The 5 Surprising Things to Do in Malaga, Spain

Walking the city is a real pleasure, the architecture is surprising thanks to this cultural mix. Orange trees and colorful birds are everywhere. Wander the historic center to discover little boutiques and tapas restaurants. Stroll along the harbor and stop at a waterfront restaurant for a delicious seafood meal.

Oriental tea and nargile cafes share the streets with typical Spanish restaurants. The sights of Malaga range from picturesque beaches and hikes to centuries-old castle structures, stylish harbors and excellent restaurants.

Castillo De Gibralfaro

Castillo De Gibralfaro

A huge castle that stretches over the hill of Malaga is one of the most impressive attractions of Malaga. The interior of the castle is not original, but it is still impressive. There is a building right at the entrance to learn more about the history of the castle.

But the visit is particularly worthwhile for the view over Malaga and the sea from the ramparts. It is the best scenic view over The Malaga and it is also very beautiful at night with all the city lights.

The Alcazaba of Malaga

The Alcazaba of Malaga

Fortress of the Moorish Kings, this ancient Moorish castle was built in the ninth century and rebuilt in the 11th century on the ruins of a Roman bastion. Perched favorably on Mount Gibralfaro, the fortified palace was designed with three circuits of defensive walls and 110 main towers. The Alcazaba houses the Museum of Malaga.

The Provincial Museum of Fine Arts has an excellent permanent collection of local paintings from the 19th century. The museum also shows two of Picasso’s earliest works, the study of old people painting and the old man with the ceiling. The Archaeological Museum shows Roman antiques, a collection of Hispano-Arabic ceramics and models of the castle.

Malaga Cathedral

Malaga Cathedral

The cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Malaga. As a result, the cathedral was never fully completed and has only one bell tower, 2 should be built. You can climb the 200 steps up the 87-meter tower: you can enjoy a 360 scenic view of the whole city, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle.

Do not miss the interiors to see the decorated ceiling, the beautiful stained glass windows, the chapels or even the 4000 pipe organ. Calle Molina Larios leads from Plaza de la Marina to the old town, which is dominated by the cathedral. With its two-tower facade, this magnificent 16th-century building stands on the site of an earlier mosque.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

These exquisite gardens are filled with the vibrant Mediterranean, tropical and subtropical flora. Plant species found in the gardens come from all over the world. La Conception is a collection of different gardens and offers an exceptional variety of landscapes. The historic gardens encompass three hectares of romantic gardens with unusual species, tropical plants and exotic flowers.

Around the historic gardens are 23 hectares of new gardens with special exhibits such as plants of the region and Around the world in 80 trees. Hibiscus Allee is a flower path that leads to the north end of the gardens. The Gonzalez Andreu Garden shows more than 50 different plant species from the Solomon Islands, Polynesia, China, Japan, Australia, Brazil and Mexico.

Museo Picasso

Museo Picasso

A must for lovers of modern art, this museum in the old townhouses the house where Picasso was born and shows 233 works by the artist. The collection represents the full range of Picasso’s life and art career, from his earliest studies to his revolutionary artistic innovations.

The collection includes works of art created between 1892 and 1972 that reflect the wide range of styles and techniques that Picasso mastered. The museum also shows Picasso’s studio, where he painted nude models. The Picasso Museum in Malaga opened in 2003 in the Buenavista Palace.