Let’s face it, we don’t go to Malaga for the culture. It’s the fun and sun, and all the things that come with it. The beach is the main attraction, or the marina for those with dough. Whether you go to Banos del Carmen beach, La Caleta beach or San Andres on the other side of the marina, the seaside dining and available facilities as well as the blue clean Med waters assure you of a pleasant stay. The walk up the coast towards the town of El Chanquete is worthwhile for those so inclined. Just take plenty of sunblock and money for the great seafood restaurants along the way. We had to Uber back, because we were sunburned and burned out!

Plate of fried food on a table at the beach, with straw umbrellas, lounge chairs, and people relaxing near the water, and ships on the ocean in the background.
A beach at sunset with a pier and a building, calm water reflecting the orange sky, and trees in the background.
Beach with sand, palm trees, and high-rise buildings in the background. Large sand sculpture spelling 'Malaga' in the foreground.
A landscaped outdoor courtyard with a narrow water feature, trees lining both sides, and steps leading up to a seating area with tables and chairs.
An art gallery with white walls and various paintings and sculptures on display, with a wooden ceiling and polished light-colored floor.
An art gallery features three sculptures and one painting. The central sculpture on a circular white platform depicts a stylized figure with a large, rounded head and abstracted body parts. To the left, a colorful abstract painting with geometric shapes hangs on the white wall. To the right of the sculpture, a slim, elongated hanging sculpture resembling a person is displayed. The gallery has a wooden ceiling with visible beams and a polished stone floor.

Malaga is the birthplace of a famous Spaniard, no, I’m not talking about Antonio Banderas, but Pablo Picasso. In 2003 Malaga opened up the Picasso museum. To be honest, I don’t get some of his art, okay, most of his art, but I still enjoy checking it out. You will too! Located in the city center near the Cathedral and Roman Theatre, it’s a good few hours checking out the 230 paintings, sculptures and other stuff I don’t understand.

You can’t walk through the Malaga town center without bumping into the Santa Maria de la Encarnacion cathedral. I actually did it on a bar crawl, twice! When the Spanish tossed out the Moors in the 15th century , they started building it over the mosque. Location, location, location. Finally finished in 1768, it is one of the tallest cathedrals in Spain. The choir area of the church and the twin organs are awe inspiring along with most of the church. But make sure to go up to the roof for an amazing view of Malaga.

Inside view of a grand ornate church ceiling with a large pipe organ in the center, featuring columns, gold decoration, and intricate artwork on the ceiling.
People walking on a rooftop terrace with a historical clock tower on a cloudy day, overlooking a cityscape.
A historic cathedral with ornate stone architecture and multiple towers, viewed from below, with a fountain in the foreground and a partly cloudy sky overhead.
Dusk on a busy shopping street with people walking, luxury stores like Desigual, historic European architecture, decorative street lamps, and a colorful sky.
People walking and dining at outdoor cafes on a sunny street with tall buildings, umbrellas, and a palm tree.
A busy plaza with people walking, surrounded by trees, buildings, and rocky ruins, under a clear blue sky.
City square at dusk with historic buildings, a prominent dome, and people walking on wet pavement.

One of the best things to do, besides hanging out at the beaches, is walking around the old town of Malaga. The main streets to check out start with the Calle Marques de Larios. Despite being named after some rich dude, it’s known for its curved buildings and has some cool shops. Another is the Alcazabilla, which is the street up to the old Alcazar of the past. On it you’ll find the original Roman theatre dating from the first century BC. Also, the Malaga Museum. And finally Calle Granada, an ancient street that now very today with tons of everything, from shopping to restaurants to bars. If you just wander around you’ll find all these streets, for sure!

Towards the marina bay just after the Plaza de Toros (bullring) where they stick bulls is a serene walking park surprisingly called Parque de Malaga. It offers a sea of tranquility after you just spent an ocean of money partying and shopping all over town. The port isn’t anything much to see so when you get to the end, just take a right turn and you’ll end up back into the town center. Ready to do it all over again!

People walking along a tree-lined pathway in a park with benches and streetlights.
Aerial view of a large, round bullring with red brick exterior and a sandy arena in the center.
A bronze statue of a man holding a sword stands in the center of a decorative fountain surrounded by lush green trees in a park.