2025 Latest Travel Guide: Malaga

🌴 A complete guide to Malaga

Málaga, Andalusia's second-largest city, boasts year-round sunshine and a pleasant climate. It boasts ancient Roman ruins, an Arab fortress, modern art galleries, and a bustling seafront promenade. I find Málaga less crowded than Barcelona or Madrid, yet more relaxed and relaxing, a truly relaxing experience.


📍 Must-visit tourist hotspots

1. Alcazaba de Málaga

  • What's there : A well-preserved 11th-century Moorish fortress overlooking the port and the old town.
  • Editor’s tip : It is recommended to go in the evening, the sunset shining on the city wall is particularly beautiful.

2. Gibralfaro Castle

  • Features : Located on a hill, connected to the Alcazaba, with excellent views.
  • Editor’s Tip : We recommend climbing during the day to get a panoramic view of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea.

3. Picasso Museum

  • Features : Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, and the museum houses over 200 works.
  • Editor’s Tip : A must-see for art fans, especially when combined with a visit to Picasso’s former residence (Casa Natal de Picasso) .

4. Málaga Cathedral

  • Distinctive Features : Nicknamed "La Manquita" (The One-Armed Lady) because one of its towers is unfinished.
  • Editor’s Tip : Go up to the rooftop for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

5. Teatro Romano

  • Features : Located at the foot of the Alcazaba, it contains ancient Roman ruins from the 1st century.
  • Editor’s tip : The atmosphere is more lively when the lights are turned on at night.

6. Playa de la Malagueta

  • Features : The closest beach to the city, with a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Editor’s tip : Try grilled sardines (Espetos) at a seaside restaurant.

7. Atarazanas Market

  • What's special : A 19th-century iron-frame building with fresh produce and a tapas bar.
  • Editor’s Tip : Mornings are the busiest time, perfect for breakfast or lunch.

8. Contemporary Art Center (CAC Málaga)

  • Features : Free admission, exhibits Spanish and international modern art.
  • Editor’s Tip : A must-see for those with a knack for art, as the museum often has limited-time exhibitions.

🍴 Must-try food in Malaga

Malaga's cuisine has a strong Mediterranean flavor. I recommend the following:

  1. Grilled Sardines Skewers (Espetos de Sardinas)

    • A must-try at a beach restaurant! Sardines are skewered and grilled over charcoal.
  2. Cold Almond Soup (Ajoblanco)

    • A traditional cold soup made with almonds, garlic, olive oil and bread, refreshing and refreshing.
  3. Fried Fish Platter (Fritura Malagueña)

    • A variety of small fish, squid, and shrimp fried together until crispy, it is a local classic.
  4. Sweet wine (Vino de Málaga)

    • A local specialty, it is sweet and rich and is often served with desserts.
  5. Iberian ham

    • A must-eat throughout Spain, it pairs well with either red or sweet wine.
  6. Malaga Raisins

    • A local specialty dessert, it is also often used in cakes or as a souvenir.

🚇 Malaga Transportation Guide

Malaga has convenient transportation, and most of the attractions in the city are concentrated, which can be solved by walking + short-distance transportation.

1. Walking

  • The old town is not far from the main attractions and is easy to explore on foot.

2. Public bus (EMT Málaga)

  • The city has a well-developed bus network and a one-way ticket costs about €1.40.

3. Metro de Málaga

  • Currently there are only two lines, which mainly connect the suburbs with the university area and are less useful for tourists.

4. Bicycles/Electric Scooters

  • The seaside avenue is particularly suitable for cycling, and there are public bicycles and rental services in the city.

5. Trains (Cercanías)

  • Line C1: connects Malaga city centre with the airport, the beach town of Torremolinos and Fuengirola.
  • Line C2: Leading to inland areas.

6. Airport Transportation

  • Malaga International Airport (AGP) : The main aviation hub of the Costa del Sol.
  • Train line C1 : 15 minutes to the city center.
  • Airport Bus Line A : Directly to major locations in the city center.

🎯 Editor's Summary

Malaga is a city where sunshine and art coexist. I think the best way to enjoy it is:

  • Explore history at the Alcazaba and the castle during the day , and then go to the museum to experience Picasso's artistic soul.
  • In the afternoon, go to Malagueta Beach and eat grilled sardines while basking in the sun.
  • In the evening, drink sweet wine, eat tapas in a small bar in the old town and experience the hospitality of Andalusia.

📌 Editor's Note:

  • The temperature is high in summer, so it is best to go out in the morning and evening and rest at the beach at noon.
  • You can buy a combined ticket for Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, which is both economical and convenient.
  • If you want to visit other towns on the Costa del Sol (such as Marbella), you can take a train or bus from Malaga, which makes it easy to arrange a day trip.
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