Steeped in history, boasting a rich culture and home to a stunning Old Town, the city of Malaga feels a world away from the sun drenched resorts of the Costa del Sol. In recent years, the city has been transformed, with new art galleries, museums and independent boutiques opening up throughout its pretty centre. This wealth of cultural sites, combined with Malaga’s great food, vibrant nightlife and fantastic shopping, ensure there’s more than enough to keep you busy during your stay. What’s more, with Andalusia’s rugged countryside on your doorstep, there’s plenty to explore outside of the city as well.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Malaga
Centro – Home to the majority of Malaga’s historic sights, Centro has undergone a huge amount of restoration over the last few years. Explore its pretty streets, shop for designer goods on Calle Larios or admire the stunning churches, plazas and traditional buildings that dot the old town.
El Perchel – One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Malaga, head to El Perchel if you want to see what life was like in the city before tourists arrived. Explore the district’s fish market, wander its streets or sample local delicacies in El Perchel’s many excellent eateries.
La Caleta – One of Malaga’s most popular city beaches, La Caleta is the perfect place to relax, unwind and cool off after a busy day of sightseeing. Within easy walking distance of Malaga city centre, the beach offers a choice of bars, cafes and other amenities.
Puerto – The city’s waterfront is another part of Malaga to have been given a facelift in recent years. Offering easy access to the Old Town and many of the city’s most famous attractions, the port is a great place for an evening stroll.
Things to See in Malaga
With a list of attractions to rival any European capital, Malaga can hold its head up high when it comes to impressive sights. One of the city’s most famous is the Alcazaba, an 11th century Moorish Castle in the centre of Malaga. Just beneath the Alcazaba you’ll find the impressive Roman Theatre while behind the Alcazaba, built on a prominent hill, is the Castillo de Gibralfaro, another Moorish castle that offers panoramic views of the city. Malaga Cathedral, Picasso’s birthplace and the Picasso Museum are also important spots in Malaga, with several other churches, museums and historic sites dotted across the city.
Things to Do in Malaga
Thanks to its wealth of museums, beautiful coastline and proximity to Andalusia’s spectacular countryside, Malaga has an especially wide variety of things to do. Shop for designer goods in the city centre, learn about the culture and history of Spain in Malaga’s museums or relax, unwind and soak up some sun on the city’s pretty beaches. If you want to get active during your stay, the nearby countryside has a wealth of mountain biking, hiking and horse riding opportunities, while a range of watersports can be found along the coast.
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