Things to do in  Malaga

One of Málaga’s most popular attractions, the Alcazaba is an atmospheric Moorish palace and fortress with ornamental gardens. Take in panoramic views of the city as you marvel at the ingenious design tricks the Moors used to protect their stronghold.

One of Andalucia’s top attractions, El Caminito del Rey is a narrow hiking path known for its nearly 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch of boardwalks and footbridges that hug the sides of sheer cliffs and hang over river gorges. The roughly 3-hour hike takes you on paths 350 feet (100 meters) above the Guadalhorce River, offering stunning views of the Gaitanes Gorge (Desfiladero de los Gaitanes).

Built between 1528 and 1782, after Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand expelled the Moors from the Iberian Peninsula, Málaga Cathedral (Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga) is one of the city’s top historic landmarks. Designed by architect Diego de Siloé, the cathedral is a unique combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque styles.

Perched high up on Mont Gibralfaro, Castillo de Gibralfaro offers commanding views of the city of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea. Originally built by the Moors in the 10th century, the castle is one of Malaga’s best-known sights and is featured on the city’s flag.

The oldest monument in Málaga, the Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano de Málaga) was built in the first Roman emperor Augustus’ reign. The amphitheater was unearthed as part of a civic building project in the 1950s and has since been excavated and restored.

Perched on the clifftops of El Tajo Gorge, Ronda boasts one of Spain’s most dramatic landscapes and a rich history evident through ancient rock paintings, towering stone bridges, and 14th-century ruins. Today, this pueblo blanco (white town) is an ideal mountain getaway or a day-trip destination for travelers exploring Andalucia, thanks to its dramatic cliffs, local wineries, and rustic charm.

The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) is a major feat of 18th-century engineering uniting Ronda’s old and new towns over El Tajo Gorge, the sheer limestone ravine that descends 390 feet (120 meters) to the craggy bed of the Guadalevín River. Spanish architect José Martín de Aldehuela designed the bridge, constructed between 1759 and 1793.

The heart of Málaga is the Plaza de la Constitución, a historic and vibrant public square. Dating back to the 15th century, this location is still a city hub; lined with bustling shops and cafés, this pedestrian-friendly area is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious explorers.

A public square situated in the center of Málaga, Plaza de la Merced has been a functional part of the city since the Roman Empire. It is best known as being one of the largest plazas in Málaga as well as being located steps away from famed artist Pablo Picasso’s childhood home.

One of Andalucia’s cleanest urban beaches, the man-made Malagueta Beach (Playa de la Malagueta) sweeps along the coastline for 0.7 miles (1.2 kilometers) and is backed by palm trees, high-rise hotels, and luxurious apartments. Take a dip in the calm surf, relax beneath a parasol, and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere.

Museo Picasso Málaga, situated in the city of the master’s birth, showcases a collection of more than 200 pieces donated to the museum by Picasso’s family. While the Blue and Rose periods are missing, the collection highlights the artist’s personal side, with works he painted for his family or kept for himself.

Atarazanas Market (also known as Mercado Central de Ataranzanas) is a Málaga landmark that served as a shipyard, warehouse, and barracks before becoming the city’s leading food market. The Moorish-influenced building has been refurbished, and it’s once more a warren of stalls set amid delicate wrought ironwork below a domed stained-glass window.

Just off Martyrs Square, Hammam Al Andalus Malaga Baths is notable for its Moorish-inspired architecture, which encompasses horseshoe arches, colorful tiled walls, and star-shaped skylights. This is one of the few remaining places to experience age-old rituals of purification.

Sprawled across a mountain slope some 1,475 feet (450 meters) above the Mediterranean Sea, the whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo still looks much the same as it would have centuries ago. While the historic center retains its old-fashioned air, the Mijas Costa coastal area is dotted with golf courses and modern hotels.

One of Malaga’s top galleries, the Carmen Thyssen Museum houses the private collection of Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, a wealthy art collector. Occupying the converted 16th-century Palacio de Villalón and an adjoining modern annex, the museum rewards visitors with a host of magnificent Spanish art and other works, set in serene surroundings.