What to See and Do When You Visit Malaga, Spain, Malaga, Spain

A historic town centre with restaurants on every corner. Abundant green space and a dramatic hilltop fortress. And several art galleries, including one devoted to one of the 20th century’s greatest painters. Málaga is so much more than a lively beach resort and the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Here are some of the best things to see and do when you visit Málaga.

Set on the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain, Málaga is often thought of as little more than a sunny seaside town, but that reputation barely scratches the surface. With a 3,000 year history, this is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, variously settled by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Christians, all of whom left their mark.

Today the city of Málaga offers a mix of historical sites, modern museums, palm-lined parks, and a thriving gastronomic scene. The city centre is compact and atmospheric, full of narrow streets and elegant squares. The waterfront has been transformed into a stylish space with restaurants, galleries, and promenades. And beyond the city lie the mountains, beaches, and dramatic landscapes of Andalucía.

For most visitors, exploration starts in the historic centre of Málaga (centro histórico). This is a pedestrian-friendly maze of narrow lanes, busy plazas, and town houses with colourful façades and traditional balconies. At the heart of the old town stands the cathedral, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, this is a vast and ornate structure known locally as La Manquita (“the one-armed lady”) because one of its towers was never completed. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).