Boasting a lively art scene, striking architecture and golden beaches, Malaga is certainly one of Spain’s gems. Best visited during the summer season, Malaga is so much more than a fly-and-flop destination and is brimming with cultural significance, fascinating museums, and dreamy bars and restaurants. We’ve assembled a list of some of the city’s unmissable spots and nearby delights, all of which are certain to elevate your holiday experience.
Malaga Sightseeing
Malaga is home to an abundance of must-see attractions for those travelling to the city. This includes the cathedral, which costs €8 for standard entry and €12 for entry to the cathedral and the roof, where you’ll find breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. While in the area, you should pay a visit to the Alcazaba of Malaga, considered to be one of the most stunning and intricately built fortresses in Spain. We recommend booking your tickets in advance to ensure that they don’t run out. General admission costs €10 and includes a guided tour in your language of choice.
Nerja
Nerja is a stunning town located along the Costa del Sol. It’s famous for its phenomenal beaches and crystal clear waters, and is rumoured to be home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Nerja’s town centre consists of winding cobblestone streets featuring a range of hidden gems, including quaint ice cream parlours, traditional tapas restaurants and market stalls selling authentic Spanish goods and jewellery. Nerja is located 35 miles from Malaga’s city centre and can be reached by car within 45 minutes, making it an excellent spot to visit for a day of tanning by the sea and an evening of exploring the local area.
Kayaking Through the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo, Nerja
If you’re somebody who likes to get a little bit active while on holiday, then you’ll love this day trip. Head to Playa de Cantarriján where you’ll find a beach hut that offers a range of guided kayaking tours and excursions to the cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo. While you can embark on a guided tour, we recommend renting a kayak for an hour and paddling over to the caves yourself. This is an easy route and costs just €10 per person per hour. The cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo are absolutely breathtaking, dotted with flowing waterfalls and unusual rock formations which make this area incredibly beautiful. Before getting into the water you can drop off all of your bags and valuables at the beach hut where they will be locked away while you’re kayaking, however we recommend bringing a waterproof phone lanyard with you so that you can capture the beauty of the cliffs.
Picasso Museum, Malaga
Malaga is well known for being the birthplace of the legendary Pablo Picasso. When visiting this artsy city you may be able to spot little nods to the artist throughout, including street art done in his iconic style, Picasso-themed souvenirs, sculptures and much more. If you’re a fan of his work, then the Picasso museum is an absolute must when visiting the city. The museum features a wide variety of artworks and sculptures that are presented in an organic and flowing way. If you’d like to visit the Picasso museum, be sure to book your tickets online and in advance as it can get fully booked quickly.
Beach Clubs, Marbella
If you’re looking to venture out of Malaga and visit somewhere with a glamorous vibe, then why not head to Marbella for a day in one of the city’s plush beach clubs? One of the most popular spots is the world-famous Nikki Beach, which actually boasts a number of locations across the globe. Nikki Beach Marbella is a gorgeous space with access to a number of swimming pools and its own private beach, making it a wonderful place to spend the day. This being said, it is notoriously expensive. If you’re looking for a beach club that has an opulent vibe but doesn’t break the bank, consider spending the day at La Sala by the Sea. La Sala is a Thai-themed beach club, located just a stone’s throw away from a sandy beach. It features an onsite bar and restaurant, both of which serve a range of refreshing cocktails and delicious Thai dishes. There are also DJs who perform throughout the day, making for an entertaining and glamorous experience.
Frigiliana
Just a 50-minute drive away from Malaga lies the stunning white-painted town of Frigiliana. This charming location has been compared to Grecian towns due to its white buildings, cobblestone streets and vibrant flowers. Here, you’ll find a range of quaint cafes and shops, as well as rooftop bars and restaurants with a view. Additionally, Frigiliana is known for its historical architecture and sights, including The Old Fountain and the Church of San Antonio. We recommend heading to Frigiliana for the evening as this town is best enjoyed when you can watch the sunset from a relaxing bar.
