Malaga

What to do and how to plan your trip to Malaga

Main Places in the City

The port and marina are the most obvious areas where there are signs of increasing affluence. Surrounded on two sides by restaurants offering international cuisine and shops with a range of designer labels, the port is becoming a favourite destination for the cruise ships that ply the Mediterranean. Most of the city’s attractions are within walking distance of the underground car park at the port.

Passengers from the ships, and those emerging from the car park, enter the city via the belt of wooded parkland immediately behind the port area. Ahead and up on a high ridge is the Gibralfaro, the castle to the right, and the Alcazabar to the left. The Alcazabar rivalled that of Granada and was a favourite palace for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella following the reconquest.

Beneath the Alcazabar is a well preserved Roman theatre. To the left is the magnificent Cathedral. Behind the Cathedral are a mass of winding streets. Many of the buildings in Málaga are constructed from the local sandstone which has a lovely pale honey colour, very welcoming.

Museums

One such building houses the Picasso museum , one of the most visited attractions in the city. Picasso was born in Málaga. The museum contains over 250 pieces of his work all donated by members of his family.

Other museums include the Automobile Museum , the Glass Museum and the recently refurbished (re-opened December 2016 after 14 years closure) Museum of Archaeology and Fine Art situated in the old Customs House. Altogether there are over 30 museums in the city.

Restaurant Scene

Eating in Málaga is not a problem. The port area has been mentioned. At the last count, there was food from over 15 countries available. However, Málaga has some of the finest, traditional, family-run restaurants in Andalucia. For authentic food try El Pimpi or Eboka which is close to the Picasso Museum.

If you have time, head east from the port, staying on the seafront. This area has the best beaches in the city and an extensive selection of chiringuitos serving fresh fish barbequed over olive and oak wood.

If you are lucky enough to be in Málaga at Christmas, the city centre street lighting is a famous display, truly breathtaking.