Why visit Málaga?

The Costa del Sol is one of the most visited destinations nationally and globally. Its beaches, gastronomy, perfect climate, and heritage make this Andalusian corner one of the most popular. The capital, Málaga, is one of the top spots. A city that combines quality gastronomy, historical heritage, and a diverse range of leisure activities.

Málaga boasts significant monuments of incredible heritage value. In its historic center, you can take a journey through the Roman, Moorish, and Renaissance past of the city. This journey through time has three stops: the incredible Roman Theater of Málaga, the Alcazaba, and the Cathedral. These three great icons attract the attention of thousands of visitors.

In addition to this, Málaga stands out for its diverse and high-quality gastronomic offering. Its bars, restaurants, and popular beach bars offer a varied menu of typical dishes from the Costa del Sol and Andalusia.

Below, we recommend some must-visit places during your stay in Málaga and the Costa del Sol:

Cathedral of the Incarnation of Málaga

The Cathedral of the Incarnation presides over the city of Málaga. It is an iconic place in the capital and a unique Renaissance monument of great value. Until 2012, it was the second tallest building in Andalusia and is one of the temples with the highest vaults in all of Europe.

Opening hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday and Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Thursday and Sunday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

How to get there?

  • On foot: head towards the historic center
  • By reserving our transfers
  • Bus: Lines 10, 14, 21, 3, 7, 9, C2, M-110
  • Metro: L1 and L2

Alcazaba of Málaga

Located in one of the highest points of the city, the Alcazaba of Málaga is a palatial fortress from the Islamic period. Its courtyards and walls impress all those who visit it, as well as the magnificent views that can be enjoyed from there. Within the compound, the Puerta de los Arcos, the Plaza de las Armas, the Tower of Homage, and the Cuartos de Granada stand out as the most spectacular and well-known areas.

Opening hours:

  • From April to October: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm every day of the week
  • From November to March: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm every day of the week

How to get there?

  • On foot: head towards the historic center
  • By reserving our transfers
  • Bus: Lines 1, 4, 14, 19, 25, and 36

Roman Theater of Málaga

The Roman Theater of Málaga is the main vestige of the city’s Roman past. Located between the Alcazaba, the Cathedral, and other Moorish remains, there is an impressive Roman construction that dates back to approximately the 1st century AD.

For centuries, this theater was unknown as it was buried underground until its discovery in 1951. Today, this archaeological site, along with its interpretation center, can be visited. Both perfectly reflect Málaga’s Roman past. Occasionally, plays from the period are also performed on the stage of the ancient theater.

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Sundays and holidays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Closed on Mondays

How to get there?

  • On foot: head towards the historic center
  • By reserving our transfers
  • Bus: Lines 1, 3, 4, 14, 15, 19, 24, 35, 36, 37, and N1

Picasso Museum in Malaga

The Picasso Museum in Malaga is one of the most important art centers in Spain. Inside, it houses more than 285 artworks and is the most visited museum in Andalusia. It is a unique and modern space where one can better understand the work and life of Picasso.

Some of the notable paintings that you must see include: “La siesta,” “Acróbata,” “Mujer con brazos levantados,” “Bañista,” “Las tres gracias,” and “Jacqueline sentada.” These works are true icons of the genius Malaga-born artist, Pablo Picasso.

In the basement of the palace, there is an archaeological site where Phoenician and Roman remains are preserved, offering insights into the history of the city.

Opening hours:

  • Every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

How to get there?

  • On foot: towards the historic center.
  • By booking our transfers.
  • Bus: Lines 1, 36, and 37.

Centre Pompidou in Malaga

The Centre Pompidou in Malaga is one of the most important modern art centers in Spain. It is the first branch of the Centre Pompidou in Paris located abroad and is characterized by its “Cube” design by Daniel Buren.

Inside the center, you can find over 90 exhibited artworks in a 2,000 square meter space. Notable works include “El sombrero de flores” by Picasso, “El marco” by Frida Kahlo, and “La Violación” by René Magritte. Throughout the year, the center also offers various temporary exhibitions, dance performances, concerts, films, and conferences.

Opening hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

How to get there?

  • Walking through the port towards the Centre Pompidou.
  • By booking our transfers.
  • Bus: Lines 1, 3, 4, 11, 14, 19, 25, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 40.
  • Car: There is a 24-hour parking available at Muelle Uno.

Calle Larios

Marqués de Larios Street, also known as Calle Larios, is considered one of the most elegant streets in Spain. During Christmas, it stands out for its illuminations, making it one of the most spectacular streets in the country and a center for Christmas shopping. The street hosts public exhibitions related to art, sculpture, and cinema throughout the year, as it is an important location during the Malaga Film Festival when the street is carpeted. In September, the street hosts the ‘Pasarela Larios Málaga Fashion Week,’ the longest Haute Couture catwalk in Europe. During Holy Week in Malaga, all the brotherhoods and fraternities pass through this street.

How to get there?

  • On foot: towards Marqués de Larios Street.
  • By booking our transfers.
  • Bus: Lines 19, 25, 3, 5, C2, M-110.
  • Car: Marqués de Larios Street.

Torcal de Antequera

Within the province of Malaga and the Costa del Sol, the Torcal de Antequera Natural Site is an important natural landmark known for its impressive karst landscape dominated by limestone rocks. It is an area with abundant rocky vegetation and wildlife, ideal for nature lovers.

Within Torcal, we recommend taking the so-called “green route,” starting from the Torcal Alto visitor center. You can admire how the rocks form spectacular natural sculptures, including the “Monumento Natural El Tornillo del Torcal.” If you want to enjoy unique views, the Ventanillas viewpoint is located in the Lower Torcal area, overlooking the Campanillas River Valley and the town of Villanueva de la Concepción.

Opening hours:

  • From November to March: from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • From April to October: from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

How to get there?

The complex is located 15 kilometers from the city of Antequera. There is a public parking available in the Torcal Alto visitor center area, subject to availability. It is recommended to check availability on special dates.

Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Site

The Antequera Dolmens Site, along with the Torcal and the Peña de los Enamorados, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016. The archaeological site consists of a group of dolmens that give the site its name (Menga Dolmen, Viera Dolmen, and El Romeral Tholos), as well as other spaces directly related to this necropolis (Cerro del Marimacho or Cerro de Antequera and the Carnicería de los Moros site or Antequera Roman Villa). This prehistoric necropolis illustrates a period ranging from the Neolithic (Menga Dolmen) to the Copper Age (El Romeral Tholos).

Opening hours:

  • From November to March: from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • From April to October: from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

How to get there?

The complex is located 15 kilometers from the city of Antequera. There is a public parking available in the Torcal Alto visitor center area, subject to availability. It is recommended to check availability on special dates.

Automobile Museum

The idea for the creation of the Automobile Museum emerged in 2007, and it is considered a place dedicated to art, culture, and entertainment. The museum covers an area of 6,000 square meters and houses a collection of vehicles and fashion. It has a national and international presence. The museum’s automobile collection is divided into themed rooms that showcase the physical evolution of vehicles throughout history. In addition, the fashion section features over 300 hats from the 1920s to the 1950s, created by designers such as Balenciaga, Chanel, and Dior. The exterior of the museum is adorned with sculptures made from different car parts.

Foto: Marta Malina Moraczewska

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Sundays and holidays: from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Closed on Mondays.

How to get there?

  • On foot: towards Avenida de Sor Teresa Prat.
  • By booking our transfers.
  • Bus: Lines 15, 7, and 9.
  • Car: You can park your car in the nearby seaside promenade or in the museum parking lot (in this case, you will need a permit to access the historic center of the city, as only authorized vehicles are allowed here).

Calle Larios

This market, which combines tradition and Malaga cuisine, was declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1979. In addition to everything you can find inside, the Nasrid-style marble door from the late 14th century is particularly striking. It creates a clear contrast with the structure of the rest of the market, where beautiful stained glass windows adorn the back facade.

Foto: NACLE2

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
  • Closed on Sundays.

How to get there?

  • On foot: towards Calle Atarazanas.
  • By booking our transfers.
  • Bus: Lines 1 and 37.
  • Car: Calle Atarazanas.

Caminito del Rey

Within the province of Malaga, the so-called Caminito del Rey has gained popularity. Undoubtedly, this natural trail has become one of the most famous and spectacular spots in the province in recent years. The Caminito del Rey consists of natural paths and concrete walkways that cross the Gaitanes Gorge Natural Site. In total, it covers a distance of 8 kilometers, offering breathtaking views from a considerable height above the Guadalhorce River Gorge. The name of this route is due to its inauguration by King Alfonso XIII.

Opening hours:

  • Every day from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 5:20 PM, depending on the time of year.

How to get there?

  • By booking our transfers.
  • Train: Stop at El Chorro – Caminito del Rey Station (Álora), and then take a shuttle bus.
  • Car: You can park at the entrance of the Caminito del Rey in Ardales, near the El Chorro exit (Álora), or at the visitor reception center parking lot.

Port of Malaga

The Port of Malaga offers beautiful views where you can enjoy the city’s gastronomy with fresh products or go shopping at Muelle 1. It is an essential stop during your visit to the capital of the Costa del Sol. Additionally, this area serves various functions, including commercial, passenger, cruise, sports, and fishing port. It was one of the country’s most important ports for many years and is now a port of call for various Mediterranean cruises.

How to get there?

  • By booking our transfers.
  • Bus: Lines 5, 7, 9, 10, 27, 36, and 40.
  • Car: There are parking facilities in the area.