Warmed by the Andalusian sun: Top 15 attractions in Málaga

Cruise Port

An ancient Spanish port that welcomes both transport and passenger ships of all sizes, from cruise ships to private shuttles, is one of the main tourist highlights of Málaga. Here is a bustling life: both tourists and locals arrange walks along the sea, buy delicacies of Spanish street food, go to see the city and its surrounding nature from the sea.

To get to the port from the city center can be overcome less than a kilometer. Guests are encouraged to take inexpensive boat trips. During the trips you can see, among other things, the ancient fortifications located on the hills.

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The Fortress of Málaga

Formerly a Moorish military citadel, this defensive structure with eight gates and massive walls is visible from almost anywhere in Málaga.

Construction of the palace began in 1057 by order of the ruler B. Abus. Of the building’s former grandeur, only two walls stretching along the hillside have survived to this day. Between them, on the slope, lie the remains of the outer and inner courtyards.

An archaeological museum operates within the fortress, showcasing scale models of the castle itself and of Málaga, as well as examples of Arabic ceramics.

Picasso Museum

Spaniards are very proud of the world-famous artist Pablo Picasso, who was born in Málaga. In his honor, two museums have been established here.

One of the museums is housed in the Buenavista Palace. The mansion that contains the collection was built in 1530 on the ruins of a Moorish castle. The permanent collection includes around 300 exhibits, most of which were donated by the artist’s family. Temporary exhibitions by other artists are also held in the building.

Automobile Museum

The museum center, featuring a dozen spacious halls and located in a former tobacco factory, occupies an area of 6,000 square meters and showcases a wide variety of vehicles dating back as far as the 18th century. Of particular interest is a collection of one hundred rare automobiles. In addition to viewing the exhibits, nearly all vehicles can be rented. However, rental prices are quite high, making such a ride rather expensive.

Málaga Cathedral

Málaga Cathedral is one of the city’s most remarkable architectural landmarks. The southern tower and the main façade remain unfinished to this day. The building stands on the site of the former main Alhama Mosque. Construction of the cathedral began in the first half of the 16th century in the Gothic style by order of the Catholic Monarchs.

The cathedral is surrounded by gardens and features a picturesque inner courtyard. Its interior reflects Renaissance and Baroque influences. The choir stalls in the central nave stand out, while the true highlight of the cathedral is a sculpture by Pedro de Mena. The chapels are also of great interest.

Gibralfaro Castle

The Gibralfaro Castle is another of Málaga's landmarks that dates back to ancient times. It was built in 929 by the Cordovan Caliph Abd-al-Rahman III and was named after the lighthouse located nearby. In the course of history, the fortress underwent many rebuildings and changed several owners.

In 1931, Hibralfaro was declared a national landmark and is open to the public daily. Here you can see the Bottomless Well, carved in the Arab era in the rock, bakeries and springs, fortress towers and the building of the ancient powder house, which today houses a concert hall. In the center of the fortress today is an interesting exhibition of swords, armor and other objects of cultural significance.

Contemporary Art Center

The 2,400 meters of exposition houses 4 hundred paintings and installations by contemporary artists. The homeland of Picasso and Dali does not risk missing the next genius, so the Museum hosts thematic, author exhibitions and art history seminars.

In the halls of a former tobacco factory, which has been converted to the latest gallery art, works by Louise Bourgeois, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Gerhard Richter, Paul McCarthy, Anish Kapoor, Raymond Pettibon, Ron Mueck, and Esitomo Nara are on display.

Roman theater

The ancient structure of the theater was created in the first century BC. In that ancient time, the city was part of the ancient Roman province. Until the 3rd century BC, the building was used for its intended purpose. Later, after Malaga was conquered by the Muslims, it lost its purpose and became a quarry. Gradually the theatre became abandoned.

But, despite the fact that the destruction was observed for many years, the ancient object managed to reach us in a fairly integral form: there is a round stage for performances of artists and a number of spectator seats.

Atarazanas Central Market

Listing the best sights of Málaga, we should not forget about this market of the 14th century.

Currently, only the historically priceless arch survives from the first market. In the 19th century, the building was destroyed almost completely. The last restoration was carried out ten years ago. Now the central market offers all kinds of food and gastronomy and is one of the best places in Málaga where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant Spanish life and become part of it.

La Farola Lighthouse

The white structure, which is the hallmark of the resort of Málaga and is featured on many canvases by local artists, is 38 meters high. The lighthouse was erected in 1939 just a short walk from the harbor. This place will fit perfectly into your vacation photos.

Pompidou Center

Built in 2015, the Pompidou Center in Málaga is housed in a unique building called the Cube.

The museum's exposition includes five sections displaying outstanding works of art from the twentieth and twenty-first century: including works by world-renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, René Magritte, Max Ernst, Joan Miró and others.

Merced Square

In one of the houses adjacent to the square, lived the great Picasso. There is a monument to the artist and a museum. However, the main dominant feature of the space is the obelisk to another son of Andalusia — General Torrijos. A page of the royal court, Jose Maria de Torrijos rose to high officer ranks, fought with Napoleon's France, but soon became a convinced republican himself.

The square is flanked on all sides by bustling cafes, stores and restaurants.

Soho Arts Quarter

This central quarter of Málaga has become a true symbol of urban art and underground culture thanks to a civic initiative project.

Its most characteristic feature is the large graffiti on some of the houses. On these walls you can see the works of internationally renowned graffiti artists. It also hosts the Made in Soho fair on the first Saturday of every month, where decorations, crafts, art, antiques and vintage items are sold.

La Malagueta Beach

The beach line with artificially imported sand is located in the resort part of the city. Its length is about 1.2 thousand meters. There are all the necessary infrastructure facilities here — changing cabins, cafes, sports and playgrounds.

Prepare for the fact that at the height of the season on La Malaguete there are no vacant places.

Malaga Park

A green area of about 30 thousand squares, designed in the Mediterranean style, this is the main park of the city, which is considered to be an amazing example of garden art around the world.

The park has been developed over a period of 25 years, starting in 1896. The park is known for its unique fountains, among which the Genoa, the Waterfall Garden and the Swan are considered particularly important.