February 1, 2022 
Reading time: 9 minutes The Costa del Sol in Malaga, is famous and acclaimed from the beginning of beach tourism. It is the most developed area of the Mediterranean and one of the most popular tourist destinations of Spain.
There’s a well-developed offer for active tourism and sport. We can practice and experiment with all kinds of sports and leisure and adventure activities on its beaches, mountains and excellent resorts.
Among its most important and interesting destinations are the resorts and tourist areas of Marbella, Nerja, Calahonda, Estepona, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Torremolinos. You will find beaches with clear waters and excellent facilities for swimmers and athletes; there is also something for those looking for bustling night life and for those who prefer relaxation.
Who spends his holidays in the Costa del Sol and wants to savour a little more the Spanish way of life in the south and discover its history, culture and monuments can plan a day trip to Malaga. The city centre is just a few minutes by car from Malaga airport. Among the narrow streets of the old town and the nearby sea promenade there are many things to discover that will make you enjoy even more your visit to Malaga.
Let’s continue learning about the city and some of the most popular places you can visit.
Thyssen Museum
The Thyssen Museum is a popular attraction in the city. The museum contains the art collection of the Baroness Thyssen adding to the wide and increasingly diverse cultural offer in Malaga. The Museum is located in the Palacio de Villalon; a restored 16th century noble palace in the centre of the capital.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Kor515QD1MdhZknE8
Picasso Museum
The other probably best known Museum is the Picasso Museum. There is a collection of over two hundred works in the Palacio de Buenavista that constitutes a tour through all stages of Picasso´s art. The route following the footsteps of the great painter born in Málaga includes as well his birth-house museum.
- Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bJv9ZiUXSPFsjU3b8
- Birth House Museum: https://goo.gl/maps/8EXMupmZDEpcdYrN6
Gibralfaro Castle
Who wants to enjoy beautiful views over the city and the bay, plus take a close look at the old Arab fortresses, can visit Gibralfaro Castle and the Citadel situated on a hill top.
This castle, which was built in the 14th century to house the troops and protect the Alcazaba, is today one of the most visited places in Malaga. You can walk along its walls and take one of the most representative photos of Malaga from its viewpoint. If you want to learn about the history of the place and immerse yourself in its fascinating past, do not forget to visit the Alcazaba Museum.
The strategic location was used by both Phoenicians and Romans, although the fortress that remains standing today was the work of the Nasrid King Yusuf in 1340. After the victory of the Catholic armies, control of the fortress passed into the hands of the Catholic Monarchs. For a time it was one of the most impregnable fortresses on the peninsula; with its two lines of walls and 8 towers, it was a difficult bastion to conquer.
Areas inside the fortress
The castle can be divided into two areas. The upper part is known as the main courtyard and here we find the Interpretation Centre where you can learn about the history of the castle from its inhabitants. In this area you will find the main tower, which is 17 metres high, the Phoenician well and the baths. The Airón well is excavated in live rock and has a depth of 40 metres.
The lower area contained the barracks for the troops and the stables. The albarrana tower or White Tower, oriented towards the northeast, is one of the most visible towers and contains a cistern, outbuildings and storerooms.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RPFqawPi3s9MVosw7
Roman Theatre
At the foot of the Alcazaba,within walking distance, is situated the Roman theatre. It was discovered in 1951 during construction work next to what was then the Culture House. When it was discovered that there was a Roman theatre under the land where they had planned to create garden spaces, they ended up demolishing the building to recover the theatre.
These remains show us the importance that Malaga reached during the Roman period. A theatre that seems in use until the end of the 2nd or beginning of the 3rd century.
Near the theatre there is an interpretation centre, where you can learn more details of Roman life in our city.
Later, with the loss of the use of this theatre, a fish salting factory was established. It was an activity that lasted almost two centuries, before becoming a necropolis from the 5th century onwards.
The history of Malaga is rich and very interesting; the different civilizations that settled here have contributed to what we are today, to our gastronomy and to our festivities. Some of our regional dances have clear Greek influences but their roots go back to the Egyptian empire, so it was the Romans who brought them to us.
It is well worth diving deep into Malaga’s history.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/to3myxdTqgoDAzFM9
Visit the Aquarium
If traveling with children we recommend a visit to the aquarium; it is located in the port of Malaga, within walking distance of the Old Town. Also near the aquarium, at Pier One, there is a street market every weekend and many boats that offer excursions for watching Malaga from a different perspective, the sea.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ryNQDtgcpEDUxu1x7
Historic centre
To enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine with a delicious snack (Tapa) the best place is the historic centre of Malaga. You should not miss the ancient fishing quarter, full of taverns, bars and fine restaurants.
Strolling through the historic centre has its charm. You’ll wonder about the origins of many of the historic buildings you’ll come across. The centre of Malaga and its historic centre is usually the setting for many of the events that take place throughout the year, with the daytime fair in August being one of the most popular times in the area.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FrYVbiwGQK4oP8QE9
Beach Bars
In the beach bars of La Malagueta, Pedregalejo and El Palo beaches you can try sardines, fried fish and colorful salads accompanied by local wine; all of the above mentioned are definitely worth a try as Malaga gastronomy is famous for is fresh and tasty products.
There is nothing like spending a day at the beach and eating fried fish, refreshing salads or grilled food at one of the many beach bars. We encourage you to try some of the most popular and well-reviewed ones from our customers:
- Cachalote beach bar, in La Malagueta: https://goo.gl/maps/7tdeA9fbWtBNuPgH9
- El Tintero, in El Palo: https://goo.gl/maps/VRFY9iMtGbohiLZU6
- Los Delfines, seafood near Pier One: https://goo.gl/maps/X8tehQYfV4TXdbHX6
Those above are just 3 of the most popular beach bars and restaurants near the beach in Malaga. There are many more to discover along the Costa del Sol.
Coffee with sweets
And talking about food… coffee belongs very much to the southern Spanish culture; being Malaga the leader with up to eight different ways of preparing coffee. Thus, at mid-morning or in the afternoon is the best moment to sit in a street terrace of Larios street.
There are many places where having a coffee-time, but our clients have good opinions of the three below:
- Dulces Dreams: https://goo.gl/maps/DK6Dj3Df9H3MJYkh7
- Puerta Oscura, with classical music and XIX furniture: https://goo.gl/maps/7DJwi9JbqiV1nkQm6
- La Bella Julieta: https://goo.gl/maps/gynPxWAb9bwtxKpd6
Beaches in Malaga
And what about the beaches in Malaga? The capital of the Costa del Sol has 14 km of coastline with a total of 16 beaches. Most of those beaches are urban and very busy during the summer months. When we try to find a beach, La Malagueta, Pedregalejo or San Andres are the most accessible ones. Those looking for hidden coves in rocky places and more charming beaches will find them in Baños del Carmen or Peñon del Cuervo; although there are many more along the Costa del Sol.
In Malaga you will find beaches for all tastes; from popular beaches where it is difficult to find a spot to virgin or difficult to access areas where nature reigns and it is not common to meet other people.
Are you looking for a naturist beach or maybe a quiet one near the city centre?
Beaches in Malaga:
- Huelin
- Misericordia
- La Piedra
- San Andres
- Guadalmar
- Naturist beach in Guadalmar
- Guadalhorce
- Golf Course beach
- Sacaba
- Antonio Machado
- La Caleta
- Pedregalejo beaches
- Las Acacias
- Palo beaches
- El Candado
- Peñon del Cuervo
Do not forget that above are just beaches in Malaga, there are still more beaches along the Costa del Sol.
Botanical Garden
Finally, the Historical Botanical Garden La Conception is not just another tropical garden, it is one of the finest in Europe. This garden is located just five kilometers from Malaga city and we can reach it easily with our Malaga car hire. Here we can admire pavilions, fountains and romantic houses from the late 19th century; in addition to providing a panoramic of the capital of the Costa del Sol.
There a quite a few nice options to spend a pleasant time in Malaga; the Costa del Sol has far more to offer than just fine beaches and 320 days of sun a year.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2k2HuR8enN3BHQe27
