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Welcome to Malaga!
Discover some of the enchanting corners of Malaga. The city has real gems that you probably didn’t know about yet.
Malaga’s classic attractions (of which there are quite a few by the way!) can be found in any decent travel guide to this ancient city situted in the bay of Malaga.
But we’re going to make your mouth water with this alternative Insider tour of local and visiting photographers and show you some real gems of Malaga that you probably didn’t know about yet.
The most enchanting corners of Malaga
Even arriving in Malaga is a pleasure. I always love to take a window seat when I fly.
As the plane descends on its approach to Malaga airport, we can enjoy spectacular views over the Guadalhorce reservoirs and the impressive Desfiladero de los Gaitanes or the bay of Malaga sparkling in the sun, welcoming us.
Gibralfaro
One thing is certain, the city is full of attractions and places to discover.
It is also true that the historic centre is continually subjected to a high number of visitors who stroll through its squares and streets on a fairly limited route.
So, we go to the heights to breathe a little purer air and enjoy less crowds and fantastic views from Gibralfaro.
Rooftop Terraces
Malaga is a city that offers views everywhere. One of the open secrets of Malaga are the high terraces. There you can enjoy a cocktail or a meal with fabulous views.
Some even have swimming pools, such as the Hotel Vincci Posada del Patio, one of the few 5-star hotels in the city.
Port of Malaga
The renovation of the port of Malaga a few years ago has been a complete success.
The site that was once a typical fenced-in harbour, has now become an urban space open to the sea. There take place continuous cultural activities, street markets.
It also has restaurants and shops just a few metres from the historic centre.
We have dedicated a full article to the beautiful Pier One (Muelle Uno) in the port of Malaga. Discover all the things you can do there!
Plaza de la Merced, Picasso & Jacarandas
Yes, it is true that the Plaza de la Merced is one of the most popular squares in Malaga, full of life, in the historic centre of the city.
The much-photographed statue is of Pablo Picasso, a famous son of Malaga, whose birthplace is just a few metres away. So far, nothing new. But look at these fantastic blossoms in the background!
They are Jacaranda trees that embellish streets and squares with this spectacular colour during the month of May.
So now you know: If you want your special photo with Picasso, come to Malaga in May, one of the best months, if you like to discover life in the city without dying of heat.
Museum of Malaga
The refurbished 18th century Palacio de la Aduana houses since 2016 the Museum of Malaga and specifically the Museum of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum.
You may already know that Malaga is the city of museums. But perhaps you didn’t know what this Museum hides on its terrace, so let yourself be surprised in the section “Terraces with views”.
Alcazaba de Málaga
The Alcazaba of Malaga is together with the Alhambra in Granada one of the most impressive Muslim fortifications.
If you have never been, visit the Alcazaba virtually. It’s certainly worth going up and letting yourself be immersed in the city’s many years of history and the enchanting magic of centuries long past.
Taberna Antigua Casa De Guardia
Here’s a charming (and very bustling) corner for wine lovers and another place with a lot of history in Malaga, the Antigua Casa de Guardia, the oldest tavern in Malaga, where it seems that no time has passed since 1840.
If you like Wine Tourism in Malaga, try the typical sweet wines of Malaga with denomination of origin and some tapas in this authentic tavern.
Orange Blossom and Oranges
One of the aromatic and visual delights of Malaga are the countless orange trees that adorn the squares and streets.
At the end of March and beginning of April we can enjoy the sublime scent of orange blossom, often coinciding with Easter Week in Malaga.
Oranges ripen during the winter months and a sight like the one in the photo is typical for the month of December in Malaga. An important fact: These oranges are not edible, they are bitter.
In the picture the gardens of Pedro Luis Alonso.
This is priceless
To be able to have breakfast, lunch, dinner or a drink on a terrace by the sea almost 360 days a year is simply priceless. It is one of the inherent pleasures and privileges of Malaga, and as you can see in the photo, it doesn’t have to be a succulent meal to make your heart and soul smile.
And as we have said, terraces are not only inviting in summer. There is no greater delight in the middle of “winter” (you know winter is absent in Malaga) than to take a stroll along the seafront in the cool breeze, and then to drop into a little terrace in the sun for a coffee. Marvellous!
Spectacular sunsets and sunrises
While we are on the subject of Malaga’s priceless pleasures, this one perhaps competes for first place: the magnificent sunrises and sunsets that we can enjoy every day. And we assure you: each one is unique.
There is no way to get tired of this spectacle in the sky, which acquires special intensity and colours during the winter months.
Baños del Carmen
Los Baños del Carmen is an old sea resort from 1920, and a revolution for its time, as it was the first resort where men and women bathed together.
Nowadays it has been restored and the area (El Pedregalejo, well known for its fish bars) is becoming fashionable, with the regeneration of the coastline and the creation of a park. There is a restaurant right there.
You can get there by bike along the sea promenade, from the centre of Malaga which is about 3 km away.