The Costa del Sol is one of the most visited spots nationally and worldwide. Its beaches, cuisine, perfect climate, and heritage make this Andalusian corner one of the most sought-after. The capital, Malaga, is one of the most popular destinations. A city that combines quality gastronomy, historical heritage, and a very diverse entertainment offering.
Malaga has great monuments of incredible heritage value. In its historic center, you can take a journey through the Roman, Moorish, and Renaissance past of the city. This time travel has three stops: the incredible Roman Theatre of Malaga, the Alcazaba, and the Catedral. Three great icons that attract the gaze of thousands of visitors.
In addition to this, Malaga stands out for its diverse gastronomic offering of incredible quality. Its bars, restaurants, and popular beach chiringuitos offer a varied menu of typical dishes from the Costa del Sol and Andalusia.
Next, we recommend some must-visit spots during your stay in Malaga and the Costa del Sol:
The Catedral de la Encarnación presides over the city of Malaga. It is an iconic place in the capital and a unique Renaissance monument of great value. Until 2012, it was the second tallest building in Andalusia and is one of the temples with the highest vaults in all of Europe.
Hours:
How to get there?
Located in one of the highest points of the city, the Alcazaba of Malaga is a palatial fortress from the Islamic era. Its courtyards and walls impress all those who visit, as well as the magnificent views of the entire city from it. Notable features include the Gate of Arches, the Plaza de las Armas, the Torre del Homenaje, and the Cuartos de Granada, the most spectacular known area.
The Roman Theatre of Malaga is the main vestige of the city’s Roman past. Between the Alcazaba, the Cathedral, and other Moorish remains, there is an impressive Roman construction dating back to approximately the 1st century A.D.
For centuries, this theatre was unknown as it was buried underground, until its discovery in 1951. Today, this archaeological site, along with its interpretation center, is open for visits. Both perfectly reflect what the Roman past of Malaga was like. Occasionally, plays from that era are also performed on the ancient theatre stage.
The Picasso Museum of Malaga is one of the most important art centers in Spain. Inside, it houses more than two hundred eighty-five works of art and is the most visited museum in Andalusia. A unique space in the world, modern and where one can better understand the life and works of Picasso.
Some of the most notable paintings that you can't miss are: La siesta, Acrobat, Woman with Raised Arms, Bather, The Three Graces, or Jacqueline Seated. All these works are true icons of what the work of the Malaga genius, Pablo Picasso, was.
In the basement of the Palace, there is an archaeological site where Phoenician and Roman remains are found that will connect you to the history of the city.
This is one of the most important modern art centers in Spain. It is the first location abroad for the Centre Pompidou of Paris and is characterized by the presence of the so-called "Cube," designed by Daniel Buren.
In the center, we can find over 90 works exhibited in a space of 2,000 square meters, including "The Flower Hat" (Picasso), "The Frame" (Frida Kahlo), or "The Violation" (René Magritte). Furthermore, throughout the year, the center offers various temporary exhibitions, dance performances, concerts, movies, lectures...
The street Marquess of Larios, better known as Calle Larios, is considered one of the most elegant streets in Spain. During Christmas, it stands out for its illuminations, which have positioned it as one of the most spectacular streets in Spain, becoming the center of Christmas shopping. The street hosts every year public exhibitions related to art, sculpture, or cinema, as it is an important place during the Malaga Film Festival, when the street is covered with a red carpet. In September, the street hosts the 'Pasarela Larios Malaga Fashion Week', the longest high fashion catwalk in Europe. During Holy Week in Malaga, all the brotherhoods and processions pass through it.
Within the province of Malaga and the Costa del Sol, you cannot overlook the importance of the Natural Area of Torcal de Antequera, known for its impressive karst landscape, dominated by limestone rocks. A space that also has a rich rupestrian vegetation and fauna, ideal for nature lovers.
Within the Torcal, we recommend taking the so-called green route, starting your journey at the Torcal Alto visitor center. You will be able to contemplate how the rocks form spectacular natural sculptures, among which we highlight the "Natural Monument The Screw of Torcal." If you want to enjoy unique views, in the area of Torcal Bajo, you will find the Mirador de las Ventanillas, which overlooks the Valley of the River Campanillas and the town of Villanueva de la Concepción.
The site is located 15 kilometers from the city of Antequera. There is public parking available in the area of the Torcal Alto visitor center, available until capacity is reached. On significant dates, we recommend checking availability.
The Site of the Dolmens of Antequera, along with the Torcal and the Peña de los Enamorados, has held the title of UNESCO World Heritage since 2016. The archaeological ensemble comprises a group of dolmens that give the site its name (Dolmen of Menga, Dolmen of Viera, and Tholos of El Romeral), as well as a series of spaces directly related to this necropolis (Cerro del Marimacho or Cerro de Antequera and the Carnicería de los Moros site or Roman Villa of Antequera). This prehistoric necropolis illustrates a period that spans from the Neolithic (Dolmen of Menga) to the Copper Age (Tholos of El Romeral).
The site is located 15 kilometers from the city of Antequera. There is public parking available in the area of the Torcal Alto visitor center until capacity is reached. On significant dates, we recommend checking availability.
The idea for its creation emerged in 2007 and is considered a place dedicated to art, culture, and entertainment. The museum covers 6,000 square meters with a collection of vehicles and fashion. Moreover, it has a presence at the national and international level. The museum features a car collection divided into rooms classified by themes. It shows how the vehicle has evolved physically throughout history. On the other hand, the fashion section has more than 300 hats from the 1920s to the 1950s made by designers such as Balenciaga, Chanel, or Dior. Additionally, the exterior of the museum is adorned with sculptures made from various car parts.
Photo: Marta Malina Moraczewska
This market, where tradition and Malaga’s gastronomy merge, was declared a Good of Cultural Interest in 1979. In addition to everything one can find there, the late 14th-century Nasrid-style marble door stands out. It contrasts sharply with the structure of the rest of the market, where the beautiful stained glass windows situated in the back façade are highlighted.
Photo: NACLE2
Within the province of Malaga, the so-called Caminito del Rey has gained popularity. Undoubtedly, this natural pathway has become one of the most famous and spectacular spots in the province in recent years. The Caminito del Rey consists of natural paths and concrete walkways that cross the Natural Area of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. Altogether, it is an 8-kilometer route that takes place at a considerable height above the gorges of the Guadalhorce River. The name of this route comes from its inauguration by King Alfonso XIII.
The port of Malaga is a area with beautiful views, where you can enjoy the city's gastronomy with fresh products or shop at Muelle 1, being an essential stop during your visit to the capital of the Costa del Sol. Furthermore, this space serves various functions: as a commercial port, passenger port, cruise terminal, sports harbor, and fishing port. It was one of the most important ports in the country for many years and today is a stop for various Mediterranean cruises.
