The historic centre of Malaga surprises the visitor with endless plans to suit all tastes. Streets and squares to stroll through become a spectacle, lively bars and terraces, monuments and museums to discover the fascinating past of the city, a huge selection of shops, the pleasant harbor that invites you to stroll, views over the bay and Alameda Park – a paradise in the city.
La Alcazaba, Gibralfaro castle and the Roman Theatre
Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle represent two of the best preserved examples of defensive architecture of the time in Spain. From the castle, which dominates the top of the homonymous hill, you get fabulous views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The combination of Roman, Arabic and Renaissance cultures, together with the extraordinary views, make the Alcazaba a unique place. At the foot of this building is the Roman Theatre. Built in the time of Emperor Augustus, in the 1st century AD on the structure of a thermal bath, it is the main vestige of the Roman era in the city.
A walk along Alameda principal and the streets of the centre
One of the most popular promenades, since its recent remodeling, is the Alameda Principal: a promenade of wide sidewalks full of shops and small flower stalls that leads to the most famous avenue of the Malaga capital: Calle Larios, which culminates in the Plaza de la Constitución, presided over by the Fountain of Genoa. From here you can admire the picturesque Pasaje de Chinitas, the House of the Consulate and the Ateneo de Malaga, the old school where Picasso began to draw.
The Cathedral
One of the main monuments to see in the historic centre of Malaga is its cathedral: one of the most valuable Renaissance jewels in Spain. It was built over the Great Mosque from the 16th to the 17th century. The architectural ensemble was left unfinished due to the lack of one of its towers. For this reason, the cathedral is known by the nickname "La Manquita".
The atmospheric Mercado de Atarazanas
One of the best ways to discover authentic local lifestyles is to visit a destination’s markets. Located in the heart of the centre, in a street running parallel with Alameda Principal, Mercado de Atarazanas will take you aback with its Neo-Mudejar style, vibrant atmosphere and the many and diverse stalls. Locals love to take a seat at one of the bars next to the market entrance to enjoy some exquisite yet simple tapas at a great price.
Flamenco - concerts
https://www.teatrocervantes.com/
https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/cultura/teatros/teatro-canovas/
Museums
If you love culture, you won’t have to venture any further than the historic centre to enjoy some of the city’s most iconic museums, such as Museo Picasso Málaga (which houses an extensive collection of the artist’s work) and Centre Pompidou, where you can see A hat with flowers, which was painted in Paris under Nazi occupation. Museo Carmen Thyssen is another of the most popular galleries in the city, which is home to an interesting collection of Andalusian art. Museo de Málaga, Museo Ruso and Museo Automovilístico are also great places to learn about the city. Finally, CAC Málaga, which is free, also houses an interesting collection of contemporary art.
Tapas in the streets and plazas of the centre
The streets and plazas of the historic centre of Malaga, such as calle Bolsa, calle Strachan, plaza de la Judería, la plaza de la Merced and plaza de la Constitución, among others, are filled with bars, cafés and restaurants with vibrant terraces. Leaving Malaga without first checking out the tapas and terrace scene would be to miss a vital part of Malaga life. Having something to eat and drink in the street is one of locals’ favourite pastimes. The warm weather all year round and a somewhat addictive atmosphere are some of the reasons why it’s so popular.
The Alameda Park
is located in the city center. The design corresponds to a Mediterranean garden with numerous tropical and subtropical species, which makes it one of the most important public parks in Europe as far as exotic flora is concerned. On this promenade with gardens on both sides, of Renaissance and Baroque character, there are botanical species from the five continents. It was carried out at the end of the 19th century on land reclaimed from the sea, for the expansion of the port.
Within the Park you can find up to 364 subtropical species from different places, through which you can travel the 5 continents contemplating its beautiful flora, highlighting one of the best collections of palm trees that can be appreciated in a public space with free access.
The port of Malaga
is 3000 years old and was already used during the times of the Phoenicians as a commercial port. It is a passenger port with a regular line to Melilla and is the second most important cruise port in Spain.
The Port of Malaga is protected by a natural bay and its main entrance is located in a privileged area near the old town and opposite the park.
In recent years, a major redevelopment of the entire port area has been carried out. A large public space by the sea has been created with an avant-garde design that links the historic center with the cruise terminal. There are landscaped areas, as well as an area with shops and restaurants on the docks closest to the modern cruise terminal.
The historic centre of Malaga
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