The Spanish city of Malaga was originally founded as a trading settlement by seafaring Phoenicians more than 1,000 years ago.
Now with a population of nearly 600,000 residents, it’s one of the country’s top ten most populous cities.
It’s also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and is still one of the region’s premier art hotspots.
Malaga features an abundance of historic attractions too. It is particularly well-known for the long stretches of Mediterranean coastline that offer beach-loving visitors easy access to stunning natural beauty and plentiful outdoor activity options.
Below are 15 of the best tours of Malaga that are worth checking out when in the area.
1. Roman Theater and Alcazaba Guided Tour
Source: BAHDANOVICH ALENA / shutterstockThe Roman Theater and Alcazaba are two of Malaga’s most iconic attractions.
They date back to the city’s Roman era and are among the most well-preserved structures of their kind in the entire country.
Along with their guide, guests of this 90-minute tour will delve into the site’s histories and architecture and visit an ancient walled citadel that once served as an imposing defense against would-be invaders.
Tours offer amazing photo ops, a thorough historical overview of the city and its people, and a chance for newcomers to familiarize themselves with all there is to see and do in the area.
2. Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Experience Card Options
Source: Benny Marty / shutterstockHop-on hop-off bus tours are becoming all the rage with travelers who prefer to focus on attractions that interest them, without wasting time on the ones that don’t.
This bus and card package includes lots of options, like two distinct bus lines that hit nearly all the city’s premier sites.
Cards are good for either 24 or 48 hours, depending on which option you choose. Buses are equipped with audio guides in multiple languages to accommodate international travelers.
Tour participants are conveyed in open-air double-decker buses that offer panoramic views of attractions like the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the Roman Theater, and the Malaga Cathedral.
3. Malaga City Tour by Ninebot Segway
Source: Tom Wurl / shutterstockFor those working with limited vacation time, covering lots of ground quickly is key to making the most of your experience in Malaga.
Many of the city’s attractions are centrally located, but seeing them efficiently is more fun on a Segway than on foot.
After rendezvousing with their guide, guests will learn how to use their gravity-defying, two-wheeled machines before heading out to take in some of the city’s premier sites.
Highlights include Mount Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba, a number of picturesque urban beaches, and the trendy shopping neighborhood of Muelle Uno.
Tours last an hour and depart four times daily.
4. Andalusian Horse and Flamenco Show
Source: Darren Baker / shutterstockSouthern Spain’s Andalusia region is known the world over for its rich culture that features a variety of ethnic influences.
On this value-packed combo tour, guests will spend 90 minutes learning about the area’s equestrian and dance traditions and take in a remarkable show that combines them both into one package.
The horse portion of the show features a stable tour, followed by nearly two dozen animals performing a choreographed ballet to music that previous guests have described as awe-inspiring.
Guests will also enjoy a traditional flamenco presentation in an authentic setting that hasn’t changed much in hundreds of years.
5. Foodie Tour of Atarazanas Market
Source: elRoce / shutterstockFor jet-setting epicureans and foodies, Malaga is a magical city to explore with a knowledgeable local guide.
Starting at a local winery that features a 200-year history, this two-hour, mid-morning tour covers lots of ground in a relatively short time.
Guests will learn about the area’s food and wine traditions and visit the ever-bustling Atarazanas Central Market, where many locals go to buy the staples they use in their everyday lives.
Especially for first-time visitors, it’s an alluring place full of exotic smells, narrow aisles, and local products ranging from cured fish and olives to local wine, sausage, and Iberian ham.
6. 3-Hour E-Bike Tour of Montes de Malaga Natural Park
Source: Mikel Dabbah / shutterstockWith so many centrally located urban attractions, many visitors to Malaga spend nearly all their time exploring within city limits.
For those who need to distance themselves from the urban hustle and bustle temporarily, however, there are ample opportunities to get out into the countryside and see things from a different perspective.
Guests of this three-hour e-bike tour will leave the city behind as they follow an ancient route that winds its way to the Montes de Malaga Natural Park.
It’s a mountainous and forested area that offers panoramic sea views, limited crowds, and several trails to accommodate bikers of most skill levels.
7. Picasso Private Walking Tour
Source: Anastasia Galkina / shutterstockThough it might sound like an epic task, following Picasso’s footsteps is an easy thing to do with a guide when visiting the creative icon’s birthplace.
The Museo Picasso Málaga is one of the country’s most visited museums, and it features an impressive collection of the artist’s works.
Guests will benefit from their guide’s insights each step of the way and learn about the inspiration and significance of each piece.
Tours end at the Plaza de la Merced, which features a statue of Picasso seated in a deep and reflective posture.
Tours last two hours, begin mid-morning and are wheelchair accessible.
8. Malaga Tapas and Wine Bike Tour
Source: andre quinou / shutterstockFor those of at least moderate physical ability, experiencing Malaga’s tapas and wine scene is a truly memorable experience.
As one of Andalusia’s premier culinary locations, there’s no shortage of spots for foodies and wine lovers to explore under the direction of an experienced local guide.
Tours also include some historic attractions and can be customized to fit the interests of participants.
Along the way, there will be ample opportunity for sightseeing, breaks, sampling local tapas and wine, and asking questions about the things that interest you.
Guests can also decide to focus on the urban area or venture along the coast to scenic beaches and quaint fishing villages.
9. Museo Picasso Málaga Ticket and Audio Guide
Source: facebook.com/museopicassomalagaWhen Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881, his future as a world-renowned art pioneer was decades away.
Now in the 21st century, the city is home to the Museo Picasso Málaga, which was established to preserve and promote his one-of-a-kind works in a truly unique setting.
The museum is located in the Palacio de Buenavista and features an eclectic mix of architectural styles that include Roman, Arabic, and Moorish elements.
Tickets are good for an entire day, give visitors access to the museum’s temporary and permanent exhibits, and include audio guides that are available in multiple languages.
10. Flamenco, Tapas, and Wine Tour
Source: Pocholo Calapre / shutterstockCombo packages are wise choices for those who prefer to experience many elements of the city without committing to multiple tours.
After a brief meet and greet with their guide, guests will venture into the city’s heart, where they’ll visit a number of traditional taverns and a wine cellar that has been in business for nearly 200 years.
Participants will sample a variety of wines and tapas, and for those with dietary restrictions, vegan and gluten-free options are available as well.
Tours visit attractions like the Alcazaba, Roman Theater, and Europe’s largest tropical garden, and end with a dramatic flamenco show.
11. Alcazaba Guided Tour with Roman Theater
Source: joserpizarro / shutterstockThe Alcazaba is one of Malaga’s most exemplary attractions that has a real knack for leaving visitors speechless.
Combining imposing walls and fortifications, stunning gardens, and a fascinating history, it’s one of those places that definitely shouldn’t be passed up when in town.
On this combo tour, guests and their guide will thoroughly explore the site inside and out and learn about the Christian and Muslim influences that have contributed to its artistic and archaeological splendor over the centuries.
Tours meet at a central location, are available in English and Spanish, and include a stop at the Roman Theater as well.
12. 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Treasure Hunt
Source: Dziewul / shutterstockTreasure hunts and other activity-centered tours offer fun-loving travelers the perfect way to experience a new city without being locked into more traditional and structured tours.
Before getting underway, guests will meet their host and receive all the instruction and knickknacks they’ll need to solve riddles and find clues, which will lead them to many of the city’s most impressive attractions.
Tours of this nature offer big fun for families traveling with kids in need of engagement and physical activity. Since they’re unguided, participants are free to go at their own speed and center their attentions on the things that interest them most.
13. Caminito del Rey with Wine from Malaga
Source: Maria Sedova / shutterstockLovers of breathtaking natural beauty need look no further than this tour of Caminito del Rey and the El Chorro Gorge from Malaga.
Guests will be transported from Malaga by air-conditioned bus. After a brief en route coffee break, they’ll find themselves surrounded by some of the region’s most amazing natural beauty.
The tour guide will lead participants on a walk along the gorge’s boardwalk, from which they’ll learn about how the canyons, cliffs, and ravines were formed, and have ample opportunity to take photographs and ask questions.
The humanmade walkways are appropriate for most guests, and each tour includes lunch and a wine tasting.
14. Tapas Cooking Workshop with Market Visit
Source: Anibal Trejo / shutterstockCooking workshops with local instructors are among the most culturally immersive activities that visitors can experience on their vacations.
This tapas cooking class begins with a trip to the Atarazanas Market, where guests and their guide will mingle with vendors and select the ingredients they’ll use for their dishes later on.
The cooking workshops are conducted in a large contemporary kitchen in the city’s art district, which is just a few blocks from the market.
The tour’s fun atmosphere promotes a hands-on approach, and when it’s all said and done, everyone will get to enjoy the tasty fruits of their labor.
15. Professional Photo Shoot and City Tour
Source: fotolupa / shutterstockThankfully, you don’t need to be a well-heeled high-roller or international celebrity to enjoy a private and professional photoshoot at some of Malaga’s most amazing sites.
Tours include the services of an experienced local photographer and are a popular activity option with romantic couples and those looking to bolster their modeling portfolios.
Shooting sites can be tailored to meet the desires of guests. Ever-popular locations include the Soho Street art district, la Málagueta Beach, and any number of the secluded gardens and courtyards spread around the city.
Tours last about 90 minutes and include 20 high-def pictures delivered via computer within a week.