Malaga is a beautiful city in the south of Spain, located on the Costa del Sol. It has been a popular tourist destination for decades, and is known for its many attractions such as its stunning beaches, its vibrant nightlife and its rich culture. But there are also many hidden gems that are often overlooked by visitors to the city.
In this blog post, I will be sharing my top 10 hidden treasures of Malaga – from hidden beaches to lesser-known museums and galleries – so that you can discover some of the city’s most unique gems!
Table of Contents
- What are the 10 Hidden Treasures of Malaga?
- What you shouldn’t miss in Malaga?
- 1. Visit La Alcazaba
- 2. Taste authentic tapas
- 3. Explore Malaga Cathedral
- 4. Admire Pablo Picasso’s birthplace
- 5. Take a stroll around Parque de Málaga
- 6. Climb up Montes de Málaga
- 7. Discover Nerja Caves
- 8. Relax on Playa El Palo Beach
- 9. Shopping at Larios Street
- 10. Enjoy Local Festivals & Events
What are the 10 Hidden Treasures of Malaga?
1. La Caleta Beach
If you’re looking for a truly unique beach experience in Malaga then La Caleta beach is definitely the place to go! This small cove is tucked away at the end of a narrow street near the old town and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The golden sand and crystal clear waters make it a great spot for swimming or just relaxing in the sun. Plus there’s plenty of nearby restaurants offering delicious seafood dishes too!
2. Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is one of Malaga’s most impressive monuments. Built by Moorish rulers in the 11th century, this fortress was once used as a military stronghold and offers stunning views over the city from its walls. Inside you can explore courtyards with fountains, gardens filled with orange trees and winding staircases leading up to towers with breathtaking views. It’s also home to some interesting archaeological finds such as Roman mosaics so make sure you take your time exploring this incredible monument!
3. Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is one of Malaga’s best kept secrets! Located inside an 18th century palace, this museum houses over 250 works from Pablo Picasso including paintings, sculptures and sketches along with personal belongings such as letters and photographs. Make sure you take your time exploring this incredible collection – it’s an absolute must-see for art lovers visiting Malaga!
4. Carrera de la Virgen
The Carrera de la Virgen is one of Malaga’s oldest traditions dating back to 1607 when it was first celebrated by local fishermen who wanted to show their devotion to Our Lady of Victory (Virgen de la Victoria). Every August 15th thousands of people gather in Plaza de Toros (Bullring Square) at dawn to run alongside a procession carrying an image of the Virgin Mary through the streets of Malaga amidst fireworks and music. It’s a truly unique experience that should not be missed!
5. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden offers a peaceful oasis away from busy city life where you can explore exotic plants from all around the world in beautiful landscaped gardens filled with ponds, waterfalls and sculptures. There are also plenty of places to sit down and relax while admiring spectacular views over the city or simply enjoying some peace and quiet away from daily life!
6. Castillo de Gibralfaro
Perched high above Malaga lies Castillo de Gibralfaro – an impressive 14th century fortress built by Moorish rulers which once served as both a military stronghold and royal residence. Today visitors can explore its ramparts which offer spectacular panoramic views over Malaga as well as taking part in guided tours which tell stories about battles fought here centuries ago!
7. Museo Automovilístico de Málaga
Located inside an old warehouse near Muelle Uno (Malaga Port), Museo Automovilístico de Málaga is home to more than 100 vintage cars dating back to 1920s ranging from classic cars like Bugatti Veyron Super Sport or Rolls Royce Phantom II right through to modern supercars like Lamborghini Aventador SV or Ferrari F12 Berlinetta . Not only does it offer fascinating insights into automotive history but if you take part in one of their guided tours you can even get behind the wheel yourself!
8. Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey translates literally into “little path/walkway/roadway of the King” but it’s actually much more than that – it was built between 1901-1905 during King Alfonso XIII’s reign as an access route across El Chorro gorge between two hydroelectric power plants on either side but today it provides spectacular views across majestic landscapes as well as being an adrenaline-filled adventure activity for those brave enough to try out its suspension bridges, walkways suspended over chasms hundreds meters deep or climb up ladders hundreds meters high above ground level !
9. Parque Natural Montes de Málaga
Parque Natural Montes de Málaga covers large areas around Ronda mountain range which ideal place for hiking, cycling or horse riding due its lush forests filled with oak, cork tree forests accompanied by stunning riverside scenery . Not only does it provide great opportunities for outdoor activities but if you take time explore deeper into park then await breathtaking panoramic views over mountains stretching far beyond horizon accompanied by sound sweet birds singing away your worries!
10. Mirador San Nicolas
Last but not least Mirador San Nicolas offers remarkable sunset view overlooking entire city. As sun sets fiery red ball descends towards sea providing magical backdrop behind silhouette buildings creating perfect photo opportunity! Best way capture moment would be arrive early evening when still light enough witness bright colors painting sky before darkness reveals stars twinkling above meandering streets below!
What you shouldn’t miss in Malaga?
1. Visit La Alcazaba
La Alcazaba is a fortress located in the heart of Malaga that dates back to the 11th century. It was built by the Moors as part of their defense against Christian invasion, and today it stands as an impressive reminder of the city’s rich history. Inside the walls you can explore ruins from various periods as well as gardens filled with lush plants and trees. The views from the top are also worth checking out!
2. Taste authentic tapas
Tapas are small plates of food served in bars throughout Spain, but they are especially popular in Malaga. Try some traditional dishes like ‘pescaito frito’ (fried fish), ‘tortilla de patatas’ (potato omelette) or ‘gambas al pil-pil’ (garlic prawns). Make sure you try some local wines too – they are delicious!
3. Explore Malaga Cathedral
Located on Calle Larios in the centre of Malaga City, this 16th century cathedral is a must-see for any visitor. The interior is decorated with intricately carved stone and wood, while its towers offer spectacular views out over the city and sea below. While here make sure you also check out its nearby art museum which houses works by famous Spanish painters such as Picasso.
4. Admire Pablo Picasso’s birthplace
Born in Málaga on 25 October 1881, Pablo Picasso is one of Spain’s most famous sons, known for his Cubist style paintings and sculptures that revolutionized twentieth century art. Visitors can visit his childhood home near Plaza de la Merced where he spent his early years before moving to Barcelona at age 14 to study art formally at La Lonja school of fine arts. It’s now home to a museum dedicated to him which contains many examples from his life’s work as well as personal artifacts from his time here in Málaga..
5. Take a stroll around Parque de Málaga
Located just outside of downtown Málaga this park stretches over 3 square kilometres along both sides of Rio Guadalmedina riverbanks offering plenty of green spaces for visitors to explore including botanical gardens, rose gardens and children’s play areas with fountains where visitors can cool off during hot summer days! A leisurely stroll around this park will show you why it’s regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful urban parks!
6. Climb up Montes de Málaga
If you’re feeling adventurous why not climb up Montes de Málaga? This mountain range stretches across Andalusia reaching almost 2000 metres above sea level providing stunning views over Málaga city below – making it perfect for hikers looking for an alternative way to explore this area! Don’t forget your camera!
7. Discover Nerja Caves
Located about 40 minutes away from downtown Málaga these caves are believed to be over 20 million years old making them one of Spain’s oldest natural monuments! Inside visitors will find incredible rock formations illuminated by colourful lights giving them an otherworldly appearance – best seen on one of their guided tours!
8. Relax on Playa El Palo Beach
There are plenty of beaches close by when visiting Malaga but Playa El Palo beach is ideal if you want somewhere quieter than those closer into town due its distance from the main tourist areas – plus there’s plenty bars selling seafood dishes which makes it perfect for a day out dining alfresco style with friends or family!
9. Shopping at Larios Street
Larios Street is probably Malagas most famous street filled with shops ranging from designer boutiques such as Louis Vuitton right through cheap souvenir shops meaning there is something here for everyone who loves shopping – plus there are plenty cafes nearby so if your feet get tired after all that walking around then you know where go grab yourself some refreshments while people watching!
10. Enjoy Local Festivals & Events
Last but not least don’t forget about all the amazing festivals & events taking place throughout year such as Easter processions , Semana Santa celebrations or Feria de Agosto – all celebrated with great enthusiasm making them not just fun events but also great cultural experiences ! So make sure if your travelling during one these times , don’t miss out on experiencing them .
That concludes our guide on what not miss when visiting Malaga – I hope this has been helpful & provided some insight into what makes this wonderful city so special! Now all there left do book your trip , have fun exploring & enjoy!
Originally posted 2022-12-22 22:57:08.