Malaga: art, history and leisure all year round
From ancient relics to chic new venues, Malaga offers a wide variety of attractions throughout the whole year. As in its economic and tech sphere, the city is also growing into a European cultural epicenter, being a candidate to host the next 2027 World Expo.
Less than an hour away by car and bus from the Alanda Marbella Hotel, the Costa del Sol capital city invites you to explore a full range of cultural, gastronomic and leisure activities during your stay, just in the heart of the most cosmopolitan and international region of southern Spain.
The best beginner’s plan to get to know Malaga is to wander around the old town, Marqués de Larios street and Muelle Uno (Pier One), the name of the port’s promenade. A perfectly interconnected route that takes you from the Roman origins of the city to its brand new spaces. All across the walk you’ll find the most iconic restaurants, shops and monuments, such as the city’s Renaissance cathedral, popularly known as the “Manquita”, or the Islamic fortress of La Alcazaba.
You shouldn’t forget the Soho neighborhood neither, which is known for being the arts district in the city. A bohemian enclave full of colour due to the creative graffiti and murals painted on the buildings’ walls. There you can buy tickets at the Antonio Banderas’ theater, or drink craft beer in La Fábrica (The Factory), which is in fact the actual factory that produces the beer.
And if you visit the city at Christmas, you will be dazzled at night by the famous light show on Marqués de Larios street.
Another of the city’s must-sees are its museums, which house anything you can imagine. From the most particular collections, such as the Wine Museum or the Video Game Museum, to the most characteristic and identity ones, such as the Picasso Museum or the Malaga Centre Pompidou. The Andalusian city also brings together interactive tours both for adults and kids, such as the Interactive Museum of Music or the Imagination Museum.
When you feel like having a snack or something to eat, you should stop by the traditional Casa Mira ice cream store. A historic 130 year-old oasis for the sweet-toothed, highly recommended if you are thinking of trying turrón (the traditional Spanish nougat bars) or horchata (a traditional eastern Spain beverage based on tiger nut/chufa). However, the star of Malaga’s cuisine are its sardine skewers, roasted over low heat on the sand of the beach. You can try them in any of its restaurants on the seafront, such as in Merlo La Revuelo, a local seafood “chiringuito” at a very good price.
During summer, the beaches of Malaga are among the most acclaimed ones in Spain, offering all kinds of experiences. From those that portray the folkloric stamp of a popular Spanish beach, such as Huelin or La Misericordia beaches, to the wide and serene La Caleta beach, located in one of the most exclusive districts in the city. The most special time to enjoy these places is at the end of June, during San Juan night, when the whole city lights bonfires on the sand and throws a massive party under the stars.
However, Malaga is not only synonymous with summer and the coast, as it is besieged by mountains which are ideal for hiking through its pine forests. You can climb up to Pico Alcuza or Montes de Malaga Natural Park to enjoy amazing panoramic views of the entire city.
Malaga is also the heart of many other leisure plans. The perfect date with the seventh art stands at the Malaga drive-in cinema or at the Albéniz cinema, which is committed to the most independent productions. The best gourmet tapas in the city are hidden behind the Nasrid door of the Atarazanas Central Market, just close to some local markets where you can go vintage shopping. To enjoy a wellness day, you can immerse yourself in the Arab baths at the center, or wander around the peaceful English Cemetery, the first and oldest Protestant necropolis on the Spanish Peninsula. Furthermore, nightclubs such as Sala Gold or the exclusive Liceo club will make you keep dancing until dawn.
Malaga is undoubtedly a destination that surprises all its visitors all the year round. For this reason, it has become a must for those who visit the south of Spain. Art, history, leisure, gastronomy, relax and family time together in a single location just an hour away from Alanda Marbella Hotel.
