22 Unusual Things to Do in Malaga – Written by a Local
Malaga is an incredible destination because of its sunny weather and the great variety of things to do in the city and its surroundings – from lying on one of its beautiful beaches and exploring the cultural buildings to tasting the traditional food.
The city lives from tourism, and as a result, there are plenty of activities for tourists. This is good to know when you’re planning to visit Malaga.
However, if you’re looking for non-touristy things to do wherever you go, I’ve got you covered!
As a local, I can tell you all the unusual things to do in Malaga, and by unusual, I mean some of the things that we locals would do rather than tourists and less popular activities.
So, if you’re ready to discover Malaga like a local, keep reading this travel guide.
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The best unusual things to do in Malaga
1. Discover Malaga’s street art at Soho
Soho is home to incredible urban art, and there are many beautiful and colourful murals painted by local artists. I love discovering a new mural every time I walk in Soho.
Apart from the great art pieces in Soho, this neighbourhood is worth visiting for its bohemian and laid-back cafes and restaurants.
One of my favourite bars, La Pechá, is here. I highly recommend having some tapas there. They’re really good and affordable too.
2. Experience Feria de Malaga
Like every Andalusian city, Málaga has its fair held in the middle of August every year.
The fair takes place in two locations, in Málaga city centre (known as feria de día) and near Palacio de Congresos (referred to as feria de noche).
Both “ferias” are different in some ways. Feria de Día focuses on drinking and traditional dancing, while Feria de Noche is for everyone because it includes attractions for kids, concerts, and places to eat and drink.
I love the atmosphere in the feria, and it’s one of those events my family and friends look forward to every year.
Local Tip
Check the event calendar to find ferias in towns across Costa Del Sol. They aren’t as big as the Málaga fair, but they’ll give you a taste of the local culture. One of the most famous town fairs is Feria de Fuengirola.
3. Watch a flamenco show
If you want a taste of the culture, you cannot leave Malaga without watching a flamenco show.
Flamenco originated in Andalucia about 500 years ago. If you don’t know much about it, it consists of traditional dance and music.
It’s danced at parties and fairs across Andalucía, and although Sevilla is the heart of flamenco, you can experience it in Malaga.
Are you ready to discover the best places to watch a flamenco show in Malaga? Here they are:
- Teatro Cervantes
- Museo Flamenco Peña Juan Breva
- Kelipé Centro de Arte Flamenco
💃🏻 Alternatively, you can book this highly-rated flamenco show with tapas and drinks.
4. Spend the day on a less-known beach
La Malagueta beach is the closest to the city centre, meaning that most tourists and locals from the area visit this beach.
If you prefer a less busy beach in Malaga, visit La Misericordia. This dark sand and calm water beach is popular among the locals, but not many tourists know about it.
The beach has a lovely promenade where you can go on a walk, skate, or have food at one of its chiringuitos (beach bars) or restaurants.
If you stay in Malaga city centre, you can easily access La Misericordia beach by bus. Another alternative is to visit the beach in Pedregalejo.
Local Tip
Don’t go to the beach on Sundays. Most locals don’t work on Sundays, and as temperatures are high in the summer, the best thing to do is go to the beach. As you can imagine, it gets jam-packed. Also, they tend to go to the beach early and put on umbrellas and chairs to get a spot there.
5. Have a night out in Malaga city centre
Partying in Malaga and Spain is entirely different from other countries, and there are a few things you need to know.
First, you must know that we don’t go out until 12 am, and if you go earlier, you won’t find anyone in the clubs. Some of these clubs don’t even open until 11 pm, so my top advice is to have dinner late and then go out.
Another thing you need to know is that alcohol isn’t measured like it is in the UK or other countries, so don’t be surprised if your cocktail is stronger than you usually have. You can see the bartender pouring the alcohol straight from the bottle.
The most popular disco in Malaga is Sala Gold, on Luis de Velázquez Street. Expect great cocktails, champagne, themed nights and a variety of music.
Other well-known clubs are Discoteca Andén and Velvet Club.
6. Relax at the Arab baths
An unusual thing to do in Malaga is to go to the Arab baths in the heart of the city centre.
Whether you love starting your morning slow or want to relax after a few intensive days exploring Malaga, Hammam Malaga is the perfect option.
I need to admit that it wasn’t until a few years ago that I visited these Arab baths. I wish I had visited them before because not only can you disconnect from the world, but the architecture inside is stunning.
The Arab baths include hot and cold baths, a sauna, and some spaces to relax while sipping Moroccan tea. However, treatments and massages are available at an extra cost during your visit.
I booked my ticket with Get Your Guide, and not only did it include access to the baths but also a relaxing 15-minute massage, which was the perfect way to end my Arab bath experience.
It’s a great activity to do in winter in Malaga as it isn’t warm enough to swim in the sea.
7. Go to Museo del Vidrio y Cristal
Museo del Vidrio y Cristal (Glass and Crystal Museum) is a lesser-known museum very close to Malaga city centre.
The museum is in a restored 1970s mansion where you can contemplate over 1,000 unique glass decorations, paintings, furniture, and other items.
The museum’s most significant collection is the glass collection, which includes items from Roman, Greek, and Byzantine cultures.
8. Try Malaga ice cream
Malaga is home to numerous ice cream shops that offer a good variety of flavours – from traditional flavours like strawberry and vanilla to unusual flavours like avocado.
But, did you know Malaga has its own ice cream? It’s made with sweet wine (vino de Malaga), cream, eggs and raisins from the region.
Helados y Turrones Casa Mira is the most popular ice cream shop in Malaga city centre. It has been a favourite for the locals for many years.
I also love Kalua and Heladería Inma, where you can enjoy flavours like Nutella, Kinder, nougat, oreo, pistachio and watermelon, among others.
In most ice cream shops, you can order a big, medium or small ice cream tub or a cone mixing a few flavours.
9. Enjoy the sunset at Gibralfaro viewpoint
Who doesn’t love a panoramic view?
Between Alcazaba de Malaga and Gibralfaro Castle, you’ll find Gibralfaro’s viewpoint.
The view from this viewpoint is breathtaking – Malaga’s port, known as Muelle Uno, Malaga Park, the bullring and the sea make this view special.
Watching the sunset from Gibralfaro’s viewpoint is definitely one of the best things to do in Malaga for couples.
It can get busy sometimes, but if you want to have this place for yourself or take photos, go at sunrise.
10. Visit Mapas y Compañía shop
Located on Compañía Street, you’ll find Mapas y Compañía bookstore. However, it isn’t like any regular bookstore.
The shop is very small but packed with travel and geography books, unique maps, 3D puzzles, and small gifts.
It’s a unique shop, so if you’re looking to buy something a bit different, you’ll find it there.
11. Eat the Malaga version of churros
Churros aren’t originally from Malaga, but can you find delicious churros in Malaga? Of course.
One of the most popular places in Malaga to enjoy churros is Casa Aranda, in the heart of the city. This place has been making churros since 1932, so it’s here where you can enjoy traditional and delicious churros con chocolate.
However, recipes and dishes constantly evolve, and many cafes in Malaga serve churros with different sweet sauces instead of hot chocolate.
Tejeringos Coffee is my favourite cafe for churros. You can have them with white chocolate, dulce de leche (similar to caramel sauce), kinder, Nutella and vanilla sauces.
12. Shop in the food markets
Atarazanas Market is the place to go for high-quality local produce and tapas. This central market is the most popular for a reason.
Whether you want to taste some delicious fried fish or buy local ingredients such as goat cheese, Malaga sweet wine, raisins from the Axarquia region, fig bread, and molletes (a soft rounded bread produced in Antequera).
Not only is it worth visiting for shopping or having a quick bite but also for its beautiful architecture and colourful stained glass windows that you can see as you enter the market.
It’s very easy to wander the market on your own, but there are also excellent guided tours where the local guides will take you to the best food spots in the market and nearby.
If you want to visit lesser-known markets, I recommend checking out Mercado de Huelin and Mercado de la Merced.
🥘 Check out this Malaga Market and winery tours with tapas
13. Experience Semana Santa (Malaga’s Holy Week)
Semana Santa, Holy Week, is an important religious event for many locals. The holy week lasts seven days, during which families go to Malaga city centre to see the processions that represent different scenes of the life of Jesus until his death.
Even if you don’t believe in the Christian religion, it’s impressive to watch how many men carry these heavy processions across the city centre for hours.
The processions happen all day long – from the early morning to the late evening, and those who don’t take part in the procession are part of the atmosphere.
14. Attend the Three Kings Parade
Christmas in Malaga is magical and different from any other country.
The mild temperatures, unique Christmas light decorations and events make it special. And when it comes to events, you’ll want to attend the Three Kings Parade.
The parade takes place in the city centre, including Larios Street. Here, you can see the magic three kings (Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar) throwing sweets, and sometimes small gifts like teddy bears or footballs, from their thrones.
Not only will you see them, but you will also see popular animated cartoons that kids love. Although the event may seem more for children than adults, it’s great to watch.
It’s one of my favourite Christmas events in Malaga, and it brings so many memories from my childhood.
15. Birdwatch at Guadalhorce River
The mouth of the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve is situated between Malaga and Torremolinos, and it’s an excellent spot to watch the birds.
The reserve has easy walks in which you’ll find several bird viewpoints and posters to learn information about the place and animals.
Depending on the season you birdwatch at Guadalhorce River, you’ll see different types of birds. Some of the most popular birds are the booted eagle, the white-headed duck, the wigeons and the red-rumped swallow.
However, winter and spring are the best seasons to go birdwatch at the mouth of the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve.
Local Tip
If you don’t have time to visit this nature reserve, you can also birdwatch in Malaga. Many lovely green parakeets fly over Malaga Park and other city areas.
16. Shop at Plaza Mayor Shopping Centre
If you love spending an afternoon shopping, you need to go to Plaza Mayor Shopping Centre, one of the biggest shopping centres in Costa del Sol.
In this shopping centre between Malaga and Torremolinos, you can find Spanish brands like Zara and Stradivarius as well as international brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and other luxurious high-street brands in the outlet part of Plaza Mayor.
You can spend hours shopping here as there are over 70 stores! But one of the main reasons I love visiting Plaza Mayor is the variety of restaurants; you can find local cuisine, Italian, Mexican, American and much more.
Due to its proximity to Malaga airport, don’t be surprised to see many planes flying over the shopping centre.
17. Explore the caves near Malaga
One of the best day trips from Malaga is Nerja, a whitewashed town on the east side of Malaga province.
The town has lovely things to see and do, and one of them is visiting Nerja Caves, where you’ll see the largest stalactite in the world.
Walking in the caves takes you back to 1959 when some locals discovered them while on a night walk looking for bats.
Nowadays, you can enjoy contemplating beautiful rock formations while listening to an audio guide to discover all the secrets and stories behind this place.
Another cave worth seeing and less popular than the one in Nerja is Cueva del Tesoro in Rincón de la Victoria.
18. Uncover the beauty of Caminito del Rey
If you love a good hiking adventure, you must visit Caminito del Rey, which is located 50 minutes from Malaga.
This almost 8-kilometre path was initially considered one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world. But you don’t need to worry now; it has been restored, so you can visit it safely.
Despite its restoration, the trail is full of adrenaline and scenic views – from breathtaking cliffs and canyons to a large valley.
If you’re lucky, you may also encounter animals like vultures, mountain goats and otters during your walk!
It’s a great experience, and there is no doubt that the El Caminito del Rey path is one of the most adventurous things to do in Malaga province.
There’s an entrance fee for Caminito del Rey, and I also recommend booking in advance as tickets sell out very early all year round.
The path can be accessed by car and public transport, or book a tour guide to Caminito del Rey from Malaga.
19. Visit Castillo de Colomares
A 25-minute drive from Malaga, it’s Benalmadena, where you can find the impressive Castillo de Colomares, what used to be a hidden gem in Costa del Sol.
Despite its rich and beautiful architecture, the castle isn’t as well known as you think. Although it has gained popularity, many travellers still visit Benalmadena beaches and tourist attractions but don’t know about Castillo de Colomares unless they come across it on the Internet or social media.
The truth is that it isn’t located in a popular and visible area but is very close to the old town of Benalmadena, also known as Benalmadena Pueblo.
Castillo de Colomares isn’t actually a castle but a monument in the shape of a castle that was built between 1987 and 1994 to celebrate the life and adventures of Christopher Columbus.
It isn’t very big, but it’s worth visiting because of the mixture of architecture (Gothic, Romanesque, Byzantine and Moorish Revival) and the scenic views of the town and coast.
20. Explore Juzcar (the Smurf Village)
Do you know there is a Smurf Village in Malaga?
A 1 hour and 40-minute drive from Malaga, Juzcar is a small village painted in blue in 2011 to embrace the premiere of The Smurfs 3D.
However, the locals decided to keep the colour after the promotion passed.
Although Juzcar used to be visited by local hikers due to its excellent trails, the village’s tourism exploded after the promotion of Smurfs.
Walking in Juzcar makes you feel like you are in a different world!
21. Visit a winery
If you love a good glass of wine, don’t leave Malaga without trying its traditional wines.
You don’t need to go far to try some of these delicious wines. In fact, you can do this by visiting Antigua Casa de Guardia, located a few minutes from Atarazanas Market.
I’ve been there a few times with my family, and I love how they pour wine directly from the barrels you see in the photo above.
Another spot is El Pimpi Bodega Bar, which is much more famous, so you’ll see more tourists there.
However, if you want to visit a winery and learn about wine production in the area, the best place to do this is Ronda. You can either drive to Ronda from Malaga or take a guided tour from Malaga.
22. Grab a book from Libreria Luces
If you love books, go to Libreria Luces. This bookshop, which has been open for over 20 years, has plenty of books of different genres and ages.
Of course, many books are in Spanish, but you’ll be surprised by the extensive collection of books in other languages, from English and French to German, Portuguese and Italian.
It’s one of Malaga’s main cultural hubs! I love reading their book recommendations and the fact that they organise different events for those who love reading.
Conclusion on unusual things to do in Malaga
There are many unusual attractions in Malaga as well as less popular things to do, which are worth doing – from visiting secret beaches and discovering street art at Soho to going on day trips to unique destinations.
Do you know any other unusual things to do in Malaga? Let me know below!
If you have any questions about travelling to Malaga, leave them in the comments below or join my Facebook group to connect with me and other travellers. I’ll be happy to help you.
Safe adventures!
Cristina xx
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So many beautiful and cool things to do in Malaga. Would love to explore this destination!
Malaga looks like an awesome place to visit. I’d love to hang out on the beach eating a churro after exploring the city! Thanks for sharing this list of unique things to do. I’ll definitely keep them in mind for when I visit Malaga!
This is such an awesome guide, thank you! I’m hoping to visit Spain later in the year so this will come in very helpful
I am glad you have found it useful!
Great list of unusual things to do in Málaga! I think I’ve done most of these, but haven’t watched a Flamenco show here yet. Love that you included Juzcar as a day trip idea – it’s such a fun village.
Thank you, Krista 🙂 It’s great to hear you’ve done many of these activities.