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Malaga Attractions
Gibralfaro Castle
The 14th century Gibralfaro Castle was established by Yusef I of Granada on the site of a former lighthouse. Visitors are able to see the ramparts of the castle rise up into the air through the various types of nearby trees. Situated on a hilltop it also boasts impressive views of Malaga and the surrounding area. The castle was used during the Reconquista to house captured Moorish fighters, although in 1818 the French stormed the building and the ruins is what is left today.
Alcazaba
The Alcazaba walls are among the most popular and major landmarks in the city. The area features lovely gardens, with fountains and gateways, some of which are set amid picturesque views of the sea and the town. The area also plays host to other attractions such as Gibralfaro Castle which is at the top of the hill and the Roman amphitheatre which is by the entrance. The walls’ beginnings can be traced back to the eighth century although they were constructed, in the main, a few hundred years later in the 11th century.
Flavian Roman Amphitheatre
Discovered relatively recently, Malaga’s Roman amphitheatre has seen the likes of hometown hero Antonio Banderas perform on its stage, while it is also situated under the birthplace of other famous Malagan Pablo Picasso.
Museo Picasso Malaga
Opened recently, the Picasso Museum displays a number of the great artist’s works. The museum is situated a short walk from Picasso’s birthplace and takes up its position in a former 16th century Mudejar Palace combined with various other more modern buildings. Featured are more than 200 paintings, ceramics, graphics and sculptures.
Malaga Cathedral
Like many of Spain’s other magnificent cathedrals, Malaga Cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque after the reclaiming of the land from the Moors. The cathedral was put up between the years 1528 and 1782 and has just one tower as opposed to the planned two, earning it the name the ‘one armed woman’. The structure is particularly grand and features Baroque and Renaissance architecture with an array of extravagant decorations and furnishings.
Picasso Foundation
The Picasso Foundation marks the place where the world-renown artist was born and spent the first year-and-a-half of his life. The building is situated in the historic area of Malaga and also serves as a library for art historians. The Foundation displays an array of Picasso’s works, including engravings, ceramics and sculptures.
Malaga Harbour
The city harbour is among the most important in the country due to its convenient position on the southern coast. From a distance the port is a picturesque setting with all its ships and boats travelling in and out of the destination.
Plaza de Toros
Built from 1874 to 1876 the Plaza de Toros bullring is situated next to the beach and is constructed in Neo-Mudejar style. The bullring can hold a capacity 15,000 crowd for events which have seen some of the greats grace its arena.
Botanical Gardens
Los Jardines de la Concepcion features thousands of plants and trees, as well as fountains, streams and views of the city of Malaga. The garden includes trees from every continent, arranged in zones according to their origin. There is also a tree and plant museum which attracts many birds and other wildlife.
Beaches
As part of the Costa del Sol, Malaga has sweeping beaches which prove popular particularly among tourists in the summer months. The most well-known beaches are la Malagueta and las Acacias, both more than a kilometre in length.