48 hours in Malaga
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Culture, history, sunshine and beaches, Malaga has it all. Soak up the sights with the sun on your back, and tick your way through our list of top things to see and do there in just two days.
The cultural hub of Costa del Sol, Malaga is bristling with history, culture and style. Having gifted the world with Picasso, this is a city whose art scene only continues to flourish.
Only got 48 hours to explore it all? Read on to find out the best things to do on a short city break to southern Spain’s most happening city.
Visit the Museu de Picasso
Malaga’s Picasso Museum draws in millions of avid fans every year – and for good reason. Packed with over 200 pieces, the museum’s collection is varied enough for visitors to grasp an understanding of the artist’s life and legacy, from start to finish. You can also visit the house (and now museum) where Picasso was born, just a stone’s throw away on Plaza de la Merced.
Go to church
Or La Manquita cathedral, to be precise. Built between 1528 and 1782 on the site of a former mosque, it’s a stunning representation of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The cathedral was originally supposed to have two towers, but lost its second to poor funding. This gave it the name La Manquita, which is loosely interpreted as “one armed woman”.
Window shop down Calle Marqués de Larios
Malaga is soaked in style, something you’ll notice as soon as you stroll the shiny pedestrianised street of Calle Marqués de Larios (or Larios as it’s called by the locals). The epicentre of shopping, it’s here that you’ll find the world’s main fashion brands lined up like smartly-dressed soldiers. Feast your eyes on the immaculate window displays and maybe even treat yourself to a luxurious souvenir or two!
Climb to La Alcazaba castle
Looming over the city from a hilltop, La Alcazaba is Malaga’s most important landmark. It’s the best-preserved Moorish fortress palace in Spain, making it well worth a visit on your 48-hour trip. Explore the courtyards before relaxing in the immaculate gardens, paying a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre on your way back down.
Sample local specialities at the Mercado Central
Malaga is the food hub of Andalucía and is known all over Spain for its tapas and seafood. One of the best places to witness the city’s infatuation with food is Mercado Central. A covered market housed in a striking wrought-iron building, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat before continuing your tour of the city. Don’t leave without trying the fritura malagueña, an array of fried fish served with a wedge of lemon, washed down with a glass of sweet wine.
Find a spot to relax on the beach
Don’t forget that, like all the best cities, Malaga has beaches too. The closest and best, Playa de la Malagueta, is a long stretch of sand just a short distance from the city centre. And with over 300 days of sunshine a year, you don’t have to visit in the busy summer period to catch some rays. The beaches are a lot quieter during September and October, but the temperature is known to still reach the mid-20s.
Discover the city’s green side
As if the cultural centre and sandy beach wasn’t enough, Malaga also has plenty of green space for you to discover. Squeezed between two roads, Paseo del Parque is one of the best. An exotic blend of blossoming plants and tall trees with a tropical rainforest feel, it’s a great place to take a stroll and seek shade from the sweltering midday heat.
