My tips for a perfect weekend in Málaga
EuropeMálaga, the second-largest city in Andalusia, is a perfect destination for a (long) weekend getaway. The city combines beautiful historic buildings and delicious food with a relaxed beach life. There's also plenty to do in and around Málaga. In this blog post, I'll share some of my favorite activities in and around Málaga.
Where to stay?
Málaga is relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. This makes several neighborhoods ideal bases for a weekend getaway. We stayed in an apartment on Plaza de la Merced, which is very centrally located. If you don't mind a longer walk, the neighborhoods surrounding the city center are also a great option.
Things to do in Malaga
Admire the architecture of Malaga
Málaga is undoubtedly a beautiful city, full of character and a surprising amount of architecture. In the historic center, you'll find countless buildings in a wide variety of styles. Wander through the narrow streets of cobblestone or polished marble and discover the charming squares along the way.
The city's most iconic building is the cathedral: La Manquita de Málaga, located on Plaza del Obispo. Visible from almost every corner of the city, this imposing cathedral is impossible to miss. Its richly decorated façade is Baroque, while its base is Gothic and also reveals Renaissance influences. The nickname La Manquita means "the one-armed" because the cathedral has only one tower. Besides its impressive exterior, the interior is also well worth a visit. An entrance ticket costs €8.
As you stroll through Málaga, you might quickly notice the tall wooden doors in various streets. Behind these doors are the thrones that are carried out during Semana Santa, the holy week before Easter. This week is an important Catholic tradition. Statues of saints are placed on the heavily decorated thrones, carried by some 250 costaleros (bearers). A total of 44 processions pass through the city. Once you know what to look for, you'll suddenly see these doors appear everywhere. If you're lucky, the doors will be open, and you might catch a glimpse of the magnificent thrones (just ask).
High above the city: the Miradors you can't miss
From the Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso park, you can walk up a winding path along the defensive walls to various viewpoints. You can also reach the Miradors from the city side. Halfway up, you'll first pass the Mirador de la Coracha viewpoint, and after about twenty minutes, you'll reach the highest point: Mirador de Gibralfaro. From this hill, you have a magnificent panorama of the promenade, the bullring, and the Mediterranean Sea. It's one of the most visited spots in Málaga, but definitely worth it for the stunning views.
At the top of the hill is also the Castillo de Gibralfaro, which you can visit. A combined ticket for the castle and the lower Moorish fortress, the Alcazaba, costs €5.50. Although the castle itself is often described as less impressive, it does offer an even more expansive view than the Mirador. The Alcazaba, originally built to defend the city, is decorated in Arabic style and is considered one of the best-preserved Moorish fortresses in Spain.
If you continue down from the Alcazaba, you'll come to the remains of the Roman theater, which can also be admired from the adjacent street. Fun fact: parts of this theater were reused by the Moors in the construction of the Alcazaba. To the left of the theater (seen from the street) you'll also find the famous Málaga letters, though you'll have to pause for the missing 'L'.
Visit the vibrant market hall
In the historic center of Málaga, you'll find the city's largest indoor market: Mercado Central de Atarazanas. The market is open daily from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, except Sundays. Later in the day, you can sometimes browse inside, although most stalls are already closed. Many fish stalls also remain closed on Mondays. The market is divided into meat, fish, and vegetable sections, and you'll find a huge variety of fresh produce. You can also order delicious tapas from various stalls to savor right away.
On one side of the market hall, you'll still find the old Moorish city gates, but what makes this market so special is the impressive stained-glass window at the back. This colorful artwork tells the story of the harbor and references the maritime history of the site, which once served as a shipyard.
Watching yachts, shopping and walking along the boulevard
The Muelle Uno is Málaga's modern harbor promenade, home to numerous shops and terraces. From the promenade, you can admire the luxury yachts that are regularly moored here. On Sundays, there's often a market with clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and snacks. At the end of the 500-meter-long promenade stands the white Málaga Lighthouse. This lighthouse is one of the few in Spain with a feminine name: La Farola de Málaga. Various stories surround the origin of this name, including the idea that the lighthouse has a graceful, almost feminine appearance. Another striking building on the promenade is the Centre Pompidou Málaga: a colorful, cube-shaped museum. Here you'll find works by Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Francis Bacon, among others. The museum entrance fee is €9.
Learn more about former Málaga resident Picasso
World-famous artist Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881. He grew up in a corner building on Plaza La Merced. His birthplace, Casa Natal, was on the first floor of the building, which is decorated with ornaments and stained glass windows. A bronze statue of Picasso also stands in the square, a popular spot for photos.
At the Casa Natal de Pablo Picasso museum, you can discover more about his childhood, family, and how he became involved in the world of painting. If you want to admire a real Picasso, you'll have to go to the Picasso Museum. At the Museo Picasso Málaga, you'll find more than two hundred paintings, sketches, and other works by Picasso. It's recommended to buy your ticket online in advance to avoid long lines at the entrance. A ticket costs approximately €12 (depending on the temporary exhibition) and provides access to both the permanent and temporary collections.
Explore the charming fishing district of Pedregalejo
About a twenty-minute bike ride or a ten-minute drive from Malaga city lies the charming fishing district of Pedragalejo. It's a popular yet peaceful spot, frequented by both locals and tourists. The coastline is made up of several small coves, giving the beach a cozy feel. The fishing harbor is still in use, making this the perfect spot for fresh fish. Be sure to try the local specialty, espetos (grilled sardines), prepared right on the beach. You'll see small fishing boats everywhere, with fires burning and the fish roasted right there.
Visit the fairytale-like Castillo Monumento Colomares
A half-hour drive from Málaga, you'll find the remarkable Castillo Monumento Colomares: a tribute to Christopher Columbus. Although relatively small, this structure is definitely worth a visit. The monument tells the story of Columbus and his voyages of discovery and is full of symbolism. You'll find references to his ships, his ocean voyages, and the history he wrote. Built in 1987, the castle has an almost fairytale-like feel with its blend of architectural styles and intricate details. The appetizer is only €3. After your visit, it's definitely recommended to stroll to the tranquil village of Benalmádena Pueblo, where you can enjoy wandering its whitewashed streets.
Delicious food and drinks in Málaga
Looking for great places to eat and drink in Málaga? This city is bursting with great tapas bars and unique spots where you can truly immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Below are a few of my favorite spots.
Food:
Tapasbar Taberna de Jarana
At the relatively small Taberna de Jarana, you can enjoy delicious tapas! Recommendations are the Spanish omelet and the prawns pilpil.
View on Google Maps
Restaurante Al-Yamal
At Restaurante Al-Yamal you can eat the most delicious Arabic dishes in a great atmosphere.
View on Google Maps
Drinks:
Bar La Tranca
La Tranca is a great bar for drinks. The interior and atmosphere are warm and authentic.
View on Google Maps
Baltasar Espinosa De Los Monteros Pérez
This wine bar is a unique place where you can enjoy wine from the barrel for just a few euros. Really a must-see in Málaga.
View on Google Maps
Snacks:
Yummy Málaga
It's in the name: At Yummy, you can find delicious gluten-free and vegan ice cream and pastries. The cinnamon buns are highly recommended.
View on Google Maps
Mariantojo
Mariantojo is the place to order delicious empanadas. They even have some vegan options!
View on Google Maps
From historic buildings to the modern harbour, there are countless activities to be found in and around beautiful Málaga, making it the ideal destination for your next city break.
Useful information
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Area: 398.2 km²
Best time to travel: The best time to travel is from spring to autumn. If you want to enjoy the beach, the summer months are best.
