Malaga is a dazzling destination where the landscapes are as varied as the activities you can do! In addition, direct flights from Montreal to Malaga are available all year round with Air Transat to transport you to the sunny Costa del Sol! From its fascinating historical monuments to its excellent gastronomic addresses, discover Andalusia’s treasures through the best activities and the most beautiful places to visit in Malaga.
1. Visit the Cathedral of the Incarnation of Malaga
While exploring the old town of Malaga, you’ll inevitably come across the sublime Cathedral of the Incarnation, an architectural gem in the Baroque-Gothic style. Built in 1528, on the remains of the old Great Mosque, it bears witness to the rich history of Malaga. The visit costs only 10 euros, including an audio guide which will allow you to learn more about the design of the cathedral as well as its different chapels. For an additional 5 euros, you can also visit the rooftop and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Grab a bite to eat at the Atarazanas Central Market
In our opinion, one of the best ways to discover a city and a culture is to experience its cuisine and that’s why we recommend a stop at the Atarazanas Central Market to taste all the specialties of Malaga during your stay. Located in a former shipyard, you’ll notice magnificent details in the construction of the building including the superb stained glass windows which let in light all day long.
Through the many merchants, you’ll find everything you need to concoct a real Andalusian feast: fresh fish and seafood daily, Iberian ham, regional cheeses, colorful veggies as well as several fresh fruit juice kiosks. Also take the opportunity to stop on one of the on-site terraces to taste the best of Malaga’s cuisine.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
3. Dive into Picasso’s history
Known as one of the Spanish artists who had the most impact on culture and the artistic world, Picasso’s presence is felt everywhere throughout the city of Malaga, his hometown. If you want to know more about the life and work of the famous painter, two museums are specifically dedicated to Picasso.
Declared a historical and artistic monument of national interest since 1983, Picasso’s birthplace houses the Museo Casa Natal Picasso. Through nine different rooms of the house, you can follow a thematic route highlighting the importance that Malaga had on the works of Picasso.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
A few minutes’ walk from Casa Natal, you can also visit the Picasso Museum Malaga. Coming directly from the painter’s idea to have a space to display his works in his city, it took more than 50 years before seeing the official opening of the museum in 2003. Today, it’s a succession of exhibitions highlighting the works of Picasso as well as other artists who were inspired by the master of Cubism.
4. Visit Gibralfaro Castle
Among the gems found in Malaga, you can’t miss the impressive Gibralfaro Castle. This fortress built by the Moors in the 14th century also served as a stronghold for the Catholic kings as they tried to reconquer the Iberian Peninsula. Its strategic location at the top of the hill was a great advantage in defending the city, but also in protecting the port and the ships, being used as a lighthouse for several years.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Today, the fortress is an open-air museum allowing tourists to visit the fortifications while having an incredible view of the city. During your visit, you can also stop in the interpretive museum located in the old gunpowder warehouse to learn more about the castle’s history and its evolution over the years and conquests.
Good to know: You can buy a joint ticket to visit the Gibralfaro Castle as well as the Alcazaba citadel right next door for only €5.50! We recommend that you do this and start your visit with the Alcazaba and then take a bus to get to the top of the hill, because it’s quite a climb.
5. Explore the Alcazaba
Located on the side of Mount Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba is one of the most important monuments in Malaga’s history. Meaning urban fortress (al-Qasba), the vocation of the Alcazaba has changed several times over the years, from being a palace, to the seat of government during the conquest by the Nasrid dynasty in the 13th century.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
During your visit to the Alcazaba, you’ll be able to explore the architectural beauty of the fortress, combining Roman and Islamic traditions, as well as magnificent flower gardens and numerous fountains dotted throughout the palace. As you reach the end of the visit, you’ll be able to admire Plaza de Toros from the top of one of the fortress towers.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
6. Relax at Playa de la Malagueta
Spanning over a kilometer, La Malagueta is the perfect place to relax and cool off on hot days in Malaga. During your visit, you can relax on the many deck chairs available along the beach. If you haven’t brought any lunch from the Atarazanas market before your visit, don’t worry, several restaurants and kiosks are open nearby for a bite to eat.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
7. Book a catamaran tour at sunset
If you’re still around Malagueta beach towards the end of the day, we suggest you to book a sunset catamaran tour. Several companies offer 60 to 90 minute tours that will allow you to see the city from a different perspective while letting yourself be lulled by the movement of the waves. Some will even accompany the cruise with a nice glass of Spanish Cava! It’s hard to do better to end the day in style.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
8. Stroll around Parque de Malaga
A green oasis in the heart of the city, Parque de Malaga offers a peaceful place to stroll through the palm trees or even have a picnic. Located very close to the port, take advantage of a few moments of relaxation to walk around its century-old trees and gorgeous fountains before continuing your day in the heart of Malaga’s urban bustle. During hot days, it’s also an excellent place to take a little break in the shade.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
9. Admire and visit Centre Pompidou
An artistic extension of the famous Parisian museum, the Centre Pompidou in Malaga will undoubtedly appeal to contemporary art and avant-gardism lovers. Nestled on the city’s waterfront, this colorful building offers eclectic exhibitions, combining painting and photography, as well as renowned works by, among others, Picasso and Frida Kahlo.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
10. Visit Plaza de Toros
After seeing Plaza de Toros from the top of the Alcazaba or the Gibralfaro, we recommend that you visit this emblematic monument in more detail. Open since 1876, this arena is used for several cultural events, shows and of course, bullfights. On the other hand, you don’t need to go see a bullfight to visit the arena. Inside the facilities, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the famous matador Antonio Ordóñez to learn more about the history of the place and the culture of matadors.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
11. Discover Andalusian gastronomy
A visit to Malaga would not be complete without a tour of the best dishes of Andalusian cuisine. Here are some of our culinary favorites across the city.
First stop: Casa Lola restaurant to taste our favorite dish and an Andalusian classic, croquetas de jamon y queso. We also recommend that you try the squid ink ones, it’s simply divine! To accompany your croquetas, we recommend a refreshing glass of tinto de verano, a drink similar to sangria, but lighter and quicker to make (equal part of sweet, fruity red wine and Spanish lemonade). If you’re looking for something different and stronger, you can also try the house specialty, vermouth drinks.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
In addition to croquetas, you’ll find pintxos, traditional appetizers perfect for happy hour (our favorites: those with octopus and the vegetarian version with eggplant and grilled peppers), as well as dishes like pil- pil shrimps, a region’s classic.
If you still have room for dessert, we advise you to continue on your way to one of the two branches of Casa Aranda for a good churro con chocolate. Unlike those found in Quebec or South America, Spanish churros are lighter and crisper and served with a delicious cup of chocolate just bitter enough to dip your churros in.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Other activities to try in or near Malaga
Hiking the Caminito del Rey
If you’re looking for a thrill, we recommend a day trip to the Caminito del Rey, a suspended bridge route surrounded by picturesque landscapes in the middle of the mountains.
Relax at Hammam Al Andalus
Inspired by traditional Arab baths, the Hammam Al Andalus in Malaga will allow you to relax in many hot, warm and cold baths as well as in the steam hammam, then finish your relaxation session with a mint tea in their rest lounge.
Visit Ronda
Several guided tours are offered to explore Ronda, one of the oldest cities in Spain. What makes Ronda special is that it’s built on two cliffs connected by the most famous bridge in Spain, Puento Nuevo, built in the 18th century.
Explore La Concepción botanical and historical garden
Founded around 1855 and housing an important outdoor collection of tropical and subtropical flora, La Concepción Botanical Garden was declared a historic and artistic garden in 1934. It’s the perfect place for a walk among nature to admire more than 150,000 plants in the different gardens.
With all these activity recommendations, you won’t be bored during your stay in Malaga, that’s for sure! We hope that our suggestions have made you want to explore Costa del Sol soon and, above all, that they will help you plan the most magical getaway to Southern Spain!
Bon voyage!
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