Málaga is a city in Andalusia, Spain. The capital of the province, it is located on the southern coast of the country, on the Mediterranean. The city originated as a Greek colony in classical antiquity. It is the sixth largest city in the country, with over 560,000 inhabitants. It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 12th century B.C. It was incorporated into the Crown of Castile in 1487.
Málaga has a close relationship with the sanctuary of Torreciudad because the patron saint of Málaga, Our Lady of Victoria, has a special place in the sanctuary, with a replica built in 1996. Since then, thousands of people from Malaga have travelled there on the so-called Marian Route.
This seafront location has evolved over the years to become one of Malaga's most popular tourist areas, as its facilities are home to museums, restaurants, shops and one of the best sunsets in the city.
10 Places to visit in Málaga
1. Calle Marqués de Larios is a lively pedestrian street decorated with flowers in the historic centre of Málaga and is an open-air shopping centre with numerous shops, cafés, traditional and modern restaurants.
2. Larios Plaza de la Constitución is perfect for sampling tapas in bodegas that are already institutions, such as the very democratic El Pimpi. Here, you can find the hallmarks of the region's gastronomic characteristics
3. Malaga Cathedral: official name, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, nicknamed "La Manquita" because it never saw the south tower erected. Built on the site of an old mosque, the work lasted more than two centuries - and is still unfinished - hence the mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles, both inside and out. Climbing to the roof of the imposing Malaga Cathedral, at almost 50 metres high, is a guarantee of an incomparable panoramic view of Malaga.
4. Malaga's Picasso Museum is an encounter with more than 230 works by the master Picasso, who was born in Malaga.
5. Malaga's Roman Theatre, forgotten and buried for centuries, was only discovered in 1951. It dates back to the 1st century and was used until the 3rd century. Parts and materials from the Roman Theatre were used to build the Arab Alcazaba, right next door.
6. La Alcazaba de Málaga: the fortress palace built by the Moors in the 11th century when Málaga was a Muslim Taifa. Anyone who sees the Alcazaba from the outside thinks they're looking at an archaeological ruin. True, to a certain extent. The beautifully restored and preserved interior reveals fantastic arcades, gardens, patios, marble columns and other little wonders. Not to be missed is the magical and spiritual Nazari Palace, with its courtyards reminiscent of Granada's Alhambra.
7. Gibralfaro Castle: built as an impregnable fortress by the Moors in the 14th century to protect the Alcazaba to which it is attached by a wall, it offers impressive views of the historic centre of Málaga stretching out at its feet and the sea as far as the Strait of Gibraltar. Even more perfect at sunset! Inside, the highlights are the Torre Mayor with superb views from its 17 metre high tower, the Phoenician well and baths, and the White Tower inside which is the aljibe, an Arab cistern.
8. Praia da Malagueta is an urban beach with easy access. A good option for a sunny day when you don't want to travel far. Málaga is also famous for its beaches, and this is just one of them.
9. Hammam Al Ándalus, recreates a perfect environment in which Arabesque architecture, fragrant air, Andalusian music and the faint light of its rooms combine for a session that will revitalise your body and mind. Relax at the foot of the Alhambra in these Arab baths built on the ruins of an ancient 16th century Hammam.
10. Malaga's harbour is one of the city's historic and tourist landmarks. For centuries, this port, which opens onto the Mediterranean Sea, was a strategic point for trade and the defence of the city for the different cultures that passed through it, from the Phoenicians to the Arabs.
How to get There?
✈️ Malaga Airport-Costa del Sol (AGP) is located 8 kilometers (5 miles) west of the city center. Here are your options for getting to Malaga city center:
🚉 Train: The Cercanías Málaga C-1 train is the fastest and most convenient way to get from the airport to the city center. The train departs from the Malaga Airport station (located in the terminal building) every 30 minutes and takes about 12 minutes to reach Malaga María Zambrano station, which is located in the city center. Tickets cost €1.80.
🚍 Bus: The A Express Aeropuerto bus is a direct express bus that runs between the airport and the city center. The bus departs from the airport arrivals hall every 30 minutes and takes about 15 minutes to reach the Paseo de la Alameda stop, which is located in the city center. Tickets cost €4.
🚖 Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. The ride to the city center takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare starts at €15 and can go up to €20, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
🚗 Ride-sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are also available at Malaga Airport. The price of a ride to the city center will vary depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and the demand for rides.
🚗 Rental car: If you plan on renting a car for your trip, there are several car rental companies located at the airport. The drive to the city center takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 Tips: If you are buying a train or bus ticket at the airport, you can save money by purchasing a return ticket.
If you are traveling with heavy luggage, you may want to take a taxi or ride-sharing service.
Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially around the train and bus stations.
If you are renting a car, be sure to book your car in advance, especially during peak season.
Our Courses in Málaga
