Málaga has over 3000 years of history, making it a monumental heritage and cultural destination!
Here, you can discover the legacy of the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs through its monuments such as Gibralfaro Castle which overlooks the warm and lively city, the Roman amphitheatre, Alcazaba fortress, the Cathedral, the avenue Alameda Principal and Paseo La Farola amongst other ports.
There is a wealth of things to do and see such as visiting an art museum - did you know that Málaga is home to artists such as Picasso?!
10 reasons why you should consider Málaga for your next trip:
1. Stunning Beaches: Málaga boasts some of the best beaches in Spain, like Malagueta Beach, perfect for soaking up the sun and sipping on sangria.
2. Rich History: From the ancient Roman Theatre to the majestic Alcazaba fortress
3. Art and Culture: Home to the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou, Málaga is a haven for art lovers.
4. Delicious Cuisine: Tapas, seafood, and local wines – your taste buds will thank you.
5. Vibrant Nightlife: Whether you’re into flamenco shows or jazz clubs, Málaga’s nightlife is buzzing.
6. Beautiful Weather: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather!
7. Scenic Views: The Gibralfaro Castle offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
8. Shopping: From local markets like Atarazanas to high-end boutiques, shopaholics will find plenty to splurge on.
9. Outdoor Activities: Hiking the Caminito del Rey or exploring the Botanical Gardens – there’s no shortage of outdoor fun.
10. Day Trips: Close to other Andalusian gems like Granada and Gibraltar
5 highlights from my week in Málaga:
Views for days
For a different perspective of the Costa del Sol, take a 15 minute cable car journey to the top of Mount Calamorro with Teleférico Benalmádena. If you have a fear of heights, you can also reach the top by foot! There are 6 hiking routes to choose from, taking you through Sierra de Benalmádena with view points along the way. It’s also a great option for those who’d love to discover the different fauna and flora growing within the mountainous environment.
At the peak of Mount Calamorro, you will find yourself gazing at breath-taking views of the Mediterranean coastline; not only Costa del Sol, but also Sierra Nevada and when the sky is clear, Gibraltar - and if you’re really lucky, you may even get a peek of the African coast!
Parque La Bateria
Parque La Bateria is situated in the west of the old part of Torremolinos town occupying a strategic position offering panoramic views of Málaga Bay.The military weapons have been re-positioned reminiscent of how they would have been positioned in the 1940s and the underground facilities have all been opened to the public.
There are fountains, a playground and refreshment kiosks, as well as plenty of space to stroll around and picnic, making it an ideal place to visit for the whole family!
Cathedral of Málaga
Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Our Lady of Incarnation), better known as the Cathedral of Málaga is one of the best examples of Spanish religious art with interior influences showcasing the Renaissance and Baroque styles. The 17th century choir stalls of mahogany and cedar wood were designed by Luis Ortiz and after his death Pedro de Mena finely carved 40 statues of the saints behind each stall.
Day trip to Mijas
Both Torremolinos and Mijas are located in the province of Málaga, situated along the southern coast of Spain. We ventured from Torremolinos to Mijas for the day via public transport which took us over an hour to reach with a couple of bus changes.Mijas is a typical Andalusian white-washed village sitting on the mountain side, in the heart of Costa del Sol and its municipal district can be categorised into 3 very different areas:
1. Mijas Pueblo (the village)
2. Mijas Costa (the coastal strip) and
3. Las Lagunas (a modern residential and commercial area)
Must-do in Mijas:
· Head to a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the coast for lunch with a view.
· Visit the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a small chapel carved into the rock; it is a peaceful spot with beautiful views!
· Relax and take in the Spanish lifestyle as you people-watch whilst indulging on some ice cream, coffee or a glass of local wine.
Day trip to Gibraltar
Did you know that you can visit a whole other destination whilst holidaying in Málaga?!To round off our week in Spain, we took a day trip from Torremolinos to Gibraltar
Do not miss…
Once a hospital, St. Michael’s cave is a unique auditorium showcasing various productions. It has been in use as a theatre since the early sixties with capacity for 600 people. Walking through the entire cave provides an unrivalled sensation for the senses, and the acoustic experience in particular is one like no other!
The cavern in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve is more than 700 feet deep, and full of stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations which occur due to the accumulation of dissolved rock that drips, similar to how wax builds up from a melting candle.
Another highlight from my visit to Gibraltar was coming across the only wild monkeys that can be found in Europe!A common tale is that the Rock of Gibraltar was linked to Africa by a subterranean passage under the Strait of Gibraltar and it is through the passageway that the famous macaques were said to have come to Gibraltar.Be warned! These mischievous creatures will go to any length for food, including breaking the wing mirror off a car (I witnessed this first hand) so be careful of your belongings when approaching heavily populated areas governed by these cheeky residents!
Some key points:
Journey time: 4hours approx. (one way)
Requirements: Passport/Visa is required
How to book: We booked through our hotel, but many tour operators also provide the day trip package
Currency: British pounds and Euros are accepted
Now, of course, there’s a whole lot more that Málaga has to offer and it would take a few visits or more than a week to see it all at a good pace; I hope my recollection of time spent in Málaga entices you to go and explore this part of Spain a little more whether it's your first or fifth visit!
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