If you love travelling and learning the lifestyle and traditions of different places, your next trip should definitely be to Malaga.

Malaga is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, located on the Costa Del Sol. Taking into consideration how rich its flora is, thanks to the subtropical-Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy the sight of marvelous palms, fascinating flowers and colourful trees.

The city of over half a million inhabitants is well laid out and pleasant to explore as the number of tourists is not as much as in smaller towns along the cost due to the fact that it is not a resort. However, there’s still a great variety of places to visit. In addition, local people are extremely friendly, which is a big bonus.

Best places to visit in Malaga

1. Malagueta Beach

The first thing you need to do here is to enjoy the amazing weather by the Mediterranean Sea. Malagueta Beach is the most famous and visited beach in Malaga as it is located closest to the port and the city centre, making it easy to access. It is clean and calm so you can aprreciate the 1200 m long and 45 m wide little paradise under a palm tree with a drink, gazing at the lovely sight of the sea.

2. Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is a palatial fortification, built by the Hammudid dynasty in the early 11th century. It is situated on a hill in the centre of the city, overlooking the port. Right next to its entrance are the remnants of a Roman theatre dating to the 1st century BC. Although the ticket for Alcazaba is just between 1,5€ and 5€, you can visit it for free every Sunday from 2pm until it’s closed.

3. Picasso Museum

As artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in the city, the Museo Picasso Malaga is a very interesting place to go if you would like to learn more about his life and inspirations. It opened in 2003 in the Buenavista Palace and has 285 works donated by members of Picasso’s family. It is free of charge every Sunday between 5:00 and 7:00pm.

4. The Cathedral of Malaga

The Cathedral of Malaga is a Roman Catholic church with Renaissance architecture as the façade is in Baroque style. It was constructed between 1528 and 1782, composed of a nave and two aisles. The north tower is 84 metres high, which makes the building the second-highest cathedral in Andalusia (after the Giralda of Seville). Sculptor Pedro de Mena did the work on the choir stalls as it took him over four years to finish.

5. Gibralfaro

Gibralfaro is a 130 m high hill of the Montes de Malaga which offers a splendid view to the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Although the hike is not hard, you can take a local bus #35 for 1,30€ and it will take you directly there. At the top of the hill stands the Castle of Gibralfaro, one of the most visited monuments in Malaga. Built in the 14th century, it was considered the most impregnable fortress on the Iberian Peninsula for a time with its two lines of walls and eight towers. You should definitely consider adding it to your list.

6. La Concepción

La Concepción is the largest botanical garden in Spain and one of the most beautiful ones in Europe. Created by the Marquises of Casa Loring and later expanded by the Echevarria-Echevarrieta family, it has over 150 years of history. This real living museum, situated just 5km from the centre, has marvelous walks where you will be surrounded by more than three thousand species of tropical and subtropical plants. The park offers dramatized nocturnal visits every Wednesday in July and August, where the night lightning on the trees transforms the garden into a magical place.

7. La Malagueta Bullring

La Malagueta is a bullring, inaugurated 144 years ago. The ring measures 52 metres in diameter and the building has the seating capacity of 9 032. It hosts events during the Spanish-style bullfighting season (from March to October) and its festivities include two bullfights in Holy Week. It is situated in the city centre in La Malagueta zone, near Paseo de Reding.