A Day Out In Malaga

Malaga is the second largest city in Andalucía and is home to some of the most internationally treasured artistic, musical and culinary traditions hailing from Spain.

Malaga has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years because of a rejuvenated city centre and a hugely improved infrastructure, including a renovated port (in operation since 600BC) and a vast landscape of historical relics and architectural triumphs. Overshadowed in the past by popular nearby cities located further inland such as Sevilla and Granada, Malaga has become an equal contender for national and international visitors who flock to the cities many cultural attractions. Citing it’s recent influx in restaurants, bars, stylish hotels, and museums and art galleries, the New York Times listed Malaga as one of 52 Places to Go in 2016. "Beauty, but now a cultural capital too."

Malaga is just a 20 minute drive from Benalmadena and a 40-50 minute drive away from Marbella and Puerto Banus, and is an enjoyable day out for family and friends at any time of the year. Here are 6 things to do and see in Malaga from morning to night.

Malaga Cathedral

Calle Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga

Affectionately known by locals as 'La Manquita', the 'one armed woman' because of a missing tower, the cathedral in Malaga is one of the most unique architectural monuments in the south of Spain. Situated in the centre of the ancient city, the cathedral was built between 1528 and 1782. Its immaculately preserved interiors are characterised by 17th century choir stalls of mahogany and cedar wood and 40 finely hand-carved statues of saints. There are also more than 4,000 pipes - rare examples of 18th century musical instruments that are still frequently put to use today during mass, concerts and events. At times, their sounds reverberate and echo through the narrow surrounding streets of the Cathedral, lined with an abundance of traditional tapas bars and restaurants serving the very best in Spanish wine and local dishes.

Wendy Gamba

Calle Fresca, 10, 29015 Málaga

Wendy Gamba is a tiny and charismatic establishment located on the corner of a small narrow street close to Calle Larios and the Cathedral of Malaga. Offering a simple menu of shellfish and sides, and few seating options, visitors are invited to stand or sit on high stools and tuck into shared rations or tapas of prawns, octopus, lamb, beef and a variety of both traditional and dishes with a contemporary twist such as oxtail mini burgers and fried filo wrapped prawns. Wendy Gamba offers a typical Andalusian lunch, shared rations with a caña or glass of red wine.

Pompidou Museum

Puerto de Málaga, Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n, Muelle 1, 29016 Málaga

Inaugurated in March of 2015, this pop-up museum is a 6000m2 centre which will offer two or three annual art exhibitions lasting between 3-6 months for the next five years. The Pompidou Malaga is the only branch of the museum outside of France and exhibits a diverse collection of works from 1905 to the present day. Housed in an eye-catching, multicoloured cuboid glass structure right by the Malaga port, the museum's permanent collection includes 20th century masterpieces by Frida Kahlo, Picasso, René Magritte and Francis Bacon.

Picasso Museum

Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Agustín, 8, 29015 Málaga

Initiated by the artists daughter-in-law and grandson, the museum was created in response to Picasso's desire for his work to be exhibited in the city where he was born in 1881. Opening in 2003, the museum presents 233 works by Picasso, spanning the entirety of his diverse artistic lifetime and covering all of the artists revolutionary innovations, as well as the wide range of styles, materials and techniques he mastered.

Teatro de Cervantes

Calle Ramos Marín, S/N, 29012 Málaga

Located in the centre of the city, the Cervantes Theatre was built in the late 19th century and is famous for the diversity of its performances. The theatre has an intricate year-round schedule of shows and performances rooted in music and flamenco, theatre, dance and comedy. It has hosted internationally renowned artists such as Art Garfunkel, Suzanne Vega and Van Morisson, theatrical stagings of Shakespeare, classical operas and frequent homages to master composers such as Brahms and Beethoven by the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra.

The theatre hosts special performances at Christmas and Easter, Malaga's Annual Jazz Festival and the Malaga Film Festival. Visit their website for listings and tickets: www.teatrocervantes.com/en.

Bodega Bar El Pimpi

Calle Granada, 62, 29015 Málaga

Situated inside an old 18th century mansion house, this emblematic bar is one of the longest-standing bodega bars in the city. El Pimpi is known for it's charming interiors and lively ambience and has become an institution in Malaga, frequented by Malagueñans and all types of tourists year-round.

Made up of a warren of interconnected rooms with a courtyard and an open terrace overlooking the Roman amphitheatre, tapas and drinks are served against tapestries of historic feria posters, photos of famous visitors and enormous barrels signed by generations of personalities from the worlds of flamenco, politics and the arts, including the Picasso Family, Carmen Thyssen and Antonio Banderas.

El Pimpi offers local food and wines and above all, the culture and traditions of southern Spain. The bustling bar/restaurants is always a hive of activity, especially during the summer months when people overflow onto the pavements and neighbouring open squares.

Please visit our area descriptions for further information on Malaga and neighbouring regions on the Costa del Sol as well as a selection of available properties.