Malaga: Culture, Nature and Coast

Culture

Málaga is home to the Alcazaba, a palace fortress of the city's Muslim rulers, which was largely built in the 11th century. Inside, there is a permanent, highly educational exhibition on ceramics from the Muslim era. It displays restored finds from the Alcazaba and further finds from urban excavations.

Castillo de Gibralfaro was built in the 14th century to accommodate troops and protect the Alcazaba. The Roman Theatre of Málaga was built during the reign of Augustus in the 1st century AD. Following excavation and restoration work, a visitor centre was established there in 2007.

The Palacio de Buenavista is an example of 16th-century Andalusian architecture, combining Renaissance and Mudéjar elements. Its basement contains Phoenician and Roman remains as well as rooms from the former Renaissance palace; these are shown to visitors as fragments of Málaga's history.

The Mercado de Atarazanas was classified in 1979 as a Bien de Interés Cultural, meaning protected cultural heritage of cultural interest. The market is located on the site of former Nasrid shipyards from the 14th century and preserves their monumental marble gate. Visitors can buy fresh produce there or eat Pescaíto tapas.

Nature

The Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción is a cultural heritage site created in 1855 and protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. It includes more than 50,000 plants as well as 3,000 tropical, subtropical, native, endemic and agricultural species, varieties and cultivars. The garden can be visited independently; guided tours are also available.

Coast

La Malagueta is a city beach near Málaga's historic centre. The beach is approximately 1.2 kilometres long, has calm waters and has been awarded Blue Flag status. The promenade of Playa de La Malagueta offers a diverse range of dining options as well as opportunities for water and sports activities.

For your planning, the focuses of history, plants, markets, beaches, sports and religious traditions can be arranged side by side. Alternating between independent and guided visits, as well as between dining options and water or sports activities, creates different accents.

Traditions

Holy Week in Málaga includes processions on Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

When comparing holiday apartments in Málaga, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective offer pages. This information supports your travel planning, while culture, nature, coast and traditions highlight different focuses for planning your own daily activities.

In addition to Málaga, you can also visit El Tomillar and Puerto Sol. For comparing other location pages, Competa, Colmenar, Bermejo, Alameda, Cartajima and Benalmadena are also available.

Getting there

Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport is located 8 kilometres from Málaga.

For the higher-level travel overview: Málaga.