Sightseeing
It’s easy to get distracted in Malaga by the food and drink or the vibrant nightlife…
But there’s plenty of sights to take in too!
Plaza de la Merced
Plaza de la Merced is one of the largest and most iconic public squares in Malaga city centre. The square has been a key part of the city since the Roman era, operating as a marketplace since at least the fifteenth century. This beautiful square is a must-see for many different reasons: Picasso’s birthplace Firstly, Plaza de la Merced is the birthplace of none other than Pablo Picasso. Malaga’s most famous son was born in the house on the most […]
Teatro Romano de Málaga (Roman Theatre)
Located at the foot of the Alcazaba on the ornate Calle Alcazabilla, are the remains of Malaga’s Roman Theatre (teatro romano). Dating from the early years of the Roman Empire, like Ancient Greek theatres its design makes use of the hillside for the tiered seating. A large part of the seating remains, as does the orchestra area, decorated with large marble slabs. A chance discovery The theatre was only rediscovered in 1951 during work to create a new garden area. […]
Mercado de Salamanca
It’s been a long time coming but the Mercado de Salamanca is back – and is looking great. This 1920s food market in the El Molinillo neighbourhood, just north of the Historic Centre, has undergone a complete renovation, maintaining its unique neo-Arab architecture. This is, unlike Atarazanas market, very much where locals go. While it is small, there is a lot of excellent local produce, especially fresh fish. If you’re peckish, be sure to stop at any of the excellent tapas […]
Parque de Málaga
There aren’t many designated green spaces in Malaga city centre, but around the Paseo del Parque are several all in one spot. The Parque de Málaga, sandwiched between the 25-metre-wide central boulevard of the Paseo del Parque (an extension of the Alameda Principal) and the Paseo de los Curas, is 800 metres long and runs parallel to the Palmeral de las Sorpresas walkway in Malaga Port. If you include the rose garden surrounded by orange and cypress trees next to […]
Alcazaba de Málaga
La Alcazaba is one of Malaga’s most distinctive landmarks. This fortress palace, whose name in Arabic means citadel, overlooks the city from a hilltop. It was first constructed on the ruins of a Roman fortification during the reign of Abd-al-Rahman I around 756 to 780AD. It was then rebuilt by the Sultan of Granada, Badis Al-Ziri, from 1057 to 1063AD with much of the inner palace refurbished. The Alcazaba has a distinct feel from its more famous, younger neighbours, the […]
Castillo de Gibralfaro (Gibralfaro castle)
The magnificent Gibralfaro castle is one of the stand-out emblems of Malaga. Not only does it appear on both the city and province’s seal and flag, but it dominates the Malaga skyline too. The hill on which the Gibralfaro is located forms part of the Montes de Málaga mountain range. With some parts dating back to the 10th century, this is the newer (and higher) of the city’s two Moorish fortresses – the other being the Alcazaba. It was built […]
La Farola de Málaga lighthouse
The sea, and especially the port, have always played an important role in the city of Malaga and one of its major symbols is La Farola lighthouse, located in Muelle Uno. La Farola was designed by the naval brigadier, Naval Engineer and Port Director, Joaquín M.ª Pery y Guzmán and was first erected in 1817. At that time it was just a tower, circular in shape, with the sole purpose of supporting the lantern which boasted cutting-edge technology for that […]
Muelle Uno – Malaga port
Where to start with Muelle Uno? This part of Malaga port has undergone a thorough regeneration in the past decade, opening up to the public and becoming an all-round leisure space. Take a stroll through the marina and you will come across various shops (and occasionally markets), cocktail bars, restaurants, ice cream parlours and even the world-class Centre Pompidou gallery. Once you get to the eastern end of the promenade by the lighthouse, you’re just a few steps from La […]
Iglesia de Sagrado Corazón (Church of the Sacred Heart)
La Iglesia de Sagrado Corazón (Church of the Sacred Heart) is *not* the Cathedral! To the untrained eye this ornate neo-Gothic church, right in the city centre, close to the Thyssen museum and Plaza de la Constitución, ticks all the boxes to be the cathedral. But, alas, it isn’t. It’s much newer than that. It was built as recently as 1920. Its beautifully pointed arches and towers are the work of renowned local architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan. While they draw your […]
Mercado Atarazanas central food market
Whether you’re a tourist or you’re looking for an alternative to a supermarket for your weekly groceries, the perfect place to discover Andalusian gastronomy is at the Atarazanas central market. Open every morning (except Sunday), this food market boasts over a hundred stalls, primarily owned by local families passed on from generation to generation. They sell a vast array of products, from fresh fish and meat to exotic fruit and local charcuterie and cheese. Walking into the market can be […]
Malaga Cathedral, the ‘one-armed lady’
Malaga Cathedral, officially called the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, is synonymous with the city, not only because it is visible from practically anywhere, but because of its main distinguishing feature – its single tower. For this reason, the cathedral is colloquially known as La Manquita (one-armed lady). There are many stories as to why the second tower was never built, the most popular of which is probably that the money was used instead to fight the British […]
La Concepción botanical gardens
Malaga’s Botanical Gardens, just a 15-minute drive from the historic centre, is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. When visiting this green oasis, spread across a magnificent three-hectare plot, you can scarcely believe you’re in a major city. You are immediately immersed into an almost tropical jungle, with soothing streams and an abundance of flowers. In fact, in 1990 when the estate became property of the city hall, a plant inventory was created: an impressive […]
The English Cemetery
When Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella swept into Malaga in 1487, they converted the city into a bastion of Roman Catholicism. However, about three and a half centuries later, the city looked rather different. It had become a major port and centre of industry and non-Catholics were playing a vital part in its life. However, before the English Cemetery was created in 1831, no provision was made for the burial of non-Catholics in Spain. All cemeteries were consecrated according to […]
Calle Larios
Malaga’s iconic main street. Now pedestrianised, this is the busiest part of the city and home to some of the best shops. All of the major international chains which want a store in Malaga are all vying for a spot on Calle Larios. There is something for all budgets with upper high street brands such as Massimo Dutti, Another Stories, COS and Mango as well as more affordable brands like Bershka and Pull & Bear. There are also several lingerie […]