Many of us have probably driven along the A-45 in the direction of the Costa del Sol municipalities, without knowing that on our way through the outskirts of Malaga is located one of the most beautiful subtropical gardens in Spain.
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
The historic estate La Concepción, situated 5 km north of Malaga, is the most beautiful and important tropical and subtropical garden in Spain and one of the best in Europe.
Probably nobody suspects that among dry hills hides a huge estate of 23 hectares, with a lush and exquisite garden. We highly recommend to visit in any season of the year.
Table of Contents
Why visit the Historical Botanical Garden in Malaga
If you are a nature lover, La Concepción Historic Botanical Garden is a must-see.
With a clear influence of the English landscape style, the visitor can immerse in a lush garden with a fantastic collection: Tropical, subtropical and indigenous plants that give this beautiful garden a touch of magic and mystery.
Due to the sheer size of the garden, you can lose yourself in the numerous paths, take a leisurely stroll, marvel at nature and recharge your batteries. Surely you have heard of the Japanese fashion of “forest baths”. Well, here, just a few kilometres from Malaga, you have a real oasis where you can soak body and soul.
It is worth mentioning that the Botanical Garden is worth a visit in every season, as there are always plants in bloom. Even in the middle of summer, when the sun is burning mercilessly, you can enjoy a refreshing stroll under the protective shade of centuries-old trees and the abundance of water, streams and ponds.
A bit of history
The history of La Concepción is no less exciting. This Botanical Garden in Malaga was conceived (perhaps hence its name) in 1855 by the couple Jorge Loring and Amalia Heredia, the marquises of the Loring house.
On their honeymoon trip throughout Europe, they were inspired by the gardens and parks they visited and, on their return, they settled in Malaga. They bought several estates located next to the Guadalmedina river, to the north of Malaga.
Their essential assistant in the creation of the garden was the French gardener Jacinto Chamoussent, who was in charge of selecting and acclimatising exotic plants. Thanks to him, the garden has a beautiful collection of subtropical flora in the open air, considered to be one of the best in Europe.
As an outline, the garden is full of bamboos, orchids, insectivorous plants, bromeliads, palms, cacti, succulents, old Malaga vines, endemic plants from Malaga, aquatic plants, Mediterranean plants from different continents, baobabs, fruit trees and enormous centenary trees, some of which are the tallest in the whole province, all arranged harmoniously along the many winding paths, charming corners, waterfalls, streams, fountains, steps, little bridges and old greenhouses.
All of this is harmoniously arranged along multiple winding paths, charming corners, waterfalls, streams, fountains, stairways, little bridges and ancient greenhouses. It is impossible not to be enchanted!
Buildings
There are also several beautiful buildings on the grounds, as the Loring couple had an important social status and received in these rooms the creme de la creme of the personalities of the time.
One of the first buildings was the Loring Museum, designed in 1857 by the German architect J.H. Strack. There the family exhibited archaeological pieces of interest, such as the Lex Flavia Malacitana of Roman origin.
When you sit on this exedra you will have a privileged view of the Loringian Museum.
It´s popular name was bench of secrets, because its concave lines give it such good acoustics that if you whisper at one end you can hear at the other.
Legend has it that lovers could send messages to each other without being overheard by the chaperones sitting in the middle.
Historic viewpoint
Charming viewpoint, built in 1920. From there you can see the Cathedral, the castle and the Gibralfaro mountain, the mountains of Malaga and the sea in the background.
Palace House
In this beautiful building built around 1860, aristocrats, politicians and artists of the time used to meet in the evenings and get-togethers.
Impressions of the Botanical Garden
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis of many colours flanks this path called the Hibiscus Walk.
One of the wonders youcan enjoy at the end of March and beginning of April are the wisteria.
An explosion of lilac colour with a sublime soft scent, which is at its best in this arbour, where many weddings in Málaga are held every year.
The botanical lake with wild ducks.
Activities in the Botanical Garden
We can not only stroll and enjoy the garden. Throughout the year the Botanic Garden offers a wide variety of activities for all ages and tastes.
Among them we can highlight: Different concerts, both of local alternative music and classical concerts. Guided night tours “Nights with History” learning about the history of its most important figures of the 19th century and “Magical Summer”. There are furthermore family activities for Halloween and Christmas.
And as the latest addition during December and January “The Christmas Garden”, an absolute marvel that you can discover in our article Christmas Garden La Concepción, an enchanted Christmas forest where you can stroll and let yourself be impregnated by the magic created by lights, sounds and nature, along a 2 km route.
Due to its huge success, we hope they will repeat it every year.
For current activities, we recommend you to visit their Facebook page, you can find the link below.
Celebrate your Wedding in the Botanical Garden
The Costa del Sol in general is an ideal destination to celebrate the wedding of your dreams in Malaga all year round due to its mild climate.
In case you didn’t know, one of the most wonderful natural spaces for this type of celebrations or to take fantastic wedding photos is the Botanical Garden La Concepción.
Opening times and prices
From 1 April to 30 September: From 09:30 am to 8:30 pm
1 October to 31 March: 09:30 am to 5:30 pm
24 and 31 December: 09:30 am to 3 pm
It is possible to stay in the garden until half an hour after closing time.
Closed on Mondays, 25 December and 1 January.
The normal rate is 5,20 € per person.
Guided tours
You can also book a guided tour (recommended). This service you have to pay separately. Bookings by telephone on 951 926 180.
Daily guided tour of an hour and a quarter, at 12 noon and 4 pm each day. Minimum 6 people: 3 € per person in addition to the entrance fee.
Free entrance
Sundays between 1 October and 31 March, from 2 pm to 5:30 pm
Sundays between 1 April and 30 September, from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Cafeteria and Shop
Next to the garden entrance you will find a shop where you can buy gifts and souvenirs. There is also a cafeteria, a very pleasant place to have breakfast, snacks or lunch.
Visiting with a dog
Dogs are allowed in the Botanical Garden, as long as they are on a leash and comply with the regulations.
More info and how to get there
;)
Things to do in Malaga in September 2024;)
Malaga City Break: Best alternative city according to Forbes;)
Things to do in Malaga in May 2024