Málaga

Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de Santa María de la Encarnación (Holy Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mary of the Incarnation)

This majestic building, affectionately known as “La Manquita” (the One-Armed Lady) due to its unfinished tower, began construction in 1528 and halted works in 1782, leaving us a unique testament to Renaissance architecture. Its interior is impressive, designed to inspire devotion and awe, and it is located right in the heart of the historic center, making it impossible to miss while strolling. To visit, note that admission is required and it is advisable to check Mass times if you wish to avoid crowds, as it is an active temple as well as a monument.

Alcazaba of Málaga

As a fortress-palace from the Muslim era, the Alcazaba offers some of the most impressive views of the city and port from its defensive walls. The site has visiting hours from 9 to 20 and requires an entrance ticket, but the walk through its gardens and Nasrid courtyards is worth every euro. It is the ideal starting point to understand the historical stratification of Málaga, situated physically above the Roman Theater and dominating the mountainside.

Picasso Museum Málaga

If you are an art lover, this museum is a must-visit as it houses more than 200 works by the Malaga-born artist Pablo Picasso, covering all stages of his career. Opening hours are from 10 to 19 and also require an entrance ticket, but the opportunity to see the genius’s evolution in his hometown is a unique experience. The rooms are distributed in a 16th-century palace, adding a fascinating contrast between classical architecture and the avant-garde nature of the paintings.

Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta (La Malagueta Bullring)

This unique monument, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, was built in 1874 by the architect Joaquín Rucoba and represents a notable example of Neo-Mudéjar style inaugurated in 1876. The visitor experience is not limited to seeing the arena; it includes a bullfighting museum and historical tours about bullfighting from its origins to the present day, currently belonging to the Provincial Council of Málaga. It is a cultural space that allows understanding a tradition deeply rooted in the province, beyond the bullfighting spectacle itself.

Gibralfaro Castle

Situated on a strategic hill, this 14th-century castle offers panoramic views of the entire city that are unmatched by any other viewpoint. Its visiting hours are from 09 to 18 and require an entrance ticket, but the effort of the climb, whether on foot or by shuttle bus, is rewarded with the immensity of the Mediterranean landscape. From here you can appreciate the urban layout of Málaga and understand why this location was vital for the defense of the square in medieval times.

Other points of interest

• Casa Natal de Picasso (Picasso’s Birthplace): Located in Plaza de la Merced, this historic building is where Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 and recreates the rooms of the 19th-century Malaga bourgeoisie.
• Yacimiento Arqueológico del Museo Thyssen (Archaeological Site of the Thyssen Museum): Reveals a Roman suburban complex with domestic and industrial areas and continuous occupation over centuries, with access included in the general admission fee.
• Teatro Romano de Málaga (Roman Theatre of Malaga): Although sometimes confused in descriptions, it is an essential monument located at the foot of the Alcazaba and is the city’s oldest Roman public construction.
• Calle Marqués de Larios: The main street of the historic center, considered one of the most elegant 19th-century avenues in Spain and currently pedestrianized.
• Jardín Botánico La Concepción (La Concepción Botanical Garden): Founded in the 19th century by the Marquises of Loring, it is a historic romantic-style garden featuring one of the most important collections of tropical plants in Europe.
• Barrio del Soho: Known as the ‘Arts District’, it is a cultural and commercial area with urban art and galleries.
• Muelle Uno: A rehabilitated port area with waterfront restaurants and shops offering promenade walks with views of cruise ships.
• Murallas Medievales de Málaga (Medieval Walls of Malaga): Urban beaches that are part of the city’s tourist offer alongside historical monuments, established as a sun-and-sea destination.
• La Coracha: A sheltered wall corridor of Nasrid origin connecting the Alcazaba with Gibralfaro Castle via a cobblestone path.
• Plaza de la Merced: Also known as Plaza del Mercado or Plaza de Riego, it is one of the most beautiful squares, dating back to the 15th century, and houses the Picasso Foundation.
• Plaza de la Constitución: The heart of Malaga’s historic center, a meeting point and venue for events.
• Centre Pompidou Málaga: Branch of the famous Parisian museum, featuring a collection of modern and contemporary art.
• Puente Nuevo de Ronda (New Bridge of Ronda): An iconic 18th-century monument situated above cliffs, a must-visit destination for excursions from the province.
• Benalmádena Pueblo: Historic core declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble, featuring white streets and flower pots on facades.
• Edificio de la Aduana (Customs Building): A neoclassical building from 1826 designed by Manuel Martín Rodríguez, located opposite the Alcazaba and headquarters of the Museo de Málaga.
• Caminito del Rey: A safe hiking trail rehabilitated in 2015 with hanging walkways over the Gaitanes gorge, with entry managed online or at the ticket office.
• Reserva Natural Montes de Málaga (Montes de Málaga Nature Reserve): A cultural space located inside the emblematic Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta exhibiting bullfighting costumes and artworks related to bullfighting.