Malaga Bucket List: 40 Exciting Things To Do in Malaga
Welcome to Malaga! I’m gearing up for an exciting trip this week and have put together a list of 40 exciting things to do in Malaga. These activities should help me (and hopefully you 🙂 ) to plan your Malaga trip. While I’ve covered the classics, I’m also a fan of spontaneous exploration, seeking out hidden gems not found on the internet. Stay tuned for an updated review when I’m back. Ready to explore Malaga? Let’s dive into this ultimate Malaga bucket list!
Food and Culinary Experiences
I always love trying traditional food or participating in food tours when traveling abroad. It’s my favorite thing to do when traveling, so I thought I start with this topic first! 🙂 Here are some examples of food and culinary experiences in Malaga:
– Try Traditional Tapas: Indulge in the local cuisine by trying authentic Andalusian tapas. Visit local bars and savor specialties like boquerones (anchovies), salmorejo, and Iberian ham. Either explore different bars and tapas yourself or join a guided tapas tour to sample a variety of local dishes and learn about the city’s culinary traditions. I think a tapas tour in a small group is an excellent way to discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path eateries. I’ve booked a Malaga Tapas Crawl via GetYourGuide.
– Enjoy some Churros with Chocolate: Indulge your sweet tooth by trying traditional churros with thick, rich chocolate. You can find these delicious treats in local cafes, especially in the morning or late evening.
– Savor Malaga’s Sweet Wine: Malaga is renowned for its sweet wines, especially those made with the Moscatel grape. Visit a local bodega for a wine tasting experience and learn about the winemaking process. If you want to learn even more, consider visiting the Malaga Wine Museum (location). The ticket is not that expensive (4 euros) and includes 2 wine tastings + a some information about Spanish wine. If you have enough time available, you can also consider booking a day tour to one of the nearby vineyards.
– Try Malaga Ice Cream: Malaga is known for its unique ice cream flavors. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste specialties like raisin, avocado, or Pedro Ximénez wine-infused ice creams.
– Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional Spanish dishes by joining a cooking class.
Outdoor and Natural Attractions
The second thing I always super enjoy doing when traveling is discovering spots in nature. Below are some outdoor activities that I think should be on your Malaga bucket list:
– Explore the Botanical Gardens: Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Concepción Botanical Garden (location), which boasts a wide variety of plant species. Admission is free on Sundays between 1st October & 31st March, 14:00-17:30 and Sundays between 1st April & 30th September, 16:30-20:30. The garden is closed on Mondays and takes about 30-45 minutes to reach with public transportation.
– Cycle or walk along the Seafront Promenade: Rent a bike (or walk) and enjoy a leisurely time along the Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso (location). It’s a great way to take in the sea views and feel the ocean breeze.
– Take a Dip in the Mediterranean: Relax and cool off by taking a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Malaga’s beaches offer a refreshing escape from the city heat. The main beach is called La Malagueta (location). Try some traditional seafood at the beachfront chiringuitos (beach bars)
– Explore El Palo and Pedregalejo Beaches: Venture beyond La Malagueta and discover the local atmosphere at El Palo Beach (location) and Pedregalejo Beach (location). These areas are known for traditional seafood restaurants and can be reached within 30-45 minutes from the city centre of Malaga.
– Join a Yoga or Pilates Class on the Beach: Many instructors offer outdoor yoga or Pilates classes on the beaches of Malaga. Enjoy a workout with a sea breeze and a stunning backdrop.
– Take a Boat Tour: Experience Malaga from a different perspective by taking a boat tour along the coastline. Some tours offer to see the sunset with a glass of cava or the chance to spot dolphins.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Malaga boasts plenty of historical and cultural attractions. Here’s a short overview of the best attractions to include on your Malaga bucket list:
– Stroll through Malaga’s Old Town: Wander through the charming narrow streets of the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), where you can find historic buildings, local markets, and cozy cafes.
– Visit Alcazaba and Gibralfaro: Explore the ancient fortress Alcazaba (location) and then hike up Mount Gibralfaro to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. On top of the hill you can also visit Castillo de Gibralfaro (location) and have a drink at La Terrazita de Gibralfaro (location). Entrance fees applicable. Tip: plan an evening visit to witness a spectacular sunset over Malaga.
– Admire the architecture of the Malaga Cathedral: Admire the architecture of the Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga (location), a masterpiece that combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. You have to buy an entree ticket. This ticket includes a visit to the cathedral, the cathedral’s roof and an audio guide available in 7 languages.
– Explore the Roman Theatre: Discover the historical significance of Malaga by visiting the Teatro Romano de Málaga located at the foot of the Alcazaba (location). The well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. Free admission.
– Wander through Plaza de la Merced: Experience the lively atmosphere of Plaza de la Merced (location), a central square surrounded by cafes, bars, and the birthplace of Picasso.
– Relax at hammam Al Ándalus: Relax and unwind in the Arab-style baths of Hammam Al Ándalus (location). Enjoy a traditional hammam experience in a tranquil setting. Entrance fee applicable.
– Participate in a Flamenco Workshop: Dive deeper into the world of flamenco by joining a dance or guitar workshop. It’s a hands-on way to appreciate the artistry and rhythm of this traditional Spanish art form.
– Mercado Central de Atarazanas: Explore this (busy) market, where you can find a variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts. It’s an excellent place (location) to experience the local food scene.
– Relax at Muelle Uno: Spend some time at Muelle Uno (location), a modern waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to spend some time in the evening.
– Attend a Local Festival: Check the local events calendar for festivals happening during your visit. Malaga hosts various cultural and music festivals throughout the year.
Art and Museums
Malaga boasts a vibrant art scene and numerous museums, including the renowned Picasso Museum. Below is an overview with the best art and museums to be discovered in Malaga:
Explore the Street Art in Soho: Street art… I love it! Malaga’s Soho district (location) is known for its vibrant street art scene. There are more than 10 murals to explore!
– Visit the Pompidou Centre Malaga: Explore contemporary art at the Pompidou Centre Malaga (location), a branch of the famous museum in Paris, showcasing a diverse range of modern artworks. Admission is free on Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to closing time.
– Visit the Carmen Thyssen Museum: Explore the impressive art collection at the Carmen Thyssen Museum (location), focusing on 19th-century Spanish art, including works by renowned artists like Sorolla and Zuloaga.
– Picasso Museum: Discover the life and works of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, in his birthplace. You can find more than 200 works in the museum (location).
– Visit the Contemporary Art Center (CAC): Explore contemporary art at the CAC, showcasing a diverse range of national and international artists in a modern setting (location).
– Visit the Malaga Glass and Crystal Museum: Explore the fascinating world of glass and crystal at the Malaga Glass and Crystal Museum (location). Admire the beautiful collections and learn about the history of this craft.
– Visit the Interactive Music Museum (MIMMA): If you love music, make sure to visit the Interactive Music Museum (location), where you can explore a diverse collection of musical instruments and even play some yourself.
– Learn about Malaga’s Semana Santa: Visit the Museum of Holy Week (location) to gain insights into the elaborate processions and traditions of the Semana Santa celebrations in Malaga. If your visit coincides with Semana Santa, make sure to experience the traditional religious processions and celebrations that take place throughout the city.
– Visit the Automobile and Fashion Museum: If you have an interest in cars and fashion, check out the Automobile and Fashion Museum (location), showcasing a unique collection of classic cars.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Malaga’s entertainment and nightlife scene offers a dynamic mix of traditional flamenco shows, lively bars, and huge clubs. Here’s a short overview of places to enjoy some entertainment and nightlife in Malaga:
– Attend a Live Music Performance at La Trinchera: Check the schedule at La Trinchera (location), a popular venue for live music performances, including concerts by local and international artists spanning various genres.
– Visit a bar or club in Calle Larios: A bustling street (location) in the heart of the city center, offering a wide range of bars, restaurants, and clubs, particularly popular for its vibrant atmosphere during weekends and holidays.
– Enjoy some street entertainment at Plaza de la Merced: A lively square surrounded by bars and cafes, often featuring live music performances and street entertainment, making it a vibrant hub for nightlife (location).
– Stroll around Muelle Uno: A modern waterfront promenade with a variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes, providing a scenic setting for enjoying drinks and socializing with views of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea (location).
– Relax at a street bar: Pedregalejo (location) is famous for its beachfront bars and chiringuitos (beach restaurants), where you can enjoy drinks, seafood, and live music with a relaxed beach atmosphere. Another option is La Malagueta Beach (location), home to a selection of beach clubs, cocktail bars, and seafood restaurants.
– Enjoy a concert or play at Teatro Cervantes: This historic theater in Malaga hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, plays, and dance performances, offering a refined and elegant option for evening entertainment (location). The inside looks stunning.
– Enjoy a Flamenco Dinner Show: Combine a delicious dinner with a live flamenco performance at one of the many venues in Malaga. It’s an immersive way to experience the passion and intensity of flamenco. The two most well known venues to see a Flamenco Show are Teatro Flamenco Málaga Club (location) and Alegría Flamenco y Gastronomía (location). Book your tickets in advance, because they sell out quick.
Day Trips
From Malaga, you can also embark on day trips to explore the picturesque villages of the Andalusian countryside, discover the historic wonders of Granada’s Alhambra, or bask in the sun on the stunning beaches of the Costa del Sol. Here are the most obvious day trip locations from Malaga:
– Hike in Montes de Malaga Natural Park: If you enjoy hiking, head to Montes de Malaga Natural Park (location). The park can be reached within 1 hour driving from the city centre. The trails offer a peaceful escape, surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, and there are several miradors to be enjoyed.
– Day Trip to Antequera: Explore the historic town of Antequera (location), known for its ancient dolmens, medieval castle, and stunning churches. The UNESCO-listed Dolmen de Menga is a must-visit archaeological site.
– Discover the Caminito del Rey: For the adventurous traveler, take a day trip to the nearby Caminito del Rey, a thrilling walkway suspended along the steep walls of a narrow gorge. It offers stunning views and an adrenaline-pumping experience. Some day trips to the Caminito del Rey also include a Tapas lunch and visit to the white village Alora.
– Day Trip to Ronda: Take a day trip to Ronda, a picturesque town known for its dramatic gorge, historic bullring, and charming old town. It’s very easy to visit Ronda from Malaga.
– Explore the Nerja caves: Explore the charming coastal town of Nerja (location), known for its stunning Balcon de Europa viewpoint, impressive caves (Cuevas de Nerja), and beautiful beaches.
– Day Trip to Alora: Take a day trip to Alora, a picturesque white town, situated near el Caminito del Rey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Malaga, Spain! Whether indulging in the culinary delights of traditional tapas and sweet wines, exploring the city’s historical landmarks like the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum, or venturing on day trips to picturesque villages and natural wonders, there’s something for everyone. Remember to take your time, immerse yourself in the local culture, and savor the unique experiences that Malaga has to offer!
If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!
Author: Daphne
Pin this post for later if you’re planning to visit Malaga!
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that when you purchase something through my links I earn a small fee at no extra costs to you. You still pay the same. Win-win! Thanks for supporting the work I put into Girlswanderlust.
