay. Its permanent collection houses more than 80 works by artists of the size of Picasso, Miró, Bacon, Magritte, Frida Khalo or Giacometti. A unique opportunity to explore the art of the 20th and 20th centuries. Apart from its permanent collection, the centre Pompidou de Malaga organizes temporary exhibitions and cultural activities related to dance, theatre, cinema...

12. A boat ride

Visiting Malaga is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat to reach the famous Marbella , reaching small confidential coves like Crique Peñón del Cuervo or sail to Gibraltar.

It would be a shame not to rent a boat , and thus miss the magnificent setting offered by the Mediterranean. With or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the most soothing afternoons of your stay!

Outdoor activities

Many outdoor activities are available around the Andalusian city. If you come to visit Malaga, you can enjoy the following experiences:

13. Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey, or Petit Chemin du Roi in French, is an incredible hike along a steep wall of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. The latter is located in Los Ardales Natural Park, northwest of Malaga. During this hike, you will walk along the river on a path formed on the cliff. In places, you will overlook the river a good hundred meters! Beautiful panoramas will then take place in front of your eyes, and you will no doubt return with beautiful memories.

Many organizations offer a one-day guided tour along this famous Caminito del Rey. You will follow a bridge in the gorges of El Chorro, where the Guadalhorce River flows. Usually count 50€ per person for this exceptional activity.

14. Canyoning

You will have understood, Malaga is close to beautiful national parks and incredible gorges. It is therefore the starting point for many excursions and activities related to rivers and mountains. A flagship activity to be done in the vicinity of Malaga is canyoning.

You can make canyoning in the beautiful gorges of Zarzalones, in the Sierra de las Nieves, west of Malaga. The activity then takes place near the villages of Yunquera or Jorox. This outdoor experience to do near Malga usually costs between 50 and 70€ per person. It also lasts half a day or 4 hours on average.

15. Rafting

Another great outdoor activity to do around Malaga is rafting! In a group, you can devalue superb rapids in beautiful gorges. You will then enjoy exceptional views, strong sensations and an unforgettable experience.

It is thus possible to make rafting in bright waters on the river Genil, north of Malaga. This activity usually costs only 30 euros per person.

16. Via Ferrata

Another beautiful outdoor activity to practice around Malaga is obviously the Via Ferrata! This activity combines climbing and hiking, you will evolve along rocky walls equipped with metal elements, to facilitate your progression. This type of experience often lasts half a day and allows you to admire beautiful landscapes, in addition to enjoying beautiful sensations.

Many spots of via ferrata are all around the beautiful Andalusian city. You can make Via Ferrata near the Caminito del Rey, but also in Archidona, near Antequera, north of Malaga. For this activity, have an average of 35€ per person. As with other activities presented above, you will have to go to a meeting point outside Malaga.

17. Water activities

In addition to mountain and water activities, many water activities are available near Malaga. In particular, you can go to Marbella, a nearby seaside resort, to practice jet-ski or to do ascent parachute. For the first activity, have an average of 60€ per person for a 20-minute experience.

As for the ascent parachute, a flight usually costs 40€ per person. You will then fly over the waters, enjoy superb views, as well as a beautiful boat ride to the go and back.

How to go to Malaga?

You decided to visit Malaga? To get there, nothing simpler! Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport is extremely well served. Find cheap flights on our partner's website Ulysses . Located 8 kilometers from the city, you can quickly access the centre of Malaga thanks to the system of transfer by train, bus or taxi:

Taxi : about 20 € Train : the commuter train line C-1 joins the center in 12 minutes for 1,80 € Bus : the bus line A Exprés Aeropuerto (line 75) joins the center in 15 minutes for 3 €

Where to stay in Malaga?

With more than 1,300 hotel establishments, finding accommodation to sleep in Malága promises to be simple, but can also be expensive. The Malagueta district is ideal if you want to enjoy the crowded atmosphere of the city centre. If you are looking for a rather central location, the historic centre of the city, Trinidad, will be perfect! Finally, if you are looking for calm, away from the hyper activity of the center, you will have to get a little bit excited. The El Palo district, still preserved from the growing urbanization, will delight you with its calm and promise you a quiet stay. You can find a cheap hotel in Malaga by searching for this Compare hotels .

So you still wonder what to do in Malaga?