Top Things to Do in Malaga

About the City

Malaga, sun-soaked playground on the Costa del Sol, cradles history and modernity in its sandy embrace. This vibrant Spanish city is a cocktail of ancient fortresses atop hills, where the Alcazaba and the ruins of the Gibralfaro castle whisper tales of the past amidst panoramic views. Below, the bustle of life radiates through winding streets, as locals animatedly chat outside bustling tapas bars, their laughter mingling with the aroma of sizzling gambas al ajillo. Here, you can meander through the Picasso Museum, a tribute to the city's son, that brims with creative energy before losing yourself in the art-loving Soho district. But be aware, by the city's sunny disposition, one can also be lulled into less pleasant encounters with tourist traps where paellas and sunbeds are served up at premium prices. Summers can sizzle a little too fiercely, testing the mettle of even the hardiest heat-seekers, and the coastline occasionally swaps the aroma of sea salt for a less welcome whiff from crowded beaches. Nonetheless, Malaga's charm often prevails, offering enchanting little spots where the pace slows, the sea breezes refresh, and the Andalusian spirit dances like the flamenco, passionate and unabashed.

Things to Do in Malaga

Ensalada Malagueña

Food & Drink

Tangle your fork in Ensalada Malagueña, the salad that's a riot of colors and flavors, with salted cod, oranges, potatoes, and olives. It's like Andalusia decided to throw a party on your plate. A sun...

Paddleboard Paradise Paddle

Outdoors

Get your float on and stand up paddleboard (SUP) along Malaga's glistening coastline. Paddle at your own pace, salute the sun, splash into the sea - it's like walking on water, only way cooler!

Mingling with the Fish at the Aquarium

The Unexpected

Dive into an underwater escapade without getting your toes wet! Saunter through the tunnels of the aquarium, say 'what's up' to an octopus and play peekaboo with a starfish. It's like jumping into a p...

Yoga on the Beach

The Unexpected

Salute the sun and downward dog it up with the sand between your fingers. It's yoga, but not as you know it - with the soundtrack of waves and a breeze for your pranayama. It's like giving your body a...

Buggy Adventure in the Mountains

The Unexpected

Strap into a buggy and brace yourself for an off-road rollercoaster ride in the Andalusian mountains! Dodge rocks, splash through streams and chew on some dust. It's like a nature documentary, except ...

Urban Art Adventure

The Unexpected

Get street smart by exploring urban art! Let Malaga's walls tell you their story as you decode some stellar graffiti. This ain't just doodles; it's social commentary on a brick canvas that'll have you...

Mountaintop Montes Mirth

Outdoors

Huff and puff your way up Montes de Malaga Natural Park! Conquer the trails and brag about bagging peaks just a hop from the Med. Fresh air, epic photo ops, and maybe a rogue goat sighting - it's pure...

Scoot Along the Scenic Promenade

Outdoors

Zip, zap, and zoom on a scooter down Malaga's palm-dotted promenade. Feel the cool sea breeze in your hair as you take in the sights, sounds, and sun in the most fun way possible! Easy to rent and a b...

Trail Trekking Triumph

Outdoors

Strap on your boots, and let nature be your playground as you trek the trails of Malaga's rustic outskirts. From tranquil paths to sweaty inclines, you'll charm your senses and challenge your stamina ...

Beach Volleyball Bash

Outdoors

Slap on some sunscreen and dive into a lively game of beach volleyball. With the sand as your court and the sea as your soundtrack, spike and serve your way to glory (or at least a good laugh) in the ...

Ajoblanco

Food & Drink

Sip on a bit of chill! Ajoblanco is Malaga's almond-tastic answer to hot weather, a chilled soup that's silky smooth and nutty, with a grape or melon sidekick. It's like a gastronomic spa day for your...

Flamenco Night Fever

Sights

Stomp your feet and clap along to the passionate performances of flamenco in Malaga. Experience the raw emotion and fiery dances at a local 'tablao.' It's where music and movement tell a story—you'll ...

Stunning Soirées at La Malagueta

Sights

Elevate your evening with the cultural charm of a live concert at La Malagueta! Whether it’s a sizzling salsa beat or a captivating classical melody, you're in for a night of splendid sounds by the se...

Botanical Garden Bliss

Sights

Leaf your worries behind and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace at La Concepción Historical-Botanical Gardens. It’s a green wonderland where exotic plants rub shoulders with historical relics.

Carmen Thyssen Museum Wonder

Sights

Are you ready for a colorful cultural explosion? Dive into the exquisite world of 19th-century Spanish paintings at Carmen Thyssen Museum. It’s like walking through a rainbow of Andalusian art history...

Tapas Traipsing

Sights

Ready to nibble your way through the night? Tapas Traipsing in Malaga is the ultimate hop and munch adventure! From patatas bravas to croquetas, let your stomach guide you to the cosiest nooks for bit...

Boquerones en Vinagre

Food & Drink

Pucker up for some boquerones en vinagre, vinegar-marinated anchovies that are a tangy temptation. Served chilled and garnished with garlic and parsley, they're the ultimate tapas teaser. Slink into a...

Fritura Malagueña

Food & Drink

Get ready to crunch and munch on fritura malagueña, the ultimate ensemble of deep-fried seafood. From squid to anchovies, this melody of marine treats is a crunchy symphony your taste buds won't forge...

Churros con Chocolate

Food & Drink

Dunk to your heart's content! Malaga mornings scream for churros con chocolate, the ultimate Spanish breakfast indulgence. Grab these crispy, golden sticks of dough and plunge them into a cup of thick...

Roller Skate Rumba

The Unexpected

Lace up and let those wheels sing! Glide along Malaga's promenade on roller skates, feeling the ocean breeze as your personal wind machine. It's the kind of throwback fun that'll have you grooving lik...