Malaga and Granada are two known for their stunning settings and impressive histories. Both cities have fortresses overlooking the cities, offering spectacular vistas of their cities. If you are trying to decide whether to visit Malaga or Granada, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city you should visit.
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Malaga or Granada Overview
Malaga
Malaga is a major Mediterranean port city and the sixth-largest city in Spain, with over 570,000 people living there. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, being founded in the 700s BC. There are visible Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences throughout the city. One of Malaga’s biggest claims to fame is being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.
The city has a mild climate throughout the year as well as many beaches in the area which makes it increasingly popular among tourists. Malaga is also home to many incredible structures, like the Alcazaba Fortress and the Roman Amphitheater.
Granada
Granada is the capital of the province of Granada and has a population of just under 250,000 people. It has a unique setting, being 2,421 feet (738m) above sea level and only an hour from the Mediterranean Sea. Since Granada sits at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, there is even skiing within an hour of the city.
The city is most well-known for the Alhambra, which is an Arab palace that sits on a hill overlooking the city. It was under Moorish rule from 711 to 1492. Granada is also known as a university city with 82,000 students. Today, Granada is one of the most visited cities in Spain. People come here to see the beautiful setting and the Arab-Spanish architecture throughout the city.
Things to See
Malaga
The Alcazaba is a fortress overlooking the city that was built when the city was under Moorish rule.
The Roman Theatre is an ancient amphitheater built in the 1st century BC.
Gibralfaro is a hill with the Castle of Gibralfaro on top with beautiful vistas of the city.
La Malagueta Bullring opened in 1876 and holds just over 9000 people.
The Cathedral of Málaga is a large Roman Catholic church that was completed in 1782.
Granada
Alhambra is a fortress and palace that overlooks the city. It is Granada’s most famous landmark.
Generalife is a garden that dates back to the 14th century. It has been remodeled since the 14th century.
The Cathedral of Granada is a Roman Catholic cathedral that was completed in 1561.
Palace of Charles V lies within the Alhambra complex.
Plaza Nueva is the main square in Granada and is where the market is held.
Food
Malaga
Being a major coastal city in Spain, you can expect some of Malaga’s most popular foods to revolve around seafood. One traditional dish that you may want to try in Malaga is Gazpachuelo Malagueño which is a soup that consists of potatoes and shrimp as well as other types of seafood in certain variations. Fritura Malagueña is fried fish made the “Malaga way” and is a must to try when you are here. Espeto are roasted sardines and is another local favorite. As for dessert or a snack, you should try Tarta Malagueña which is basically cake.
Granada
Granada was under Moorish rule for more than 800 years which makes the culture and cuisines here quite unique compared to other Spanish cities. One of the classic dishes in Granada is Plato Alpujarreño which is a plate of sausage, pork loin, eggs, and Iberian ham. Jamón de Trevelez, or cured ham, is said to have originated in the small village of Trevelaz which is near Granada and continues to be extremely popular among locals and travelers alike. Tapas are also incredibly popular in Granada.
Getting Around
Malaga
The center of Malaga is a car-free zone which makes it quite easy to explore on foot. Many of the main sights in the city are near, or in, the city center. If you want to explore the outskirts of the city, public transportation here consists of a network of buses and the metro. You can also buy tickets to the hop on hop off bus that takes you to all of the city’s attractions with less to worry about. Malaga is also a great city to rent a bike and explore, especially the seaside areas of the city and the port.
Granada
Granada is still a pretty big city and it has a lot of hills so you will want to explore certain areas on foot and then move to another area via public transportation. You can also rent electric bikes to get around the city. Public transportation consists of a large bus system. Single-ticket bus rides cost 1.20 Euros. You may want to invest in the AlhambraCard which will give you access to the bus system and gives you free entrance to many of the city’s attractions. There is a train station but that is typically used for long-distance travel.
Nightlife
Malaga
As with most Spanish cities, the nightlife in Malaga starts quite late in comparison to other places in Europe. There are many tapas bars throughout the city that serve as a “pregame” before heavier drinking begins. The historic center and the area around the beach are two of the best area in Malaga to find nightlife. There are many clubs and discos to choose from in Malaga so just do a little research before you head to any random club. Many people like to travel to Marbella to experience their nightlife. Beach bars are also growing in popularity but most of them are found along to coast just to the south of the city.
Granada
Granada is a university city with about 85,000 students. With so many university students, you can expect the nightlife to be quite lively. The center of the city is full of bars that you can go bar hopping to and the clubs are a little further out of the city center. Mae West is a great place to check out with a large dance floor and an outdoor area for partying. TWOO Club is another nightclub that has a good atmosphere if you want to dance. Depending on the type of scene you are looking for, Granada is a big enough city to have anything you are looking for.
Day Trips
Malaga
Gibraltar has been a small British territory since 1713. It is less than 2 hours from Malaga.
Marbella is considered to be the Miami of Europe so in other words, many wealthy people live here.
Nerja is known for its beaches and its caves.
Granada
Sierra Nevada Mountains is a mountain range just outside of Granada that offers gorgeous views as well as a ski resort.
Sacromonte is a city known for its cave houses that are built into the hillside.
Almeria is a coastal city just to the south of Granada, with beautiful vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.
Other great cities to visit in the region are Seville, Murcia, and Cadiz.
Overall
Malaga and Granada are two of the most beautiful and unique cities in Spain. Malaga is known for its fortress and castle overlooking the city as well as having sandy beaches throughout the area. Granada is known for its setting high above sea level, at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and for being home to Alhambra which is one of the most incredible structures in Spain. Both cities can be seen in a good two days.
If you want to go to the beach and have warmer weather you should go to Malaga. If you want to go to a city up near the mountains with a stunning setting, Moorish architecture, and see one of the most impressive fortresses in Europe, you should go to Granada.