Discovering Málaga: A Perfect Blend of Sun, Culture & Tapas
If you're looking for a city that offers golden beaches, rich history, vibrant street life, and mouthwatering food — Málaga is your perfect next getaway. Nestled on Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol, this charming coastal city surprised me in the best possible way. Here's how I experienced it — and why I think you should too!
🏛️ What to See & Do
1. Alcazaba & Gibralfaro Castle
History lovers, this is your paradise! The Alcazaba, a stunning Moorish fortress, offers spectacular views and lush gardens. For an even higher vantage point, hike up to Castillo de Gibralfaro — it’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it.
2. Picasso Museum
Did you know Picasso was born in Málaga? This museum offers a fascinating look into the artist’s early life and work. Even if you’re not a big art buff, the beautiful building and peaceful courtyard make it worth a visit.
3. Muelle Uno & Port Area
A modern promenade by the sea lined with restaurants, shops, and palm trees — perfect for sunset strolls and lazy lunches. Don't miss the colorful Pompidou Centre cube!
🏖️ Beach Time
Málaga’s beaches are clean, spacious, and great for all kinds of travelers. I spent an afternoon at Playa de la Malagueta, just a short walk from the city center. Grab a spot under a palm-thatched umbrella and order espeto de sardinas (grilled sardines) from a nearby chiringuito. Simple, fresh, and so delicious.
🍷 Food & Drinks
• Tapas, Tapas, Tapas! - From classic patatas bravas to local specialties like berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey), the food scene in Málaga is heavenly. Don’t miss El Pimpi, a beloved institution with Andalusian charm, local wines, and even celebrity-signed barrels.
• Rooftop Bars with a View - A personal favorite: the AC Hotel Rooftop. Sip a cocktail while enjoying panoramic views of the cathedral and the Mediterranean Sea.
💡 Useful Tips
• Best time to visit: Spring or early autumn — warm weather, fewer crowds.
• Language: Spanish, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
• Local vibe: Friendly, relaxed, and vibrant. Don’t rush — enjoy the slow pace!
• Day trips: Consider visiting Ronda, Nerja, or the Caminito del Rey for more Andalusian magic.
💭 Final Thoughts
Málaga charmed me with its mix of old and new, beach and city, culture and fun. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just in need of some sunshine and sea breeze, Málaga is a destination that deserves a spot on your travel list.
Let yourself wander, try something new, and enjoy every bite and view this stunning Spanish city has to offer.
#mediterranean
Avoid the midday lines for those with stamps and those without tickets, as they're incredibly long. We bought our 4 PM tickets from the official website and were able to get in straight away without a line. The exhibition hall is mostly dedicated to Picasso, with one section dedicated to modern abstract artists. If you have time, you should definitely check it out.
Near Picasso's birthplace. Rich in content, involving Picasso's paintings and sculptures in various stages, it is worth seeing. Reminder to buy tickets online one day in advance, you need to queue up to buy on-site. The visit takes about 2-3 hours.
It's worth a stroll. Feel Picasso's explorations in different periods and his mental journey from academicism to abstraction. There are many Picasso museums, and this one in his hometown of Malaga feels intimate. In the center of the old city. Parking is difficult, park in the parking building across the river and walk for ten minutes.
There are three Picasso museums in the world. The ones in Paris and Barcelona are relatively large, and the one in Malaga is the smallest. But Malaga is where Picasso was born and grew up. Here, you can face his works, appreciate his ideas, feel his soul, and have a close contact with the master of art. Regarding the opening hours of the Picasso Museum, many domestic websites provide wrong information, that is, Monday to Thursday 10:00-20:00, Friday to Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday and holidays 10:00-20:00, tickets for adults are 7 euros, and free admission every Sunday from 18:00 to 20:00. Misled by this information, we went there at nearly 6 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, but the museum was in a state of only exiting and not entering and was about to close. The sign at the door showed that except for special days, the normal opening hours are 10:00-18:00, so we had to come back another day. The ticket is 4 euros, there is a free English guide, no Chinese guide, and you cannot take pictures in the museum. There are more than 200 paintings, prints, sketches and ceramic works by Picasso, the most famous of which is "Portrait of Paul in a White Hat". It can be seen that Picasso is a talented artist. His works were very mature when he was a teenager. He was able to master various painting methods and styles and various themes. In the past, we only knew that Picasso was an abstract painter, but in fact, his paintings started from realism.
Malaga is the birthplace of the famous painter Picasso, so the Picasso Museum is worth visiting. The museum is not far from the cathedral. It's very low-key outside. Picasso's representative works of various periods are displayed indoors, and voice commentators are available free of charge. The basement can also visit the ancient city of Malaga, the fragmented stones, telling us distant stories.
The Picasso Museum in Malaga celebrates the artistic genius of Pablo Picasso in his birthplace. Housing a diverse collection of his works, it offers a profound insight into his evolution as an artist. A cultural gem not to be missed for art enthusiasts.
Took the tour and learned so much about his life and the story behind all of his styles. The family and friends had much influence on his work from the early years as a teenager was more classic to his dark blue period, the origins of his inspirations etc she did a great job. Don’t just walk thru and see it take the tour and get the whole story you will be glad you did. The only stress was finding her just passed the entrance in the gothic quarter.
Located in the Palacio de Buenavista, the Picasso Museum in Malaga has a permanent collection of works by Pablo Picasso dating back more than eighty years. This collection is a testament to the work and creativity of this important artist and a means of understanding Western art. Temporary exhibitions deepen knowledge of art and there are also various activities that allow you to enjoy the experience. The museum's collection of 233 works takes visitors on a journey through eighty years of the life of the Malaga artist, between 1892 and 1972. In its eleven halls we can see how Picasso broke old rules and took innovative steps. Picasso is considered the most important artist of the 20th century and he was a versatile creator, so we will see different types of works here.