Malaga

country

Andalucia, Spain

language

Spanish

when to go

All year around

Population

591.637 in the city

Beyond its 16 sunny beaches, this Andalusian city on the shores of the Mediterranean has a fascinating cultural side. And the birthplace of Pablo Picasso has reinvented itself in recent year, inaugurating museums for all tastes.

If we take the combination of culture and the sea and add a lively atmosphere, numerous tapas served in bars, cutting-edge neighbourhoods like Soho, areas like the port that have transformed and become more modern and monuments with centuries of history, the result is a city full of passion that anyone would want to explore. Because if everyone says that Malaga is prettier than ever then it must be true.

 

A journey in time

Malaga is a city full of historic spots, like the Alcazaba, one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia, or Gibralfaro Castle, which offers the best views over the whole city. At the foot of the castle there is a Roman theatre and an old town to stroll around. As you walk through its streets you’ll find spots like the Atarazanas Market, where you can try a vermouth, and monuments like the Cathedral, which is known as “The One-Armed” (la manquita) due to its unfinished south tower. You can’t miss visiting its roof; a unique experience. Here in the city of Picasso, you can visit the excellent Picasso Museum in the centre, and the home where he was born.
But Malaga doesn’t only live on its past. In recent years it has inaugurated the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the only Pompidou Centre outside France -its coloured cubes have become an icon- or the Saint Petersburg Russian Museum Collection.
And if you prefer a more underground culture, look out for the Centre for Contemporary Art, the street art on the city’s buildings, and the alternative establishments in the Soho neighbourhood.

 

Essence of Malaga

Several things make Malaga a unique place. To start, beyond its monuments, a sunny day spent on the legendary La Malagueta urban beach is a must. Anyone who wants to delve into traditional flavours should visit the seaside neighbourhood of Pedregalejo and try the typical grilled sardines on skewers.
Back to La Malagueta, nearby you can find Muelle 1, a port promenade full of shops and restaurants that is perfect for a sunset stroll to La Farola, a lighthouse that is a symbol of the city.
Another emblem of Malaga? Without a doubt its pedestrian street Marqués de Larios, a busy thoroughfare decorated with flowers and which you must visit at least once on a trip to Malaga. At night, this area and its nearby streets become the perfect spot for tapas at establishments that have become an institution, such as Bodega El Pimpi; and for trying the ajoblanco chilled garlic soup.
Malaga is also known for its Film Festival, its Holy Week, its innovative restaurants… But above all, Malaga is joy. And it’s catching.

Guide for Muslim Travelers

Halal Restaurants

Malaga offers a fair share of Halal food and Halal restaurants, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine in particular. Popular spots include Al-Yamal, Re-Pitta, El Rey del Shawarma, Restaurante Marroqui Azahar, El Balneario, Al-Yasmin, El Tapeo, El Sultan and Restaurante Amador.

 

ANDALUSI CULTURAL CENTER

The Centro Cultural Andalusi is located in the heart of Malaga and has all prayers including formal Jum’a. It can be easily found by the side of the road and a Halal market is also located in close proximity to the mosque, offering a range of fresh meat and spices.

With a strong Muslim presence due to its rich Islamic history,Malaga is home to Muslims in this southern part of Spain. Due to this, it’s no surprise that a mosque is bound to appear within the city.

Malaga Mosque

C. Ing. de la Torre Acosta,
3, 29007 Málaga, Spain
+34 602 12 10 61

The construction of this mosque was contributed by the Saudi Arabian government in the mid 2000s. It was built not just for diplomatic reasons but because Malaga had a pretty sizeable Muslim community within the city with around 50,000 Muslims. A great spot to pray and sightsee for Muslim travelers. Located in the Arroyo del Cuarto area, this magnificent mosque is the largest in the Costa del Sol. Encompassing 4,000 square meters, a 25 meter tall minaret, three prayer rooms, and more, this mosque has been a multipurpose
cultural centre for the Muslims of Malaga.

MALAGA AIRPORT

It is the main airport serving the city of Málaga. It is Spain’s fourth busiest airport, as well as one of the oldest airports in the country. It has three terminals and serves millions of passengers every year.

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