City trip to Málaga: 5 highlights & an insider tip
Can't decide whether you'd rather go on a beach vacation or a city trip? You don't have to. Because in Málaga, you can do both at the same time: the port city in southern Spain is located right on the water and offers you the perfect mix of sightseeing and beach feeling.
We have written down our five highlights for you and discovered an insider tip that you should definitely try out.
Sightseeing: Our 5 highlights in Málaga
To get a first impression of Málaga after your arrival, we recommend strolling through the alleyways of the old town and soaking up the relaxed Spanish flair amidst magnificent old buildings with sweet balconies and decorated facades.
You can either do this on your own or book a Free Walking Tour with a local guide, who will tell you more about the history of the city on a walk of around an hour and a half and take you to the most beautiful places.
#1 The old town - hotspot of many sights
If you decide to take a relaxed stroll - without a guide - you will quickly realize: In Málaga, one highlight follows the next. And you can easily connect many great places and reach them on foot.
Our circular tour tip: Start on Calle Puerta del Mar - a cute alleyway with tall palm trees that leads you into the city center. Make your first stop at the Málaga Cathedral, which is one of the city's most famous landmarks. It is considered a jewel of the Spanish Renaissance - built with reddish marble, magnificent decorations and 87 meters high.
The next highlight is located in the immediate vicinity: the Episcopal Palace - an impressive ensemble of buildings with a decorative fountain and a colourful baroque-style façade. For many people, it is the most beautiful square in the city.
However, it is worth moving on and admiring the following places:
- the town hall
- the Roman Theater
- the Plaza de la Constitución
- the birthplace of Picasso in the Plaza de la Merced
- the city park
- the harbour promenade
#2 Alcazaba
On your tour through the old town, you will certainly have already seen it: the Alcazaba - a long fortress that rises high above the city and offers a great view over Málaga and the new port.
The path to the top alone is absolutely breathtaking and takes you back in time. You climb up the gentle hill via small cobbled paths and stairs (please wear sturdy shoes), pass green areas and the Roman theater, hear the splashing of fountains and can marvel at the colorful splendor of many flowers. Maybe even one of the free-living parrots will fly over your head.
In the fortress in the Arabic architectural style, you can expect inner courtyards with many colorful tiles, a flair like in Marrakech and oases of peace.
#3 Castillo de Gibralfaro
The most beautiful view over the entire city and the coast of the Costa del Sol can be enjoyed from the Castillo de Gibralfaro - a castle from the 14th century. century castle that towers over the city. Stroll along the ramparts, let your gaze wander to the horizon and look into the bullring from above. The short climb is absolutely worth it!
Back in the city, you will certainly be hungry. Our insider tip: The La Recova - a lively restaurant that is hidden behind an antique store and looks a bit like grandma's cluttered living room. Not only the charm, but also the food is super special here. You'll be served lots of homemade dips with toast in egg cartons - unlike anywhere else.
#4 Playa de la Misericordia
Málaga has a number of beaches - some are right on the outskirts of the city, for others it is worth driving a little further out. Playa de la Misericordia is located around 4 kilometers south of the Andalusian city. Here you can expect fine, clean sand, the sound of the sea and the absolute postcard view.
Take a break in the backpack take a towel, a book and a few drinks and make yourself comfortable in the sun. Had enough of lazing around? Then the beach is also an ideal hotspot for surfing or swimming. Or you can pack up again and head to one of the pretty beach bars or fish restaurants right by the sea.
#5 Mercado Central de Atarazanas
Colorful stalls, the smell of seafood and cheese, clatter and chatter from every corner - welcome to the urban market hall Atarazanas, the place where all the senses come together.
Mondays to Saturdays, from 8 am to 3 pm, you can buy everything that the region and season have to offer: endless varieties of olives, juicy fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and meat, countless types of cheese.
But it's not just the tasty products and the lively flair that make the Mercado so special. The entire architecture, including the magnificent stained glass windows, lures you into the interior of the market hall, which was built in the 14th century.
Are you planning to cook a typical paella in your vacation apartment? Get not only all the ingredients here, but also cooking tips from the locals. Everyone is talking, strolling and laughing.
Our insider tip for tiptop tapas
Restaurants can be found on every corner in Málaga. But there is only one Colmado 93 - a tapas bar where the neighbourhood comes together, welcomes guests and serves authentic dishes in a quirky interior. No matter what you choose from the menu - everything is prepared with love and brings the "real taste of Spain" to the table.
Our highlight: the Pincho de Tortilla. A kind of omelette with baked potato pieces, a mix of scrambled eggs and juicy potato pancakes.
For you, the absolute summer feeling also includes an ice cream in a waffle? Then Málaga is the place for you. The city is one of the Top Ten European "Ice Cream Cities". The nougat ice cream from Casa Mira, which is reminiscent of a typical local sweet, is particularly popular
By the way, our Next aluminum trolley is perfect for your city trip to Málaga. In size S you can take it on the plane as hand luggage and don't have to check in an extra suitcase.
