Overview

For our guests, Málaga can be the start and end point of the journey — the airport sits right outside the city and connects Andalusia with the rest of Europe. But anyone who drives straight through to the interior is bypassing one of Spain’s most pleasant cities.

With over 600,000 residents, Málaga is Andalusia’s second city, and at the same time one of the oldest in Europe: the Phoenicians founded it almost three thousand years ago. That long history is literally stacked in the centre — a Roman theatre at the foot of a Moorish fortress, with a medieval castle on the hill above.

Over the past twenty years the city has reinvented itself as a cultural destination. Málaga is Picasso’s birthplace, and now counts dozens of museums. Yet it hasn’t become a museum city: the harbour, the palm-lined boulevard and the city beach keep the whole atmosphere relaxed and Mediterranean.

What can you do here?

The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. The main sights are all within walking distance of each other:

• the Alcazaba, one of the best-preserved Moorish fortresses in Spain
• the Roman theatre at its foot, only rediscovered in 1951
• Castillo de Gibralfaro, with views over the city, harbour and sea
• the Museo Picasso, housed in the Palacio de Buenavista
• the cathedral, known locally as La Manquita — “the one-armed lady” — because its second tower was never finished

Beyond the sights, Málaga is also a lovely city to simply wander: Calle Larios for shopping, the Mercado de Atarazanas for fresh produce, and Muelle Uno along the waterfront for a terrace with a sea view. The city beach, La Malagueta, is a ten-minute walk from the centre.

Who is Málaga ideal for?

Málaga is ideal for anyone who wants culture and sea without having to choose. Guests arriving or departing can easily add a day here instead of driving straight through. And for families it makes a nice change of pace: museums and fortress for the parents, beach and boulevard for the kids.

Location & travel time

Málaga sits on the Costa del Sol, about 200 km from Posada Aurora — allow around two hours’ drive via the A-45. Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport is just west of the city, and is the arrival airport for some of our guests.

You could combine your visit with a stop at the Caminito del Rey or Lobo Park near Antequera, both of which lie along the way.