Málaga
Visit to Malaga (1 day)
Here's a guide to seeing the essentials of Malaga in a day. I recommend starting early to make the most of your time. The estimated time to travel from Finca Los Paseros to Parking Plaza de la Marina (Málaga City Center) is 65 minutes by car.
If you're planning a visit to Málaga and want an authentic experience, we recommend the following itinerary:
Central Market of Atarazanas & City Center
Walk along Alameda Principal: From the parking lot, stroll down Alameda Principal, one of Málaga's most iconic avenues. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the beautiful architecture around you.
Visit the Atarazanas Market: At the end of Alameda Principal, you'll find the Atarazanas Market. This market is perfect for immersing yourself in the local gastronomy. It's a classic covered market full of color and life, where you'll find everything from fresh fish to freshly baked bread. The stalls open at 8:00 AM and close at 3:00 PM, while the bars close at 4:00 PM. Here, you can taste tapas and enjoy a good time watching the locals in their daily activities.
Breakfast at Casa Aranda: After visiting the market, head towards the beautiful Calle Larios. If you're in the mood for a typical breakfast, don't miss the "chocolate con churros" at Casa Aranda, one of the best places in Málaga for breakfast. It's a delicious experience that will give you the energy to continue your tour.
Stroll along Calle Larios: Continuing along Calle Larios, you'll enjoy one of Málaga's main shopping streets. It's an ideal place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. There are numerous shops and several bars with terraces where you can sit for tapas or a meal.
Tapas at Taberna Andaluza Lolita: To try authentic Andalusian cuisine, we recommend Taberna Andaluza Lolita. This highly recommended spot offers delicious tapas and typical dishes from the region.
Malaga Cathedral
The cathedral is famous for its north tower, which rises to a height of 84 meters and is the second tallest tower in Andalusia after the Giralda in Seville. The south tower, on the other hand, was never completed, earning the cathedral the nickname "La Manquita" or "The One-Armed Lady."
Inside the cathedral, you will find a wealth of artwork, including the Choir Stalls, a masterpiece carved in wood by Pedro de Mena. There are also numerous chapels and altars within the cathedral, each with its own history and significance.
If you wish to visit the cathedral, you can do so during the official opening hours.
Alcazaba of Malaga
The Alcazaba of Malaga is a palatial fortification from the Islamic era, built on top of a previous Phoenician-Punic origin fortification. It is located on the slopes of Mount Gibralfaro, in an elevated but adjacent and connected position to the historic center of the city, which constituted the ancient medina of Mālaqa. The Alcazaba is considered one of the most impressive medieval fortifications of the Middle Ages.
The Alcazaba consists of three walled enclosures, each with its own gate and defensive towers. The first enclosure is the largest and contains the main gardens and courtyards, as well as most of the original structures. The second enclosure is smaller and houses the Tower of Homage, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The third enclosure is the smallest and is located at the top of Mount Gibralfaro, where the Gibralfaro Castle is situated.
The Alcazaba houses a large number of historical artifacts and artworks, including ceramics, coins, and sculptures. There are also numerous gardens and courtyards within the Alcazaba, each with its own history and significance.
If you wish to visit the Alcazaba, you can do so during the official opening hours.
Roman Theatre of Málaga
The Roman Theatre of Malaga is a historical monument dating back to the 1st century AD, and it is located on the western slope of the Alcazaba hill. It was built during the reign of Augustus and used until the 3rd century. The theater has a mixed construction, utilizing part of the slope and creating an artificial terrace to support the seating.
The Roman Theatre consists of three parts: the cavea or seating area, the orchestra or semicircular space between the seating and the stage, and the proscenium or stage itself. The stage retains the pulpitum in good condition, with its front bordered by niches that still display traces of the original paint. The theater is very similar in size and characteristics to other theaters in the Baetica region, closely following the classical model proposed by Vitruvius.
The Roman Theatre was discovered in 1951 after remaining hidden for centuries. Following its discovery, restoration and conservation work was carried out to preserve this important historical monument. Today, the Roman Theatre is a popular tourist attraction in Malaga and can be visited during official opening hours
Lunch in the city center
Bodega Bar El Pimpi
You can enjoy "tapas" (small dishes) or "raciones" (larger portions, great for sharing or as a more substantial meal) at Bodega Bar El Pimpi, a renowned establishment in Málaga. This traditional tavern is celebrated for its flamenco ambiance, vibrant azulejo tiles, barrel room, and picturesque Andalusian courtyard. Founded in 1971, El Pimpi is steeped in history and has become one of the city's most iconic locations.
Named after the historical figure 'El Pimpi,' who was known for assisting ship crews and travelers at Málaga's port, the bodega is housed in an 18th-century mansion situated on an ancient Roman road. The venue is composed of various rooms and courtyards, each offering a distinct atmosphere, including a terrace with stunning views of the Roman Theater and the Alcazaba.
El Pimpi's menu showcases a range of local delicacies, such as fried fish, octopus, vegetables, gazpacho, ham croquettes, "pringá", various rice dishes and more. The restaurant also boasts a fine selection of local wines, ideal for pairing with your meal. The bodega is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, known for its lively environment, often enhanced by street performers.
A favorite meeting place for celebrities and visitors alike, El Pimpi is highly regarded as a cultural and gastronomic landmark in Málaga. Due to its popularity, it's advisable to make a reservation in advance.
For reservations, you can contact them at:
Phone: +34 952 225 403
Email: [email protected].
Restaurante Matiz
Another option is Matiz Restaurant, a chic place with modern Mediterranean dishes, tasting menus, wine pairings, and cocktails. Matiz Restaurant is located at Calle Bolsa, 14, 29015 Malaga. It offers a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes.
The restaurant is described as a new concept in dining in Malaga, with a reimagined Malagan Mediterranean cuisine, offering both a menu and a space suitable for all times of the day, ideal for those conversations that never seem to end.
Restaurante La Cosmo
Other options
If you have additional time, consider visiting museums like the Picasso Museum , the Carmen Thyssen Museum , Pompidou Museum or Muelle Uno , where you'll find shops, bars, and restaurants.
If the weather allows, take a dip at Malagueta Beach , one of the closest beaches to the city center.