Things to do in Malaga

9 places, 3 of them free. Picasso’s hometown: a Moorish fortress, a lively port and beaches on the doorstep.

9 places

Must See~£3

Alcazaba of Málaga

Centro

A Moorish hilltop fortress with courtyards, fountains and views over the port.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed

Daily, roughly 9:00–20:00 (earlier in winter)

Viewpoints~£3

Gibralfaro Castle

Gibralfaro

A hilltop castle above the Alcazaba with the best panorama of Málaga and the sea.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed

Daily, roughly 9:00–20:00

Museums~£10

Picasso Museum Málaga

Centro

A collection of works by Málaga’s most famous son in a beautiful Renaissance palace.

  • Suggested time: 2 hrs
  • Booking recommended

Daily, roughly 10:00–19:00

Must See~£8

Málaga Cathedral

Centro

A Renaissance cathedral known as La Manquita, “the one-armed lady”, for its unfinished tower.

  • Suggested time: 1 hr
  • No booking needed

Monday–Saturday, roughly 10:00–18:00

MarketsFree

Atarazanas Market

Centro

A lively market under a Moorish-arched entrance, with tapas bars tucked among the stalls.

  • Suggested time: 1 hr
  • No booking needed

Monday–Saturday mornings to mid-afternoon

BeachesFree

La Malagueta Beach

La Malagueta

The city beach, a short stroll from the centre, with beach bars serving sardines.

  • Suggested time: 3 hrs
  • No booking needed

Open access; lifeguards in season

Day Trips~£10

Caminito del Rey

El Chorro (60 km)

A dramatic cliff-hugging walkway above a gorge, now a safe and popular day trip.

  • Suggested time: Full day
  • Book ahead

Daily, timed entry; check seasonal hours

Day Trips~£25

Ronda Day Trip

Ronda (100 km)

A cliff-top town split by a deep gorge and crossed by a soaring stone bridge.

  • Suggested time: Full day
  • Booking recommended

Town open daily; sights keep their own hours

Hidden GemsFree

Soho Street Art District

Soho

A former warehouse district turned open-air gallery of murals, cafés and studios.

  • Suggested time: 2 hrs
  • No booking needed

Open-air; always accessible