Málaga, set on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol in Andalusia, is a vibrant city that effortlessly blends coastal relaxation with cultural richness. With its golden beaches and scenic promenades, Málaga is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. The city’s energetic atmosphere is evident in its bustling plazas, stylish boutiques, and thriving nightlife, making it a perfect place for both leisurely strolls and lively evenings.

A highlight of visiting Málaga is its strong artistic identity, shaped by being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The Picasso Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s works, while the city itself boasts a dynamic arts scene with galleries and street art adding to its charm. Overlooking Málaga is the Gibralfaro Castle, where visitors can admire breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the coastline, ideal for capturing memorable moments.

Beyond culture, Málaga’s gastronomy is a delight for food lovers. Tapas bars serve fresh seafood, traditional Andalusian specialties, and innovative fusion dishes, all accompanied by excellent local wines. The city’s relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere makes dining an experience in itself, whether it’s enjoying espetos (grilled sardines) on the beach or discovering hidden culinary gems in the historic center. Málaga’s combination of coastal beauty, artistic heritage, and lively ambiance makes it an irresistible destination for any traveler.

History of Málaga

Málaga in Antiquity

Málaga boasts a history that stretches back thousands of years, with its origins rooted in Phoenician settlements around 770 BCE. The city served as an essential trading hub, strategically positioned for commerce with other Mediterranean civilizations. Later, the Carthaginians took control, strengthening Málaga’s role as a key maritime center before the Romans arrived, integrating it into the broader Roman Empire.

Málaga During Roman Rule

Under Roman governance, Málaga flourished as a prosperous port city, benefiting from infrastructure advancements such as roads, aqueducts, and amphitheaters. The Teatro Romano, still visible today, stands as a testament to this era of cultural development. The city thrived as part of the province of Hispania, with trade and agriculture forming the backbone of its economy.

Málaga During Al-Andalus

With the arrival of the Moors in the early 8th century, Málaga became a vital stronghold within the Emirate of Córdoba. The city’s fortifications were strengthened, leading to the construction of Alcazaba, a stunning palace-fortress that still dominates the skyline. Málaga became a bustling center of commerce and culture, with its port facilitating trade across the Islamic world. During this period, advances in science, architecture, and agriculture shaped the city’s identity.

Málaga in the Christian Reconquest

The year 1487 marked a turning point when Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella seized Málaga after a grueling siege. The city underwent a transformation, with churches replacing mosques and Christian institutions asserting dominance. Málaga’s Cathedral of the Incarnation stands as a legacy of this era, embodying Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

Málaga in the Modern Era

Throughout later centuries, Málaga adapted to industrialization and economic shifts, evolving into a thriving commercial hub. The city played a role in key historical movements, including Spain’s turbulent 19th-century political struggles and the Spanish Civil War. In the modern era, Málaga has emerged as a lively cultural destination, blending historical heritage with contemporary vibrancy, making it one of Spain’s most dynamic cities today.

Visiting Málaga for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Málaga on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Málaga not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Málaga and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Catedral de Málaga

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Danielmlg86

The Catedral de Málaga or Málaga Cathedral was built in the 16th century on the site of the former mosque. Of the mosque, only the Patio de los Naranjos survives, a small courtyard of orange trees. The Cathedral of Málaga was designed in the Renaissance style by Diego de Siloe. It is located in the historic center of town and…

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Location: Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga Calle Molina Lario, 9 29015 Málaga Spain | Hours: 10am-6pm Sat, 2-6pm Sun year-round, 10am-8pm Mon-Fri Apr-Jun & Oct, to 9pm Jun-Sep, to 6.30pm Nov-Mar | Price: Cathedral & Ars Málaga €6, incl roof €10 | Website | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Catedral de Málaga

We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Athenaeum of Malaga

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Miwipedia

The Ateneo de Málaga or Athenaeum of Malaga is an artistic-literary association founded in 1966 in the city of Málaga, Spain. An athenaeum  is an institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning. a library or reading room. Since 2002 it has been based in the old School of San Telmo de la Calle Compañía. History of the old…

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| Website | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Athenaeum of Malaga

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Málaga . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Church of San Agustin

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Gab416

The Church of San Agustin is located Calle San Agustín next to the Palacio de Buenavista, in the Historic Center of the city of Malaga, Spain. The building has three parts: church, school and monks' residence. The church's beautiful courtyard is next to the Museo Picasso Málaga, on one of the streets that best preserves its original structure. The convent…

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Visiting Church of San Agustin

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Calle Larios

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mstyslav Chernov

Calle Marqués de Larios, also known simply as Calle Larios, is a pedestrian and shopping street in Málaga, Spain. It is located in the historic center of the city and is the most expensive street to live on in Málaga. It is a hub of prestigious businesses, shops and hotels. The street hosts many of the city's top events, including Feria…

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Location: Calle Marqués de Larios 29005 Málaga | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Calle Larios

Click here to read our blog about Exploring Picasso’s Málaga

Picasso Museum Málaga

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Llecco

The Museo Picasso Málaga is a museum in Málaga, Andalusia, Spain, dedicated to the artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso and gives a great overview of the artist and his work. The museum was inaugurated  by the King and Queen of Spain in 2003 and is housed in the Palacio de Buenavista. It is located in the center of the city close…

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Location: Picasso Museum Málaga Palacio de Buenavista Calle San Agustín, 8 29015 Málaga Spain | Hours: 10am-8pm Jul & Aug, to 7pm Mar-Jun, Sep & Oct, to 6pm Nov-Feb | Price: €9, incl temporary exhibition €12, free last 2hr before closing Sun | Website | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Picasso Museum Málaga

Click here to read our blog about 10 Awesome things to do in Malaga

Museo de Málaga

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Luis García

The Museo de Málaga is a museum located  in Málaga, Andalusia, Spain. It was formed in 1973, when the Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes or Provincial Museum of Fine Arts and the Museo Arqueológico Provincial or Provincial Archeological Museum were combined. The museum is spread out over two floors in Málaga’s neoclassical Palacio de Aduana. The Palacio de la Aduana was…

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Location: Malaga Museum Plaza de la Aduana 29015 Málaga Spain | Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-8pm. Sunday from 9am to 3pm. Closed: Monday. | Price: Free for EU citizens, 1.50 euro for others | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Museo de Málaga

Iglesia de Santiago

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Morancio

The Iglesia de Santiago  or St. James Church was established in 1490 and is Málaga's oldest church.  It was extended in 1545, taking over part of the adjoining mosque. Of the original mosque only the central door of the building and its adjoining square tower remain. The square tower was first built separated from the church, following the tradition of…

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Location: Parroquia Santiago Apóstol Málaga Calle Granada, 78 29015 Málaga Spain | Hours: 9.00 – 13.30 and 18.00 – 20.00 | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Iglesia de Santiago

Teatro Romano, Malaga

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Maksym Abramov

The Teatro Romano de Málaga or the Roman theater in Malaga are the archaeological remains of the Malacca's ancient theater which stems from the 1st century AD. and the Empire of Augustus. It is located at the foot of the famous Alcazaba fortress. Alongside it sits the remains is a modern interpretation center which recreate the life and customs of…

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Location: Teatro Romano de Málaga Calle Alcazabilla, s/n 29015 Málaga Spain | Hours: Summer: From 09.30 to 13.30 and from 17.00 to 20.00.Winter: From 09.30 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 19.00. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Teatro Romano, Malaga

Carmen Thyssen Museum

Public Domain / Manuel Barrón y Carrillo

The Museo Carmen Thyssen or Carmen Thyssen Museum is an art museum in the Spanish city Málaga. It holds the most comprehensive collection of 19th-century Andalusian painting in Spain. The permanent collection consists of 230 works that brilliantly summaries 19th-century Spanish art. Most famous Spanish painters are in this collection such as  Zurbaran, Sorolla, Zuloaga, and Romero Torres. The collection…

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Location: Carmen Thyssen Museum Calle Compañía, 10 29008 Málaga Spain | Hours: 10am-8pm Tue-Sun | Price: €10, afternoons 2.30-4pm €6 | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Carmen Thyssen Museum

Plaza de la Merced

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Banja-Frans Mulder

Plaza de la Merced is a public square in the central Málaga, Spain. It is located in the barrio La Merced in the top end of Calle Granada which is the minor continuation of major Calle Llarios at Plaza de la Constitution. The square is a popular meeting place in the evening and open air events take place here from…

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| Hours: 24 Hours | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Plaza de la Merced

Mercado de Atarazanas

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Maksym Abramov

The Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a municipal market in the Spanish city of Malaga. It is housed in a striking 19th-century wrought iron and glass building which used to be a naval workshop for Málaga’s old port.  Although it's an important shopping centers in the city where the people of Malaga come to buy fresh produce, it is also…

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Location: Mercado Central de Atarazanas Calle Atarazanas, 10 29005 Málaga Spain | Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 am. to 3 pm. | Price: Free | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Mercado de Atarazanas

Alcazaba, Malaga

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pedro J Pacheco

The Alcazaba is an early 11th century palatial fortification located in Málaga, Spain. This fortress palace, whose name in Arabic means citadel, is one of the city's historical monuments and is much visited because of its history and beauty. The History of the Alcazaba in Malaga The Alcazaba was built as a military fortress by the Moors of in the…

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Location: Alcazaba Calle Alcazabilla, 2 29012 Málaga Spain | Hours: Summer: 9am to 8pm. Winter: 9am to 6pm. | Price: Overall: 3,50 € Visit Alcazaba-Gibralfaro: 5,50 € Free tour every Sunday at 2 pm. | Website | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Alcazaba, Malaga

Teatro Cervantes

CC BY-SA 2.0 / rey perezoso

The Cervantes Theater is located in the Spanish city of Malaga. It is Malaga's oldest theater and dates from 1870 and has 1,200 seats. The  art-deco theater is the main venue for the Malaga Festival. El Teatro Cervantes is situated right in the center of the city, near Plaza de la Merced. The theatre has played host to some of…

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Location: Teatro Cervantes Calle Ramos Marín, 1 29012 Málaga Spain | Website | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Teatro Cervantes

Museo Casa Natal

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Maksym Abramov

The Museo Casa Natal in was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso in 1881 and is now a Picasso museum. It is Located in Málaga in Spain. Picasso lived there until 1884 and the building has been an official heritage site since 1983. It now houses works and personal belongings of the artist and his family. The Permanent Collection of the…

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Location: Museo Casa Natal de Picasso Plaza de la Merced, 15 29012 Málaga Spain | Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m | Price: Museo Casa Natal (Plaza de la Merced, 15): € 3 Temporary exhibition (Exhibition hall in Plaza de la Merced, 13): € 3 Combined ticket: Museum Casa Natal and temporary exhibition: € 4.FREE ENTRANCE: Sundays from 4:00 p.m. | Website | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Museo Casa Natal

Museo del Vidrio y Cristal

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tyk

The Museo del Vidrio y Cristal or Glass and Crystal Museum is located in a palatial three story 18th century building in Málaga. This private collection was restored by aristocratic owner and historian Gonzalo Fernández-Prieto. The building has been in the same family of Belgian aristocrats for generations and the tour guide is often a family member or family friend.…

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Location: Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre 2 | Hours: 11am-7pm Tue-Sun | Price: €6 | Website | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Museo del Vidrio y Cristal

Port of Málaga

The port of Málaga is an international seaport and fishing port located in the city of Málaga in southern Spain. It is the oldest continuously-operated port in Spain, founded by Phoenicians and is situated in a natural bay, which is protected by the shape of coastline. Two of the quays at the east end of the port, below the Castillo…

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Location: Paseo del Muelle Uno, 1, 29016 Málaga, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Port of Málaga

Museo del Patrimonio Municipal

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Miwipedia

The Museo del Patrimonio Municipal or Municipal Heritage Museum is all about Malaga's art and culture. The museum is often known as known as MUPAM. This museum takes you on a journey through time using artwork of various periods. Usually, it also hosts very good, temporary exhibitions about different aspects of life in Malaga. The modern-looking glass-fronted building on five…

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Location: Museo del Patrimonio Municipal Paseo Reding, 1 29016 Málaga Spain | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am. to 2 pm. and from 5 pm. to 8 pm. Summer (from June 1): Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am. to 2 pm. and 6 pm. to 9 pm. On Mondays is closed. | Price: Free for EU citizens, 1.50 euro for others | Website | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Museo del Patrimonio Municipal

Malagueta Bullring

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ввласенко

La Malagueta is a bullring at Málaga, Andalucía, Spain. The bulling, shaped like a hexadecagon, was built in the neo-Mudéjar style and opened on 11 June 1876. The bullring still hosts bullfights and it also houses a museum dedicated to famous matador Antonio Oróñez. La Malagueta hosts events during the Spanish-style bullfighting season which is from  April to September. There…

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Location: Paseo de Reding, 8 29016 Málaga | Hours: The bullring is open between April and September, from 10:00 - 13:00 and 18:00 - 20:00, and during the August Feria from 10:00 - 20:00. Closed at weekends. | Price: Admission: free. Entrance fee museum: € 1.80 | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Malagueta Bullring

Castillo de Gibralfaro

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Danielmlg86

The Castillo de Gibralfaro or Gibralfaro Castle is a 8th century Moorish palace, located on Gibralfaro hill, overlooking Málaga city, in Andalucia, Spain. Like the Alcazaba this hilltop fortress looms above the city. Its main purpose was to defend the Alcazaba and the city of Malaga. Nothing much is original in the castle’s interior, but the protective walkway around the…

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Location: Castillo Gibralfaro Camino Gibralfaro, 11 29016 Málaga Spain | Hours: 9am-8pm Apr-Sep, to 6pm Oct-Mar | Price: €3.50, incl Alcazaba €5.50 | Website | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting Castillo de Gibralfaro

Aqueduct of San Telmo

CC BY-SA 4.0 / JamesNarmer

The San Telmo aqueduct is a 18th century aqueduct, located in the Ciudad Jardín district of Malaga, Andalusia in Spain. The project was sponsored by Bishop Molina Lario in order to bring water to Malaga. It was one of the largest hydraulic works of the eighteenth century in Spain and carried water from the river Guadalmedina to the city. The…

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Location: Acueducto San Telmo Ciudad Jardín Calle Llobregat, 14 29014 Málaga Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 3.0km

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Visiting Aqueduct of San Telmo

Jardin Botanico Malaga

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Daniel Capilla

The Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción is an English landscape garden originally planted in the 1850s,  they are located 5km north of Málaga, in Spain. History of the Jardin Botanico Malaga In 1855, when Jorge Loring and Amalia Heredia, two members of Malaga’s rising bourgeois class, got married, they planned the creation of the gardens. They purchased some farmland to…

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Location: Histórico La Concepción Botanical Garden Camino del Jardín Botánico, 3 29014 Málaga Spain | Hours: 9.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun Apr-Sep, to 4.30pm Tue-Sun Oct-Mar | Price: €5.20 | Website | Distance: 4.5km

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Visiting Jardin Botanico Malaga

A day trip from Málaga offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Málaga provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

El Caminito del Rey

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Eliza Saroma-Stepniewska

The  Caminito del Rey or The King's Little Path is a walkway, along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Ardales in the province of Málaga, Spain. The Caminito del Rey runs impossibly along the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, which is an impressive three kilometres limestone canyon created by the Guadalhorce river, with heights of up…

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Location: Caminito del Rey El Caminito del Rey 29550 Málaga Spain | Hours: 9.30am-5pm Tue-Sun Apr-Oct, to 3pm Nov-Mar | Price: Self-guided/guided visit €10/18 | Website | Distance: 41.4km

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Visiting El Caminito del Rey

Marbella

Marbella is a city and municipality in southern Spain, located in the province of Málaga within the autonomous community of Andalusia. Situated on the Costa del Sol, Marbella serves as the headquarters of the Association of Municipalities of the region and is the head of its judicial district. Visiting Marbella offers a mix of laid-back beach life, upscale glamour, and…

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Visiting Marbella

Río Chillar

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Er Komandante

The Chíllar River is a river located in the east of the Province of Málaga, Spain and enters Mediterranean Sea just west of the town of Nerja. Walking up the Chíllar River is a popular excursion from nearby towns as it provides a scenic walkway in the crystal clear water, with nice waterfalls, which is a great way to cool…

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Location: Rio Chillar 29780 Nerja Málaga Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 48.6km

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Visiting Río Chillar

Caves of Nerja

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mark Nakasone

The Cueva de Nerja or Caves of Nerja are a series of caves located in Maro which is a village three kilometres north of Nerja in the Province of Málaga, Spain. The Nerja caves consists of two four-kilometre long, 35-kilometre wide caves. They were discovered on the 12th of January 1959 by a group of young locals who were on a…

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Location: Fundación Cueva de Nerja Carr. de Bajada a Playa de Maro 29787 Málaga Spain | Hours: 10am-4.30pm Sep-Jun, to 7pm Jul & Aug | Price: adult/child €14/12 | Website | Distance: 51.4km

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Visiting Caves of Nerja

Ronda 

Flickr / Jose Ramirez

Ronda is a charming town located 105 km west of the city of Málaga. It forms one of the towns and villages that is included in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Its famous 18th century Puente Nuevo, bullring and its panoramic views attracts visitors from all over the world, and it is Andalusia’s third most visited town. Visitors…

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Visiting Ronda 

Granada

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Jebulon

Visiting Granada is an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking scenery, rich cultural traditions, and an atmosphere that’s both vibrant and relaxed. The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore its distinct neighborhoods—from the winding alleys of the Albaicín to the elegant boulevards near the city center. Granada's setting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains adds…

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Visiting Granada

Algeciras

Algeciras, located on the southern coast of Andalusia, is a dynamic port city offering a blend of maritime charm and local culture. As one of Spain's busiest harbors, it serves as a gateway to North Africa, yet beneath its industrial façade, visitors can uncover vibrant markets, scenic seaside promenades, and authentic Andalusian hospitality. The city's coastal setting provides opportunities to…

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Visiting Algeciras

Ciudad de Ceuta

CC BY-SA 3.0 / JJ Producciones

Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city spanning 18.5 km², is situated on the northern coast of Africa. It is separated from the Cadiz province on the Spanish mainland by the 14 km-wide Strait of Gibraltar and shares a 6.4 km land border with Morocco's M'diq-Fnideq Prefecture. Positioned at the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Ceuta is…

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Visiting Ciudad de Ceuta

Arcos de la Frontera

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Luis Rogelio HM

Nestled between countryside and mountains, this town showcases a blend of both landscapes and is intersected by two rivers, the Guadalete and the Majaceite. The Guadalete River feeds into the Bornos and Arcos Reservoirs, both declared Natural Beauty Spots due to their exemplary wetland environments. A portion of the town lies within the boundaries of Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Perched…

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Visiting Arcos de la Frontera

Jaén

Jaén, located in the heart of Andalusia, is an underrated gem surrounded by vast olive groves, earning its reputation as the world's olive oil capital. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Catalina mountains, the city's steep, narrow streets create a distinctive layout that invites exploration. Wandering through its historic center, visitors can discover quiet plazas, whitewashed buildings, and hidden…

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Visiting Jaén

Córdoba

CC BY-SA 2.0 / shaorang

Córdoba, located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, is a city that effortlessly blends rich culture, stunning architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere. As you walk through its charming streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by picturesque courtyards adorned with colorful flowers, bustling markets, and an unmistakable Andalusian charm. The city is a wonderful place to explore on foot, allowing you…

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Visiting Córdoba

Seville

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Francisco Colinet

Seville is a city that captivates visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you're wandering through the narrow streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, admiring the colorful tiles of Plaza de España, or indulging in authentic tapas, every corner of Seville offers something special. The city’s warm climate and lively energy make it an ideal destination…

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Visiting Seville