Malaga guide | Malaga attractions and things to do

About Malaga, Spain

Dating back as far as 1000 B.C., Malaga's appeal has always been its mild temperature and its prime position along the stunning section of Mediterranean coastline known as Costa del Sol.

Once considered the poor man's Seville, Malaga has recently emerged from its sister city's shadow to become a popular tourist destination. The city has been working hard to up their tourism ante by renovating historic sites, adding new museums, incorporating new events into their calendar and promoting their beautiful beach. Malaga has seen such successful years in the new millennium that it has put in a bid to be recognized as a European Culture Capitol in 2016.

Malaga is also well connected with its surrounding countryside and nearby villages. Visitors are encouraged to set aside at least one day for exploring the small towns and sampling local cuisine at restaurants nestled in the rolling hillside. There is also a ferry route between Malaga and Melilla, North Africa that makes for a magical day trip. Malaga really provides a true taste of the dynamic Andalusian lifestyles.

Things to do in Malaga

Our mini-guide to what's on in Malaga lists the top 10 events and attractions in the region. If you take your short break in Malaga, Spain when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Malaga.

1. Pablo Picasso - Malaga might be best known as the birthplace of famed artist Pablo Picasso. His birth house is still in prime condition, located on the corner of Plaza de la Merced. It is the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation which provides cultural activities for locals and promotes contemporary art. Just a stone's throw from Picasso's birthplace is the extremely popular Picasso Museum. There are also skillfully preserved Roman and Phoenician ruins which were found during the building's restoration. The museum is open daily from 10:00am - 8:00pm. Admission varies.

2. Gibralfaro Castle - Dating back to the 14^th century, this stunning masterpiece was built on an even older Phoenician lighthouse site. It is a well known site among prideful locals who note the three month siege by the citizens of Malaga against the Catholic monarch Ferdinand and Isabella.

3. Alcazaba - This old Arabic fortress dates all the way back to the 700s. The well kept grounds feature gardens, bubbling fountains and terraces with sweeping views of the sea. There is also a small palace that is now the home of the Archaeological Museum. Just below Alcazaba lays the well preserved ruins of a Roman amphitheatre that dates back to 2 AD. It is still under restoration to date.

4. Beaches - The entire Costa del Sol coastline is known for its lucid, sparkling blue water, pristine sand beaches and laid back atmosphere. The Malaga section of Costa del Sol is no different. There are 16 beaches to choose from and with agreeable weather and an average temperature of 19°C (66°F), your chances of having a perfect beach day are nearly 100%.

5. The Harbor - Malaga's harbor is an important asset. Not only is it one of the most bustling in Europe, it also provides much of the city's wealth by means of agricultural transactions. There is no admission to wander the harbor and marvel at the size of the vessels docked here.

6. Malaga Summer Fair - This week long fiesta brings out the flamenco in everybody. Everybody dresses the part in bouncy, brightly colored flamenco dresses and dancing in the street is a necessity. The only acceptable indulgence is fino, a favored local sherry, which leads to a lively atmosphere and parties well into the wee hours of the morning. There is also a fireworks display that can be seen for miles thanks to the harbors broad skyline. This is an admission free event.

7. Holy Week - Malaga's Holy Week is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Always landing the week before Easter, the week includes the religious holidays of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Malaga marks this famed Latin week with widely known, and very dramatic, processions. There are also feasts and fiestas to celebrate the life of Christ throughout the week. Even if you are not religious, this is still quite a sight to behold, not to mention delicious food to consume!

8. Center City - The main street, Calle Larios, is a pedestrian only zone, which is perfect for tourists looking to explore some of the best cathedrals, museums and shopping that Malaga has to offer. The heart of the city is surrounded by the dynamic El Perchel, La Trinidad and Lagunillas quarters. Just off of the main street on Calle Tomas de Cozar, there are authentic 18^th century Arabic baths, which are still used for exceptional relaxation. The spa is open from 10:00am - 10:00pm daily and packages range from 31 - 80EUR.

9. Flamenco Shows - If you miss the summer fair, you can still catch vivacious flamenco shows at the Tablao Flamenco in the Santa Paul area. The bar is open from 10.30pm - 6am, with shows starting at midnight. Onda Passdena Jazz club in Gomez Palette also offers a vibrant flamenco show each Thursday at 11:30pm, midnight and 1:30am.

10. Malaga Walls - Once used as a defense mechanism, the walls are layer upon layer of ancient Malagan history. You can see Phoenician, Roman, Visigoth, Arab and Spanish remains in one stunning location.

Malaga Airport

Malaga has the third largest international airport in Spain. As an added bonus, many of the carriers that connect here are budget so it is cheap and easy to get to Malaga. From AGP you can take a taxi ride for about 15EUR, bus 19 for around 1EUR or the train for roughly 5EUR.