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Málaga: Art & Culture

Overview

Málaga is the largest city on the Costa del Sol and boasts a glorious Mediterranean climate – perfect for enjoying its golden beaches!  The weather isn’t all that Málaga has to offer though, it is most famous for its buzzing art scene – it is Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, after all!

Opened in 2003, Museo Picasso houses 233 works, many of which were donated by Picasso’s grandson and daughter-in-law.  Here you will discover Picasso’s innovations across different styles, materials, and techniques.  Hungry for more?  Don’t miss out on Centre Pompidou, Málaga’s answer to 20th century art.

If you’re more of a history fanatic than an art lover, Málaga is still the place for you! From the Roman Theatre to the Gibralfaro Castle, Málaga will satiate your hunger for History!

Our Málaga: Art & Culture itinerary can be combined with visits to Granada too – have a look at our Granada: Art & History itinerary to see what you could visit there!

Our Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Morning flight to Málaga.

    In the afternoon, get your bearings of this vibrant city with a self-guided tour.

  2. Day 2

    In the morning, visit the outstanding Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga, Malaga’s Roman Catholic Renaissance cathedral.  This magnificent cathedral, the building of which took over 200 years, was never actually finished.  It is affectionately named La Manquita (The One-Armed Lady) by locals because one of its two bell towers was left unfinished.

    At lunchtime, wander over to Mercado Central de Atarazanas, Málaga’s central market.  Sample some typical Andalusian delicacies and even have a go at ordering in Spanish!  The market is a short walk to Parque de Málaga, a great park to enjoy your lunch in.

    Afterwards, visit Museo Picasso Málaga.  Málaga is the birthplace of Picasso and a visit to this museum really is unmissable for those wanting to get a feel of the city.

    Optional evening activity: for a chance to sample more of Málaga’s culinary offerings, visit two restaurants on a Guided Tapas Tour!  

  3. Day 3

    In the morning, explore the La Alcazaba.  Thanks to its position on a hilltop, the Alcazaba was originally built as a defence against pirates who patrolled the seas on the lookout for towns and cities to pillage.  It later became a palace, home to numerous Moorish rulers.

    Situated above the Alcazaba you will find Castillo de Gibralfaro.  Dating back to the 10th century, the castle sits high up on a hill with views over the city and the port.  The castle is most famous for its three-month siege by Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella.  The siege came to an end when the inhabitants, overcome with hunger, were forced to surrender.

    In the afternoon, visit Teatro Romano which is one of the only remaining symbols over Roman Spain in Málaga.  The theatre was built under the Emperor Augustus in the first century BC and was used until the third century BC.

  4. Day 4

    In the morning, visit Centre Pompidou Málaga which houses 20th century artworks in its huge glass cube.  As the first branch outside of France, this museum puts Malaga on the international stage of contemporary art.

    Before making your way to the airport for your return flight, spend a little time at Málaga’s Playa de la Malagueta, one of the most popular beaches in the city.

    Afternoon flight home.

Accommodation

In Málaga, our groups normally stay at either Inturjoven Málaga or the Feel Hostels Soho Malaga.  If you have a preference of where you would like to stay, please let us know.  All accommodation we use is safe, secure, especially suited to schools.  All accommodation we use is audited, and our auditing regime is verified by independent experts.