11 Best Views in Malaga that Will Amaze You

Home to incredible museums, beautiful architecture and beaches, Malaga is one of the most picturesque cities in Andalucia.

Despite the misconception of Malaga being an “airport city”, there is much more than that.

The city has plenty of activities for all types of travellers. Whether you love visiting art museums, going on a tapa tour or spending a day at the beach, Malaga has it all.

It’s also surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and mountains that offer a scenic landscape view you’ll love.

If you like discovering viewpoints in your travels, I’ve compiled a list of the best views in Malaga, including free viewpoints, other breathtaking views you don’t want to miss near Malaga, and tips from a local (me).

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The best views in Malaga City Centre

1. Alcazaba de Malaga

One of the best places to enjoy a beautiful view of Malaga’s port (Muelle Uno), Malaga Park and its surroundings is Alcazaba de Malaga.

To enter this Moorish fortress palace, you’ll need to pay an entry fee unless you visit it on a Sunday after 2 pm, but exploring and learning about Alcazaba needs to be on your list.

Discover this 14th-century building and its Moorish roots, wander its jasmine-scented gardens and walk on the walls to contemplate panoramic city views.

Also, take a fun holiday picture outside the Alcazaba, where you’ll find a big sign that says “Ma()aga” so you can add the “L” yourself.

Address and opening times:

Price: 3,50€ or 10€ for a guided visit

Opening times: April to October – From 9:00 to 8:00 pm (last entry time at 7:15 pm) November to March – From 9:00 to 6:00 pm (Last entry time at 5:15 pm)

📍 Address: C/ Alcazabilla, 2, 29012 Málaga

2. Mirador de Gibralfaro

Visiting Mirador de Gibralfaro is one of the best things to do in Malaga for free and the best viewpoint in the city.

You can enjoy views similar to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle from here, but for free.

It’s a compact but magical place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset in Malaga. For me, watching the sunset from this viewpoint is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Malaga.

There are a few ways to access Gibralfaro’s viewpoint. You can access it from the gardens next to Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso or Paseo de Don Juan Temboury near the Alcazaba entrance.

Regardless of your route, be prepared to level up your steps, as it’s a bit steep, but the workout is absolutely worth it.

The downside of visiting this viewpoint is that it gets very busy at sunset in the summer months as locals and tourists go to watch the sunset and take photos, so if you want to experience it at a calmer time, try to go at sunrise or early in the morning.

Address and opening times:

Price: free

Opening times: open 24/7

📍 Address: Cam. Gibralfaro, s/n, 29016 Málaga

3. Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro

This isn’t a viewpoint, but if you want to stay in a hotel with incredible views of the city, Parador de Málaga de Gibralfaro is the place for you.

This four-star hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms decorated in an Andalusian style with balconies overlooking the city.

There’s nothing better than waking up with a beautiful view of Malaga and having a romantic meal when the city is lit up in the evening.

Staying at this parador is a great option for couples as you feel like escaping the buzz of the city centre.

However, one of the main disadvantages of staying at Parador de Gibralfaro is also its location. You’ll need to walk up and down the hill whenever you want to explore the city, or alternatively order a taxi.

Address and prices

Hotel rooms from £110 per night. Check availability and exact rates here.

📍 Address: Castillo de Gibralfaro, s/n, 29016 Málaga

4. Castillo de Gibralfaro

If you’re looking for the highest views of Malaga, you’ll find them in Gibralfaro Castle, located a few steps from the Gibralfaro viewpoint.

Although there isn’t much to see inside Malaga castle, it’s still worth visiting as you can walk on the walls and contemplate Malaga from different angles.

The castle also has a small outdoor cafe perfect for enjoying a coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice and having a quick bite.

You can buy a ticket that includes entry to Alcazaba and Gibralfaro so you can see both attractions on the same day.

Address and opening times:

Price: 3,50€

Opening times: April to October – From 9:00 to 8:00 pm (last entry time at 7:15 pm)

November to March – From 9:00 to 6:00 pm (Last entry time at 5:15 pm)

📍 Address: Cam. Gibralfaro, 11, 29016 Málaga

5. Muelle Uno

Another beautiful view of Malaga is from Muelle Uno, Malaga’s new port. Although it isn’t a view from a tall place, it’s fantastic to see the port, Gibralfaro Castle, Gibralfaro viewpoint and the Alcazaba from below.

Within Muelle Uno, there are two walkways, and you can get better views from the tall part of the port, which you can access by stairs.

Walking in Muelle Uno at sunset or on a summer evening is magical. However, there are more things to do in Muelle Uno.

You can have a meal at one of the many international restaurants, grab an ice cream, shop, and sometimes watch live performances.

In the winter months, you’ll also find a small but cute Christmas Market with crafts and local products and Santa’s Grotto for the little ones.

📍 Address: P.º del Muelle Uno, 4, 29016 Málaga

6. AC Hotel Malaga Palacio rooftop

AC Hotel Malaga Palacio is the most reputable hotel in Malaga city centre and has one of the most well-known rooftops in Malaga.

It has been open for many years and is a very popular option among locals and travellers.

The rooftop is located on the 15th floor of the hotel and offers panoramic views of Malaga. It’s open all day long and not only can you have a few drinks but dinner at its restaurant too.

If you stay in this hotel, you can also access their swimming pool.

Enjoy a lively atmosphere and a cocktail with some of the best views of Malaga!

Address and opening times:

Opening times: Monday to Thursday and Sunday: from 12:30 pm to 1:00 am

Friday and Saturday: from 12:30 pm to 3:00 am

* There are private events that take place on the rooftop of the hotel, so there may be days when you’ll find it close.

📍 Address: Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1, 29015 Málaga

7. La Terraza de Valeria

La Terraza de Valeria is my second favourite rooftop, so it needs to be on this list.

The rooftop bar is situated in Room Mate Valeria Hotel, one of the best boutique hotels in Malaga.

The views are fantastic, but the rooftop bar is too. It’s decorated with turquoise and white Andalusian tiles that represent the colours of Malaga’s flag and offers delicious cocktails and mocktails.

The hotel guests also have a lovely swimming pool on the rooftop.

There’s nothing better than sipping your favourite drink while contemplating the port and Alcazaba views.

Address and opening times:

Opening times: Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am (under 18 can’t access the rooftop from 8 pm)

Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 02:00 am

* There are private events that take place on the rooftop of the hotel, so there may be days when you’ll find it close.

📍 Address: Plaza Poeta Alfonso Canales, 5, 29001 Málaga

The best views near Malaga

8. Jardin Botanico de la Concepcion

A unique thing to do in Malaga is to visit Jardin Botanico de la Concepcion.

Malaga’s botanic garden is very special because you can find subtropical plants you can’t find anywhere else in Europe.

Walking around the garden is an experience because you’re surrounded by beautiful and scented flowers and trees that make you escape the city.

On top of these unique plants, there is also a viewpoint that offers amazing views of Malaga. You can see the houses, buildings, the sea, and mountains from this spot. 

📍 How to get to Jardin Botanico de la Concepcion: Malaga Botanic Garden is a 15-minute drive from the city centre. You’ll need to drive towards Capuchinos and Ciudad Jardin and then follow Camino de Casa Bermeja. If you don’t drive, you can take bus number 2 from Pasillo de Santa Isabel and walk for 15 minutes.

9. Balcon de Europa

El Balcon de Europa (Balcony of Europe) is a must-see viewpoint in Costa del Sol. Located in the pretty town of Nerja, it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains.

This is the perfect spot for admiring scenic sea views and taking photos, but apart from visiting this viewpoint, spend the day in Nerja.

There are incredible things to do in Nerja and its surroundings. Wander its whitewashed and cobbled streets, have lunch at Ayo to taste one of the best paellas in Nerja, relax at its beaches or do watersport activities like kayaking.

For more incredible views, head to Frigiliana, the prettiest town in Malaga, located only 15 minutes from Nerja. The town is home to many quaint streets and viewpoints.

📍 How to get to Balcon de Europa: If you drive from Malaga to Nerja, it will take you about an hour. The road is easy as you’ll drive via A-7 most of the time. You can take a bus to Nerja from Malaga Bus Station if you don’t drive.

10. Monte Calamorro

When visiting Costa del Sol, Benalmadena is a lovely town to visit for friends or family as there are plenty of activities to do – from going to Parque de la Paloma, where you can see small animals run freely and visiting the Butterfly Park to going on the cable car.

Taking the cable car is the best way to get to Calamorro Mount because you can enjoy the beautiful coastal views as the cable car goes up and then take incredible pictures.

During your time in Benalmadena, you may also check out one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Spain, Colomares Castle. This monument, in the shape of a castle, is in the Old Town of Benalmadena. You’ll love it.

📍 How to get to Monte Calamorro: It will take around 25 minutes without traffic. Drive to Benalmadena via Autovía de Circunvalación de Málaga and AP-7. Then head to Benalmadena Cable Car, take the cable car, and you’ll reach the top of this mount. If you don’t drive, take the Cercanias train (C1) from Maria Zambrano Station and stop at Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel. Then, walk for 5 minutes.

11. Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is a pretty whitewashed town nestled in the mountains. Although the town doesn’t have many attractions, it’s nice to soak up its atmosphere. 

Wander its streets, have a meal in an outdoor terrace restaurant while people watch, and visit the unique Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña church, which is located in a cave. 

In addition to these activities, go to Mijas viewpoint, situated next to the cave church, to contemplate breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

If possible, go there for sunset to experience one of the most magical views near Malaga.

📍 How to get to Mijas Pueblo: Drive via AP-7 and then take the A-368 to reach Mijas Pueblo. The road is quite windy and steep, so I don’t recommend driving there if you don’t have experience driving and feel confident driving on difficult roads. The car journey takes approximately 40 minutes. You can also access Mijas Pueblo by public transport, but it involves taking the train (C-1 route), stopping at Fuengirola and taking the bus M-122 to Mijas Pueblo.

Tours to watch the sunset in Malaga

Although you don’t need a tour to watch the sunset in Malaga, if you’re looking for an experience or activities that include watching the sunset in the city, these are some tours you may be interested in:

• Sunset Catamaran Trip with Glass of Cava
• Private Malaga Highlights & Sunset Tour
• Malaga Sunset Cruise and Restaurant Dinner

Tips for visiting the best views in Malaga

Something to consider when visiting the viewpoints in Malaga city centre is the heat in the summer months.

Temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees (104°F), so avoid going to these viewpoints in the late afternoon when the sun is intense.

Always carry sun cream and water with you regardless of the time and season. Unless you go to one of the rooftop terraces or the port, you’ll have to walk a steep hill, you’ll feel thirsty, and there are no places to buy a bottle of water.

If you want to visit the viewpoints outside Malaga city centre, you can do that by using public transport on most occasions, but if you want to reach places quickly and without being restricted to bus or train times, renting a car is your best option.

There are many car rental offices outside Malaga airport and near Malaga train station, and you can check and compare prices here.

Frequently asked questions about Malaga

Conclusion on the best views of Malaga

There are lots of viewpoints across Malaga, and many of them are right in the city centre, so you can easily add them to your Malaga itinerary.

Are you adding any of these best views in Malaga to your list?

If you have any questions about travelling to Malaga and Costa del Sol, drop them in the comments. I’d be very happy to help you.

Safe adventures!

Cristina xx

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Top things to do before visiting Malaga

• Check cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
• Are you looking for the best accommodation for you? Have a look at my Malaga hotel guide.
• Discover all the amazing activities you can do in Malaga with Get Your Guide.
• Book a free walking tour with GuruWalk.
• Travelling around Malaga? Hire a car with Rentalcars.
• Book travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip! SafetyWing offers flexible travel and health insurance.

Other travel guides about Malaga

• How to Spend One Day in Malaga
• The Best Photography Tours in Malaga
• Best Free Things to Do in Malaga
• Where To Stay in Malaga: The Best Hotels and Areas
• What to Eat in Malaga – The Ultimate Malaga Food Guide
• Beautiful and Secret Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol
• 19 Incredible Day Trips From Malaga You Shouldn’t Miss

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