What to do in Malaga
During the retreat, we’ll take you into Málaga one morning to eat breakfast and explore the local market.
After that, you'll have time to explore the city at your own pace before meeting back for lunch (and of course, you can always extend your time in town - this is your holiday!).
Whether you’d prefer to relax on a shady bench with an ice cream and a good book, or cool off inside one of the city’s many galleries, here are some ideas to help you make the most of your afternoon.
The Roman Amphitheatre, beautifully preserved, built in the 1st century BC. It's free to visit and often quiet. The entrance is through the visitors centre, a long rectangular building made of steel.
From there, step into the Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress with sweeping views of the port and city. It's a smaller, more intimate cousin of the Alhambra. Wander through keyhole archways, tranquil gardens, and courtyards with fountains. You can buy a ticket inside for around 5 euros.
The Picasso Málaga Museum is set in a stunning 16th-century palace. The collection includes over 200 works spanning Picasso’s career, from sketches to ceramics to cubist paintings. It is best to purchase a ticket in advance online for 13 euros.
Carmen Thyssen Museum – a gem for lovers of 19th-century Spanish art, especially Andalusian romanticism. They have some reduced opening hours this week so check ahead which day you’re visiting.
Málaga Cathedral, known as La Manquita “the one-armed lady” because one of its towers was never completed. The interior is full of light, with a grand baroque organ and Renaissance detailing. You can also climb to the roof for a dramatic city panorama. Tickets are available inside the main entrance.
Calle Larios is a beautiful pedestrianised street located in the heart of the old town and has great shopping. From here it is very easy to wander and mooch about around the backstreets or head over to the sea to the port. The port area is sleek and modern, while it’s mostly geared towards shopping, it’s still a pleasant place for a stroll. From the port, it’s about a 15 minute walk to Malagueta beach if you fancy some sun and beach bar action.
If you like modern art, it’s also home to the Centre Pompidou Málaga, housed in a striking rainbow-colored glass cube right by the water. You can book a ticket ahead of time for less than 10 euros.
Perhaps you’d prefer to cool off with an ice cream, or find a sweet treat?
This isn’t the Basque Country, but Málaga does have an excellent cheesecake spot: La Tarta de la Madre de Cris. It’s just around the corner from the Picasso Museum, you can order by the slice and eat in or take out.
Ice cream or a slushy cream topped coffee is a must at Casa Mira - an institution. There are a couple of spots, go to the one on Calle Larios for all the slamming lids and drama or the smaller one by the Cathedral if you want to sit outside in a quieter spot. The Málaga ice cream is almond and Pedro Ximinez soaked raisins and really does taste like Málaga in a mouthful.
Something less traditional but oh so good is the corn flan with corn praline at La Cosmo.
If you’re starting in Malaga after the retreat you may want to catch the Feria. The dates for Málaga Feria 2025 are Sat 16th to Sat 23rd August. It’s a party in the streets!
Millions of people attend the fair each year, yet few tourists are aware of this deeply rooted Andalusian tradition.
In Málaga, the fair is actually two distinct celebrations: the Feria de Día (Day Fair), held in the city centre until around 6:00 p.m., and the Feria de Noche (Night Fair), which kicks off around 9:00 p.m. and continues until dawn at the fairgrounds west of the city.