Around the year 1855, Jorge Loring and Amalia Heredia acquired some estates located to the north of Málaga, where there had previously been olive trees, almond trees, and fruit trees. Their plans began during a honeymoon, and due to their high purchasing power and connections with European gardens, they brought back exotic plants from different countries around the world.
In 1911, the botanical garden was acquired by a family from Bilbao who continued expanding it until, finally, in 1990 it was purchased by the Málaga City Council. They divided it into two parts to build the Limonero reservoir. After some construction work, it was reopened to the public in 1994 as a historical botanical garden and a cultural, educational, and scientific centre.
The La Concepción garden was once a meeting place for illustrious personalities. Around the 19th century, it gathered politicians, artists, and the nobility of Málaga who frequented and enjoyed this garden. This contributed to the construction of various buildings, such as the Palace-House, the House of the Cypress Trees, two greenhouses, bridges, a viewpoint, and the Loringian Museum, where archaeological remains found in Málaga were exhibited, with excavations financed by the Loring family.
Another architectural element worth visiting is the part of the San Telmo aqueduct, built in 1782. It was the most important hydraulic work of the 18th century in Spain. It was over 10 km long and provided a water supply to La Concepción.
Today, the botanical garden is considered a historical-artistic garden and a cultural heritage site.
The Botanical Garden of Málaga prides itself on its impressive floral diversity, housing approximately 2000 species. Some specimens are over 100 years old. Among the subtropical species, the palm collection stands out as one of the most notable in Europe, with large specimens and a remarkable diversity of aquatic plants.
The plant species present in the park come from all continents: Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Below are some of the most representative species found in the garden:
In addition to these species, the garden is home to a variety of ornamental plants, medicinal plants, and exotic plants, making it a true botanical paradise. The garden's facilities include several greenhouses and ponds that recreate specific habitats for some of these plants, allowing for their study and conservation.
The Botanical Garden of Málaga is not only a haven for flora but also a centre for education and environmental awareness. Visitors can participate in workshops, guided tours, and educational activities that promote the knowledge and appreciation of plant diversity.
The Botanical Garden of Málaga is not only an oasis for flora but also a paradise for bird lovers. The great diversity of bird species in the park makes it an ideal place for ornithologists and bird-watching enthusiasts. Some species are permanent residents, present all year round, while others can only be observed during certain seasons, especially during migrations.
Among the resident birds, you can find species such as the common blackbird, the European robin, the great tit, and the goldfinch. These birds take advantage of the abundant vegetation and resources available in the garden for nesting and feeding.
During spring and autumn, the garden comes alive with the arrival of migratory birds. Species such as the common chiffchaff, the blackcap, and the pied flycatcher make a stop on their journey to rest and replenish their energy. These seasons are the best times to observe a greater variety of birds and enjoy their songs and plumage.
The Botanical Garden has several strategically located observation points where visitors can admire the birds without disturbing them. Additionally, educational activities and guided tours focused on ornithology are organised, allowing participants to learn about different species and their behaviours.
The combination of diverse flora and the garden's tranquil environment creates a perfect habitat for birds, fostering biodiversity and providing a unique experience for visitors. Whether you are an experienced ornithologist or simply enjoy nature, the Botanical Garden of Málaga offers an exceptional place for bird-watching and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Amongst the habitual birds in the park we’ll find all of those in the following list:
SCIENTIFIC NAME |
ENGLISH NAME |
Accipiter nisus |
Eurasian Sparro whawk |
Acrocephalus scirpaceus |
Reed Warbler |
Alectoris rufa |
Red-legged Partridge |
Anthus pratensis |
Meadow Pipit |
Ardea cinerea |
Grey Heron |
Buteo buteo |
Common Buzzard |
Carduelis carduelis |
Goldfinch |
Carduelis chloris |
Greenfich |
Carduelis spinus |
Siskin |
Certhia brachydactyla |
Short-toed Treecreeper |
Cettia cetti |
Cetti´s Warbler |
Coccothraustes coccothraustes |
Hawfinch |
Columba livia |
Rock Dove |
Cuculus canorus |
Common Cuckoo |
Delichon urbica |
House Martin |
Dendrocopos major |
Great Spotted Woodpecker |
Emberiza cirlus |
Cirl Bunting |
Erithacus rubecula |
Robin |
Falco tinnunculus |
Common Kestrel |
Ficedula hypoleuca |
Pied Flycatcher |
Fringilla coelebs |
Common Chaffinch |
Galerida cristata |
Crested Lark |
Hieraaetus pennatus |
Common Booted Eagle |
Hirundo daurica |
Red-rumped Swallow |
Hirundo rustica |
Barn Swallow |
Jynx torquilla |
Wryneck |
Lanius senator |
Woodchat Shrike |
Loxia curvirostra |
Common Crossbill |
Luscinia megarhynchos |
Rufous Nightingale |
Merops apiaster |
European Bee-eater |
Monticola solitarius |
Blue Rock Thrush |
Motacilla alba |
White Wagtail |
Motacilla cinerea |
Grey Wagtail |
Motacilla flava |
Yellow Wagtail |
Muscicapa striata |
Spotted Flycatcher |
Myiopsitta monachus |
Monk Parakeet |
Oriolus oriolus |
Golden Oriole |
Parus ater |
Coal Tit |
Parus caeruleus |
Blue tit |
Parus major |
Great tit |
Passer domesticus |
House Sparrow |
Phoenicurus ochruros |
Black Redstart |
Phylloscopus collybita |
Common Chiffchaff |
Phylloscopus trochilus |
Willow Warbler |
Psittacula krameri |
Ring-necked Parakeet |
Ptyonoprogne rupestris |
Crag Martin |
Regulus ignicapillus |
Firecrest |
Serinus serinus |
European Serin |
Streptopelia decaocto |
Eurasian Collared Dove |
Streptopelia turtur |
European Turtle Dove |
Sturnus unicolor |
Spotless Starling |
Sylvia atricapilla |
Blackcap |
Sylvia borin |
Garden Warbler |
Sylvia melanocephala |
Sardinian Warbler |
Troglodytes troglodytes |
Wren |
Turdus merula |
Blackbird |
Turdus philomelos |
Song Thrush |
Turdus viscivorus |
Mistle Thrush |
Upupa epops |
Hoopoe |
Address:
Phone Numbers:
Opening Hours (Monday to Sunday):
Closed on 25th December, 1st January and every Monday (including 6th January). On 24th and 31st December, the garden closes at 15:00. On public holidays or substitute holidays that fall on a Monday, the garden will open during its usual hours (including 9th December).
Prices:
For more information on prices, opening hours, and night visits, visit the official website: https://laconcepcion.malaga.eu/es/visitas/
In the map below, you can find the exact location of the Botanical Garden of Málaga. From here, you can also consult the best route to arrive from any point in the province. The garden is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast and offers an unforgettable experience.
If you have decided not to rent a car in Málaga, you can get there by bus. Bus line 61 departs from the Alameda in the centre of Málaga and will take you directly to the botanical garden. This line operates with a frequency of 60 minutes.