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Tourist guide: what to do and see in Malaga
Sardine skewers, beaches, fun and glamour.
There are not many places in the world which, just from the beachfront promenade, can stimulate all the senses. But enjoying the beach, the rumbling of the waves, the midday sun and the calm, excites the senses exponentially when you have all this in front of you whilst you enjoy some freshly grilled sardines. Satisfied? Wait, there's more! How about enjoying one of the world's most glamorous evenings? Or simply take pleasure in the company and lively atmosphere in the local streets, whilst enjoying the food and the sunshine in a traditional Spanish tavern? Your biggest dilemma will be what to take with you: heels, shoes or flip flops? Everything! And get your taste buds ready to enjoy some of the best fresh seafood in the entire world.
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- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
Museo Picasso
A historic, distinguished, and fitting venue for a genius who is this city’s most important ambassador
The giant of Cubism
The giant of Cubism, the artistic movement which ushered in the 20th century and became one of the pillars of that century’s artistic achievement, always wanted part of his work to come home to be displayed in his native city, but Pablo Picasso never got to see this dream fulfilled during his lifetime. In 2013, after years of effort, the Malaga Picasso Museum finally opened its doors, in which 233 original works of this malagueño genius are displayed – and that’s just the permanent collection. The painstaking museum team, descendants of the painter himself, organises a constant flow of cultural events, exhibitions, and programs mostly related to Picasso. The works exhibited here are not solely from the artist’s Cubist period (some would say his most popular), but rather trace the journey of his entire life, and are curated to contextualise and explain each stage thereof to visitors. In addition, although it’s difficult to compete with the genius of the maestro, the building which houses the museum is in itself a work of art. The 15th-century Palacio de Bellavista has long been considered one of this city’s most important landmarks – and in fact has been since 1939 designated a National Monument. A historic, distinguished, and fitting venue for a genius who is this city’s most important ambassador.
Echegaray Theatre
If you feel like seeing a theatre show, we recommend a visit to this rennovated space.
The talents of the city.
Initially this theatre was the Echegaray Cinema which opened in 1932 with the French comedy "The Policeman's Favourite". Designed by Manuel Rivera Vera, it was restored and adapted for dramatic performances and opened to the public as Echegaray Theatre in October 2009. With a capacity of 300 spectators, the theatre was organised in such a way that it could host conventional and 'a la italiana' productions (with a central stage or 'arena'), so that the public can sit around the stage. Today it complements Malaga's Cervantes Theatre. If you fancy seeing a show during your stay in the city, this is the epicentre where you can watch theatrical shows, classical music performances, children's theatre, recitals and concerts. To keep up-to-date with its shows visit www.teatroechegaray.com.
Former Guard House
An excellent place to enjoy wine and tapas in a pleasant atmosphere.
A traditional tavern.
The oldest tavern in Malaga, founded in 1840 by José de la Guardia, a Spanish gentleman who was given the title of Governor of Segovia by Queen Isabel II. The Former guard house is a must-see, a tavern in the historical centre (Alameda Principal) perfect for trying local wine and tapas, such as the sweet Pajarete or Lágrima Añejo wine or a dry Trasañejo for those who prefer a drier wine. To accompany these wines, why not try some of their shellfish tapas? You can choose from a selection of prawns, mussels and winkles at a separate bar. Interestingly, prices are still written in chalk on the kegs. The atmosphere is very pleasant, offering great service and affordable prices. It is closed on Sundays, except during important festivals (Easter Week and Fair), but during the week it is open in the mornings until 22:00. If you like wine and the bar scene, this is the tavern for you.
Vino Mío Restaurant
Original tapas in the open air - a perfect way to spend a night with friends.
With a terrace show and tapas.
Located in the Merced neighbourhood, in Malaga's city centre, is this terraced restaurant and bar at the foot of the Cervantes Theatre. Here you can enjoy the first beers of the night whilst trying some of the exotic dishes they serve: crocodile, ostrich and kangaroo tapas. For those who don't want to be quite so daring, you can opt for some of the more common cuisine, such as Roquefort croquettes, Manchego cheese with caramelised walnuts and humous. The restaurant also stands out for the artwork that decorates its walls - painted by local, national and international artists. Coming along to see the daily flamenco performances at 20:00, which last for an hour and a half, is highly recommended. For those who wake up late on Sundays, Vino Mío also offers a brunch menu from 11:00 to 14:00. Summer nights on the terrace are the best place to sit chatting until the small hours of the morning.
Pescaíto Cathedral
They say that cooking fried fish is an art, and this place performs perfectly.
Have you tried the fried fish yet?
Visiting a coastal city has many advantages, one of which is being able to eat fresh fish everyday at a reasonable price. As the name of this restaurant indicates, it is a small temple where you can try the fish. Pescaíto Cathedral is on Duque de la Victoria Street, in the old part of the city, and very close to the cathedral. The restaurant's decor is very authentic and folksy, and the wallpaper is covered with photos of Lola Flores, Rafael, Marisol and Antonio Banderas, whilst traditional Spanish music is played for the guests. You can try mussels, octopus, eggs with vinaigrette, clams, the house croquettes and grilled razor shells accompanied with some white wine.
Malaga's Coffee
If you are a coffee lover, why not try every flavour and decide which one is for you?
A coffee wonder.
Before you travel to Malaga, you should know that there are many different ways to take your coffee. While the rest of Spain is used to their basic cup of coffee, Malaga has up to ten different ways to make it. Few people know that all this is a relatively new thing, beginning in 1954. Here are the most common kinds of coffee: the 'solo' (where the cup is filled with coffee and no milk); the 'largo' (milk and a little less coffee than the solo); the 'semilargo' (milk and a little less coffee than the largo); the 'mitad' (half coffee, half milk); the 'entre corto' (with milk and a little less coffee than the mitad); the 'corto' (it has less coffee than the entre corto and comes with milk); the 'sombra' (a finger of coffee with milk); the 'nube' (a glass of milk with very, very little coffee).
The Twins Restaurant
In this restaurant you will find quality fish and shellfish and a very calm atmosphere.
Fish, shellfish and excellent treatment.
It is the ideal restaurant for business lunches, as a couple or with friends. Located on calle Sancha de Lara, it has a tapas area, a terrace for about 50 diners and a lounge, all elegantly decorated. What characterizes them is the fried fish, but they have a wide variety of rice dishes, seafood and paellas. Among its unique dishes it is worth mentioning cod cocochas, cod a la perchelera, seafood zarzuela or monkfish a la marinera. For those who have never tried it, here they cook blind paella (a variant in which there are no bones in the meat, no shrimp skin, or shells), for some it is much more comfortable to eat. The average price is between €26-35 per person and they are open every day, but reservations are recommended.
El Pimpi Florida
A bar with guaranteed fun amongst a mountain of visitors, combined with great food and drink.
Not quite dinner and a show, but nearly.
For those who are looking for a different corner of this city, without having to squeeze the budget, to try different tapas, drink standing up and leave having experienced something a bit different, welcome to El Pimpi Florida. Their speciality is shellfish and seafood, although you can also find meat pies. The distinctive feature about this little bar is that it is always full of life, sometimes so much so that there are queues out the door. People come here for a good time whilst listening to music over the loudspeakers. Pimpi Florida is 6.5 km from Malaga's centre, on 13 Almería la Araña Road, in El Palo. It is only open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9pm and behind the bar you will find the owner of the place, Jesús López. This is not a place to go for a quiet meal, only if you want to have a good time!
Reserva del Pastor Restaurant
The huge variety of dishes all have one thing in common: excellent quality.
A modern and traditional restaurant.
With its modern design, this restaurant is one of the coolest places to eat and is located next to one of Malaga's most commercial streets (Larios Street) and the cathedral. The Reserva del Pastor Restaurant serves traditional food and delicacies that you have to try: fried shrimps, lettuce hearts, scrambled eggs with asparagus, high quality meat and the classic fried eggs with potatoes and black pudding. Feel free to ask the waiters for advice on any of the dishes, as they are sure to give you a suitable recommendation. Portions are large and prices are reasonable. They also have an extensive wine list with interesting reviews, which makes Reserva del Pastor the perfect place to try their white wine on their lively terrace. For those who want a romantic meal, it is better to spend your evening hidden away inside.
El Pimpi Wine Bar
Upon entering you will be amazed at how many people have visited here. It must be doing something right!
A winery for everyone, Pimpis included.
This is Malaga's very well-known and popular Andalucian winery. Previously an old 18th century stable belonging to the Buenavista Palace, it is now run by José Cobos and Paco Campos. Its interior is somewhat picturesque, with plenty of 'botas' (wine casks) signed by famous bullfighters, politicians and artists that have visited El Pimpi. Here you have the opportunity to taste local wines and enjoy a variety of dishes while you admire Gibralfaro Castle, the citadel and the Roman Theatre from the terrace. The location couldn't be better. It opened in 1971, its name coming from that which was given to the young people that helped the crew and passengers of boats; these were the 'pimpis'.
Cortijo de Pepe Restaurant
Try the tapas in this characteristic tavern in the heart of the city.
Malaga's traditional tapas bar.
This is a wonderful place to start with on your tapas-tasting adventure. Situated in Merced Square, Cortijo de Pepe is a great restaurant to enjoy some traditional dishes. The house speciality comes particularly recommended - roasted pig, barbequed montadito (a small sandwich), beef fillet, antequerana fritter (a variant of gazpacho) and prawns in garlic and pepper (pil pil) sauce. Plenty of different foods are served and at a very good price. Cortijo de Pepe is a place for everyone and has two sections; the downstairs area is a 1970s Andalucian style bar made of wood and decorated with tiles, while the upstairs section is the restaurant, where you can sit down and eat if you don't want to stand at the bar with your tapas. The seated area is decorated with various ancient tools.
El Patio Restaurant
The best of both worlds in this restaurant which specialises in rice.
A fusion of Alicante and Malaga.
Do you like rice? In this establishment on Granada Street you can choose from more than 30 different kinds: water-based, dry, sweet and noodles. Alicante-born kitchen manager Manolo Molero is in charge of providing the perfect experience for his guests. Its different types of rice dishes include anything you can think of, such as El Pescador (clams, prawns, squid and kingklip) or for those who want something more sophisticated, try the Quinn (cooked with lobster, monkfish and spring onions). They offer an extensive wine list, but the house speciality is the Tito, a drop of sweet wine with soda water and orange. Decorated in Andalucian style (plant pots with geraniums and Cenachero and Gitana mosaics), the Patio winery is Malaga's hotspot to taste the best variety of rice.
Cañadú Restaurant
Besides its characteristic building, here you can try vegetarian dishes that will surprise you.
Quality vegetarian food.
A vegetarian restaurant that has an eco-friendly and Mediterranean kitchen, the name is local slang for 'sugar cane'. Managed by chef Francisco Javier Urbano, in Cañadú you can try dried fruit and vegetable couscous, vegetarian tripe, mushroom-stuffed aubergine, wheat gluten escalope, cold garlic and almond soup and don't leave without trying their homemade desserts! The atmosphere is welcoming and you can enjoy live music from Monday to Friday after 21:30, with a piano and cello accompaniment. It is located in Merced Square, in the exact same building where Picasso was born; you won't be the first to be drawn in by the tempting dishes after a visit to the museum. The average price is around €15-25 per person and they also have a terrace.
Cerrado Food Market
Food of every variety, available on Saturday mornings.
A very unique market.
This food and drink market is celebrated every Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00 in the Cerrado de Calderón complex (in La Malagueta). It holds more than 30 stalls offering a range of fruit, vegetables, bread and cheese, as well as 'chivo malagueño' (lamb), handmade confectionary, international food (Peruvian, Moroccan, Vietnamese, etc.), organic food, Serranía de Roda wines and there is even a stall which sharpens knives! In addition, you can buy exclusive products such as homemade fig jam or caramelised onion chutney. It is a succulent market where customer service is highly important. Activities are organised for the children and there is a terrace available where you can enjoy an ice cream or some beers along with some produce from Cerrado Food Market. For those who want to have breakfast here, you have a number of options including fruit, cereal and toast (made with different types of bread).
Huelin Selección
In this market you will find a particularly irresistible stall, amongst other things.
You'll be surprised by the quality of the products.
Within the Huelin Market (located in the Huelin neighbourhood) and near the Automobile Museum, you will find a small treasure trove of delicatessen produce: the Huelin Selection stall - a stall which will be able to satisfy the needs of even the biggest food critics. Here you will find a vast selection of Spanish cheeses (Valle del Roncal, Idiazábal, Manchegos named after their origins, etc.) and homemade goat's cheeses, as well as cold meat such as sausages from Malaga, chorizo from León, black pudding made from liver, regional oils, sea urchin or cod caviar - all at a very reasonable price/quality ratio. The owner provides an excellent assortment of produce and comes across as pleasant and friendly. It is without a doubt the perfect place to buy a delicious gift made with the highest quality ingredients.
Aparicio Sweet Shop
If you like sugar, you'll go crazy for this place… The best sweets in the city.
For those with a sweet tooth.
In the historic centre you will find Aparicio Sweet Shop, one of Malaga's oldest confectioners, where its awning reads "The oldest taste". It was founded in 1941 by Alfonso Aparicio in the Capuchinos neighbourhood. The family own two busy sweet shops, but this is the main one and also where the business began. During Easter and Christmas, the traditional borrachuelos (muscat wine buns), so-called because the dough contains wine, are highly recommended. The most popular sweets in the entire shop are the Catalonian cigars and French toast (they say it's the best French toast in the whole of Malaga), but you can also buy chocolate cakes, pastries, wine buns and 'palmeras' (heart shaped pastries).
Salamanca Municipal Market
Fresh produce which you don't have to travel for miles to buy.
The local market.
Malaga also has many local markets in its neighbourhoods which are worth taking a look at. In the El Molinillo neighbourhood, in the centre of Malaga, you can find Salamanca Municipal Market with more than 30 stalls selling fruit, meat, vegetables and fish, both inside and out. It is smaller than Ataranzas Market, but that doesn't make it any less important. The building has two Neo-Arabic style doors (one being the entrance, the other the exit) which generate a lot of attention for their modern grates and horseshoe arcs made from bricks. It was designed by architect Daniel Rubio Sánchez and built between 1922 and 1925. Locals know it as Molinillo Market, named after the neighbourhood it is housed in.
Cardenal House
If you want to buy antiques, pay a visit to this historic building.
An unusual shop in the centre of Malaga.
An old ramshackle house from the 17th century made up of three patios decorated with plants and a vault in the basement. Here, in 1850, Cardinal Don José Moreno Mazón was born, later becoming the Archbishop of Granada. Located on Andrés Pérez Street (between Carretería Street and Mártires Square), the house was bought and restored by two locals and is now an antiques shop where you can buy religious artefacts, upholstery, porcelain and paintings. They also hold appraisals for heirlooms, design projects and furniture restoration. Years ago, writer Antonio Gala wanted to buy a piece of local jewellery but he was unable to as it was inherited by the Church. In the end he had to wait 25 years until he was finally able to buy it.
Marqués de Larios Street
Perhaps the most well-known street in Malaga, and after a stroll along it you will understand why.
The street between streets.
Better-known by the locals as Larios Street it gets its name from the man who built it, Manuel Domingo Larios. It is arguably the most symbolic street in the city and the place where everyone comes to shop. For many years it has been a pedestrian street where you can see statues of famous artists and many shops for national brands. An interesting fact about it is that it is the fifth most expensive commercial street in Spain. If you need to take a break to relax from all the shopping, head to the well-known Central Cafe next to Constitución Square. It dates back to 1910 and is where you can order a coffee in the local style: 'nube', 'sombra' or 'corto'. Ordering a coffee in Malaga requires some training beforehand!
BoKeRoN Malaga
Unique and fun designs which make great presents, nothing traditional or topical.
Have yourself a local BoKeRón.
Far away from the traditional Spanish shop-bought souvenirs such as flamenco dancer and bull fighter statues, the BoKeRóN shop has the most original souvenirs and presents in the city. Located inside the cathedral, the men who work there are the shop's founders and designers of most of the items that you can buy: T-shirts, prints, cups, posters and postcards (all with original, fun and unusual designs). Giving its name to the shop, you will see 'boquerones' (anchovies) stamped on all the products, but mainly the T-shirts. There is also an area which shows and informs visitors about art from other local creators. They also do designs to order.
Baños del Carmen Crafts Market
Any product which you buy is a guaranteed one-of-a-kind.
Everything is handmade and unique.
On the El Palo promenade, next to Carrasco Restaurant, the Baños del Carmen Market is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 to 15:00, weather permitting. To get to it you can take buses 11, 34 or 33. Before it moved to its current location it was situated in the former Baños del Carmen Spa, but in November 2011 it was set up in the Palo Beaches. The craft market aims to promote the work of Malaga's inventors and designers, as well as making people aware of local shops' products. The idea is that it sells in situ products which can only be purchased here. In total there are about 100 stalls selling crafts, food and drink, clothes, organic produce, antiques and even handmade head-dresses.
Ataranzas Central Market
In this traditional market you can try the fresh produce from many of the stalls.
A traditional market.
To allow locals and tourists to buy fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, fish and other traditional local products, this market (designed by architect Joaquín de Rucoba) was built between 1876 and 1879 in the historical centre. Before this, it was home to the Ataranzas Building, a naval studio of art from Granada. The building still preserves the marble horseshoe arc which is the main facade of the market and previously overlooked the sea. In general, its sights, sounds and tastes are a delight for the senses. It is without a doubt the fresh fish stalls that generate the most attention. You can try some of the tapas here as well, which comes highly recommended. It is open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00.
Shopping in Nueva Street
A lively street where you can buy anything and everything.
Shopping by you, for you!
Near Las Flores Market is one of Malaga's oldest streets. It opened in 1491 and was built to allow the transport of goods between Mar Port and Antequera Port (the main port for farming products), without having to navigate through the other alleys that were there at that time. Before Larios Street opened in 1891 it was the most commercial street in the city, due to the buildings that surrounded it. Today it is a pleasant pedestrian shopping street where you can find shoe shops, trinket shops and shops selling national brands.
Museum of the Picasso Foundation Native House
A place to admire the works of art by perhaps the greatest Spanish artist of all time
Can you memorise its name?
Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso. No one would have guessed that such a long name belonged to one of the 20th century's greatest artists, Pablo Picasso (Malaga 1881 - Mougins 1973). The Picasso Foundation, looks at and provides information about the artist and sculptor's work. Its headquarters are Pablo Picasso's birth place, built in 1861 and located at 15 Merced de Málaga Square. The foundation has collected more than 4,000 works of art. The first important admission was in 1989 and was the folder of sketches called 'Franco's dreams and lies'. This is the sketchbook Picasso used to prepare for his work 'The ladies of Aviñón' which became a very important piece in the artist's history.
Museum of Wine
Wine is very important to the locals, so they were quick to dedicate a museum to it!
Malaga and wine.
Wine has history and culture. The aim of this museum is to provide information on wines with the "Malaga" or "Sierras Malaga" Certificate of Origin and raisins with a "Malaga Raisins" Certificate of Origin. The museum is located in the historic centre, in the former 18th century Biedmas Palace. Its collection of more than 400 quality antique wines are arranged by their bottle labels, reputation and advertisement prints for wine and raisins, sketches, barrel labels, decorative packaging, table cover and lithographic stones. So if you are interested in the world of wine, this collection will transport you to the oldest local tradition. For those who are interested in a wine-tasting class, the museum also provides this. Courses last for 2 hours over 3 days.
Malaga's Interactive Music Museum
If you are travelling with children this is fun activity for all the family.
Feel free to touch!
Also known as the MIMMA, it is in the city centre and located between two walls from the 12th and 17th centuries in the Marina Wall Squarel. In most museums you are prohibited from touching the objects, but the Interactive Music Museum (with more than 400 instruments from around the world), lets your touch the instruments in certain zones. This museum of instrumental wonders is quite a novelty. The instruments are set out in 11 rooms, showing the evolution of music: origins of sound, sound physics, musical chronology and world music, experience and sensations, ethnomusicology, Andalucían music, percussion, wind, string, electronic instruments and finally the room of mechanical music and recorded sound. The museum offers musical education activities at the weekend for children. General admission costs €3.
Automobile Museum
Given the things you will see, we recommend you take a trip here to experience something different.
Whether you love cars or not.
For a vehicle as important and necessary as a car, it seems fitting to have a museum dedicated to it. The Automobile Museum has a surprising variety of ancient gems in its collection, with almost 100 restored cars and even a collection of haute couture dresses and hats. The car collection includes the Belle Époque (1907 Jackson and Richmond), Dorados 20, Art Déco, popular cars, design cars, dream cars (with its collection of Cadillacs), English tradition, alternative energy (vehicles such as a 1916 Milbum Electric and a 1910 Stantley Steamer), the Dolce Vita section (Mercedes, Porche, Jaguar and Maserati) and finally a tuning section. It is in the Tabacalera building, some 5 km from Malaga's centre, near the coast and very close to Abadía Garden.
Flamenco Museum
Learn about flamenco and its artists as you delve into this marvellous art.
A visual tour of the world of flamenco.
The museum is situated exactly where Club Juan Breva (4 Ramón Franquelo Street) is, occupying the first and second floors of the building. Open to the public since 2008, the museum exhibits the majority of artefacts, paintings and objects that form the heritage of the club. The meeting room is on the third floor amongst the library and recording archive. On the first floor you can find paintings with different styles and trends - all relating to the art of flamenco, artists and other people involved in the world of flamenco, as well as glass cabinets with interesting objects and momentos. This floor is home to the collection itself, while the second floor is the investigation and documentation centre. The Flamenco Museum has a collection of more than 2,500 records. It is closed on Mondays and admission costs €1.
Carmen Thyssen Museum
With one of the best painting collections, make sure you don't forget to stop by.
A must-see in Malaga.
Villalón Palace, a 16th century Renaissance building, is home to the Carmen Thyssen Museum, an art gallery exhibiting 200 great works of art. Its tour is set out as follows: ancient Masters (the best pieces from the Carmen Thyssen Collection spanning from the 13th century to the 17th century); romantic landscapes and customs (end of the 18th and 19th century) and the section dedicated to the end of the century (with works from Sorolla, Iturrino, Regoyos and Casas). Main exponents, amongst others, give the museum a touch of Spanish art from the end of the 19th and start of the 20th century. General admission to the permanent collection is €6 and €4 for the temporary exhibition.
CAC Malaga
Amongst the terraces, save time to visit this museum.
An extensive collection of contemporary art.
Between Avenida del Comandante Benítez and Alemania Street you can find Malaga's Contemporary Art Centre (CAC). The museum has hosted temporary exhibitions from artists such as Marina Abramović, Amador Magraner and Richard Deacon. In its permanent collection you can enjoy international works of art such from Ólafur Eliasson, Thomas Ruff and Louise Bourgeois. The museum pays special attention to 1980s Spanish art and local artwork which has helped to expand Andalucian art. The CAC is located in the former Mayoristas de Malaga Market, in a rationalist-style building (straight lines, cubic forms...), and was one of the first buildings to open after the war. In 2000, restoration work was started on the market to convert it into what you can see today, an art centre.
Museum of Traditions and Popular Art
A museum for those who want to understand the Andalucian culture and its traditions.
Get to know the traditions and mix of cultures.
Everywhere has its own popular traditions. This is why Malaga has had its own Museum of Traditions and Popular Art since 1976 - to show visitors the ethnographic wealth and variety of the area. The building was erected during the 17th century, with a style of construction commonly found in Baja Andalucia (the lowlands of the Andalucía Guadalquivir Valley). This was formed by two stories and an interior patio filled with plants that give rooms a different feel. The museum was arranged in a way that the bottom floor held everything relating to the rural environment, while the upper floor is an urban space. The local architect Enrique Atencia was responsible for transforming this museum. It is open from Monday to Saturday.
Aula del Mar Museum
For lovers of marine life, this is an essential stop on your trip.
City of the sea museum.
As a coastal city, Malaga has a museum dedicated to the sea next to its port. Created in 1989, it began as a project for local students who wanted to preserve and create awareness about the marine environment. They organised an exhibition with marine aquariums in the rooms that created the fisherman brotherhood: this was the start of the story. In addition to being a museum, it is a sea school and provides courses to give training in marine farming. The facilities are made up of 30 aquariums and three rooms: the shark and ray room, the marine invertebrate room and the marine vertebrate room. For those more interested and passionate about marine skeletons, Aula del Mar has a collection of artefacts, including the jaw of a tiger shark, giant squids and the skull of a whale.
La Térmica
Art, photography, concerts… A multicultural contemporary space.
A space for art.
La Térmica is a new space in the centre of Malaga with 13,000 square metres dedicated to the creation and production of contemporary culture. It opened in January 2013 with Christopher Makos' photography exhibition, 'Lady Warhol'. It belongs to Malaga Council and is an interesting place to visit if you are a fan of all things contemporary. Amongst its variety of activities are exhibitions, photography courses, concerts, as well as a work space and accommodation for national and international artists, where they can develop their work on-site. They have a broad programme of activities suitable for anyone and everyone. The idea is that this cultural centre provides unique spaces for learning, creation and leisure.
Medieval Wall
If you walk along one of the central streets you will see the remains of this construction.
The old entrance to the city.
It is one of the most important constructions and was built in the 11th century during the Hammudies caliphate (Bereber dynasty). The wall was erected next to the citadel as a frontal defence against attacks from other towns. You can see an extensive part of the medieval wall on Carretería Street, restored in the 1990s next to the tower, thus eliminating the remaining ceramic material, tiles, paintings, etc. which were attached. This stretch of wall is 28 metres long and 7 metres high. Thanks to the restoration work, remains were found which served as an entrance to Islamic Malaga - the Antequera door. Puerta de Buenaventura Street conserves other remains of the wall and you can also find more remnants on Arco Street.
Tres Gracias Fountain
This fountain has a special charm which is meant to bring beauty to those who visit.
Malaga's three nymphs.
Also known as the Tres Ninfas Fountain, it was the work of engineer José María Sánchez. The fountain is currently situated in General Torrijos Square, at the entrance to Malaga Park (in Malagueta), although in the 19th century it was installed in the Marina Square. The fountain has three marble sculptures inspired by Greek mythology. Its structure is made up of three superimposed bodies, declining in height and separated by two cups. In the lower section there is a triangular pedestal decorated with some figures of children sitting on swans, whilst the Tres Gracias o Ninfas (the three marble nymphs) are in the centre, dressed in classic tunics and carrying farming tools, a horn and an oar. The upper section is decorated with a vase.
Cortijo de Torres Flea Market
For a morning of shopping in the heart of the city, take a stroll through this market.
You will find thousands of wonders in its stalls.
For those who like to get up early and out onto the city's streets there is the Malaga Flea Market, open every Sunday from 08:00 to 15:00, and situated in Malaga's historical centre (in the Cortijo de Torres fairground). There are more than 300 stalls which sell second hand clothing, jewellery, shoes, plants, flowers, antiques and an endless number of wonders. There is also an area where you can buy fresh produce: fruit and vegetables, dried fruit and legumes. This is one of the main open air flea markets in Malaga, attracting a number of people. For many years the flea market was also known as Martiricos Flea Market until it recently changed location. If you want to do something a bit different or buy some unusual souvenirs, this will surely be the place for you.
Alemanes Bridge
In appreciation of the locals, Germany presented the city with this bridge.
A gift from Germany.
Also known as the Santo Domingo Bridge for its proximity to Santo Domingo Church, this small metallic bridge was built in 1909 and given to Malaga by Germany. In December 1900, a German frigate crashed into Malaga port's dock and those onboard were rescued by the locals. This is known as the 'Hospitalaria'. Seven years later, Malaga's Guadalmina River overflowed and destroyed several of the city's bridges. When Germany heard the news, the country began to collect money to help the city return to normality and donated this bridge. Today you can see a plaque on the bridge which reads: "Germany donated this bridge to Malaga in appreciation of the heroic assistance that the city provided to the survivors of the Gneisenau shipwreck."
Larios Monument
Erected in honour of one of the city's most important citizens: Marqués de Larios.
A tribute to Larios.
Manuel Domingo Larios was an aristocrat, Second Marquis of Larios and a Spanish businessman. His work, which affected a vast amount of the city, was the construction of Marqués de Larios Street, for which the city council sponsored a monument in honour of. You can see it at the joining of Alameda Principal Street with Marqués de Larios Street. The statue was erected in 1899 and Mariano Benlliure designed it to portray Marqués de Larios standing on a huge marble pedestal surrounded by a man holding a pick and a hoe (to symbolise work). It is also surrounded by another statue of a woman who is offering her child (this woman symbolises the grateful city of Malaga). This type of layout makes this monument a 'pyramid of glory'.
San Telmo Aqueduct
One of the most important and perhaps least known monuments in Malaga.
A work of art.
Located in the district of Malaga, the San Telmo aqueduct is considered one of the most important hydraulic engineering works of the 18th century in Spain. The architect José Martín de Aldehuela started construction in 1782, finishing two years later. When the work began, the promoter of the project, José de Molina Lario y Navarro, concerned about the problem of water supply in Malaga, carried out a work that would supply enough water to the city. The San Telmo aqueduct has its origin in an 18th century mill, called the Inca mill, which took water from the Guadalmedina river through a diversion dam. The aqueduct is 10.87 kilometers long and its layout can be divided into two parts, one rural and still in use, and the other urban, but this section is completely disused and in poor condition.
Gibralfaro Castle
Enjoy the views that Malaga has to offer and delve into the history of this ancient castle.
If you're lucky you can see as far as Morocco.
Listed as a Cultural Interest Site, this is an ancient Phoenician enclosure which held a Roman lighthouse that gave its name to Gibralfaro Mountain (Jbel-Faro or Lighthouse Mountain). The date of its construction is not clear but it is believed to date back to between the 11th and 12th centuries. It has a peculiar shape as it was situated on uneven terrain which had to be adapted. This castle is a Nazari architectural masterpiece, of masonry construction, with very small stones (used for working with lime mortar) and sand in the lower sections of the wall. From Gibralfaro Castle you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Costa del Sol and sometimes even see Morocco when the conditions are right.
Roman Theatre
Admire the cultural mix in Malaga's citadel.
The well-conserved Roman remains.
At the foot of the citadel and in the open air sits the roman theatre, whose origins date back to the 1st century A.C. - the time of Roman Spain and the period of Emperor Augusto. But it was not until 1951 when the theatre was discovered during the constructed of a garden at the entrance of the Casa de la Cultura. When you see the theatre, you can clearly distinguish three parts: the "cavea" (for the spectators), the "orchestra" (a semicircular area formed by very low stairs where the city's illustrious guests sat) and the "proscaenium" (stage behind the "orchestra") which had two parts, the "Pulpitum" (the performance area) and the "frons scaenae" (front stage), which played an acoustics role. You can visit the theatre every day, except Mondays, and admission is free.
The Citadel
The remains of Malaga's Arabic culture which you shouldn't forget to incorporate into your visit.
The city's Arabic past.
It is one of the most symbolic buildings in Malaga and was the city's fortress palace for the Muslim government. The largest part of the fortification was built in the 11th century, so has a militant architectural structure from the Taifa period. The citadel has survived four historical periods: the Arabic period (from the 10th to the 15th century), the Reconquest (up to the 18th century), the abandonment of militant structure (from the 19th to the early 20th century) and its recovery (from the 20th century up until the present day). Muslim historians say that Granada's Berber Taifa King, Badis ben Habús was the man who ordered the construction of the citadel between 1057 and 1063. You can visit the palace and its rooms. General admission costs €2.20 and it is very near Malaga's Picasso Museum.
Malaga Cathedral
The result of different architectural styles, located in the centre of Malaga.
A different cathedral.
The building of this cathedral began in 1528 and lasted a century. Halfway through, construction was paralysed for another century, but you could still go and celebrate mass. The architect José de Bada was the man who took over the job in the 18th century. The construction of the cathedral was finished in 1782 it is said - 254 years after it was started. For obvious reasons its style was everchanging, which is why the cathedral is now a mix of architectural styles, including Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque (which was added at the start of the 18th century). The cathedral is formed by the bell, the Cadenas doors, the main facade, the choir which is inside the building (you are able to see all the naves), the main altar and the chapels.
Misericordia Beach
With the climate in Madrid, it is ideal to spend a day at the beach and drinking on the terraces.
A beach with a whole load of ambiance.
This is the beach most popular with the city's youngsters and is usually not as busy, except on Sundays. The beach is in the heart of the centre, in the city's West coast, and nestled between Guadalhorce and Huelin Beach. It stands out for its accessibility and for the old industrial chimney from which you can see the ' Melillero wave', a natural phenomenal which has led to a rise in the sea level due to the waves. It was given this name because this is the nickname of the ship that does the Malaga-Melilla route. The walk to the beach and its facilities, as well as the rest of its surroundings, are very well cared for and you can find several places to stop for a drink when the sun has tired you out.
Chíllar Riverbed Trail
Spend a day emmersed amongst water and forests if you are looking for something more than the beach.
A family hike.
If you are a fan of hiking and have a hire car, this route might just surprise you. Some 110km from Malaga, within the Tejeda Sierras Natural Park, Almijara and Alhama, located between Nerja and Cómpeta, is an ideal route for you to walk in summer or when there is little rainfall and the Chíllar River is moderately low. Your kit should consist of boots that you can get wet, bathing suits so you can dive into the fresh water, sun cream and food. In one hour you can walk to the 'cahorros' (cannons and gorges) and finish the route here or do a complete tour lasting between 8 or 9 hours. To get to the start of the Chíllar River by car, once you are in Nerja, through Avenida de Pescia at the roundabout known as "de Burriana", take the exit signposted "Los Cahorros del río Chíllar"
La Malagueta beachfront promenade
A relaxing stroll to the edge of the sea, filled with terraces where you can get a drink. What more could you want?
Go for a stroll and stop for a drink in La Malagueta.
The promenade is located in the La Malagueta neighbourhood and passes by the Marítimo Ciudad de Melilla Walk, which gives name to the North African city that formed part of the Malaga province until 1995. The walk, which runs parallel to La Malagueta Beach, is 500 metres long and surrounded by cacti and palm trees. Once you reach the end of it, it is connected to La Farola Walk (Lighthouse Walk), whose name is homonymous of the city's symbolic lighthouse which was constructed in 1817. With a height of 38 metres above sea level, it currently also serves as an air traffic control tower and is at the end of the walk. After your relaxing stroll, you can enjoy good food in the Godoy shellfish bar terrace which overlooks the harbour, or try the food from one of the city's oldest restaurants, Antonio Martín.
Piedra y el Agua Path
A few hours of road and you will understand the city's relation with water.
A path between waters.
In Malaga not everything involves eating good food and drinking the fantastic regional wine; you can also enjoy one of the walking routes that the city centre has to offer. One such walk is along the well-known Piedra y el Agua Path (Stone and Water Path), and takes approximately two hours to pass by the city's most important water points. It's almost certain that the soothing sounds of the fountains will make this walk an enjoyable one. You will see many on the route, such as the Plaza de las Flores Fountain (in the square of the same name) and the Ninfa de la Caracola Fountain (built by the Durenne Foundation). The path starts on Avenida Agustín de Heredia, at the statue of the head of Alfonso Canales, and finishes in Marina Square with the statue of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.
Pedralejo Beach / Las Acacias
You won't be able to resist spending a day at the beach, your body will be craving it!
Time for some sun and sea.
Just 3 km from the city centre you can enjoy a swim in the sea at Pedralejo Beach / Las Acacias - a 1,200 metre stretch of clean beach with a friendly atmosphere. It has black sand and a moderate swell, but is fairly busy. Very near it you will find others, such as La Arena Beach, almost 4 km long, Peñón del Cuervo Beach at 2.5km and El Candado Beach. However if you have enough time and what you want is to escape from the overcrowding of the urban beaches, you should hire a car and take a tour of the coastline, heading towards Nerja (about 65km). Here you will find coves and beaches where you can spend the whole day, in beaches such as Calahonda Beach, Maro Beach and El Pino Beach, as well as Alberquillas Beach and Torre del Pino Beach.
English Cemetary
A cemetary with an extensive history which unlocks the story to everything you will see in Malaga.
Historical remains in the middle of the city.
This is the oldest Protestant cemetery in the Iberian peninsula. Its construction in the 19th century came from an idea from British consul William Mark, who had lived in Malaga for 8 years and wanted to have a place where non-Catholics from any era could be buried. Construction finished in 1831, but since then it has been subjected to various renovations despite the fact that it was managed by several British consuls. Once inside (you can get in from Avenida de Príes) you will see classic, modern and Neo-Gothic graves. Currently there are more than one thousand gravestones inside and even an area known as 'Primitive Heart' where you can find the oldest graves, easy to recognise because they are covered in shells. The cemetery is, in turn, a botanic garden which is home to a large number of the more unusual types of trees and plants.
La Concepción - Historical Botanic Garden
A collection of plants and flowers to excite your senses.
A fusion of nature and art.
The idea of creating this garden came from a couple's trip to Europe, Jorge Loring Oyarzával and Amalia Heredia Livermore - Marquis of Loring. In 1855 they purchased various properties where they grew citrus fruits, almonds and olives. The French gardener Chamousst was assigned to select the plants for the garden. After the Loring-Heredia family went bankrupt, the Echevarría-Echevarrieta family bought the land, improving and increasing the number of botanic species. In 1943 it was officially declared a Historical Artistic Garden and in 1990 it became property of Malaga's City Council. The Botanic Garden has vegetation unique to Spain and Europe, such as sago palms, hundred year old palm trees and rubber plants, as well as having various waterfalls, pergolas, greenhouses and a number of ponds, giving this corner of Malaga a captivating touch.
Pedro Luis Alonso Gardens
Stroll along its streets and enjoy the relaxing smell of roses.
Colours, smells and light.
This Latin garden, opened in 1948 and named after the first post-war mayor, has clear Hispano-Arabic and French influences. The design was the work of architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan - the mastermind behind almost all of the city's recreations. It is small, romantic and filled with the aromas of orange and mandarin trees. Right in the centre is the biznaguero statue, which represents this traditional local trade (the selling of biznaga cacti and jasmine bouquets). The park is arranged in a specific geometrical shape and has various water fountains, keeping in harmony with the city hall, citadel and Gibralfaro. With the remodelling of the park in 2009, cypress trees and hedges in the perimeter zone were removed and replaced by ten thousand roses of up to 75 different varieties.
Malaga Park
If you want to escape from the heat take a trip to this park.
The city's nature.
Right in the heart of Malaga you can visit a tropical garden - surprising to many for its explosion of vegetation. A lot of visitors say that it is one of the best public parks in Europe. Also known as the Alameda Park, its central zone is home to Park Passage, with Baroque and Renaissance gardens and various subtropical species on both sides. Within the park there are various buildings to note: Aduana Palace, the Bank of Spain and the Eduardo Ocón Auditorium. Discover interesting species such as the 'silk floss tree', whose trunk twists in the centre and is used to store water.
Eduardo Ocón Auditorium
Weather permitting, drop by this auditorium and enjoy their programme of activities.
Open air cultural activities.
A local composer/musician gives this building, built in 1960, its name. It is an auditorium surrounded by an abundance of vegetation and open air, situated between Park Passage and Curas Passage. It is covered by a concrete triangle with rounded edges hanging on a parabolic arc. Initially the enclosure hosted the Local Music Band concerts, but little by little other types of musical, cultural and dramatic activities were added. Various general interest events are held here such as the Book Fair, Sleepless Night, Summer Breeze Cervantes Theatre Festival and the Open Film Festival. If you want to put a face to the man who gave his name to the auditorium, you can find a statue of Eduardo Ocón Rivas at the side.
Chinitas Passage
In the centre of Malaga, take a stroll between the streets and enjoy the architectural sights.
Connecting streets.
This passage was intended to connect Constitución Square, Santa María Street, Fresca Street and Toril Street. The requisites were that it had to be in the shape of a cross and each window and door had to measure half a metre. Businessman Antonio María Álvarez assigned the design to local architect Diego Calvero. In 1856 the construction of this passage was completed and it took the name of its developer: Álvarez Passage. However it ended up being known as "Chinitas" in honour of a dramatic performer who worked in a cafe here. In 1941, it ceased being private property and changed hands to the Local Board, who ordered basic renovations to be made to it. Get to it from Larios Street and pass the time enjoying the stretch of its streets.
Carmen Baths
The ruins of a spa beside the beach where you can see what life was like in the 1920s.
Reminisce about what used to be.
Lesser-known as Nuestra Señora del Carmen Beach-Spa, this is an old spa situated in Monte San Telmo. Its history dates back to 1918 when it opened its baths, becoming one of the most famous places to go for Spain's upper class citizens. Two years later it became the first Spanish spa where you could see both men and women bathing together, because up to this point they had to use separate beaches. Today only the spa's ruins remain beside a beach (not recommended for use) and a seaside snack bar. Still, it is interesting to see the ruins of a spa which was filled with the hustle and bustle of the city's high class citizens during the summer in the 1920s.
The Historical Centre
Malaga is an atmospheric city, so let yourself go and enjoy!
The night and the bars.
The historical centre zone comes alive at night. Take a pleasant stroll amongst the bars, pubs and clubs in which there are performances from various DJs and live concerts. In this area we recommend you visit Velvet, a pub with an excellent set of DJs and great music - the perfect place to start or end your night. Other lively evening hotspots are the Village Green, Tolouse, Level Bar and Warhol, which despite its small size is very pleasant. If you prefer to do something a bit more relaxing, such as enjoying some of the city's tapas, you can always make a stop at the Vidriera Brewery. The city welcomes visitors to enjoy a Malagueña night, by making exploring the bars on foot easy and convenient. Just taking a stroll around the streets is enough to capture the atmosphere.
Malaga Port
Take a twilight stroll along the port and discover and discover the magnificence of this city.
Strategic point of the city.
Like all coastal cities, Malaga also has a sea port. When the Phoenicians found Malaga around the 19th century A.C. the port occupied an area of 500 metres with a wall dividing the port into two sections. One zone was for industrial use, where troughs went for livestock salting, and the other half was the commercial port. A lot has changed since then and Malaga Port, sheltered within a natural bay, has now been modernised with new spaces being built - such as the "Palmeral de las Sorpresas" promenade in dock 2 and the new commercial street in dock 1. If you have time, you should watch the sunset in its different docks: Dock 1 "Ricardo Gross", Dock 4 "Heredia", Dock 5 "Dique Flotante" and the fishing port.
Turkish Baths
After a busy day sightseeing, treat yourself with a visit to the Turkish baths before continuing with your evening.
Relax as if you were in Morocco.
A moment to relax between one sight and the next is always a good idea, so treat yourself to a Hammam (Turkish bath) from the many on offer in Malaga. A healthy body is a healthy mind! The Hammam aims to clean the skin and combat stress. These vapor baths play an important role in the Middle East. You can normally find a Hammam near a mosque, but if not you can always go to the formally Jewish neighbourhood of Malagueña or the recently opened Hammam Al Andalus (Mártires Street) where they have baths from €30. These tend to be a replica of the Islamic Hammamat in terms of its architecture as well as the bath-taking process.
Los Verdiales
Los Verdiales is one of Malaga's most traditional festivals, so don't miss it!
A festival in December.
This celebration of the farming community's origins takes place every year on 28 December, the day of the Innocent Saints. Many of the locals turn up in traditional dress, singing and dancing the fandango - generally consisting of three or four couples accompanied by a violin, guitars, a tambourine, cymbals and palillos (castanets) and, depending on the style, maybe even a bandurria or lute. There are three different performance styles: the Almogía, the Montes and the Comares. Verdiales festival is one of Malaga's oldest cultural demonstrations. In 2010 it was declared a Cultural Interest Site, and became a symbol of the city's cultural identity and a gathering place for musicologists and ethnologists.
Club Juan Breva
A flemenco night in one of the city's emblematic spots.
Pure flamenco.
One of Spain's oldest clubs can be found in this city and was created in 1958 by Malaga's various flamenco enthusiast groups. If you enjoy flamenco, Club Juan Breva is the place to go to enjoy a night of Malaga's finest flamenco dancers live. The name of the club comes from flamenco singer Antonio Ortega Escalona “Juan Breva”, one of the biggest flamenco singers in the last century, who inherited the name from his grandfather Juan, a cigar seller. The club also promotes and organises competitions, recitals, festivals and seminars related to flamenco music. The shows are performed every Friday night in the basement - called "Colmao" - and every month you can enjoy its flamenco event. The bar is found on the ground floor.
Albéniz Cinema
Calling all cinema lovers! Have a look at the listings and take your pick from a selection of great films.
Lights, camera, action!
For film buffs who can't bear to be without the cinema during their travels, the Albéniz Cinema is the place for you. The building was constructed in 1945 by architect José González Edo, who also designed the City Garden in Almeria. In the same year that construction started, the cinema opened with the operetta "Honey Moon in Cairo". Back in those days the most expensive ticket cost 10 pesetas; what a change from today! In Albéniz Cinema's listings you will find a varied schedule, although it devotes more time for Spanish films, as well as the option to watch European, Latin American, foreign, and children's films. It shows lots of independent films, as well as commercial 3D films and a large municipal archive of films.
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