It's surprisingly compact, and the beach is always just a few minutes away.
This tour is meant to give you a variety of perspectives on Málaga, and make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
This tour actually begins at the Hammam Al Ándalus in the old city center. I recommend going at the early slot in the day for a more peaceful and calm experience. It is an absolute for any trip to Málaga; the only question is which day of your vacation will you want to go - if not everyday!
After a morning well-spent at the spa, it only takes a few minutes to walk to a delicious brunch spot around the corner, Desal. The sisters who run the place have a fun menu with every kind of freshly squeezed juice, creative takes on Spanish toast, and a ton of avocado and mango options. There are also great coffee choices, and the food selection is so good, you'll have trouble deciding which items not to order.
The Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga and Museo de Málaga are a stone's throw from each other and are crucial to understanding the Catholic background and more modern outlook for the city. The buildings themselves are gorgeous, and just check the opening days and times to make sure you have the amount of time you need in each.
If you're up for a bit of a hike, you can head up to the Alcazaba or the Castillo de Gibralfaro. Both offer extraordinary views of the city and the coastal area, in addition to representing and explaining some of the Moorish history of Málaga.
The Parque de Málaga is like a tropical forest with huge palm trees, jungle-like plants, fountains, and benches to sit on and watch all the people walking by. This is also a great place for a run or dog walking, and it provides a lot of cool shade on a hot day. Crossing the main road will bring you to the colorful glass cube where you can enter the Centre Pompidou Málaga for the best modern art in the area.
Strolling into the port area is best on the Paseo del Muelle Uno. There are two parts to this promenade: the part covered with white slats that creates the sensation of being on a boat or a yacht in the port, or the area with shopping and food. This second area will take you into a more modern district of Málaga, complete with covered and misted pathways, and will lead you directly to the lighthouse, La Farola.
You can end your tour by setting up camp on the beach at Playa la Malagueta. Here is where all of the people, tourists and locals alike, come to take some sun and relax. There are beach bars, showers to rinse off the sand, and plenty of opportunities for sport both in and out of the water. The water is generally warm enough throughout the seasons for a swim!
Málaga is a great European city on a beach! I have spent time there both in the winter and summer, and it does not disappoint. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities and options to keep everyone busy or have the right amount of down-time. The architecture is a healthy mix of traditional and modern, and the food scene is eclectic and a restaurant of some kind is always open. I hope you can enjoy this take on Málaga and enjoy the weather, too!
