Are you planning a trip from Marbella to Malaga? The good news is that you can drive between these two cities in less than an hour if you take the A-7 motorway. Once you arrive in Malaga, there are many exciting sights and attractions to explore.
Arriving in Malaga
As you approach the outskirts along the N-340, follow signs to Malaga-Centro Ciudad, which will lead you to Avenida Andalucía. When you see a line of modern commercial buildings, look for the large grey building called ‘El Corte Ingles’ ahead on the left. Bear right around the traffic island to pass in front of the building and take the first right to its underground car park.
Exploring Malaga
Walk back to Avenida Andalucia and turn left along it to cross the bridge over the Rio Guadalmedina to Alameda principal. If you are interested in modern Spanish art you may like to go to the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo (Tues-Sun, 10am-2pm and 5:30-9:30pm, closed Mon, free admission). For getting there just turn right along Calle Comandante on the far side of the bridge Calle Alemania, where the museum is located just off Comandante. The museum’s late opening hours mean you could pay a visit at the end of your day.
Back on Alameda Principal, keep left and then turn left onto Calle Torregorda. Ahead you will see the Puerta de Atarazanas, an 11th-century Moorish entrance to what is now Malaga’s food market. Walk through to the other end and go straight ahead until you reach the river. On your right, in Paseo de Santa Isabel is the Mueso de Artes y Tradiciones Populares (Winter: Mon-free 10am-1:30pm, 4-7pm; Sat 10am-1:30pm; Summer: Mon-Fri 10am-1:30,5-8pm,Sat 10am-1:30pm).
The buildings, built in 1632, used to be an inn run by Franciscans, and currently form a museum of arts and popular traditions. Established in 1975, it occupies 3 floors around a central patio. Turn right when leaving, take the first right into Calle Cisneros and continue into Plaza de la Constitución, site of a stamp and coin market on Sundays. Notable on the Northern side is the Casa de Consulada. To the left the Iglesia del Santo Cristo de la Salud, inaugurated in 1630, features typical Spanish Mannerist elements. Leave the plaza on the right and head into calle Marques de Larios, the city’s main shopping street since 1886. Its construction was financed largely by the Larios family, which made its fortune from gin. This street is particularly beautiful at night and around holidays since it is lined with antiquated street lamps.
The Alcazaba
At end Calle San Agustín turn right pedestrian Calle Granada takes Plaza La Merced. Cross over look restored Roman theatre built during Augustus’ reign discovered 1950s.
Then go Alcazaba (Wed-Mon 9:30am-8 pm). In 8th century Moors began building fortress remains forts left Romans connected rampart Castillo Gibralfaro Moorish construction Phoenician foundations top hill see la Alcazaba today mostly project ordered king Taifa Granada 1057 renovated 1933 introduction typical features Moorish architecture double walls defensive towers surrounding gardens patios palaces.
- The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress located in Malaga.
- It’s open to visitors from Wednesday to Monday, 9:30 am to 8 pm.
- The Moors built the fortress in the 8th century on top of remains left by the Romans.
- A rampart connects it to Castillo Gibralfaro, another Moorish construction on Phoenician foundations.
- The king of Taifa of Granada ordered a project in 1057 that mostly created what you see today. Renovations occurred in 1933.
- The Alcazaba is an introduction to typical features of Moorish architecture.
- It has double walls with defensive towers surrounding gardens, patios, and palaces.
Paseo de la Farola
If like return city centre going west towards harbour then along Paseo Farola turning onto Paseo Parque walk through gardens have 2000 species flowers trees.
- Paseo de la Farola is a scenic walkway located in Malaga.
- You will find it near the harbor and offers beautiful views of the sea.
- To get there, head west from the city center towards the harbor.
- Then follow the Paseo de la Farola until you reach Paseo del Parque.
- This park is home to gardens with over 2000 species of flowers and trees.
- It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the natural beauty of Malaga.
La Concepción Botanical Garden
A guided visit around La Concepción Botanical Garden (Tues-Sun 10 am-dusk), on northern outskirts Málaga pleasant way spend afternoon one time private garden wealthy family has large collection exotic plants palm trees get there follow signs Antequera until get turn-off Jardín Histórico Botánico La Concepción.
- La Concepción Botanical Garden is a must-see attraction in Malaga.
- It’s located on the northern outskirts of the city.
- The garden is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am until dusk.
- It was once a private garden owned by a wealthy family.
- Now, it’s open to the public and offers a beautiful collection of exotic plants and palm trees.
- To get there, follow signs to Antequera until you see the turn-off for Jardín Histórico Botánico La Concepción.
- A guided visit is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon and learn about the garden’s history and plant life.
Returning to Marbella from Malaga
If you decide to head back towards Marbella after your visit to Malaga, follow signs to Algeciras. The dual carriageway bypasses Torremolinos and Benalmádena. Ignore signs for toll motorway head along coastal N-340 bypassing Fuengirola.
Puerto Cabopino
If have time visit Puerto Cabopino one Marbella’s newest pueblo marinas one prettiest coast enjoy very good dinner one Marbella’s oldest most famous restaurants La Hacienda (952-831-367) located attractive villa Urbanización Hacienda Las Chapas.
Conclusion
In conclusion driving from Marbella to Malaga is a quick and easy journey that offers many opportunities for exploration and discovery. Once you arrive in Malaga, you can visit modern art museums, historic landmarks, and bustling markets. There’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. You can also visit La Concepción Botanical Garden or Puerto Cabopino for even more adventure.
While there is a toll road available, the route we suggest is free of charge. So why not take a road trip from Marbella to Malaga and discover all this beautiful region has to offer?