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Malaga: Picasso, Sardine Skewers and Southern Light

Ana MoralesAna Morales·May 4, 2026·4 min read

Malaga: Picasso, Sardine Skewers and Southern Light

Malaga has stopped being the city you drove through on the way to the beach. Over the past decade it has reinvented itself as the cultural capital of southern Spain.

The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro

The Alcazaba is Spain's best-preserved Arab fortress after the Alhambra. Climb to Gibralfaro Castle for the most spectacular panorama of Malaga.

Picasso and the Museums

The Museo Picasso Malaga houses over 200 works. The Centre Pompidou, Carmen Thyssen and Russian Collection museums round out a formidable cultural offer.

Espetos and Chiringuitos

Sardine skewers grilled on wooden boats stuck in the sand are Malaga's culinary emblem. Pedregalejo and El Palo are where to find them.

Practical Tips

  • Best time: Year-round. Over 300 days of sun.
  • Budget: A full chiringuito lunch for 12-15 euros.
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