Malaga was one of the first places I visited in Spain and I flew in and out of it a lot when I lived on the Almerian coast. It’s located on the Costa del Sol, which means it’s a popular place to fly in to explore Andalusia and the southern coast of Spain.
Is Malaga worth visiting?
Malaga is a bit of a tourist hotspot and I’m often asked “Is Malaga worth visiting?”
The short answer is yes; I think any place is worth exploring so that you can form your own opinion about it. There are also many things to see and do in Malaga that are worth visiting. Whether you choose to return there or just spend a short time there is another matter entirely!
I’ve listed some reasons to visit Malaga, including things to do, and then some reasons why you might not want to go or plan carefully when you visit.
Things to Do in Malaga
There is so much to see in Malaga! You can choose a short day trip and stick to the main attractions in the city center, or you can stay longer and see more places outside the city center, or even use it as a base for day trips.
Visit the Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress and palace dating back to the 11th century. It is one of the most popular attractions in Malaga and a must-see for history buffs and architecture buffs.
Explore the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum in Malaga is dedicated to the work of this world-renowned artist. The museum has an extensive collection of Picasso’s works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics.
relax on the beach
Malaga has some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain such as Playa de la Malagueta, Playa de la Caleta and Playa del Palo. These beaches offer crystal clear waters, golden sands and a variety of water sports.
Visit Malaga Cathedral
Malaga Cathedral is a fine example of Renaissance architecture and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for a panoramic view of the city.
Stroll through the gardens of Pedro Luis Alonso
Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso is a beautiful park in the heart of the city. There are all kinds of exotic plants growing in the park, which is a good place to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Explore Atarazanas Market
Atarazanas Market is a bustling indoor market selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. This is a great place to experience the local culture and sample some of the best food in the area.
walk in the historic center
Malaga’s historic center is a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with beautiful architecture and historic landmarks. It’s a great place to get lost and discover the city’s rich history and culture.
Visit the Roman Theater
The Roman Theater is a well-preserved ancient theater dating back to the 1st century AD. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Roman theater in Spain.
Visit Gibrafaro Castle
Gibralfaro Castle is a medieval fortress that sits on top of a hill overlooking the city. This is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the city and learn about the history of Malaga’s military defenses.
enjoy the nightlife
Malaga has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars and clubs to choose from. Visitors can enjoy live music, dancing and drinks while soaking up the buzz of the city.
Experience the culture of Malaga
Malaga is a city rich in culture and history and well worth a visit.
The city has been influenced by different cultures throughout its history, including Romans, Moors and Christians. The fusion of these cultures creates a unique cultural identity that is reflected in the city’s art, architecture and cuisine.
Malaga is also known for its festivals, such as the Malaga Fair held in August, one of the largest in Spain. The festival features live music, dancing, food and fireworks, making it a must-see for anyone looking for a fun and cultural experience.
Malaga Food
Malaga is a city with a rich culinary tradition, thanks to its coastal location and history as a cultural crossroads. Malaga’s gastronomy is known for its fresh seafood, Mediterranean vegetables and delicious desserts.
One of Malaga’s most iconic dishes is pescaíto frito, a plate of assorted fried fish, usually served with a slice of lemon and a cold beer. Other popular seafood dishes in Malaga include grilled octopus, garlic prawns and open-fired sardines.
In addition to seafood, Malaga is also known for its delicious tapas, small dishes that are perfect for sharing. Some classic tapas in Malaga include berenjenas con miel (fried aubergines drizzled with honey), ensaladilla malagueña (a salad of potatoes, tuna and olives) and boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies).
When it comes to desserts, Malaga is famous for its liqueurs and pastries. One of Malaga’s most popular desserts is borrachuelo, a sweet pastry filled with anise-flavored cream and soaked in liqueur. Other popular desserts in Malaga include tarta de aceite (an olive oil cake) and churros con chocolate (fritters served with hot chocolate).
Overall, Malaga’s food is delicious, varied and deeply rooted in the region’s history and culture. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a snack lover, or a sweet tooth, Malaga’s gastronomy has something for everyone.
Visit Malaga
In terms of transportation, Malaga has a comprehensive public transportation system, including bus, train and subway systems. The city is also well connected to other destinations in Spain, making it an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. More on that later!
Reasons not to go to Malaga
Ok, as I mentioned, I think somewhere is always worth a visit, if only to form your own opinion and not take someone else’s word for it!
There will be some people who love Malaga very much and some who won’t come back after the first trip, and that’s fine. But where does the question of whether it’s worth visiting Malaga come from?
Here’s what to consider when planning your trip to Malaga:
crowd
Malaga is a popular destination, especially during the tourist season. That means some of the main attractions and beaches can get crowded, which can be overwhelming for some visitors.
hot
Summers in Malaga can be very hot with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F). This may make some visitors uncomfortable, such as sightseeing or outdoor activities such as hiking.
noise
Malaga is a city with a vibrant nightlife, but this also means that there can be noise pollution late at night. Noise-sensitive visitors may want to consider staying in quieter areas of the city.
cost
While Malaga is an affordable destination, especially when compared to other major European cities, some activities and restaurants can be expensive. Travelers on a tight budget may need to plan their trip carefully to ensure they don’t overspend.
There are definitely lovely and cheap places to stay along the coast. Consider some places like Nerja (also popular with Brits), or go further afield to Almeria (I’m biased when I live there, but here are some reasons to visit!).
Malaga day trip
Malaga is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area and discovering more of Andalusia. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the city itself (or especially if you’re not!), you can use it as a base for visiting other places.
Here’s a five-day itinerary from Malaga:
Ronda
Ronda is a beautiful town in the mountains about 1.5 hours drive from Malaga. To get there, you can take a bus or drive. The bus ride takes about two hours and costs about 10 euros each way.
Once in Ronda, you can explore the town’s beautiful architecture, visit the Puente Nuevo Bridge, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Read more about things to do in Ronda here.
caminito del rey
The Caminito del Rey is a beautiful hiking trail about an hour’s drive from Malaga. To get there, you can take the train from Malaga to El Chorro, which takes about an hour and costs about 10 euros each way.
From El Chorro, you can take a bus to the entrance of the Caminito del Rey, which costs approximately EUR 1.55 each way. The hike itself takes about 3-4 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Nerja
Nerja is a picturesque town about 1 hour drive from Malaga. To get there, you can take a bus or drive. The bus ride takes about an hour and costs about 3 euros each way.
In Nerja, you can visit the famous Balcon de Europa viewing platform, explore the town’s charming streets and relax on one of the beautiful beaches.
Read more about things to do in Nerja here.
Antequera
Antequera is a historic town about 45 minutes from Malaga, known for its ancient tombs. To get there, you can take a train or drive. The train ride takes about an hour and costs about 6 euros each way.
It has a typical medieval town with the Alcazaba fortress to explore and many other important historical buildings that you can easily see just by walking around. You can also visit dolmens or ancient burial grounds.
Gibraltar
This one is a bit far, but makes for a fun trip!
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory about 2 hours drive from Malaga. To get there, you can drive or take a bus for about 3 hours, which costs about 20 euros each way, so a long day trip.
There’s the famous Rock of Gibraltar to explore, the town’s many English pubs and shops, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Note that as Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, you will need to carry your passport for transit.
Overall, we think Malaga is a great place to explore its history, soak up some of its laid-back lifestyle and culture, and sample its delicious cuisine. Also, check out some nearby sites!
Sonya X
