A Malaga Meander: A Guide to the Ancient City’s History

Malaga is a top tourist destination that’s well known as a gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol region and Picasso’s birthplace. But, as you’ll soon see on this walking tour, traces of its long history and rich cultural background can be found around every winding corner.

The tour starts near the port in front of Estatua del Cenachero, a statue depicting a local fisherman, on Plaza de la Marina. You’ll hear how the humble fish vendors became a symbol of the city before making your way into the heart of the town. Rambling through the narrow streets, I’ll show you signs of the Romans, the Moors, and other conquistadors who made this their home. While learning about the past, including what medieval prisons were like, you’ll be surrounded by the bustling present as you make your way across squares lined by tapas bars and restaurants including Plaza de la Merced, Plaza de Uncibay, and Plaza del Obispo. Along the way, you’ll see places connected to Picasso including Museo Casa Natal de Picasso, the museum dedicated to his childhood home, and Ateneo de Málaga, a cultural centre that was once the San Telmo School of Fine Arts where Picasso’s father taught drawing. The tour finishes on the very central Plaza de la Constitución where I’ll explain where the name of the square comes from.

On this Malaga tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Gaze upon Malaga’s cathedral (Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga) and find out why locals nicknamed it ‘Manquita’
• Take in the theatre, Teatro Romano de Málaga, the Alcazaba fortress, and Parroquia Santiago Apóstol Málaga, a Catholic church with Islamic influences
• Follow in the footsteps of Picasso and learn interesting facts about the city’s most famous son
• Visit the square where Picasso was born and grew up, while listening to the story of his incredible survival at birth
• Peep into Las Bodegas El Pimpi, one of the oldest tapas bars in the city
• Find out where the tradition of tapas originates from
• Pass by a modern version of a traditional Arab bath and learn about Islamic bathing culture

After getting an overview of Malaga’s fascinating history on this 60-minute tour, I’m sure you’ll want to find out even more and explore all that the city has to offer.