Walking Routes Through Málaga

Walking Routes Through Málaga

Málaga is easy to cover on foot. The cathedral, the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba are all within ten minutes of each other, the port and Soho lie just beyond, and the beaches run east along a flat promenade. These routes are self-guided and can be done in any order.

Old town loop (2 to 3 hours)

Start at Plaza de la Constitución, the plaza end of the pedestrian Calle Marqués de Larios, and follow the order below at a slow pace.

  1. Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Larios.
  2. The cathedral on Calle Molina Lario.
  3. Plaza de la Merced, with the Casa Natal de Picasso at number 15 (EUR 3).
  4. The Museo Picasso Málaga on Calle San Agustín (EUR 13, free in the last two hours on Sundays).
  5. The Roman Theatre at the foot of the Alcazaba, which is free.
  6. The base of the Alcazaba on Calle Alcazabilla.

Pickpockets work Calle Larios and the cathedral area, so keep bags closed. E-scooters are not allowed on pedestrian streets such as Larios.

Alcazaba to Gibralfaro (about 20 minutes uphill)

The official route from the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro castle follows Paseo de Don Juan Temboury and takes about 20 minutes uphill. It is steep and can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water in summer, because shade is limited on the hill. In winter Gibralfaro closes at 18:00 (last entry 17:00), so plan the walk for daylight. The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro location page gives the route and notes that bus 35 runs about every 30 minutes if you want to ride up.

Waterfront walk (about 4 km, flat)

Begin at Muelle Uno, take in the coloured glass cube of the Centre Pompidou Málaga and the Palmeral de las Sorpresas promenade, and go on to La Farola, the lighthouse. From there follow the beach promenade east past La Malagueta and La Caleta to Pedregalejo, where the chiringuitos serve espetos. It is about 4 km one way, and EMT buses bring you back. The Pompidou is closed on Tuesdays; check its visit page .

Soho murals

The Soho district between the centre and the port is known for its MAUS street-art murals. The Teatro del Soho CaixaBank opened there in 2019. It lies between the old town and the port, so it fits between the two routes above.

Market and tavern

Atarazanas market is a 19th-century iron hall that keeps a surviving Nasrid horseshoe gate. It is closed on Sundays and opens in the morning on other days. Nearby on Alameda Principal 18, Antigua Casa de Guardia has been serving since 1840. Check opening hours for both.

Garden paths

The garden of La Concepción has shaded paths and is reached by EMT bus 20 to the last stop and a walk of about 15 minutes. It is closed on Mondays, and entry is EUR 5.20.

Tips

  • Walk the old town early in the morning in summer, before the heat builds.
  • Street drinking away from licensed terraces is restricted by city bylaw.
  • Cover up away from the beach, as walking around naked or in underwear is not allowed.

Read more: walking tours across the province and sightseeing in Málaga .

Guided walks can be compared on GetYourGuide .