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There’s no better way to feel the pulse of a city, learn its language and really understand its character than to explore it on foot. And Malaga, on Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol, is a city that begs to be explored on foot. Although the city is vast, its historic centre is intimate, pretty and easy to explore, even for those without a good sense of direction.
Imagine strolling along its palm-lined cobbled streets, admiring its unfinished cathedral, skirting the sea alongside a giant work of art and wandering from one tapas bar to another. Sound good? Put on your most comfortable shoes and discover some of Malaga’s best-kept secrets.
Visit La Manquita
No trip to Malaga is complete without a visit to La Manquita, the city’s beloved ‘one-armed woman’. This quirky nickname comes from the unfinished south tower of the cathedral. Once a mosque, it took nearly 200 years to transform this magnificent building into the massive cathedral you see today. Pay the modest €3.50 entrance fee and you’ll understand why it took so long – think 40-metre-high vaulted ceilings, magnificent 18th-century artwork, intricately carved choir stalls and stunning stone medallions. Located in the heart of Malaga, La Manquita is the perfect starting point for a day of exploration.
Palmeral de las Sorpresas
Stroll along Malaga’s harbour and you’ll come across the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, a refreshingly modern space that lives up to its name. This beautifully landscaped promenade is lined with elegant palm trees and dotted with sparkling fountains, artistic sculptures and children’s play areas. A large work of art doubles as a sunshade, an original and effective way of reducing heat islands and allowing visitors to better enjoy this privileged waterfront space. It’s the ideal place to take a walk in the shade while admiring the luxury yachts moored in the harbour. The manicured gardens and relaxation areas offer the perfect escape from the Andalusian heat, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the sea views.
Picasso Museum Malaga
Just three minutes’ walk from La Manquita, on San Agustín street, is the Picasso Museum of Malaga. Home to over 200 of Picasso’s works, many on indefinite loan from the artist’s family, this museum offers a unique insight into Picasso’s roots. While you won’t find his most famous pieces here, the collection offers an intimate look at the artist’s personal side, including paintings of his family. Don’t miss the museum’s basement, where Phoenician and Roman ruins discovered during construction add an extra layer of history to your visit.
As well as being a great place to cool off, this museum also offers free entry on Sunday afternoons.
The cuisine of Costa del Sol
Just opposite the Picasso Museum you’ll find Bodeguita El Gallo, one of our favourite tapas spots in Malaga. This cosy little place serves traditional Andalusian tapas at affordable prices, making it the perfect lunch spot. We discovered the delightful huevos rotos con gulas (Spanish broken eggs with baby eels) here – trust us, it’s delicious!
Gibralfaro Castle
For those who are up for a bit of a hike, a visit to Gibralfaro Castle is a must. Perched high above the city, this historic fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of Malaga and the Mediterranean. The climb can be a little challenging, but the views and rich history make it well worth the effort. Walk through the ancient ramparts and imagine the castle’s storied past as you gaze out over the stunning landscape.
Shopping and snacking during La Merienda
La Merienda, a delightful afternoon snack between 5pm and 7pm, is the perfect excuse for a stroll and a bite to eat. Calle Larios, Malaga’s busiest shopping street, is a great place to start. Browse the designer stores, souvenir shops and boutiques, or grab a coffee and a snack on one of the café terraces and watch the world go by. For a refreshing treat, head to Conico Ice Cream Shop for a mango ice cream.
To avoid getting lost in the shopping, head towards Calle Granada and Plaza de la Merced. Here you can enjoy a snack at an open-air restaurant while watching outdoor performances. For a special experience, check out Calle de Bruselas in Plaza de la Merced – this Belgian-themed café offers great cocktails, Belgian beers and tasty tapas, all while enjoying live flamenco music next to Picasso’s birthplace.
Drinks with a view at Hotel Málaga Palacio
End your day in Malaga with a visit to the rooftop bar at the Hotel Málaga Palacio. This is the perfect spot for evening drinks and offers the best 360 degree views of the city, sea and mountains. Sip a refreshing cocktail as you take in the breathtaking panorama and let the beauty of Malaga at sunset bring your day to a close. This experience combines relaxation with breathtaking views, making it an unforgettable end to a day of exploration.
