Malaga is the largest city on the Costa del Sol. A port city and has a typical Mediterranean climate. It is also known as the birthplace of famous artist Pablo Picasso, and not to mention the hometown of Antonio Banderas! 😊
While more laid back than Barcelona or Madrid, it offers its own unique vibe. Malaga is compact and easy to get around in. Having an airport is a big plus making it the transportation hub and gateway to the Costa del Sol region. This charming city surprisingly enough offers interesting architectural sites, museums, excellent shopping and cuisine. Its ideal location on the coast is hugely popular with tourists who want to be close to the sun and sand. I am happy we selected Malaga to be our base to explore Andalucia. This city has so much to offer so prepare to be amazed!
Where To Sleep
There are basically two good locations for visitors to stay in town either along the beach, or in or near the city center. We stayed at an Airbnb apartment overlooking the Mediterranean. The sunrise photo of La Malagueta beach which I have up on the main page slider was taken from the dining room of our Airbnb. A million dollar view but the rate was fairly reasonable. You’ll find a variety of lodging options to choose from depending on your budget. Below are just a couple of my suggestions to get you started.
- Barceló Malaga – the hotel has direct access to the AVE high speed train station, making it one of the best Malaga hotels close to MarÃa Zambrano station. It also offers good connections to the airport and is just a short walk from the city’s main tourist attractions. $$
- The Gran Hotel Miramar Resort & Spa – a 5-star hotel with the main entrance facing the Mediterranean Sea, offers marvelous views of the Bay of Malaga and is just 5 minutes from the city’s top museums (including the Picasso; Carmen Thyssen; Centre Pompidou and Hermitage) $$$$
Things To See And Do
Alcazaba: a Moorish castle built in the 11th century on a hill in the middle of the city. Upon entering you’ll climb up past the ramparts offering excellent views of the city and lush gardens to a small Moorish palace at the top which holds a number of artifacts from excavations on the site. €3.50, combined with the Castillo de Gibralfaro €5.50, free Sundays after 14:00.
Teatro Romano: (next to the Alcazaba), situated under the Alcazaba facing a small plaza are the beautiful remains of an old Roman theater. You can view them anytime from the overlook in the plaza. Free
Castillo de Gibralfaro: (located at the top of the hill, you can walk or take bus #35). Tue-Sun 9:30-19:00, closed on Mondays. Another Moorish castle and the counterpart to the Alcazaba, the Castillo sits on a larger hill behind the Alcazaba and offers an incredible view of the city and neighboring suburbs. Between the Castillo and the Alcazaba, visit the Alcazaba if you only have time for one, as the Castillo requires a long hike or a bus ride up the mountain. €3.50, free Sundays after 14:00.
Malaga Cathedral (Catedral de Malaga): M-F 10:00-17:30, Saturday 10:00-17:00, closed on Sundays and holidays. Located right in the heart of the city center and well worth visiting. €6.
Picasso Museum: T-Th 10:00-20:00, F-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sundays and holidays 10:00-20:00. Exclusive paintings and exhibitions. €8.
Museo Casa Natal de Picasso (Picasso’s birthplace): 9:30-20:00. A variety of objects and paintings that the most famous artist of the 20th century created during his childhood. €2.
Beaches: The nearest beach to the center is La Malagueta – this is fine for a day of sunbathing and a favorite among the locals and tourists. If you venture further east, you’ll find quieter and nicer beaches especially in the neighboring town of Nerja.
Where To Eat
El Merendero de Antonio Martin a beautiful restaurant by the sea where you can enjoy Andalusian cuisine and delicious fish from Malaga.
Restaurants along Centre Pompidou and La Farola. There are many restaurants to chose from along Paseo del Muelle Uno. And after your meal you can walk along the waterfront to burn off calories and enjoy the scenery.
Shopping
El Corte Ingles is my go-to place for shopping in Spain. A big department store offering a wide array of products. There’s also a supermarket in the basement. Remember to visit the customer service counter to get your 10% tourist discount.
Zara a Spanish fashion chain offering on-trend house-brand clothing, shoes & accessories is of course not to be missed when in Spain.