Whether you are looking for an exciting day trip or to stay for an extended period of time, you will be able to find a number of interesting places to visit in Malaga. These include the Alcazaba de Malaga, the Montes Natural Park, and the Caminito del Rey.
Alcazaba de Malaga
Located at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba de Malaga is one of the best preserved ancient fortifications in Spain. It's a palatial fortification that dates back to the first century, and was built by the Moors to serve as a defence structure for the city. It is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Alcazaba was built in the 11th century, and has been modified numerous times over the years. You can find original Moorish pottery and ceramics here. It also has a museum courtyard that is noted for its black marble columns.
The Alcazaba offers great views of Malaga and the surrounding mountains. You can also find information panels in both English and Spanish. You can purchase a ticket at the entrance. Ticket machines accept both cash and credit cards. It costs 3.50EUR for a one-day ticket, and there are discounts for students, groups, and disabled people.
You can also take a tour of the rooftop. You will need to climb around 200 steps to reach the top. The roof has a picture of the building engraved on it, and is covered with a blue and silver roof. There are also small green parrots that fly about.
Another popular tourist attraction in Malaga is the Roman Amphitheater. It's located near the Alcazaba, and offers a panoramic view of the city. It's also a popular photography spot. You can find a fountain in the middle of the amphitheater, and a landscaped garden.
Caminito del Rey
Located in Alora, about an hour's drive from Malaga, Caminito del Rey is one of the most beautiful spots in southern Spain. It is a gorge that is carved by the Guadalhorce River. This gorge is home to Iberian ibex, golden eagles, and highland birds. It has also been known to claim five lives.
The walk starts at Restaurante El Kiosko. This is where you will find a large wooden platform attached to the sides of the mountain. The platform is built to make walking a safe and comfortable experience. A tunnel is also constructed through the mountain. The entrance of the tunnel is right next to the restaurant. There is a snack bar and toilets in the tunnel.
The hike is about three kilometers long. You can go through the entire trail, or you can just take a shortcut and walk from the north entrance to the south. This hike will take you about three hours.
There is a shuttle bus that runs regularly to the north parking lot. You can book your ticket online in advance. It costs EUR10 for individuals. For groups, the cost is EUR18. This includes transportation costs and a tour guide.
You can also rent a car and drive yourself to Caminito del Rey. The cost is about 30-50 euros per day, depending on the season. You can also visit Caminito del Rey on a guided tour.
La Manquita Cathedral
Among the many beautiful places in Malaga is the La Manquita Cathedral. This cathedral is a beautiful example of Renaissance-Baroque architecture. The cathedral has a Gothic floor and a Renaissance apse. Its interior features paintings by Ventura Rodriguez and Juan Nino de Guevara, as well as altarpieces by Cesar Arbassia and Juan Nino de Guevara.
The cathedral was originally built in the 15th century on the site of a mosque. The mosque was destroyed by the Spanish Civil War, and the cathedral was built on the site of the ruins.
Although the cathedral was never completely finished, it is still considered one of the most beautiful places in Malaga. It is nicknamed La Manquita, which is Spanish for "one-armed woman," because of the unfinished tower.
The cathedral has two levels, with the main facade separated by Corinthian columns. On the lower level, three arches are flanked by marble columns. Above these are medallions representing the patron saints of Malaga. In the 17th century, the choir stalls were constructed and stand out for their baroque woodwork.
The High Chapel is the focal point of the cathedral. It was designed in 1541 by Diego de Vergara. It was extensively decorated with iconography. In the chapel, the tabernacle of the Virgin is held in place by three arches. The high altar was also designed by Diego de Vergara. It is semicircular in shape.
Montes Natural Park
Located in the Malaga Province, Montes Natural Park is one of the most stunning places in Malaga. The park is located a little over five kilometers north of Malaga city. It is almost 5,000 hectares in size, and is a very beautiful spot to visit.
Montes de Malaga is a great area for hiking. There are a number of trails within the park that are suitable for all abilities. There are also two mountain bike trails.
There are also many cultural attractions to see within the park. Some of these attractions include the Museo de Malaga, which features an archaeology and Spanish paintings section. There is also the Picasso Birthplace Museum, which is home to Picasso's personal belongings. The museum also has a section on the Moorish period.
There is also the Malaga Glass Museum, which is home to a beautiful collection of stained glass windows. The museum also features an area that showcases a collection of antique furniture and carpets.
Another attraction within the park is the Botanical Garden La Concepcion, which is home to 3,000 tropical plants. The park also features a number of reservoirs. There are several picnic areas within the park.
Visitors can also visit Bioparc, which is an animal park that simulates the habitats of various animals. There is also a museum here that features a collection of rare minerals.
Other must-see attractions within the park include Mirador del Cochino, which offers stunning views of the park, and Mirador del Martinez Falero, which offers views of the city of Malaga.
Carmen Thyssen Museum
Located in the historic center of Malaga, the Carmen Thyssen Museum is a prominent art museum. The museum contains the largest collection of Andalusian painting in Spain. The Carmen Thyssen Museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions.
The museum's primary focus is on 19th century Spanish painting. The permanent collection features works by a number of famous artists. It is home to works by Pablo Picasso, Juan Ramon Casas, and Francisco Goya.
The museum has over 5,000 square meters of exhibition space. It also features an impressive museum shop. The museum also holds two major temporary exhibitions each year.
The Carmen Thyssen Museum is free for visitors on Sundays. However, the museum is closed on Mondays. During the week, visitors can pay a small fee. A museum guide will help visitors explore the museum. It is also possible to go on a self-guided tour. It is recommended that visitors buy their tickets online. The museum also has a cafe that serves coffee and lunch.
The Carmen Thyssen Museum holds over two hundred and forty works of art. It is the largest collection of 19th century Andalusian painting in Spain. The museum's permanent collection features works by Sorolla, Sorolla & Barrios, Diego de Regoyos, Francisco Goya, and Zurbaran. There are also a number of smaller exhibitions held throughout the year. The museum has a general capacity of four hundred and sixty people.
Contemporary Art Center
Located in the Malaga Centre Pompidou, the Contemporary Art Center of Malaga is an institution that displays works of modern and contemporary art. The museum also hosts major touring international contemporary art shows. It has a special focus on contemporary Spanish art. It also features works by up-and-coming artists.
The Contemporary Art Center of Malaga features exhibitions that regularly change. The museum's exhibition rooms are bright and spacious. Its collection includes works by Thomas Struth, Luis Ortiz de Vargas, and Pedro de Mena. It also has a focus on Latin American contemporary artists.
The museum is free to the public and rotates permanent exhibits from its archive. It also has a cafe that serves refreshments and lunch. The museum also houses an impressive glass and crystal collection.
Malaga's downtown is home to a variety of shops and low-key bars. The area is located close to the city center and is easy to get to on public transportation. It is also one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the city.
The Malaga Glass Museum is a stately 18th-century mansion that houses a collection of more than 1000 glass artifacts. It also features exquisite carpets and antique furniture. Its walking tours are led by friendly local guides.
Another option is to take a Segway tour of Malaga. These one-hour tours are a fun way to explore the city's historic sites. This tour includes a stop at the Picasso Museum and the Castillo de Gibralfaro. You will also pass Malaga Cathedral.
