Tourist Attractions in Málaga

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Málaga

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Málaga

Málaga is a popular resort located on the Costa del Sol. The tourist industry began to develop in the city and its surroundings in the late 19th century at the initiative of a group of local industrialists. Unfortunately, as a result of the revolutionary unrest of the early 20th century, an impressive part of the city’s historical heritage was destroyed. But there is still a lot left – today tourists can admire ancient Arab fortresses, Roman theatre, medieval churches and baroque mansions.

The second rise of Málaga’s tourist industry came in the 50s-70s of the XX century. It was then that the brand “Costa del Sol” was created, cruise traffic and the infrastructure of the city’s beaches began to develop. Holidays in Málaga are, first of all, excursion tourism with the opportunity to sunbathe on the comfortable beaches of the sunny coast.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Málaga

Cruise Port Malaga

 4.4/5

456 reviews

Málaga’s cruise harbour is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. From here, huge liners depart on their sea tours. It is also the mooring place for passenger ships that arrive in the port of Málaga on their Mediterranean voyages. The harbour dates back to the time of the city’s founders, the Phoenicians, and was used extensively by the Arabs during the Moorish rule. The harbour was extensively modernised in the 1980s and 1990s.

Open time

Alcazaba

 4.6/5

31724 reviews

The fort was built by the Arabs in the 8th century and from the 11th century it was used as the residence of the Viceroy of the Emirate of Granada in Málaga. The fortress stands on a hill in the centre of the city. It was formerly connected to the now destroyed outer city wall. The Bastion of Málaga is a type of Moorish military citadel (alcazabam), which was built to protect the city from enemy attacks.

Open time

Castillo de Gibralfaro

 4.5/5

13474 reviews

Ghibralfaro is another of Málaga’s Moorish fortresses, connected to the alcazaba by a passageway and forming a single complex of defences. The fortress was built in the 10th century under Caliph Abd al-Rahman III. Four centuries later, the citadel was rebuilt at the will of Yusuf I, the lord of the Emirate of Granada. Today, the fort houses a museum with collections of medieval weapons and armour.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM

Ayuntamiento de Málaga

 4/5

513 reviews

City Hall, built in the early 20th century in neo-Baroque style with elements of modernism. The façade of the Town Hall is decorated with picturesque bas-reliefs. Its spacious halls house valuable collections of paintings. The Pedro Luis Alonoso Gardens in front of the building are designed in the tradition of Spanish-Arabic park art. In 2010, the town hall and gardens were declared historical monuments.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Plaza de Toros (La Malagueta)

 4.2/5

209 reviews

A bullfighting arena located in the eastern part of Málaga. The bullring was built in the nineteenth century by J. Rucuba in the neo-mudejar architectural style. Rukuba in the architectural style of neo-mudejar. “La Malagueta is one of the highest category arenas, which means that the most grandiose performances are organised here to mark important dates. The building houses the A. Ordóñez Bull Museum.

Open time

Museo Automovilístico de Málaga

 4.7/5

6595 reviews

The museum exhibits an extensive collection of vintage cars. The exposition is located on the territory of a former tobacco factory. It contains specimens that demonstrate the history and progress of the automobile industry. The exhibits are divided into thematic sections, including “Golden 20s”, “Designer Cars”, “Dolce Vita”, “Beautiful Era”, “Popular Cars” and others.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM

Museo del Vidrio y Cristal de Málaga

 4.6/5

1101 reviews

Private collection of arts and crafts owned by G. F. Prieto, opened in 2009. F. Prieto, opened in 2009. It is housed in a historic eighteenth-century mansion. It consists of glass artefacts belonging to the time period XIII century BC – XX century AD. The total number of exhibits is about 3 thousand. In addition to glass and crystals, the museum exhibits paintings by artists D. Riley and A. Hannemann, who worked in the XVII century.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Picasso Museum Málaga

 4.3/5

25137 reviews

The great Spanish surrealist painter Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga. He made an invaluable contribution to the development of modern painting such as Cubism and Post-Impressionism. On the territory of the Buenavista Palace there is a museum dedicated to the work of the great master. The collection consists of 285 canvases, which were presented to the city by the family of the painter. The gallery was opened in 2003.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga

 4.5/5

7217 reviews

The gallery opened its doors in 2011. The collection consists of works by Spanish painters of the 19th century, especially works by masters from Andalusia. The works of art belong to Carmen Cervera, widow of the industrialist and Baron G. G. Thyssen-Bornesima. The city owns the paintings on a lease until 2025. The collection is housed in the Villalón Palace, built in the 16th century.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

CAC Málaga

 4.4/5

5026 reviews

The museum specialises in works of contemporary art created in the last third of the 20th century. It was organised in a former city market building located in the central part of Málaga. It has 6,000 m² of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The Centre for Contemporary Art is also used for film screenings, art workshops and lectures.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

 0/5

The branch of the Russian Museum was opened in Málaga quite recently – in 2015. It is housed in a former tobacco factory, occupying an area of 2,300 m². In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum has educational centres, cinema rooms and creative workshops. The gallery exhibits the works of Russian masters of the XV-XX centuries. Visitors can admire paintings by I. Repin, I. Levitan, A. Ivanov, V. Kandinsky, K. Malevich, M. Chagall and many others.

Centre Pompidou Malaga

 4.4/5

10797 reviews

Spanish branch of the famous Parisian gallery of contemporary art. The permanent exhibition showcases works of art of the XX-XXI centuries, including works by P. Picasso, F. Bacon, F. Kahlo and other worthy masters. The Pompidou Centre also hosts temporary exhibitions of photography, design, architecture and interactive installations using cutting-edge technology throughout the year.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga

 4.6/5

26524 reviews

The temple was built in the XVIII century on the site of a former Moorish mosque. The construction of the cathedral took quite a long time, the work was carried out in the period 1528-1782. Due to lack of funding, the architects had to deviate from the original plan and erect one tower instead of two, because of which the temple was nicknamed “One-armed lady”. In the architecture of the building one can discern features of neoclassicism, baroque and gothic.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Santuario de la Victoria

 4.7/5

663 reviews

The basilica was built in the 16th century on the very spot where King Ferdinand of Aragon camped before the decisive battle for Malaga. The church is dedicated to St Mary de la Victoria, the intercessor and patron saint of all Andalusia. The saint is especially loved by the inhabitants of this part of Spain. The main shrine of the church is a small statue of Mary with Jesus, dating back to the 15th century.

Open time

English Cemetery in Malaga

 4.2/5

564 reviews

The necropolis was organised in 1831 thanks to the efforts of Consul W. Mark, representing British interests in Spain. Previously, all the deceased who did not belong to the Catholic branch of Christianity were buried at night by the seashore. After receiving permission to establish their own cemetery from Ferdinand VII, Protestants were allowed to organise their own necropolis.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Teatro Romano de Málaga

 4.6/5

6334 reviews

The theatre is located at the foot of the hill on which the Malaga Fortress stands. It is believed to have been built in the last years of the reign of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century. The theatre was used for its intended purpose until the 3rd century. Then the Arabs came to Malaga. They partially dismantled the stage and used the stones to build defences. The Roman theatre was accidentally discovered in the middle of the XX century, excavations were completed only in the 90s.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Plaza de la Constitución

 4.7/5

1149 reviews

The central square of Málaga, located in the historic part of the city. It has been known since the Moorish Nasrid dynasty and has changed its name several times since then. The square is surrounded by administrative buildings of considerable architectural value, such as the Augustinian convent, the prison and courthouse, and the city’s mansions of past centuries.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Plaza de la Merced

 4.4/5

9166 reviews

Merced Square is located within the neighbourhood of the same name. It often becomes the centre of various festivals and celebrations. It is also famous for the fact that it is home to the house where the artist Picasso was born. Since 2008, the square has been decorated with a monument to the master by F. L. Hernandez. Merced is considered one of the most picturesque squares in Málaga.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Calle Marqués de Larios

 0/5

A walking street that crosses the historic centre of Málaga and ends at the Plaza de la Constitución. The alley is specially designed for a leisurely “promenade” surrounded by historic buildings, shopping, relaxing in coffee shops and enjoying the city atmosphere. The street was created in the 19th century by J. M. Sancho. It was named in honour of the textile industrialist M. de Larios.

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

 4.5/5

35287 reviews

The market building is located by the seashore. In the past, ships were repaired here. It harmoniously combines features of ancient Moorish and modern architecture. After the restoration, the premises were used as a trading area. The market sells seafood, vegetables, fruit, cheeses, meat products and many local specialities characteristic of Spanish cuisine.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Palmeral de Las Sorpresas

 4.5/5

1315 reviews

A city park located along the seafront with a magnificent view of the port of Málaga. The park has created an infrastructure for comfortable recreation for the whole family. There are playgrounds for children, comfortable benches, fountains, cafes, lawns with exotic plants. The design of Palm Surprise is a vivid example of modern trends in the field of garden and park art.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

The Lighthouse of Malaga

 4.5/5

2066 reviews

The lighthouse was erected in the early 19th century according to the project of H. G. Maria Peri on the territory of the seaport. G. Maria Peri on the territory of the seaport. The structure was modernised in 1913 with modern (for the time) optical equipment. During the Civil War in the 1930s, La Farola was painted in earthy colours for camouflage purposes; after the end of the active phase of the confrontation, the lighthouse was restored.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Jardín Botánico - Histórico La Concepción

 4.6/5

10699 reviews

The garden was created in the 19th century by J.L. Oyarzabal and A.E. Livermole, a married couple of Spanish aristocrats. They travelled for a long time through European countries after their wedding and, inspired by the beauty they saw, decided to create a new garden at their residence. A specialist from France was invited to develop the design. At the beginning of the 20th century, the territory passed to another family, which continued to work on the creation of the park.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Málaga Park

 4.6/5

9813 reviews

A classic Mediterranean park planted with lush subtropical vegetation and elegantly decorated with decorative elements. The square is a strip of greenery (70-80 metres wide) stretching along the seafront. Malaga Park was laid out at the end of the 19th century, at a time when the city was recovering from the collapse of the wine industry due to the massive loss of vineyards.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Playa la Malagueta

 4.3/5

19050 reviews

The city beach is located in the resort area of Málaga. It stretches for about 1,200 metres along the coast. La Malagueta is an artificial beach. The city authorities specially brought sand here to organise a recreation zone for locals and tourists. There is a developed infrastructure here. In the high season, due to the large number of holidaymakers, the beach is practically unoccupied.

Open time