Discover the Top Attractions in Malaga: From Alcazaba to Picasso

A vibrant coastal city in southern Spain, Málaga offers far more than just sun-soaked beaches. This cultural gem has undergone a remarkable transformation, establishing itself as a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, history buffs and food lovers alike. From world-class museums celebrating hometown hero Pablo Picasso to centuries-old Moorish fortresses and hidden culinary treasures, Málaga seamlessly blends its rich heritage with contemporary flair. Whether you're wandering through the old town, admiring masterpieces in converted Renaissance palaces or savouring freshly grilled sardines on the beach, Málaga's diverse attractions promise an unforgettable Spanish experience.

Málaga’s recent rebirth was kickstarted by its connection to famed 20th-century artist Pablo Picasso and the opening of a dazzling museum focusing on his early work. The city’s Picasso Museum is situated in the old town, in an elegant Renaissance palace transformed into white-washed galleries. Here, you can gaze at a range of masterpieces, from the moody Blue Period to revolutionary Cubist works and his bold ventures into pottery – a medium the artist embraced in his later life. Partnerships with museums across Europe, including Barcelona’s renowned Picasso Museum, ensure an ever-evolving programme of temporary exhibitions and iconic pieces on loan, making this museum one of the very best attractions in Málaga.

• Calle San Agustín, 8, 29015, Málaga
• Open daily March–June 10am-7pm, July–August 10am-8pm, September–October 10am-7pm, November–February 10am-6pm

After viewing the Picasso Museum, stroll over to Picasso’s Birthplace Museum for an intimate peek into the family home where he spent his formative years. Through artefacts, photos and memorabilia, the focus is on Picasso’s early initiation into the world of arts (his father was an art teacher) and everyday life in Málaga in the late 1800s. One of his earliest drawings is of a dove, a figure that recurred throughout the rest of his career.

• Plaza de la Merced, 15, 29012, Málaga
• Open daily 9:30am–8pm

Spain’s outpost of Paris's famous modern art museum bounced into Málaga in the form of a colourful glass cube on the docks. Inside, the exhibitions dive into the full gamut of contemporary culture. Exhibitions on iconic fashion designers, modern design and photography, installation and video art, and everything in between, run alongside a calendar of events and immersive experiences aimed at the modern culture buff.

• Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n, 29016, Málaga
• Open daily (except Tuesday) 9:30am-8pm

Like the larger Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid, this museum exists thanks to the massive bequest of Carmen Cervera, the larger-than-life Spanish wife of the 20th-century industrialist Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon. A baroque townhouse is a fitting setting for part of their collection, which focuses on Spanish masters, particularly of the Romantic period. Highlights include works by Ramon Casas, the prolific fin de siècle Catalan painter, and Mariano Fortuny, who painted fanciful versions of foreign lands. If you're staying at the Ibis Malaga Centro Ciudad hotel, the Carmen Thyssen Museum is a short walk across the Guadalmedina riverbed.

• Plaza Carmen Thyssen, Calle Compañía, 29008, Málaga
• Open daily (except Monday) 10am–8pm

Hosted in an 18th-century tobacco factory, this attraction in Málaga showcases Russian art across the centuries. Many pieces are on loan from the famous national collections in Saint Petersburg, spiced up with contemporary works from smaller ex-Soviet museums. Futurism and realism are heavily featured, alongside iconic works by famous Russian artists including Chagall and Kandinsky.

• Edificio de Tabacalera, Avenida de Sor Teresa Prat, 15, 29003, Málaga
• Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30am–8pm

One of the top attractions in Málaga, the 11th-century Alcazaba is an imposing Moorish fortress perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Málaga. Once a residence for dynasties of Muslim rulers, this well-preserved structure consists of courtyards, towers and gardens, together a prime example of how ancient Arabic architects harnessed light, space and shade to create serene environments within protective walls. Also lower down on the site, Málaga’s Roman Theatre is a testament to the city’s ancient roots. Built during the 1st century under Emperor Augustus, this amphitheatre is the oldest monument in Málaga. Explore the theatre’s well-preserved seating, orchestra area and an interpretation centre.
 

Above the Alcazaba, the Gibralfaro Castle was originally a Phoenician lighthouse before being transformed into a military fortress to house troops. Walking up the steep path to the castle may be a challenge, but the breathtaking views of Málaga’s harbour and coastline make it worthwhile.
 

Alcazaba Fortress

• Calle Alcazabilla 2, 29012, Málaga
• Open November–March 9am-6pm, April-October 9am-8pm

Nicknamed "La Manquita" ("The One-Armed Lady") due to its unfinished second tower, Málaga’s gargantuan cathedral is a mixture of styles – from Renaissance to Gothic and a bit of Roman here and there – all testament to the city’s 1,000-year-old history. Various religious treasures reside in the chapter house. Don’t miss Enrique Simonet’s haunting The Beheading of Saint Paul. The cathedral is the focal point of Semala Santa (Holy Week), when a solemn parade of hooded religious brotherhoods depart carrying statues of saints into a rapturous crowd.

• Calle Molina Lario 9, 29015, Málaga
• Open daily from 10am (Sunday from 2pm)

This attraction in Málaga serves as the epicentre of local life and a natural departure point into the casco antiguo (old town). The Plaza de la Constitutión is lined with handsome century-old buildings, many of which have witnessed pivotal moments in the city’s history. Today it’s a popular spot for a coffee or evening drink, watching street musicians and Malaga’s exciting nocturnal action spring into life.

This faithful recreation of a traditional Arabic bath house is the perfect way to unwind after sightseeing. Turkish steam baths, body exfoliating and jasmine-scented massages are offered in an evocative space lined with marble with colourful Moroccan tiles. Advance bookings are recommended.

• C/ Tomás de Cózar, 13, Distrito Centro, 29008 Málaga
• Tel: 648 011 555

Born in Malta into a British military family, writer Gerald Brenan spent much of his life in Spain. His best-known work, The Spanish Labyrinth, an account of the Spanish Civil War, was banned by General Franco. His old home in Churriana (an outer neighbourhood of Málaga near the airport) has reopened as a cultural centre where you can learn about his life and work. Looking for a family-friendly place to stay close to the airport? This economy hotel is less than 10 minutes from Gerald Brennan House.

• C. Torremolinos, 56, Churriana, 29140 Málaga
• Open Wednesday and Thursday 4pm-9pm; Friday 11am–2pm and 4pm–9pm

Founded in 1831, this is the oldest Protestant cemetery in mainland Spain. Set amid lovely gardens and a short stroll from the centre of town, writer Gerald Brenan is buried here, along with a handful of other literary names, and movers and shakers of Málaga’s late 18th-century industrial revolution.

• Av. de Príes, 1, Distrito Centro, 29016 Málaga
• Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9am–2pm

Málaga’s famous coastline and dramatic hinterland offer a host of opportunities to enjoy its famously sunny weather. The golden sunsets of the Costa del Sol are legendary, and there is no place better to experience them than onboard a boat in the Bay of Málaga, perhaps on a special sunset cruise or a private yacht. During the day, relax in the warm sunshine as you skim across the Mediterranean, perhaps spotting a dolphin or two along the way.
 

Landlubbers and thrill seekers might prefer a day excursion to the unforgettable Caminito del Rey, a walkable mountain pass through the Gaitanes Gorge. Although it's only 3 km long, you pass through incredibly narrow crevices and cross valleys of incredible beauty.

You may feel indifferent about sardines when you come to Málaga, but by the end of your stay, they will have earned your respect. Over the summer months, the enticing aroma of grilled sardines wafts over the city’s beaches as chiringuitos (outdoor restaurants) chargrill Málaga’s famous espetos, stacked sardines on a stick. Throw one down with an ice-cold beer. Or head to a lively subasta restaurant (such as El Tintero and El Tintero II) on Pedregalejo beach, where waiters chime out the names of seafood dishes as they leave the kitchen and keep a tally of what you eat on the paper tablecloths.
 

In the centre of town, the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, the city’s main produce market, is a fun place for a tapas crawl. Hop from bar to bar for local specialties such as pil-pil prawns and deep-fried whitebait. For a slice of history and a dash of culture, pop into Bodegas El Pimpi in the old town. Partly owned by Hollywood actor and Málaga native Antonio Banderas, you can tuck into tapas and sip on sherry in century-old surroundings while listening to the latest flamenco or jazz talent.
 

Bodegas El Pimpi

• C. Granada, 62, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga
• Open daily noon-1am

Over your tapas, you may like to contemplate the fact that Picasso returned five times to the city of his childhood. They say he never forgot the smells, tastes and light of this captivating Spanish city. After experiencing these unique attractions in Málaga, chances are you won’t either, so plan your trip today.