Malaga, a seaport on the Costa de Sol in Spain is a major tourist region famed for its rich architectural history, Mediterranean cuisine, wines, beaches and the birthplace of Picasso. Discovering Malaga is not as easy as it sounds, since it loves to pass down so much of history and richness to be uncovered slowly. For this very reason, we have compiled a complete tourist guide of Malaga including its main attractions, outdoor activities, bars, FAQs and means to get around the province. Malaga once a city of Moors and now a city to revel in its gastronomy and festivities is an exceptional place on the face of this Earth.
Top 10 Malaga Landmarks
Alcazaba Fortress:
King Badis of Zirid dynasty built the Alcazaba Fortress in 1040 to protect the royal family from outside invaders. Situated on the highest point of the hill, it is one of the best-preserved 'Alcazaba' in Spain. The Muslim rulers to erect the fortress, visible in its columns and pillars, used the remains of the Roman Theatre lying adjacent to the Moorish construction.
Castillo de Gibralfaro:
The ruins of the Gibralfaro castle lie on the slopes of the Malaga hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. A Moorish castle of an unknown origin, Yusuf I of the Kingdom of Granada built it during the Phoenician-Punic period. The name of castle is derived from the Arab word Yabal (Hill) and another Greek word Faruh (Lighthouse). The name Gibralfaro means lighthouse hill.
Malaga Cathedral:
Between the 16th - 18th centuries, Diego Siloe planned the Malaga Cathedral also known as Catedral de la Encarnación on the site of a mosque, which represented eight centuries of Muslim power. Though the construction of the cathedral continued until the 18th century, it is still unfinished as the main façade and south tower is incomplete. Along with the splendid sculptures and rare antique architecture, the cathedral also houses its own museum.
Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano):
The Roman Theatre belonging to 1st Century B.C. lies adjacent to the Moorish Alcazaba Fortress. Augustus built it as a medium of entertainment employing it until the 3rd century. Later on, the Moors used the remains of the theatre to construct the Alcazaba. The year 1951 dawned for the people of Spain to locate the theatre when the local administration started planning a garden at the entrance of the Citizens' Arts Centre.
Plaza de la Merced (Casa Natal de Picasso):
Plaza de la Merced is a large walking plaza home to the birthplace of famous painter Pablo Picasso. The cosmopolitan square is full of cafes and temporary exhibitions but the main attraction is Picasso's birthplace that includes a facility to incorporate the painter's works and art collections as well organize exhibitions and collections of other painters like Frank Rebaxes and Luis Molledo.
Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso Gardens:
A garden built on Mediterranean lines by architect Guerrero Strachan in 1945, Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso is one of the post-war historical gardens designed to imbibe both Hispanic and French styles. It is one of the famous places in Spain depicting the extraordinary botanical wealth of Malaga.
Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta (Malaga Bullring):
The Plaza de Toros Malaga or Bullring in Malaga built in 1874 by Joaquín Rucoba is located right in the heart of the city near the Castillo de Gilbralfaro. The arena annually organizes bullfighting contests starting from the month of April lasting until September. Feria de Agosto marks the height of the season in mid-August when bullfights are a regular sight.
CAC - Centro de Arte Contemporaneo:
The CAC Malaga was built in 2003 with an intention to enhance and promote interest in contemporary art. Pioneering works of contemporary artists get to exhibit their work here from time to time especially for lovers of art who have a profound interest in the art and culture of Europe. The entry is free of charge.
Buenavista Palace (Picasso museum):
The Buenavista Palace, address to the Museo Picasso Málaga was built in the 16th century on the ruins of a Nasrid palace. The historical edifice was handed over to the present Museo Picasso Málaga in 2003 to exhibit works of Pablo Picasso donated by members of his family. The museum authorities have also adorned the role of enriching the city cultural life through the medium of tourism.
Playa de La Malagueta beach:
The Playa de La Malagueta beach or simply the Malaga beach is a popular beach among both tourists and locals as it is closest to the city centre. In fact, the beach is an artificial one made from sand imported in the 17th century from the deserts of the Sahara. Surrounded by many cafes and restaurants, it is an ideal place to sunbathe, relax and enjoy.
