Tourist Attractions in Malaga

Upon arriving in Malaga, explore the province and its tourist attractions. There are numerous things to do in Malaga and along the Costa del Sol for enjoyment. This guide highlights some options, but follow the links to discover many more attractions in Malaga and its surroundings.

In addition to the capital city, the province offers a mosaic of experiences, from beaches to hiking routes, that make any stay unforgettable. For instance, you can combine urban visits with escapes to natural parks, all accessible from the airport.

Things to Do in Malaga

Find the most comprehensive information on entertainment and leisure in Malaga: cinema, theatre, restaurants, museums, monuments and more. These activities complement the main tourist attractions and allow you to personalise your itinerary according to your interests.

To learn more about the province, consult our travel guides, which detail the history of the municipalities and how to get there by car.

Tourist Attractions in the Province of Malaga

The diversity of the province of Malaga invites exploration from the coast to the interior. Below, we present key options for your visit, organised by themes. Each includes practical recommendations to integrate it into your route through the tourist attractions in Malaga.

Nightlife in Malaga with discos and pubs

Going Out in Malaga

One of the main attractions in Malaga, especially amongst the youngsters, is the nightlife of the Costa del Sol. There are plenty of discos, pubs and bars in Malaga and on our website we’ll recommend you the best places to enjoy your nights out. Learn more about the nightlife of Fuengirola, Benalmadena nightlife, Marbella nightlife or Puerto Banus nightlife.

Discover more
Beaches in Malaga with sand and sun on the Costa del Sol

Malaga Beaches

As it couldn’t be any other way, Malaga is a privileged place where you’ll be able to enjoy the sun and the beach. The pleasant temperatures throughout the year on the Costa del Sol will make you enjoy the coast and the great amount of beaches that we’ll find. Learn more about the Estepona beaches, Marbella beaches, Fuengirola beaches and the rest of the beaches along the Costa del Sol.

Explore beaches
Fairs and popular festivals in Malaga at night

Andalucia Fairs & Festivals

The Andalusian fairs and festivals are well known all over Spain, especially the fair of August in Malaga or the fair of April in Seville. In Malaga you’ll find a great amount of festivals all around its interior villages all year round, highlighting the festival of the Moorish Moon in Guaro during the month of September.

Explore events
Hiking routes in Malaga like the Caminito del Rey

Malaga Itinerary

Malaga province is the perfect place for those tourists seeking to discover monuments and other popular places of special interest like natural parks and routes between interior white villages. Some of the most popular itineraries amongst our clients are: the one that goes along Sierra de las Nieves, the one of the Nerja Caves, a visit to the Alpujarras, visiting El Torcal in Antequera and, of course, a must visit to El Chorro.

View routes
Natural parks in Malaga like Sierra de las Nieves

Malaga National Parks

Malaga has a wide selection of natural parks that offer the visitor some beautiful and pleasant views of Malaga’s fauna and flora. You can find natural areas where to enjoy the natural environment of the areas of Sierra de Grazalema, Sierra de las Nieves or the Fuente de Piedra lagoon amongst many other natural parks in Malaga.

Explore parks
Museums in Malaga like the Carmen Thyssen

Malaga Museums

As it couldn’t be any other way, there are several museums in Malaga, and one of the most popular is the Picasso museum that exhibits private art works of the famous Malaga-born painter. If you like Flamenco, you can visit the Flamenco museum or the Bandit museum in Ronda if what you’re interested in is to discover more about the history of the villages of Malaga.

Visit museums
Weather in Malaga with views of Calle Larios

Malaga Weather

Malaga has an ideal temperature all year round, but depending on the season there can be rain or sunshine, at Malagacar.com we’ll keep you updated with the weather forecast for the following 5 days in Malaga and we'll inform you about the climate in the province.

Check weather
Monuments in Malaga like the Cathedral

Malaga Monuments

Malaga is an ancient city that has assimilated the culture of several civilisations, from the Phoenicians, then the Romans and the Arabs, until the Christians of the middle ages, all of them have left us part of their culture all around our city, from buildings to typical dishes, irrigation systems, watchtowers,...Malaga is a monument itself as it contains many treasures waiting for you to discover them.

Discover monuments

Discover Malaga: Places to See

These are the best places you should not miss in Malaga. Organise them in your route to maximise time and connect nearby attractions, grouped by categories to facilitate planning.

Historical Monuments in Malaga

Malaga's cultural heritage is reflected in its monuments, which narrate centuries of history from the Roman era to the Christian period.

  • Alcazaba (Malaga): One of the most representative architectural monuments in the city of Malaga is indeed the Alcazaba (the citadel). An Arab fortress pointing towards the sea that has remained over the centuries and that can be visited.
    Alcazaba of Malaga with views of the port
    The Alcazaba, historical emblem of Malaga
  • Cathedral (Malaga): This religious building shows us its impressive facade while we stroll around the streets of Malaga and is another of most representative monuments of the city.
  • Gibralfaro Castle (Malaga): This castle, situated above the Alcazaba on a hill, was built between the 14th and the 15th century during the Arab kingdom of Al-Andalus.
  • Roman Theatre (Malaga): This structure preserved from the Roman period is situated at the foothill of the Alcazaba and was discovered in 1951 after remaining buried for uncountable centuries. Malaga was an important Roman city and proof of this are the ruins that we can visit.
  • Malagueta Bullring (Malaga): This Neo-Moorish style bullring was built in 1874 and is situated on the Paseo de Reding street (La Malagueta). It has a capacity for up to 9,000 people.
  • Cervantes Theatre (Malaga): Those ‘culture vultures’ out there will definitely enjoy this theatre that opened its doors for the first time in 1870, although a fire caused that it was practically abandoned. Today it is open to the public of all ages who wish to enjoy one of the many plays that they show there.

Natural Environments and Parks in Malaga

From subtropical gardens to unique rock formations, these spaces offer peace and connection with Malaga's nature.

  • El Retiro Subtropical Gardens (Malaga): A park with subtropical gardens, considered one of the most important historical gardens in Spain and that every lover of nature must visit.
  • El Torcal (Antequera): This natural park has several trekking routes and offers us one of the most beautiful and enigmatic sceneries in the whole world.
  • El Chorro (Alora): Malaga's "Lake District" is in fact three artificial lakes created by a dam built across the dramatic 200 m. high Guadalhorce river gorge, known as the Garganta del Chorro. Watch out for the eagles which continually circle around the sheer cliffs.
  • La Concepcion Botanical Garden (Malaga): This botanical park was created 150 years ago as a hobby of a wealthy family from Malaga that brought flora from all over the world. It currently has an internationally recognised collection.
  • Park Walk (Malaga): Malaga hoards a rich and spectacular botanical patrimony. This route suggests a trip through the paradise, a visit to the area that combines in one place splendid and varied botanical species with historic buildings and sculptures.

Caves and Geological Formations in Malaga

Explore the prehistoric depths and hidden legends in these caves, witnesses to the geology and ancient history of the region.

  • Cave of Nerja (Nerja): This cave situated in Nerja hosts cave paintings that are around 40,000 years old. It’s great beauty makes it a must visit if we visit Malaga during our holidays.
  • Treasure Caves (Rincon de la Victoria): Situated 12 kilometres away from Malaga, in Rincon de la Victoria we’ll find the Treasure Cave, and the legend says that in these caves they buried a great fortune and that today they can be visited.

Theme Parks and Water Parks in Malaga

For family fun or adrenaline, these parks combine nature, animals and water attractions on the Costa del Sol.

  • Aqualand (Torremolinos): Aqualand is the water park in Torremolinos that was previously known as Aquapark, and where we’ll enjoy the numerous water rides.
  • Aquamijas (Mijas-Costa): The water park in Mijas offers us fun and water attractions for the whole family. If you like water parks and you find yourself passing through Mijas in summer you simply cannot let the chance go by.
  • Cable Car (Benalmadena): This cable car opened in 2003 and offers us some spectacular views of Benalmadena. Over the years it has become one of the main attractions on the Costa del Sol.
  • Crocodile Park (Torremolinos): A park dedicated to the breeding of this animal and that has over 300 specimens brought in from different countries.
  • Lobo Park (Antequera): A park with 4 different species of wolves, situated in Antequera. It has European, Iberian, Alaskan white and Timber wolves.
  • Selwo Adventure Park (Estepona): Animals in semi-freedom. Make a trip to the Forest or the Amazon without leaving Estepona.
  • Tivoli World Amusement Park (Benalmadena): This amusement park situated in Arroyo de la Miel (Benalmadena) will most certainly delight the kids of the house, although it has rides for all ages and a passage of terror which is very popular. In this amusement park they also organise live shows and concerts during the summer so we highly recommend the visit.
  • Sea-Life Aquarium (Benalmadena): The Aquarium, located in the Marine Port, in Benalmadena Costa (Malaga), is a protectionist and conservationist centre of sharks. The positive character of its activities is guaranteed, because this centre is an active member of three conservationists and protectionist associations of sharks.

Museums and Cultural Centres in Malaga

Immerse yourself in art, archaeology and marine life through these museums distributed across the province.

  • Municipal Museum (Pizarra): Pizarra's Municipal Museum is one of the sights most recently opened to the public. The village owes this jewel in its crown to the American painter Gino Hollander, who spent many years there.
  • Municipal Museum (Antequera): The Municipal Museum is a mine of treasures of the local heritage. So many valuable pieces have been recovered, that a museum's extension project had to be introduced and will be executed shortly. The museum exhibits varied archaeological pieces from ruins and excavations developed in the municipality.
  • Museum Aula del Mar Aquarium (Malaga): An aquarium in Malaga where we’ll be able to observe the life of the Mediterranean Sea. In this aquarium they try to replicate the natural habitat of the different species of the Alboran Sea.

Other Essential Places in Malaga

From practical shopping to unique experiences, these sites complete a varied visit to the province.

  • IKEA Malaga (Malaga): One of the handymen’s favourite places or for those seeking to refurbish their house. Here you’ll find all kinds of decoration accessories for your kitchen, living room or bedroom at really low prices...read more about IKEA Malaga.

How to Get Around Malaga's Attractions

To explore the tourist attractions in Malaga and its surroundings, choose options that offer flexibility. From the airport, easily access the road network connecting the city with the Costa del Sol and the interior.

Car hire

Car Hire: Flexibility to Explore

Hire a car at Malaga Airport for total freedom to visit attractions like El Torcal or the Nerja Caves. Take the A-45 to the centre (10-15 minutes) or the AP-7 for the Costa del Sol (to Torremolinos in 15 minutes or Marbella in 45), discovering coves and villages at your pace.

Hire a car at Malaga Airport
Private transfer to Malaga

Taxi: Direct Arrival Without Hassles

A taxi from Malaga Airport takes you effortlessly to the centre or your hotel on the Costa del Sol, ideal for starting visits like the Alcazaba. Avoid parking and relax on the short journey via the A-45 or AP-7.

Book a taxi

*No need to enter your credit card details or make advance payments. We recommend booking in advance to secure the best prices and availability.

Other Considerations for Getting Around

With a hired car, easily connect dispersed attractions; local taxis complement short trips in the city.

Route from Malaga Airport to key attractions

Tourist Information for Malaga

Town Hall: Plaza de la Constitucion, s/n, 29015 Malaga.

Telephone: +34 952 13 50 00.

Official Website: www.malaga.eu.

Frequently Asked Questions about Attractions in Malaga

What are the most recommended free attractions in Malaga?

Options like the Park Walk, the Roman Theatre or urban beaches allow enjoyment without cost. Combine them with paid visits for a full day.

How to plan a one-day route to see several attractions in Malaga?

Start in the centre with the Alcazaba and Cathedral, continue to Gibralfaro and end at the Park Walk. Use a car to extend to Torremolinos if time allows.

What attractions in Malaga are ideal for families with children?

Water parks like Aqualand or Aquamijas, Selwo Adventure and Tivoli World offer fun adapted to various ages, with safe zones.

What are the best attractions for nature lovers in Malaga?

El Torcal, El Chorro or natural parks like Sierra de las Nieves stand out for routes and biodiversity, perfect for moderate hiking.

Can Malaga be visited on a weekend getaway?

Yes, focus on the centre (Alcazaba, museums) on Saturday and coast (beaches, ports) on Sunday; the airport facilitates quick arrivals.

What accessibility do Malaga's attractions have for people with reduced mobility?

Many like the Cathedral or Sea Life have ramps and lifts; check each site, and opt for taxis for comfortable transfers.