If you feel the Costa del Sol is boring, you haven’t been to Málaga. Loaded with a rich past and shining with a youthful vigor that proudly acknowledges its multi-layered history, the town that gave the world Picasso has spectacularly transformed itself, with half a dozen new art galleries, a fundamentally rethought port area, and a developing art district called Soho. Not that Málaga ever lacked in energy: the Spanish-to-the-core bar scene could put big bags under the eyes of an insomniac patient, while the food culture encompasses both tastefully tatty fish shacks and Michelin stars.
Top Things to do in Malaga
- Visit the newly remodeled Port Area: The new port area is situated south of the Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta. Here, you can explore a hive of activity, particularly at weekends. The new Port Area or Muelle Uno is a beautiful seaside addition to the town. Restaurants and bars abound overlooking the harbor, and there are generally market stalls and free music concerts at weekends. It is a place worth making memories.
- Rock Climb: There is numerous great rock climbing in and around Málaga. The impressive El Chorro gorge is 50 minutes drive to the North, and this also features the King’s little pathway (called El Caminito del Rey) – an incredible trail suspended high above the gorge. There is also rock climbing and Via Ferrata at El Torcal near Antequera. You can book them in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
- Beaches: The most imminent beach to the center is La Malagueta – this is fine for a day’s sunbathing, although you can find quieter and prettier beaches further east or west. It can be a fine (if rather long!) stroll along the waterfront to reach these beaches. Otherwise, you could take a bus from near the bull ring in the direction of El Palo. Malaga East tends to have cleaner and smaller beaches, while Malaga West has long stretches of beaches.
- Visit Catedral de Málaga: Málaga’s elaborate cathedral was originated in the 16th century CE on the former mosque site. Only the Patio de Los Naranjos survives, a small yard of fragrant orange trees of the mosque. Inside, the remarkable domed ceiling soars 50m into the air, while the immense colonnaded nave houses an enormous cedarwood choir. Aisles give access to 10 chapels with gorgeous 18th-century CE religious art and retables. You can take a guided tour up to the roof (cubiertas) to savor panoramic city views.
- Bullfighting: If you want to make bullfighting a part of your Malaga Weekend holiday schedule, you can enjoy all the bullfighting actions you always wanted to watch. It is situated near the impressive castle de Alcazaba.
- Market: You must visit the old part of the city and stroll through the footpath and tiny streets the lead to the market area. The market is worth exploring, and you are likely to be impressed with the entrance door made of pure marble. A market is a place that sells antique products and showcases what you get in this town. You get to see fishes, vegetables, beautiful flowers, and native seafood being sold here.
Now You Know
