Enjoy a wonderful weekend in Malaga, Spain
A weekend in Malaga is a great way to enjoy the main city of the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, Spain. With so many regional, national and international flights that get to Malaga, you’ll find it easy to reach this hub in no time. Even if you decide to take regional trains or busses to Malaga, it’s central location and being the hub of the region, you’ll find lots of options in getting to Malaga.
Orientation on Visiting Malaga
Where is Malaga, Spain located?
Málaga is a coastal city in southern Spain, situated on the Costa del Sol in the Andalusian region. Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, it’s a popular destination known for its stunning beaches, rich historical heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. As one of Andalusia’s largest cities, Málaga also serves as a gateway to other notable locations in the region, including Marbella, Granada, and Seville.
What is the main currency in Malaga?
The main currency in Málaga, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (€).
What is the language in Malaga, Spain?
The primary language spoken in Málaga, Spain, is Spanish. Specifically, the Andalusian dialect is common in the region.
Arriving Malaga by Train, Bus or air service
The transport hub is relatively easy with the Train and bus stations located next to each other and located in the city limits with public transportation available from either station. The Malaga airport is located about 6 miles west of the town center and you can take the regional train service that goes around the main cities and areas of the Costa del Sol.
Check out the regional train services from Malaga airport here for more information.
Spend your time in the Main town center or Old town of Malaga
You’ll be spending most of your time exploring the main town center or Old Town of Malaga with its many pedestrians only promenades, plazas and important monuments and historic sites to visit around the area. When you get to the center, everything is fairly easy to walk around and if you need to get outside there is the regional trains or taxis to get you to the many attractions around the city to explore.
Day 1 visit to Malaga
We recommend finding a hotel that is located in the city center so it is easy to explore the area on foot. After you check into your hotel and want to start off your day exploring the city’s main attractions within the Old Town area you must visit the following landmarks and historic sites:
Visit the Alcazaba of Malaga
We start off our visit to Malaga, Spain visiting the Alcazaba which is the Moorish fortress and castle on top of a hill that overlooks the city. With a typically hot day in store, its good to get a high vantage point for views of the city and avoid the heat by starting off early touring this attraction. The imposing walls protect the interiors of lush gardens, intricate architecture, water features and offers a glimpse of early Moorish life during the medieval period of Islamic rule and architecture.
You’ll find lots of panoramic views of Malaga’s cityscape and the harbor and ocean views below and find many photo ops along the ramparts, gardens and architectural details of the fortress.
Check out this post on visiting the Alcazaba in Malaga here for more information and images.
The Gibralfaro Castle
Located in the same complex as the Alcazaba, the Gibralfaro Castle sits on top of the hill that commands amazing panoramic views of the city below. Built during the 14th century as part of the defensive stronghold on the city, the castle is linked to the Alcazaba through an ancient pathway. You can explore the lofty towers, battlements and ramparts while exploring the older sections and architectural details of this castle.
As you wander through beautiful courtyards and gardens, don’t forget to visit the interpretation center which houses exhibits and artifacts which explains the castle’s history and significance.
Check out my post on visiting Gibralfaro Castle here for more images and inspiration.
Visit the Roman Theater and Ruins
As you head down the Alcazaba, it’s hard not to miss the Roman theater and ruins area at the base of the fortress. Vising the Roman Theater and ruins in Malaga offers an insight to the historic Roman settlement with ancient remnants and displays of the historic Roman City.
The centerpiece of the Roman landmarks if the amphitheater with its commanding presence and size. As you wander through the archaeological site, you see fragments and ruins of these Roman structures and the city called Malaca during that timeframe. You’ll walk-through well-preserved pathways leading to Roman baths, villas and walkways and even find some mosaic floors that are decorated with ancient and intricate patterns.
Explore the city center of Malaga
After a nice lunch in any of the lovely outdoor indoor restaurants around the Roman theater, you can walk off your continuing your tour of the downtown area of the city. There’s so many historic sites, walking promenades and large squares to explore and visit for the rest of the afternoon.
Visit the Malaga Cathedral
Malaga Cathedral: The main attraction in the city city center is the Malaga Cathedral which dominates the small square that it sits on. It is a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture with its ornate façade and then its very intricate interior and chapels.
There are small gardens that circle the cathedral and you can look at the architecture from many different angles and frame some nice photos of the exterior.
Interior views of Malaga Cathedral
Tip – there is a charge to enter the cathedral which includes an audio tour of the main chapels, altar and significant artwork that you will see inside the cathedral.
Check out my post about visiting the Malaga Cathedral here for more information and images and interesting places to explore around the church.
Explore the main shopping promenade at Calle Larios
The main shopping street in the city center is called Calle Larios and traverses through the main corridor that leads to the harbor area of the city.
You’ll find this to be the principal shopping avenue with popular national and international brands, galleries, cafes and shops that is busy morning until late at night when the street if brightly lit for late night shoppers. The popular street is pedestrian friendly with broad walkways and showcasing upscale boutique stores, coffee shops and bakeries and many dining choices of popular regional and international cuisine.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum in Málaga was established because the city is the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso, who was born there in 1881. The museum honors his legacy by displaying a substantial collection of his works, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, within the historic Buenavista Palace. It provides a unique look into Picasso’s artistic development and serves as a cultural landmark, celebrating his strong ties to the city where his artistic journey began.
Housed in a historic palace, the Picasso Museum showcases an extensive collection of works by the legendary artist Pablo Picasso. The museum features Picasso’s woks and evolution Picasso’s evolution during different timeframes of his life and influences.
Check out the museum website here for more details and information.
Plaza de la Constitución
This is the main central square of Malaga city and is surrounded by historic and beautiful architectural buildings. The square is a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists and is a fantastic photo spot to capture. With its lively atmosphere and activities surrounding the square, beautiful fountains, and the cafes lining the square, making it an ideal spot to people-watch, gather and enjoy a nice meal together. This is a great spot to hang out, try some of the locally made tapas, churro desserts or a local drink from the area and enjoy a nice break.
Carmen Thyssen Museum
This museum is a little gem and worth visiting with a collection of 19th-century Spanish art, showcasing works from the Romantic era to Impressionism period in a beautiful building called the Palacio de Villalón, a 16th-century building that adds historical charm to the art viewing experience. Its courtyards and architectural details enhance the overall visit along with lovely collections of art from Romantic to realist movements of Spanish art including: Ramon Casas, Francisco de Goya, Joaquin Sorolla and a wide variety of paintings, sculpture and art from around the country.
Find out more information about the Carmen Thyssen Museum here for more details and entry.
Plaza de Toros and Bullfighting Museum
The impressive Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta is located close to the harbor area and also houses and bullfighting museum next door. You can visit the museum to get a local perspective of the art, history and cultural significance of bullfighting in the region. While visiting the museum, you can also experience the actual bullring and see displays of matadors with their rituals and performance of bullfighting.
Inside you’ll find displays of memorabilia and artifacts, costumes and artwork that is associated with this deeply rooted cultural practise and insight to Spanish history and culture.
Check out the Plaza de Toros Museum here for more information.
Visit to the Malaga port area
It’s probably late afternoon timeframe which is a perfect time to visit the port area and enjoy the end of day here. The port area of Malaga is revitalized and is filled with bars, shopping venues and restaurants and easy hang out spots around the harbor or garden areas. The Malaga port area, known as Muelle Uno, offers a lively and scenic waterfront experience. Here’s what you can see and do in the area:
Shopping: Muelle Uno features a mix of shops ranging from well-known brands to local boutiques, making it a great place for shopping.
Restaurants and Cafes: Numerous dining options with a variety of cuisines are available, allowing you to savor a meal while enjoying views of the sea.
Views of the Sea: Stroll along the promenade and take in the picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea and the bustling port.
Outdoor Art: The area often hosts outdoor art installations and sculptures, adding an artistic touch to your waterfront walk.
Events and Performances: Muelle Uno is a hub for events, performances, and markets, making it a lively and dynamic space.
Children’s Playground: There’s a dedicated playground for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
Cultural Spaces: You can find cultural centers and spaces that sometimes host exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural activities.
Relaxation: Numerous benches and seating areas provide spots for relaxation, where you can simply enjoy the ambiance and the sea breeze.
Day 2 Malaga travel
Visiting Malaga attractions and landmarks the 2nd day covers other areas outside of the historic central district starting with a walk along the river area called Guadalmedina.
The Guadalmedina River
Enjoy an early morning walk around the river area of Malaga at Guadalmedina which is mostly dried and more park-like with street art painted on the walls. This is close to the public markets at Ataranzanas and Mercado Merced, so it is an easy walk to reach either or both markets.
Nearby Landmarks: CAC Málaga (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo), Corte Ingles department store, Soho Málaga – the trendy area with street art, bistros and cultural spaces to hang out.
Atarazanas Market
This historic market is the oldest market and a landmark public market in the city. With a beautiful interior hallway marked with a colorful stained glass panel, the market is truly a feast for the eyes with stalls of fresh produce, finished local specialty products, charcuterie markets, bakeries, seafood, meats, and more. It’s a great place to experience local flavors and browse for unique souvenirs or delicious treats to take home. This is a great market for photo ops, trying out some local snacks, what’s in season and some take away foods or prepared dishes.
The market’s stunning iron and glass structure, combined with its historic Moorish arch at the entrance, creates a unique blend of old and new. The colorful stained glass window at the back of the market is a notable feature that depicts scenes from Málaga’s history.
Location:
- Address: Calle Atarazanas, Málaga, Spain
- Nearby Landmarks: Situated close to Málaga’s main shopping streets and a short walk from the historic center, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
Check out more on the Atarazanas market here for more information.
Mercado Merced
Mercado Merced is a lively and modern food market located in the heart of Málaga, just a short walk from Plaza de la Merced, one of the city’s central squares. The market has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering a vibrant mix of food stalls, gourmet products, and casual dining options.
Mercado Merced has a trendy, energetic vibe with a blend of traditional market culture and contemporary culinary experiences. It’s a social hub where people come to enjoy good food, drinks, and the lively ambiance.
Location:
- Address: Plaza de la Merced, Málaga, Spain
- Nearby Attractions: Close to the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba, making it a convenient stop while exploring the city’s historic center.
Málaga Park
This is where locals go to relax, breath and enjoy the park area considered a lush oasis in the heart of the city, Málaga Park offers shaded pathways, sculptures, and botanical gardens. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustling streets and contemplative and far removed from the busy central district of the city.
Alameda Principal
This grand avenue close to the harbor area of Malaga is so well done and lined with trees and gardens for visitors and locals to enjoy, the Alameda Principal connects the city center to the seafront. It’s a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll and offers picturesque views, places to relax and a beautiful and wide promenade to walk, exercise or just enjoy some outdoor space with friends.
Visit the new Centre Pompidou Malaga
Located right at the harbor area of Malaga, this colorful and modern interpretation of the Pompidou annex is eye catching and worth a visit. The Pompidou Museum Málaga, also known as the Centre Pompidou Málaga, is a contemporary art museum that brings a taste of Paris’s iconic Centre Pompidou to the south of Spain. It is the first branch of the Pompidou outside France, making it a unique cultural landmark in Málaga.
The museum features a rotating selection of works from the vast collection of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The collection includes masterpieces of 20th and 21st-century art, featuring artists like Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Francis Bacon.
Address: The museum is located at Muelle Uno, the modern waterfront area of Málaga’s port, with stunning views of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea.
La Malagueta beach
The main beach in Málaga is La Malagueta, a urban city beach is popular and easily accessible just east of the city center. It stretches for about 1.2 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea, offering a wide expanse of golden sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing, beautiful walking promenades and gorgeous beach and ocean views.
The beach is located near the city’s port area and the modern waterfront promenade and shops called Paseo del Muelle Uno.
Lively and family-friendly, La Malagueta is just a 10 minute walk from the historic center and is filled with beach bars, playgrounds and golden sandy beach areas.
End the day back in the Central district
After a full 2nd day exploring the city, its fun to just enjoy the evening out in the old town walking along Calle Larios or hanging out in the many beautiful squares of the city. Checking some dining options and menu’s along the way, its a relaxed end to visiting the city and enjoying the evening vibes around the historic district of the city.
Check out these other posts to visiting Malaga City
Conclusion to visiting Malaga
Malaga’s city center is a tapestry of historical and cultural landmarks, providing a delightful blend of exploration, relaxation, and discovery for visitors from all walks of life. Thanks for checking out this post on Visit Spain and Mediterranean, please do share the post with any of the social media channels around the post, thanks for visiting!
1 thought on “Weekend in Malaga”