After wrapping up my Granada trip, I made my way to the sunny coastal city of Málaga, located in southern Spain along the Mediterranean Sea. It’s part of the Andalusia region and is known for its fantastic weather year-round — sunny, warm, and inviting. No wonder it’s a favorite spot for Europeans to vacation or retire.
But Málaga isn’t just about beaches and sunshine. It’s also a city full of history, culture, and art. In fact, it’s the hometown of the world-famous painter Pablo Picasso, so you’ll find lots of museums and creative spaces all around.
In the city center, you’ll stumble across ancient Roman ruins, Moorish castles, beautiful churches, and modern art venues — all packed into walkable streets. The mix of old-world charm and beach-town vibes makes Málaga a really fun place to explore.
One of the first things I noticed when I arrived? There were orange trees everywhere — and tons of oranges just lying on the ground! I couldn’t resist picking one up to try. Surprisingly sweet! But still not sure why nobody was eating them…
Málaga Roman Theatre
I arrived in Málaga around 10 a.m., and since I couldn’t check in to my place yet, I dropped off my bags and walked into the city. Not long after, I came across one of the city’s most famous landmarks — the Málaga Roman Theatre.
This is the oldest historical site in the city, sitting right below the Alcazaba fortress in the center of town. It’s a super popular spot for photos, and very easy to find.
The theatre dates back to the 1st century, during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. It was used for plays, music, and public gatherings. The stepped seating could hold about 1,200 people, and you can still see the layout of the stage and backstage area.
Later, during the 8th century when Muslims ruled the area, the theatre was abandoned and even used as a stone quarry. Parts of the nearby Alcazaba were built using stones from this very theatre.
It wasn’t rediscovered until 1951, during a construction project. Today, it’s been beautifully restored and includes a small visitor center with info and exhibits about Málaga during Roman times.
Best part? It’s free to visit. You can walk in, sit on the ancient stone steps, soak up the sun, take photos, and just imagine what life was like here 2,000 years ago. A very cool experience!
Iglesia Capitular de El Sagrario
Right next to the Roman Theatre, I spotted a beautiful church — Iglesia Capitular de El Sagrario. And I happened to arrive just in time to see a wedding procession with a horse-drawn carriage! First time I’ve ever seen that — it was like stepping into a movie scene.
“El Sagrario” is a type of chapel often found next to a main cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Sacrament in Catholic tradition.
This one was built in 1487, right after the Christian reconquest of Málaga. Its style is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance, with an elegant but understated exterior. Step inside though, and you’re greeted by intricate gold detailing, religious carvings, and a beautiful dome above the altar.
It’s easy to overlook because it’s right next to the massive cathedral, but it’s absolutely worth a stop, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful, spiritual space away from the crowds.
Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación de Málaga
This is the main cathedral of Málaga, and definitely one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Locals affectionately call it “La Manquita”, meaning “the little one-armed lady,” because it has only one completed tower — the second tower was never finished!
Construction started in the early 16th century, right after Christians reclaimed Málaga from the Moors. The cathedral was built right on top of a former mosque, symbolizing the religious transformation of the city.
Because the construction spanned over two centuries, the architecture is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The front façade is perfectly symmetrical and very impressive.
Inside, you’ll find soaring ceilings, detailed carvings, and one of Spain’s most famous choir stalls (Coro) — all in finely carved wood. You can even go up the bell tower for a panoramic view over the city and the sea!
The entry fee is €10, so I didn’t go inside (I’ve already visited many cathedrals during my trip), but even just walking around the outside is pretty impressive.
Calle Marqués de Larios
This is the main shopping street in Málaga and easily one of the prettiest in Spain. Known simply as Calle Larios, it’s a wide, elegant pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, cafés, and historic buildings.
Built in 1891 with funding from the powerful Larios family, the street was designed to resemble the grand boulevards of Paris and other European capitals.
Today it’s car-free and paved with polished marble, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll. You’ll find everything from international fashion brands to local boutiques, ice cream shops, and street performers.
During festivals like Semana Santa (Holy Week) or Christmas, the whole street is decked out in lights, decorations, and music. It’s the heartbeat of the city, and you can’t visit Málaga without walking down this street at least once.
Port of Málaga
Puerto de Málaga is one of the oldest seaports in Spain, dating back over 3,000 years to Phoenician times. It’s just a short walk from the city center and a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
In the past, this was a major commercial and military port. Today, it’s been transformed into a modern leisure and cruise hub, while still keeping its historical charm.
The most popular part is Muelle Uno, a stylish open-air shopping and dining area by the water. You’ll find waterfront restaurants, trendy bars, art galleries (including a branch of the Pompidou Centre), and lots of beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the sea view.
Many cruise ships now stop here on Mediterranean routes to Italy, Greece, or Morocco. Palm trees, white awnings, and wide promenades make this area perfect for walking, photography, or watching the sunset with a drink in hand.
Museo Picasso Málaga
Because Picasso is such a legendary name in the world of art — even if most of us can’t explain exactly why — I figured visiting his museum in his hometown was a must.
To be honest, I was expecting a grand and flashy building… but the Museo Picasso Málaga is quite humble on the outside. It’s housed in the beautiful 16th-century Palacio de Buenavista, which used to be a noble mansion.
The museum opened in 2003 and was made possible thanks to donations from Picasso’s family — especially his daughter-in-law and grandson — who gifted 233 works covering all periods of his career: early realism, Cubism, ceramics, and his later years.
What’s cool is that during renovations, they uncovered Phoenician and Roman ruins beneath the palace, which are now part of the museum too — like a mini time-travel experience!
As for the art itself… I’ll be honest: I don’t fully “get” Picasso. Some pieces look like random scribbles. But hey, that’s modern art for you — and the fact that his work is worth so much makes it even more fascinating.
Goodbye Málaga — Next Stop: A Little Piece of Britain in Spain
And just like that, my Málaga adventure came to an end. I’m now heading to a very unique destination — a piece of Britain located in southern Spain. I had no idea this place even existed until I got here!
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to like and share it — thanks for reading! 😊
Real Traveler, Real Experiences, Real Results. 
Leave a comment