‘Most surprising’. That’s the phrase I use when people ask me about the time I spent in Malaga, Spain. This little gem of a place had so much more to see than we ever expected. Usually on TV we see reports of drunken tourist behaviour in Malaga, but I can honestly say that we didn’t encounter a single instance of this.
If you’re avoiding Malaga because of the same perception, I’m here to tell you that you absolutely should not avoid. Like anywhere, I’m sure the drunken tourists do exist, but if you know where to go you can avoid them easily enough.
1. Malaga Cathedral
If you think the outside is impressive, wait until you enter into the gorgeous sandy cathedral. It’s an unmissable sight in Malaga. Before you don your swimming costume, pop your more modest clothing on and take a quiet stroll around. Get lost in the intricate stone carvings before heading outside for a quick sit down in a pretty garden.
2. Alcazaba
The Alcazaba was so beautiful that it was hard to choose a single photo to share with you. From ornate columns and archways to stunning courtyards, the Alcazaba is a wonderful way to spend a few hours in the sun. Make sure you wear sensible footwear to easily navigate the inclining cobbles!
3. Malaga Park
It’s almost impossible to miss this botanical park full of fountains and sculptures. Hang around by the outdoor stage for a while and you may be rewarded with a show. We happened upon a band singing Queen tributes which did not disappoint. When we weren’t by the stage, we were strolling around and zooming up and down the bike lanes on the cheap scooters available to all to rent.
4. Port of Malaga
You’re probably wondering when the beach will appear on this list. And it will, but not before I mention the port first. This isn’t your usual run down port by any means. It’s a trendy, modern space that feels more like a fancy high street by the sea. Sadly I don’t have any photos of the port because we were too busy scootering our way through and indulging in the many market stalls that lined it.
5. Castillo de Gibralfaro
Ok, before I talk about the castle please take my advice. The walk to the castle is NOT for the faint hearted. It is steep and slippery and will give you a terrible bout of vertigo if you don’t like heights. HOWEVER, it was a walk (hike) that offers excellent views over Malaga, and will definitely keep you entertained for half a day or so… We didn’t realise until we got up the hill that there was a bus service. Something I wasn’t thrilled to learn after almost falling over five times.
Right, onto the Castle itself. The Castillo de Gibralfaro is a 10th century castle of which you must pay to enter. (Don’t forget your wallet. It’s a looong way down.) There is a lovely little cafe inside which I highly recommend for a quick drink before you begin to explore. Overall, the castle is very pretty although personally I preferred the Alcazaba.
6. Roman Ruins
The Roman ruins are pretty much all that you can see in my image above. You probably won’t spend more than 15 minutes admiring the ruins, but you’ll spend far, far longer in the old town exploring the narrow streets. If you like the look of the ruins, why not grab breakfast at the restaurants beside them.
7. Old Town
The Old town is anything but old when it comes to high street fashion, food, and entertainment. I recommend that you check the events calendar before going to Malaga as they have a lot of free events even in low season. We were lucky enough to watch the philharmonic orchestra one evening and geek out as they played movie hits from Jurassic Park and Star Wars. Other than the show, you’ll certainly find plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop in the Old Town.
8. Catamaran Trip
We saved a catamaran trip for the last day in Malaga and it was the perfect way to end our trip. There was no need for us to book as it was low season and the sales reps were calling out for customers, but in high season you may want to book tickets in advance. The trip took us away from the main land, along the bay and and back again. We saw lots of jellyfish and it made us think twice about going for a swim at the beach.
9. Museums
You might be surprised to find there a few museums for you to visit whilst you’re not soaking up the sun on the beach. There’s the Museo Carmen Thyssen, Museo de Malaga, and more. With a quick Google you can decide which one you want to visit. This one’s all about personal taste.
10. The beach
Finally, the beach. Specifically, the playa de malagueta. How can you not visit the beach in Malaga? The sand, fine and warm and the water, enticing and also warm. once again we hired scooters because we wanted to see it all and it’s one long beach. Before you get there, grab a box of dunkin doughnuts and make yourself a sweet picnic by the sea. Be prepared to see topless beach goers. I still have no idea if it’s allowed as is allowed on this beach but it seemed pretty common.
And there you have 10 reasons you should definitely NOT avoid Malaga, and 10 reasons why this beautiful little place surprised me so much. Enjoy your trip and let me know how it goes!
TravelJems 