The top things to do in Malaga for first-time visitors

On Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol, there’s more to Malaga than just the beach. Art, culture and the Mediterranean flair merge in this historic city par excellence. With such a wealth of things to explore, first-time visitors to Malaga might feel lost. To get you started on your journey, here are a few of the best things to do in the city for newbies.

Step back into Moorish Malaga

First on the list is the 11th-century Moorish Alcazaba fortress, located on a hill and offering stunning views. Although extensively restored in the late 19th century, you still step back into Malaga’s Moorish past.

A little hike up from the Alcazaba is the magnificent 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle. It was intended to protect against invasions at its creation; now it is one of Malaga’s most impressive landmarks. From the top, you have spectacular views of the harbour, sea and mountains on the west, north and eastern sides.

At the foot of the Alcazaba sits another historic treasure, a Roman theatre, built in the 1st century BC but not discovered until the mid-20th century. A relic of Malaga’s ancient history, it makes a stunning contrast with the Moorish fortress beside it. Visiting these two monuments is one of the best ways to discover how to make the most of your Malaga holidays.

Admire the One-armed Lady

A short walk from the Alcazaba is Malaga Cathedral, the city’s best example of Renaissance architecture. The imposing building, with a beautiful marble facade, dominates the old quarter. Look up and you’ll notice that the Cathedral has only one tower, hence its local name, La Manquita (One-armed Lady).

Discover Picasso

The Picasso Museum honours the work of Pablo Picasso, born in Malaga in 1881. The museum, housed in a stunning 16th-century palace, is the most visited in southern Spain. The rooms plot Picasso’s painting career from extraordinary early works to masterpieces.  

Malaga’s Old Town

In the city’s old quarter, you’ll weave your way through the cobbled streets and bustling squares, stumbling upon hidden squares and old buildings steeped in history and culture.

Traditional architecture lines the maze-like streets, from the elaborate 19th-century facades on Calle Larios, the busy pedestrian thoroughfare, to the weathered whitewashed structures in the hidden alleyways.

Atarazanas Market

For authentic flavour (pun intended) of local life, make your way to the Atarazanas Market. In the colourful halls of what was once a Moorish dockyard, vendors sell fresh fish and seafood, seasonal produce, and local treats of the day. The stalls are an explosion of colour and flavours.

Malaga Port and Muelle Uno

Malaga has always been a port city, discovered by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. And today, the port bustles with pedestrian promenades, boutiques and cafés, while cruise ships and swanky yachts line the waterfront. You can’t miss the Pompidou Centre, with its multi-coloured cube dominating the skyline.  

Malagueta Beach

You can’t visit Malaga and not spend some time on its beaches. Just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city, Malagueta Beach attracts locals and visitors. The wide promenade is lined with beach restaurant chiringuitos and cafés. For first-time visitors to Malaga, the beach provides an easy way to combine cultural discovery with relaxation in one easy outing!

Jardín Botánico La Concepción

Malaga’s botanical gardens lie to the north of the city and provide an oasis of peace and quiet. Established in the 19th century, the gardens are a feast of exotic flora, fountains and lovely walks. Don’t miss the Palm Walks and the wisteria pergola, which blooms magnificently in late March and early April.

This serene environment, surrounded by an abundance of greenery, frames beautiful views of the city of Malaga in the distance, and is, for many first-time visitors to Malaga, a hidden gem.

Final Thoughts

There is something for everyone in Malaga: a variety of attractions to captivate and delight every type of traveller. So whether you’re in town for a weekend or longer, visit these spots to make memories and get to know Malaga’s undeniable magic that little bit better.

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