Is your cruise ship docking in Malaga? Are you attending an event in the city and only have one day to yourself? Don't worry, we can help you to make the most of your time with these suggestions that are guaranteed to make your day a memorable experience.
If you arrive at the port, you will see the city laid out before you like a landscape painting, featuring many of its main attractions, the Alcazaba and Castle of Gibralfaro, the Roman theatre, the Cathedral.... You'll probably want to see it all, and that is what we recommend with our selection of the essential places to see in one day.
To start the day...
The best way to get into the heart of the city is by walking through its historical centre. The delightful Market of Atarazanas is close to the port, and this incredible 19th century building will tell you all you need to know about the local people's love of fresh food. From here you can head up the elegant Calle Larios and maybe do a bit of shopping. Your walk will end at the charming Plaza de la Constitución, where you can rest a while and charge your batteries at one of the bars in the picturesque Pasaje de Chinitas.
The Cathedral is barely 100 metres away, and is a magnificent example of Andalusian Renaissance Architecture. Don't leave without seeing its semi-circular high altar, which was designed by Diego de Vergara in 1541, and its spectacular choir.
Malaga, a city of museums
From here it is less than a minute's walk to the Calle San Agustín, which has a charm all its own, and another of the city's main attractions; the Picasso Museum, an outstanding cultural centre that offers insight into the work of the brilliant artist from Malaga, Pablo Picasso. It is worth booking your visit in advance if your time in Malaga is limited, because the Museum can get very crowded.
The city has more than 30 museums, so there are many other options that will fit in your schedule, however limited it is. What about the Pompidou Centre of Malaga? It is the first satellite Pompidou museum to be set up outside France and an international reference for avant-garde art. It is located next to the port.
The best views: Gibralfaro
To round off the day, what could be better than the most beautiful panorama of the city from the Mirador of Gibralfaro. There is an original and comfortable way to get there which also takes you to other places of interest, which is to use a Segway from Segway Málaga Tours, among others. We can also recommend the ascent on foot from Calle Alcazabilla, as this will offer you several fine views during the climb.
You can watch the sun go down and end this unforgettable day with a dinner near the historic Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro, with the city at your feet. And remember that there are still many more things to see and do in Malaga. See you soon!