Today we have a guest post written by Dani from Sincerely Spain. It’s about a city close to my old home of Granada and one definitely worth checking out!
As one of the few cities in Andalucía with an affordable, international airport, Málaga has come to be regarded by many as a coastal hotspot. However, I have to be honest with you—the first time I visited I wasn’t impressed. Perhaps calling Granada home jades you a bit because anything less than the breathtaking Alhambra feels a bit lackluster but I was also unlucky enough to visit on one of the only weekends of the year that it rained and was mostly constrained to indoor activities, so that didn’t help either. All that being said, I never intended to return to Málaga but through a series of unexpected events I ended up returning quite regularly.
When I met my now-husband, he had been living in Málaga for the previous six years and LOVED it so I made every effort to give it a fair shot and take it all in again with an open mind. Spending basically every-other-weekend for two years, plus a full summer, in Málaga has left me with a new appreciation for the city and understanding of why some say it’s the up and coming Bilbao. The slow-paced southern vibe is obviously different than the beautiful northern city it is often compared to, but with its plethora of museums and more modern vibe than the rest of Andalucía, I can’t help but believe critics are onto something.
Despite feeling like Málaga is a better city to live in than to simply visit, there are certainly some things to have in mind if you’ll be making a short trip so I’m sharing my thoughts on some of the places and things you’ve heard about in Málaga. Before you take any of my advice, though, I have to stress make a personal assessment of what’s a ‘must-see’ for YOU. Seriously—you know if you’re not that much of an art museum person or not that much of a church person; do not be afraid to skip things you’re not interested in!
These are my personal opinions on some of the top-rated places in Málaga:
Sightseeing and Museums
The Cathedral (aka La Manequita): The story behind this church and its ‘one-armed lady’ nickname is far more unique than anything you’ll see inside (my apologies to cathedral-lovers everywhere). I would personally enjoy this site through a free walking tour or from any of the nearby rooftop bars instead paying an entrance fee.
La Alcazaba (fortress) and Castillo de Gibralfaro (castle): I actually didn’t bother to visit either of these sites on my first trip (mostly due to the rain) but they are totally worth it, plus the price of admission is nominal (especially if you’re a student/youth). Not only are both of these interesting to roam around in, they provide breathtaking views of the city.
Art Museums: Especially if you can time it to visit for free on Sunday, the Picasso museum (the museum with his art, not his childhood home) is certainly worth a visit. I also recommend the CAC (Centro de Arte Contemporaneo) which is a completely free modern art museum near the ‘river’. While the Pompidou Center gets top billing with its colorful cube right there in the heart of the port, (as someone who doesn’t know much about modern art) it didn’t feel worth the steep prices in comparison to the CAC (however, free entrance on Sundays might make it worth your while).
Other Museums: Málaga actually has a wide variety of specialty museums—from the Glass and Crystal Museum to the Interactive Music Museum to the Automobile Museum—so there’s something for everyone. You truly have to follow your own interests on this one, but if your interest was at all peaked by my first mention, I have to say that the man who gave the tour at the Glass and Crystal Museum (who is also the owner of the entire collection, if I remember correctly) was one of the most passionate guides I have ever met.
Walking tours: If you’re into guided tours, I always recommend starting your trip with something of the like in order to get a feel for the city and an idea of what really sparks your interest to pursue in more depth later on. If going the guided routed isn’t really your thing, there is still so much to enjoy on foot in Málaga. Taking in the beachfront, port, the Paseo de España (full of trees from around the world and many sculptures and busts of important figures), Calle Larios, and Plaza de la Merced are just a few of the places I’d recommend.
Food and entertainment
The beaches: One of the best parts of Málaga is its all-year-round enjoyable weather. While it won’t be bathing suit weather in the winter, it does usually still get warm enough at midday to enjoy some sunshine and a drink or book on the sand. If you’re like most weekend visitors, the centrally-located Malagueta beach will serve you perfectly. However, if you’re looking to get somewhere a little less crowded I highly recommend renting bikes, walking out to, or taking the local bus to El Palo. On the east side of Málaga you’ll find a completely different vibe, which is more local and economical.
El Pimpi: This restaurant is classic Málaga and nothing says you’re doing the city right than enjoying a glass (or bottle) of Málaga virgen wine among the super Andalusian décor inside or the spacious terrace right below Antonio Bandera’s penthouse. However, I do not recommend eating dinner at El Pimpi—there are so many restaurants where you’ll find better grub at fairer prices.
Los Amigos: This restaurant is a combination of Greek, Indian, and Mexican grills, which means you have a full menu from the three different countries! Although it’s located in Muelle Uno which means prices are a bit higher, the food is quality and plentiful, making it the perfect option for groups that can’t decide on one cuisine.
Raff: While tapas are available in many restaurants in Málaga, they generally have to be ordered and paid for separately so this restaurant really speaks to my granadina heart by having an option to pay slightly more for your drink but get your tapas included. The menu options are also eclectic and delicious.
Film Festival: Every March, Málaga hosts an important film festival known as “Festival de Málaga” or the Málaga Spanish Film Festival (FMCE) which promotes Spanish cinema and smaller productions, drawing film casts, critics, views from around the globe. This is a fun time of the year to visit as the whole city seems to convert into a red carpet affair (there are literally red carpets leading to the theaters) yet the average person can also score tickets to check out some of the most important Spanish movies of the previous year on the big screen as well as an assortment of documentaries and short films that are up for awards.
*Especially if you’re on a budget, plan out your visit accordingly: Málaga has a lot to see and do, and the price range varies greatly. Being aware of opening hours and free entrance times/days can help you plan out your visit in the most efficient and economical way possible. For example, there are TONS of sites and museums that have free entrance on Sunday afternoon, but I would prioritize the more expensive options (i.e. the Picasso Museum) over the relatively cheap ones (i.e. Castillo Gibralfaro) at that time.
I hope my insider thoughts help you to plan a lovely visit to Málaga and to come to appreciate all this coastal city has to offer. Feel free to reach out to me specifically at asksincerelyspain@gmail.com if you have specific questions about Málaga, Spain, or travel in general!
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