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:
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Grilled Sardines Skewers (Espetos de Sardinas)
- A must-try at a beach restaurant! Sardines are skewered and grilled over charcoal.
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Cold Almond Soup (Ajoblanco)
- A traditional cold soup made with almonds, garlic, olive oil and bread, refreshing and refreshing.
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Fried Fish Platter (Fritura Malagueña)
- A variety of small fish, squid, and shrimp fried together until crispy, it is a local classic.
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Sweet wine (Vino de Málaga)
- A local specialty, it is sweet and rich and is often served with desserts.
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Iberian ham
- A must-eat throughout Spain, it pairs well with either red or sweet wine.
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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.