Malaga used to be an overlooked city, which role was mainly to be a transportation hub to reach summer resorts on the popular Costa del Sol region. Today Malaga, though preserving this important feature, has managed to develop itself into a proper touristic destination. The construction of Pier One, a luxurious, modern and beautiful shopping mall by the sea, played an important role in this transformation, in order to provide world class leisure activities for visitors.

Alcazabas are fortifications built by the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula. Malaga is blessed with the best preserved Alcazaba in Spain, which was built around the year 1000 on a hill, where it is possible to enjoy magnificent views over the city. Further enhancing the beauty of the complex, the ruins of a Roman theater stand next to it.

Montes de Malaga is a natural park located north of the city, and it offers a great retreat from the busy port city. The park is a very interesting destination for hikers, who will enjoy the hilly landscape characterized by pines and waterfalls, and populated by several species of animals.

Gibralfaro is another historical site of Malaga, a castle built in the 10th century and used until 1925 as military base. Standing on a hill, the castle has today deteriorated and it is in ruins; however, it remains a must-see attraction, thanks also to the majestic views over the city.

This small art museum boosts an impressive collection of paintings, mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on Spanish and Andalusian art; however, some paintings displayed go as far back as the 13th century.

Malaga Botanical Gardens were established in the 19th century by Spanish aristocrats and nowadays are opened to public. Several tropical plants coming from all over the world are displayed in open air, thanks to the mild climate of the city.

As its name suggests, this private museum is dedicated to more than 700 glass and crystal objects, some dating back even to Egyptian times; furthermore, the house where the museum is set is a magnificent villa. Guided tours are possible, sometimes given by the owner himself.

Blessed with one of the warmest climate in Europe and experiencing very hot and long summers, Malaga offers also quite decent beaches to both locals and visitors. Avoid swimming near the port and go east, where water is cleaner and beaches are less crowded.

In 2003, Malaga opened a museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso, probably Malaga’s most famous son. Located in a 16th century building, the museum contains 285 Picasso’s works, and it is definitely a must see for any art lover.

Built in the 16th century in different styles, this awe-inspiring cathedral was partly destroyed by an earthquake in the late 17 century, but eventually rebuilt after several years. The typical characteristic of the cathedral is the absence of the right tower, which could not be rebuilt due to lack of funds.