Discover Malaga’s 5 Hidden Gems for Unforgettable Adventures

Walking the city is an absolute pleasure, and 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.

Discover the Majestic Castillo De Gibralfaro

A vast castle that stretches over the hill of Malaga is one of the most impressive attractions of Malaga. The castle’s interior is not original, but it is still remarkable. There is a building right at the entrance where you can learn more about the castle’s history.

But the visit is particularly worthwhile for the view over Malaga and the sea from the ramparts. It has the best scenic view of Malaga and is excellent at night with all the city lights.

Explore the Historic 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 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 castle models.

Visit the Iconic Malaga Cathedral

The cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Malaga. As a result, the cathedral was never fully completed and had only one bell tower, so two should have been 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 dominated by the cathedral. With its two-tower facade, this magnificent 16th-century building stands on the site of an earlier mosque.

Stroll Through the Vibrant Botanical Gardens

These exquisite gardens are filled with 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 leading to the gardens’ north end. The Gonzalez Andreu Garden shows over 50 plant species from the Solomon Islands, Polynesia, China, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico.

Experience Art at Museo Picasso

A must for modern art lovers, this museum in the old townhouses, the house where Picasso was born, 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.