Whilst the city of Malaga is well known for its beautiful, expansive beaches and the lively (yet sometimes unruly) nightlife, there’s so much more to explore in this unique region of Spain. This stunning Andalusian city is full of culture, history and a vibrant community.
Having been lucky enough to visit Malaga several times due to a family connection, Debs and I have had the opportunity to experience this coastal city in different seasons, at different times of the day and can honestly say that we’ve loved it every time. Malaga merges a mix of historic and unique architecture, combined with modern amenities that I personally find unique to the area.
Although you may not know it, Malaga was founded in 770BC. It’s the second oldest recorded city in the whole of Spain and is home to some of the best kept roman architecture in the country. The city is steeped in history that you can find around almost every corner. From the Malaga Roman Theatre to the stunning Castillo de Gibralfaro, here’s everything we recommend seeing in the city if you’re interested in the history of Malaga:
If you don’t have long in Malaga and want to choose just one thing but also aren’t massively into history stuff, we’d highly recommend checking out Castillo de Gibralfaro. Set on the top of a hill, the castles’ remains have been kept immaculately and you could spend hours walking atop the castle walls, soaking up the views and sipping coffee in their on-site café. I’ve personally been twice now and honestly; I’d go again and again just for the views of the city and the coast.
Another great option if you’re looking to squeeze your sightseeing into a condensed amount of time is the Alcazaba. Tickets into this ancient Moorish fortress also includes access to the Roman Theatre, which lies just at the foot of the Alcazaba. The theatre in Malaga is a relatively new find in the area, having only been uncovered in the early 50’s!
*Be sure to wear comfy footwear. The Alcazaba has a total area of over 15000 square meters.
If you’re into art, then the Museo Picasso is not to be missed. This museum is home to over 200 of Picasso’s works and has extensive information about the artist and his childhood in Malaga.
The Towns:
Malaga’s Old Town
Or ‘Centro Histórico’, is the most well-known area of the city. Drenched in history, the streets of this neighbourhood are lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. You could spend a whole day slowly meandering the streets and admiring the vast number of churches, convents and historic buildings.
If you’re planning an August trip, you might be lucky enough to catch the the Malaga Fair, where the streets will be lined with colourful decoration whilst the locals gather to celebrate the annual occasion.
La Merced
The market and entertainment area of Malaga is a recently ‘up and coming’ neighbourhood. This area is home to Picasso’s birthplace, bustling streets filled with cafés and restaurants and of course the Plaza de la Merced, which is where you’ll find a number of local artists and crafters selling their items to locals and tourists.
Soho Malaga
Set on the riverside of Malaga’s port, this modern neighbourhood is made for those who love to shop. Here you’ll find a tonne of independent brands, galleries and workshops alongside some very fashionable food choices including lush Moroccan restaurants and fresh sushi bars.
Perchel
One of the least touristy areas of Malaga is the old district of Perchel. The architecture in this area is some of the oldest and this area is where you’ll find some of the most authentic restaurants in the city.
La Malagueta
Probably one of the most visited neighbourhoods in Malaga is La Malagueta. Set in the centre of Malaga, this is where you’ll find Malaga’s most iconic Playa (beach). With a long promenade full of shops and restaurants, you could easily spend a whole day here basking in the sun, enjoying traditional tapas and people watching by the water.
If you haven’t planned your trip yet and you’re wondering when the best time to visit Malaga is, I’d say it honestly depends on the type of trip you’re looking for. Malaga can be extraordinarily busy during the high season, and we personally prefer to go in Spring. The weather is normally still warm in April and May and you’re less likely to get stuck in crowds. Having said that, any time of year is a good time of year to holiday in Malaga so if you’re thinking of doing it but have been on the fence, trust us: you’ll have the best time.
Happy Travelling,
Becca x
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