Malaga with Children

Malaga, the cradle of sun and culture, is the perfect place for a family holiday. Add Malaga with children to your travel bucket list and experience what a modern family holiday can really look like! In this article, we will share the best tips and Malaga guide, what to visit in Malaga with children, where to have fun, where to eat and how to travel.

What to visit in Malaga with children?

We were in Málaga over the weekend for four days, so we planned some activities in advance. First of all, we wanted to introduce the children to the history of Malaga. Greta and Oskaras speak Spanish, so they find Spanish cities very interesting. We have already visited all the Canary Islands with our children, we even visited Barcelona several times.

This time we chose Malaga not by chance – after visiting Morocco in the summer, the children simply fell in love with Arab culture, so they immediately voted to visit Malaga this time. Málaga, one of the oldest cities in the Iberian Peninsula, has a rich and varied history, in which its Arab side is particularly prominent. Arab influence in Málaga began in the 8th century, when Muslims from North Africa conquered and established themselves in Andalusia, including Málaga. This period, known as the Moorish occupation, lasted until the end of the 15th century and left a deep mark on the city’s architecture, culture and lifestyle.

Malaga’s Arabic heritage can be seen in various parts of the city. One of the most prominent examples is the impressive Alcazaba fortress, built during the Moorish period and considered one of the best-preserved such fortresses in Spain. This architectural masterpiece is not only a historical monument, but also a testimony to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Moorish craftsmen and their influence on the appearance of the city of Málaga.

In addition to the Alcazaba, the Arabic influence can be seen in other areas of Málaga. This includes various artistic and cultural aspects such as ceramics, textiles, as well as a food culture that reflects the influence of Arabic cuisine. Malaga’s Moorish legacy is an integral part of the city’s history, giving it a unique and fascinating character that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Museums in Malaga with children

Malaga is called the “city of museums” and for good reason. Málaga has more than 30 museums spread throughout the city. Málaga’s museums are very diverse, from the art galleries of Pablo Picasso’s hometown to modern art centers, technology and transport museums. Each museum has unique exhibitions and themes. Museums are friendly to families with children, even if they seem more intended for adults, they still try to organize various activities and education for children.

We only managed to visit a few, but we have already decided that the museums alone are worth returning to Malaga again. Due to inconvenient working hours, we did not have time to visit the Aeronautics Museum recommended by our friends Ineta’s family this time.

Picasso Museum

Malaga is the birthplace of the world-class artist Pablo Picasso. The Picasso Museum in Málaga is one of the main attractions in the city, highlighting its importance in the art world. The Picasso Museum is a great place to introduce children to the work of one of the most famous artists, Pablo Picasso. The museum offers special educational programs for children, including various artistic activities and teaching methods that allow children not only to know, but also to experience the process of creating art.

We were lucky that when we were visiting Malaga, the Picasso Museum was celebrating its anniversary – on October 27. Malaga’s Picasso Museum has turned 20 years old. On that occasion, we visited the museum for free!

But for a regular visit, we highly recommend you to buy tickets to the Picasso Museum in advance, as it is one of the most popular museums in Malaga.

Málaga Museum

The most important aspect, this museum is free for all residents of the European Union! It is very convenient to visit it on the last day before departure if you have luggage with you. In the museum, you can also store your backpacks and suitcases safely in the storage lockers for free and walk around the museum without the extra weight.

The Málaga Museum (Museo de Málaga) is one of the most important cultural points in Málaga, which gives visitors the opportunity to learn and familiarize themselves with the history and culture of the city and the region. This museum is one of the largest and most important in the Andalusia region.

Here you will find several sections: archeology and art.

The archeology department at the Málaga Museum is a priceless treasure trove that reveals the region’s past. It exhibits finds that date from prehistoric times to the end of the Moorish occupation. Exhibits include Roman mosaics, Moorish pottery, and other artifacts that allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s historical and cultural development.

In the art department, visitors can see works of painting and sculpture of various ages and styles. This section covers works from the Renaissance to modern art, providing insights into the artistic development of Spain and Europe. The works on display here are an excellent example of the diversity and depth of Spanish art history.

The Málaga Museum is housed in an impressive building that is an architectural object in itself. The building has been renovated and converted into a museum, but retains its historical value and charm. The Málaga Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and tours that are adapted to visitors of all ages. It provides an opportunity for children and adults to get to know and learn about history and art in an interactive way.

Entertainment in Malaga with children

OXO Video Games Museum

Although it is a museum, we boldly call it entertainment with slightly older children (from about 6 years old), because the museum is interactive and you and your children can not only look at the exhibits, but also try them – this means unlimited 2-3 hours of playing with various video games, gaming machines and even try virtual glasses.

A museum dedicated to the history of video games. Three floors: the past, present and future of video games. And the tour starts in the 3D room.

To end your visit, OXO offers a terrace, a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view. We haven’t tried the food of this restaurant, but the selection is really big – there are pizzas, burgers, salads.

You can purchase tickets to the OXO Video Game Museum in advance.

City parks and playgrounds

The city parks in Málaga are a very important part of the city. They are visited by both locals and tourists. You will find children’s playgrounds in practically all of them or nearby.

Parque de Málaga (Málaga Central Park)

Parque de Málaga, also known as El Parque, is one of the city’s main parks, located in the heart of the city. Here you can walk in the shade of the trees, admire the fountains and feed the parrots that have already become wild.

Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción

Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción is a historic botanical garden located a little further from the city center. It is one of the most important subtropical gardens in Europe, where you can see a variety of plant species from all over the world. This park offers a variety of educational tours and activities that are perfect for children.

Paseo del Parque

Paseo del Parque is a popular walking path in the center of Málaga, next to El Parque. It is a great place for a walk with children, and there are also several cafes and eateries where you can relax and try local delicacies.

Beaches in Malaga with children

La Malagueta Beach

La Malagueta is the most popular beach in Málaga, just a few minutes from the city center. This beach is very convenient for families, as it has all the necessary facilities: equipment rental points, showers, toilets and lifeguard stations. Malaguete is also famous for “chiringitas”, where fish and seafood are grilled in disused boats. Be sure to try it!

El Palo Beach

El Palo is another great choice for families. This beach is a bit further from the city center but offers a quieter environment and less crowds. It is an ideal choice for families who want to relax and enjoy the sun and sea.

Pedregalejo Beach

Known for its fishing village atmosphere, Pedregalejo is also popular with families. Here you can not only enjoy the pleasures of the beach, but also taste local seafood from nearby restaurants. Pedregalejo Beach is a great choice for those who want to experience the local culture and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Excursions and walking around Malaga with children

Excursions around the city with children

For a long time, we wanted to try our favorite way of getting to know cities with our husband – a free walking tour. This is an excursion that costs nothing to book, there is no advance payment, and after the excursion you leave the guide as much as you think the excursion was worth – at your discretion.

We booked two tours, one to the Alcazaba Castle and the other to the historic city of Málaga. This time we booked the excursions in Spanish, because it is easier for children to understand than in English. However, there are many languages ​​to choose from.

What else do we love about these tours? Of course, everything depends on the guide, but during excursions we often get not only basic information about the city or place we are visiting, but also tips and tips on what to visit, when you can visit a museum for free, what and where to eat deliciously, and other useful tips. She spends a very good amount of time with her children – one and a half hours. Ten-year-old Greta kept her attention perfectly and listened carefully to the guide, while eight-year-old Oskaras sometimes deviated from the group to look around or find other activities.

How to find these tours? Just type “free walking tour Malaga” into GOOGLE (we have already tried these excursions in Seville, Valencia, and northern Spanish cities – Bilbao, San Sebastian). And choose the one that suits you best from the many offers – according to the time, day, nature of the excursion. We have tried GuruWalk, Civitatis, Freetour and many others.

Malaga center and many shops

Málaga’s city center is lively and colorful, offering plenty of attractions and unique shops. Walking around the old town, you can discover not only historical places, but also the work of local artisans, traditional food and original gifts.

Calle Larios – the main pedestrian street in the center of Málaga, full of various shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s a great choice for feeling the pulse of the city, shopping and tasting local delicacies.

Plaza de la Merced – a town square with various cafes, restaurants and artists’ works. There is also Birthplace of Pablo Picasso located here, which now operates as a museum.

Calle Granada offers interesting shops, bars and restaurants. There are also several art galleries and original shops.

Be sure to visit the local shops and bookstores – what we really remembered is that each of them has a unique interior, many details, the most interesting goods and products.

Market and Medina

Málaga’s market and medina are among the city’s most important cultural and commercial centers, reflecting authentic Andalusian culture and history.

Atarazan Market (Mercado de Atarazan) – historical heritage. The building that houses the market was built on the site of a former Moorish shipyard. Here you can find the freshest products, from seafood to local fruits and vegetables. The market also has a variety of snack bars where you can try traditional Spanish snacks such as tapas.

Medina is the historical heart of Málaga. The streets and buildings of the old town are a great example of Andalusian architecture. Small, cozy cafes and bars where you can taste local wine and tapas. Craft workshops and shops offering handmade souvenirs, ceramics and textiles.

The Málaga Cathedral is worth noting – one of the symbols of the city. This impressive building is known as “La Manquita” because of its unfinished southern part of the tower. The cathedral is a unique blend of architectural styles, mostly inspired by the Renaissance and Baroque styles. One of the cathedral’s distinctive features is its unfinished tower, which earned it the nickname “La Manquita,” meaning “the little one-armed.”

You can also book a very inexpensive tour, where the guide will tell you many interesting facts about these places.

Promenade

Malaga’s promenade, known as Paseo del Parque, is one of the main attractions. Walking along the coast, you will find yourself at Muelle Uno, a shopping and entertainment complex in the port of Malaga. Here you can shop, taste local and international cuisine or simply enjoy the sea view. It is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, a branch of the Center Pompidou.

The most beautiful castles

Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is one of the best-preserved Moorish fortifications in Spain. Built between the 8th and 11th centuries, this fortress is a fine example of Islamic architecture, with intricate vaults, arcades and manicured gardens.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the city of Málaga and the Mediterranean Sea, explore the ancient walls and defensive towers.

We visited with a free walking tour guide, but you can also visit by booking a very inexpensive guided tour.

Important! We will let you in on a secret that on Sunday after 2 p.m. entrance to the castle is free.

Gibralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro)

Gibralfar Castle, located on the hill of the same name, is directly connected to the Alcazaba fortress. This 14th-century castle features impressive defensive wall complexes and towers.

The castle offers breathtaking views of Málaga and its coast.

Where and what to eat in Malaga?

Located in the Andalucia region, Malaga is famous for its variety of delicious and authentic dishes. From traditional tapas bars to modern restaurants.

Tapas Bars – When in Spain and especially in Málaga, tapas are a must try dish. These are small snacks that can be served with various bases: meat, fish, vegetables or even cheese. Visit the local tapas bars, especially in the old town and around the Atarazanas market. Here you can find both traditional and modern tapas options.

Churros with chocolate – although churros are nothing new to us, as we enjoy them in the Canaries, Malaga also boasts that churros with chocolate are especially delicious here.

The guide highly recommended to try a local sandwich – a burger, and to try espeto (fish grilled on a spit).

Places we discovered and recommend

Breakfast places

We really love a hearty but light breakfast that gives us energy for long walks and exploring the city. We tried our favorite ACAI breakfast with our children in Malaga as well.

Acai berries are native to South America. Acai bowls can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as fresh fruit, nuts, seeds and natural sweeteners, so you can have a different and delicious meal every morning.

ACAI NATURE and OAKBERRY were tested in the center of Malaga. We liked ACAI NATURA more – a nicer cafe where we can have a cozy breakfast, and the price is lower. True OAKBERRY, although more expensive, does not limit the number of accessories.

One morning we broke our breakfast rule and stopped by an unreal pancake house La Desayuneria, where we had not only brunch but also lunch at the same time. There was so much of everything. Feel free to share, because if you order individual servings, you probably won’t finish them all. By the way, this is a chain restaurant, but we went to the one next to the market so that we could wander the streets of the Medina after a full meal.

Seafood

Malaga is famous for its fresh seafood. Try the local “espet” (fish grilled on a spit), fresh oysters or calamari. The harbor and the El Palo area offer excellent seafood restaurants.

We highly recommend tasting espetas in Malagueta’s chiringitas – local beach restaurants.

Latin American cuisine

You all know that in Tenerife we ​​often try new restaurants, and one of our discoveries is Peruvian cuisine. Therefore, we did not miss the opportunity to try Peruvian cuisine in Malaga. We tried two.

The first one we went to and which even has several locations in Malaga was La Barra Inca. We tasted the seviche set, the children ate duck and pasta with beef. I also liked the desserts. We recommend it.

Well, the biggest impression was made by serving Latin American dishes restaurant ANDINO, this is probably one of the best restaurants of South American cuisine that I have visited, and the dishes are not only Peruvian, but also Colombian and Chilean. We tasted ceviche, pasta, stuffed avocado, and desserts. I liked everything unreal!

Where to stay in Malaga?

From luxury hotels to cozy apartments and hostels, everyone will find the right place for them.

City center – for those who want to be close to the main attractions and who like city life. Here you will find many hotels and apartments close to major attractions such as the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum and Málaga Cathedral.

La Malagueta area – perfect for those who want to be close to the beach and at the same time enjoy the amenities of the city. The area offers many hotels and apartments with sea views, as well as easy access to popular beaches and the harbor area.

Soho district – perfect for lovers of art and contemporary culture. Soho is known for its art galleries, contemporary culture and hipster vibe. Here you will find stylish hotels and apartments.

Our advice is to read the reviews carefully. It helped us and it worked out very well this time. We lived in an apartment right in the center, but only 3-4 minutes on foot from the most active streets – so everything was nearby, but we had a pretty quiet rest at night.

 

Practical advices

When did we travel in Malaga with children and when do we recommend traveling?

Greta and Oskaras were in Malaga at the end of October and it was the best decision to travel at that time.

Malaga, thanks to its pleasant Mediterranean climate, is an attractive travel destination in almost all seasons. However, when choosing the time to travel with children, it is important to consider several main circumstances: the weather, tourist flows and cultural events.

September and October in Málaga are considered ideal months for families looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. The temperature at this time is pleasant, hovering around 20-25 degrees Celsius. Fewer tourists means you can enjoy the city’s attractions in a more peaceful environment. Autumn is also a great time to visit museums and participate in various cultural events.

Although winter in Málaga is not very warm, if you are looking for good weather not only to travel, but also to enjoy the pleasures of the sun and the sea, but if you want to get to know the city and its culture, this is also the right time. The temperature in winter ranges from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius. The Christmas period in the city is particularly charming with spectacular displays of lights and decorations, which were already being prepared when we visited.

Spring in Málaga starts from March and lasts until May. Currently, the weather is mild, with average temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. This is a great time to visit Malaga with children, because the city is not overcrowded with tourists yet, and nature is waking up and blooming. Children will be especially impressed by the abundance of parks and gardens in the city.

From June to August, Málaga has the most tourists. The summer months are hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. This period is ideal for sun and beach lovers. However, it is worth remembering that this is the tourist season, so we recommend planning accommodation and sightseeing in advance.

Transport

The most convenient and cheapest way to travel from the airport is by train. In the city, you can definitely reach all the attractions on foot. We liked Malaga because it is a very compact city.

If you like HOP IN HOP OFF excursions, and in Malaga there is also a floating bus – buy a special card together with entrances to museums. Card for transport and museums.

Cash and card payment

Restaurants, hotels accept card payments. We use the myTU payment card on trips, because:

• We can withdraw up to 200 EUR for free. We needed cash for the free walking tours.
• We use the card for online payments, that is, when purchasing tickets for entertainment, museums, and booking excursions.
• Children from the age of 7 can open a free account just by using their mobile phone. Our children have myTU cards, which is very convenient – we always transfer the children’s holiday amount, which they can use at their discretion.
• If a payment card has been lost or stolen, we can immediately lock it in our app and order a new one.
• We can enable/disable contactless payments, ATM cash withdrawals and online payments at any time.
• We may change our card’s billing limit at any time.

Other tips

For active city exploration, it is very important to have a place to store your luggage. We noticed that there are many security cameras in the city.

This article Malaga with children is author’s work and was prepared by “Travel 4 kids ®”. Copying and using without permission is strictly prohibited.

Don’t forget to follow us on social networks. You can find more about travel in Lithuania on the Facebook account “Traveling with children” and on the Instagram account “Traveling with children”.

Information about traveling around the world on the Facebook account “Traveling with children around the world” and on the Instagram account “Traveling with children around the world”.

Looking for more places to visit with kids, travel tips and recommendations? Make sure to connect to groups of travelers with children. We also invite you to share your travel experiences here.

If you want to share your trip or travel experience with children, feel free to email us by post.