17 Can’t Miss Hidden Gems in Malaga

Hidden Gems Malaga Spain
Robbie Vai Author: Robbie Vai
Clock Icon 9 minutes read
Update Icon Dec 28, 2024

As one of the most visited cities in Andalusia, it will come as no surprise that Malaga has an abundance of exciting tourist attractions.

Millions flock to this Southern Spanish city each year to discover Roman ruins and fortresses from centuries long gone, as well as to experience the rich, diverse culture that has developed over time.

You could easily fill your itinerary with well-known Old Town attractions, but for a truly memorable vacation, we recommend getting off the beaten path to discover lesser-known things to do in the heart of Malaga and beyond.

Keep reading for our travel tips on the 17 can’t miss hidden gems in Malaga.

1. Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Victoria

Tucked away just 15 minutes from the well-known Picasso Museum is this beloved church and historic monument. It’s one of the most important churches in the city after Malaga Cathedral and is a stunning example of 17th-century Baroque architecture.

Head inside to see paintings and sculptures dating back hundreds of years.

2. Museo Automovilístico & de la Moda

Photo Credit: byvalet

  • Website: https://museoautomovilmoda.com/
  • Address: Av de Sor Teresa Prat, 15, Carretera de Cádiz, 29003 Málaga
  • Opening hours: 10 am – 2.30 pm & 4 pm – 7 pm daily

Whether you consider yourself a fashion or classic car enthusiast or simply have a passing interest, the automotive and fashion museum is well worth a visit. This eclectic collection showcases more than 100 vehicles, including Ferrari and Rolls Royce, and 300 high fashion pieces from global designers like Dior and Chanel.

3. Museo Unicaja de Artes y Costumbres Populares

  • Website: http://www.museoartespopulares.com/
  • Address: Pl. Enrique García-Herrera, 1, Distrito Centro, 29005 Málaga
  • Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday / 10 am – 3 pm Saturday

For an alternative art and history museum, look no further than this hidden gem. Housed in a 17th-century Andalusian inn, the Moorish architecture is an attraction in itself. Exhibits here range from artisan ceramics and crafts to authentic cooking and fishing equipment.

4. Alternative Day Trips

If you’ve already explored the resorts of the Costa del Sol and other nearby cities like Granada, check out these two hidden gems:

Álora

Located 25 miles from Malaga, this pretty whitewashed village makes an easy day trip. The Caminito del Rey is also located here, so if you’ve come to do the hike, make time to stroll around the village and refuel at a tiny Spanish taverna afterward.

Antequera

A quieter alternative to Ronda, Cordoba, or Seville that’s often overlooked in itineraries for Southern Spain. Don’t miss Dolmenes, the UNESCO-recognized ancient burial site dating back to the Bronze Age.

5. Soho

Photo Credit: Pabkov

This vibrant neighborhood is home to several colorful street art murals, making it a great place to spend an afternoon exploring. The art is constantly evolving and new pieces appear often, so no two trips are ever the same.

If possible, come on the first Saturday of the month when Made in Soho Market takes place. Here, you can pick up locally-produced crafts to take home with you.

6. La Terraza de la Alcazaba

For a sunset drink with an unbeatable view, head up to La Terraza de la Alcazaba. This split-level bar provides panoramic views of the Roman Theatre, the Alcazaba complex, and the Castle of Gibralfaro and serves delicious cocktails that perfectly accompany the vista.

7. Málaga Park

Photo Credit: KellySHUTSTOC

La Concepción Botanical Garden is perhaps the most famous green space in Malaga, but there are dozens of other pretty parks just waiting to be discovered. Malaga Park, for example, is completely free to visit and is home to more than 360 subtropical plant types.

You’ll find many gems here, including species from five different continents.

8. Málaga English Cemetery

This was the first protestant cemetery in Spain, and many important people are buried here. Most of the thousand residents are English, but some Spanish, American, and Europeans are also laid to rest on this site.

To get a true sense of its importance, take an official walking tour with the cemetery’s experienced travel guides.

9. Peña Juan Breva Flamenco Museum & Bar

  • Website: https://xn--peajuanbreva-bhb.eu/
  • Address: C. Ramón Franquelo, 4, Distrito Centro, 29008 Málaga, Spain
  • Opening hours: 10 am – 2 pm closed Sunday

Watching a flamenco show is a rite of passage when in Andalusia, and this spot is one of the best places to experience the art form. Visit the museum to learn about this passionate local pastime, then head to the intimate bar to see musicians and dancers bring their art to life.

Come on Thursday or Saturday evening to see a show and enjoy a complimentary drink and tapa.

10. Mercado de Salamanca

Photo Credit: Rolf Schotsch via Flickr CC 2.0

Most tourists flock to Mercado Central de Atarazanas, but Mercado de Salamanca is a local favorite that you should consider visiting instead. You’ll find plenty of fresh produce at great prices, plus lively tapas bars and brunch cafes to refuel at.

11. Pedregalejo and El Palo

For a lesser-known Costa del Sol beach trip, head to the seaside neighborhoods of Pedregalejo and El Palo. These Malaga hidden gems are jam-packed with charming cafes and seafood restaurants, and the vibrant nightlife makes it a great place to spend an evening.

These neighborhoods are easy to reach on public transport, or by bicycle if you’re in the mood for a mini adventure.

12. Mount Gibralfaro

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL

For a challenging hike with incredible views to reward your efforts, check out Mount Gibralfaro. The trail starts on the north side at Plaza de la Merced and climbs through the forest in a circular direction.

You’ll pass Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba on your way up before eventually reaching the summit of the hill. The best time of day to come is at dawn to watch the sun rise over the Mediterranean Sea. On clear days, you can even see Moroccan mountains on the horizon.

13. Guadalhorce Nature Reserve

For a nature adventure without the steep climb, head to Guadalhorce Nature Reserve instead. This park is one of the most important stops for migrating birds heading to and from North Africa, and you can spot hundreds of species each year.

Keep a look out for ibis, spoonbill, flamingo, black stork, and many other interesting native and migratory birds. You’ll also see chameleons, rabbits, and foxes frolicking here, making it one of the best places to spot fauna in the entire city of Malaga.

14. Garum Factories in Roman Malaga

Garum is a fish sauce that was a delicacy in Roman Italy. Italians were so into it, in fact, that anyone making or trading it became rich beyond their wildest dreams. As a result, several garum factories were set up in Malaga.

The large stone vats used to prepare Garum can be seen in the ruins of the Teatro Romano, as well as the Malaga University headquarters and the Picasso Museum.

15. La Casa Invisible

  • Website: https://lainvisible.net/
  • Address: C. Andrés Pérez, 8, Distrito Centro, 29008 Málaga
  • Opening hours: 6 pm – 10.30 pm Tuesday to Thursday / 6 pm – 11 pm Friday & Saturday / 6 pm – 10 pm Sunday

This hidden gem is tucked away in the city center and is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. The enclosed garden is a bar and cultural center and an alternative place to enjoy a cold beer while mingling with Malaga’s creatives.

Depending on the day, you’ll find an interesting program of events, from performances to pop-up stores.

16. Museo Interactivo de la Música Málaga

  • Website: https://lainvisible.net/
  • Address: C. Beatas, 15, Distrito Centro, 29008 Málaga
  • Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm Tuesday to Sunday / 10 am – 4 pm Monday

This is a music museum with a difference in that visitors are encouraged to play with the artifacts. Instruments from around the world and from different periods of time are on display, and many are available for visitors to pick up and try their skills on.

This is a small museum, and it takes around an hour to visit, but it’s well worth looking out for if you’re in the area.

17. The X-Door

For a totally different experience in Malaga, see if you can escape from The X-Door. This is the largest escape room in the city and is a fun place to flex your detective skills by solving a series of clues to free your group from a locked room.

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish; it isn’t necessary to take part.

Experience Malaga’s Hidden Gems For Yourself

The only thing better than reading about Malaga’s many hidden gems is experiencing them for yourself. Which gems from our list will you add to your itinerary on your next adventure to Southern Spain?

Robbie Vai
Author: Robbie Vai
Our journal features a diverse group of travel enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring the world and sharing their experiences. From solo adventurers to family vacationers, our team of writers offers unique perspectives and insightful tips to help inspire and guide your next adventure. Whether it's discovering hidden gems off the beaten path or indulging in luxurious getaways, we're here to help you make the most of your travels. Robbie is an amalgam of these writers.
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