Malaga is a Spanish city on the Costa del Sol. It offers a wide range of tourist attractions to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re a lover of history, art, nature or the beach, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in the famous Andalusian city, and the best thing is that you can take advantage of the many free activities and visits on offer in Malaga.
Here is a selection of 10 free activities in Malaga to discover the city without spending a single euro.
Free activities in Malaga for history and heritage lovers
Alcazaba Palace and Gibralfaro Castle
These two monuments bear witness to the Muslim era that marked Malaga’s history. The Alcazaba is a fortress built in the 11th century to protect the city from Christian attacks, while Gibralfaro Castle is a citadel on a hill overlooking the city.
Both sites are open to visitors free of charge on Sundays from 2pm. You can admire their architecture, gardens and panoramic views of the sea, port and town.
The Roman theatre
Below the Alcazaba palace is the Roman theatre, Malaga’s oldest monument dating back to the 1st century.
It was used for 200 years before being abandoned and forgotten. Rediscovered in 1951 when Malaga’s House of Culture was built, it can be visited free of charge and immerses you in the atmosphere of Antiquity.
Free activities in Malaga for art lovers
The Picasso Museum
Malaga is the birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso, who lived here during his childhood. The Picasso Museum pays tribute to him and exhibits over 200 works tracing his artistic career. You can visit the museum free of charge on Sundays from 4pm until closing time. You’ll discover all the different facets of Picasso’s creative genius.
The Contemporary Art Centre
The Centre d’Art Contemporain is a space dedicated to the dissemination and promotion of contemporary art in all its forms: painting, sculpture, photography, video, etc.
It features works by both established and emerging artists, and reflects current trends in the creative field. Admission is free every day for both temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Free activities in Malaga for city walkers
The Soho district
The Soho district is THE trendy, bohemian district of Malaga. It’s home to art galleries, vintage boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
But what makes it so charming and special are the walls covered in street art by local and international artists. To admire these colourful and original frescoes, take a stroll through the streets of the district.
La Calle Larios
Calle Larios is Malaga’s main and liveliest avenue. Pedestrianised and lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, it’s the ideal place to go shopping, have a drink or enjoy an ice cream.
Calle Larios is also the scene of festive events throughout the year, such as Carnival, Holy Week, temporary exhibitions, Fashion Week and the Christmas illuminations.
Free activities in Malaga for food lovers
The Atarazanas central market
The Atarazanas central market is a must for lovers of local gastronomy and culture. This covered market is housed in a former 14th-century Arab shipyard, the main door to which remains intact.
You’ll find colourful and varied stalls selling fresh produce typical of the region: fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, spices…
You can also enjoy tapas and drinks in the market bars or on the terrace.
Free activities around Malaga for park lovers and hikers
You can rent a car to visit the surrounding area.
La Concepción Botanical Garden
The Concepción Botanical Garden is a haven of peace and greenery just a few kilometres from the city centre. This beautiful tropical garden is home to over 2,000 plant species from all five continents.
Stroll through this 23-hectare park and admire its fountains, waterfalls, bridges and sculptures. Admission is free on Sunday afternoons.
The Montes de Malaga Natural Park
The Montes de Malaga Natural Park is a protected area covering more than 5,000 hectares to the north of the city. It offers a landscape of contrasting mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls.
Here you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, horse riding and picnicking. You can also observe the local flora and fauna, including wild goats, birds of prey and orchids.
Free activities in Malaga for beach lovers
The beaches of Malaga
Malaga enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means that you can enjoy the sun and sea all year round. The city boasts over 15 kilometres of fine sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, where you can swim, sunbathe, play sports, rent a boat or simply relax. The most popular beaches include La Malagueta, La Caleta, Pedregalejo and El Palo. Now you know what free activities are available in Málaga, and you’re ready to enjoy an unforgettable stay on a budget!