Malaga is one of the oldest Mediterranean seaports with palm trees lining the seaside promenades and tropical vegetation flourishes throughout the city. Malaga rapidly emerged as a city of culture with its old world ambience that enchants visitors who take the time to explore. Stroll along the harbor or explore the little boutiques and enjoy lengthy supers in some of the best tapas restaurants.
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.ALCAZABA DE MALAGA
The ancient castle was built in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 11th century on the ruins of a Roman bastion. Some of the highlights is the remaining towers including the Torre de la Vela, the Arco de Cristo, the impressive Torre del Homenaje and the beautiful garden in the castle's courtyards. Inside the castle visitors can find the Museum of Málaga, which contains two museums:
A.The Provincial Museum of Fine Arts
A permanent collection of local 19th century paintings as well as renowned pieces by Spanish artists Muñoz Degrain, Enrique Jaraba, Joaquin Sorolla, Salas and Picasso is on exhibit.
B.The Archaeology Museum
An exhibiting of Roman antiquities, a collection of Hispano-Arab pottery, and models of the castle are on display.
2.PICASSO MUSEUM
The museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso who was born in Malaga can be visited the Palace of Condes de Buenavista. The palace is decorated in the Renaissance style with Moorish elements and restored in a Modern Style. On exhibit is more than than 200 paintings including early academic studies and re-workings of old masters by one of the greatest painters of the 20th century.
3.CENTER OF CONTEMPORARY ART
The Centre opened in 2015 and is housed in a low-slung modern building crowned by a playful multicoloured cube. Permanent exhibition includes the extraordinary Ghost, by Kader Attia, plus works by such modern masters as Frida Kahlo, Francis Bacon and Antoni Tàpies. There are also audiovisual installations and temporary exhibitions.
4.MUSEO DE LA SEMANA SANTA
The museum is housed in the 17th century Antiguo Hospital de San Julian. On display is 150 different exhibits in thematic categories such as sculptures, trousseau pictures, and processional images. An extensive collection of religious figures, traditional costumes, and icons used during Holy Week processions, while learning about the regional customs are also on exhibit.
5.MUSEO DE ARTES Y COSTUMES POPULARES
The museum is housed in a typical Andalusian building of the 17th century with the architecture revealing Moorish elements such as white washed walls, Islamic tile work, a central patio, and pleasant gardens. Exhibitions ranges from antique cooking equipment, fishing gear, handcrafted ceramics and folkloric costumes. It also offers you an interesting insight into the local culture and the region's artisan crafts and folklore.
6.THE MANQUITA
As symbol of the city and essential to any Malaga sightseeing tour it was founded in the 15th century on the site of a mosque. Highlights is the intricate details of the figures sculpted within the choir stalls, crafted by Pedro de Mena.
7.BASILICA NEUSTRA SENORA DE LA VICTORIA
A listed historic monument the 17th century Baroque church is one of the most important churches in Malaga. Highlights is the Shrine of Our Lady of Victory with a 15th century figure of the Virgen de la Victoria, Patron Saint of the town, two sculptures by Pedro de Mena and the Altarpiece of San Francisco de Paula by Luis Ortiz de Vargas. Other art treasures are housed in the exhibition hall.
8.THE ROMAN THEATRE
The theatre is the oldest monument in Malaga. It reopened in 2011 after years of reconstruction. The theatre is open throughout the year and in summer it is used for open-air performances. The Centro de Interpretacion offers information about the history of the ruins and it subsequent excavation.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Castillo de Gibralfaro
- Conception Botanical Garden
- Mercado de Atarazanas – Market Hall
- Pier 1 Port of Malaga
- Carmen Thyssen Museum
- Mitjana Square
- Automobile Museum and Fashion
- Costa del Sol
- Tivoli World – Theme Park
- Sea Life Benalmadena
- Guadalhorce
- Port of Malaga
- Museum Jorge Rando
- Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso
- Crocodile Park
- Aqualand Torremolinos
- Parque de Malaga
- Classroom of the Sea Museum Alborania
- Interactive Music Museum
- Museum of Glass and Malaga
- Mirador Princes
The best way to get around Malaga is by walking, bicycle, bike taxi, Segway, horse and carriage, train, metro and by bus.
The best time to visit Malaga is from late April to June and September to October when the days are long and sunny.
