Seville and Malaga are two of the largest cities in Spain and two of the oldest cities in Europe. Being in the south of Spain, Seville and Malaga are continually growing as hot spots for European tourists looking for warmer weather. Both cities offer an authentic taste of Spanish culture but they offer quite different experiences. They also show the influences of the Moorish empire throughout each city. If you are trying to decide between Seville or Malaga, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city to visit.
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Seville or Malaga Overview
Seville is the 4th largest city in Spain with nearly 700,000 residents. Seville plays a large part in the history of Spanish culture. The city was once an important port before the Guadalquivir River began to fill with silt which led to most of the port’s activities moving to Cadiz. From 711 to 1248, Seville was under Muslim control which influences are still visible in the city today.
Seville was the wealthiest city in Spain during the 16th century because it made so much money off of Spanish colonies. The city has an average temperature of 67 degrees Fahrenheit making it the warmest city in continental Europe. There are many beautiful landmarks in the city, some of which are among the most famous in Spain.
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 is 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.
Things to See
Seville
Plaza de España is the most well-known landmark in Seville. It was built in 1828 and is to this day some of the most recognized sights in all of Spain.
The Seville Cathedral was built in the 16th century and was the largest cathedral in the world at one point.
Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the oldest structures in Seville, dating back to 913 AD and has been added onto since.
Torre del Oro is an old military watchtower that was built in the 13th century to watch over the river.
Parque de María Luisa is a public park that opened in 1911. The park is home to many famous monuments.
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.
Food
Seville
Seville is where the famous tapas originated. Tapas are small plates of food that are typically served as an appetizer or put multiple together to make a meal. Another classic dish you might try in Seville is cola de toro which is bull tail, slow-roasted, and put in a stew. If you are in the mood for a sandwich, you must try Montadito de Pringa which is a small sandwich. Montadito is a small loaf of bread, like a baguette, with Pringa, stewed or slow-roasted meats, in between the pieces of bread. Sangria is one of the most popular drinks for you to indulge in during your time in Seville.
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.
Getting Around
Seville
Most of the main attractions are close enough that you can just walk from place to place. If you want to go to some of the attractions towards the outskirts of the city, like Basílica de la Macarena or Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, you will want to take either the bus system or the metro. The metro only has one line but can be the fastest way to get around but the buses can get just about anywhere you want to go. The bike-sharing system in Seville has around 250 pickup and drop off stations. You can buy a weekly membership for the bike-sharing system for 13.30 Euros.
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.
Nightlife
Seville
Seville has the classic Spanish party scene with the bars and clubs staying open until sunrise in many cases. The Alfalfa neighborhood is home to many bars that you can explore. Alameda de Hercules is arguably the best part of the city for nightlife. It has an abundance of bars and nightclubs all within walking distance of each other. If you want to go clubbing, Sala Cosmos is one of the best clubs for you to check out. During the warmer months (most of the year), there are quite a few open-air bars and clubs that are some of the best places to go when they’re open.
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.
Day Trips
Seville
Cordoba is less than an hour away by train. The city is known for its old mosque La Mezquita.
Ronda is known for its large bridge that crosses a large valley within the city.
Cadiz is a beautiful port city, sitting on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
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.
If you find the time, you should also consider visiting Granada, Valencia, or the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon!
Overall
Seville and Malaga are two of the largest and most historic cities in Southern Spain. Both cities have warmer winters and hot summers which makes them hot spots for Europeans looking to go somewhere warm for vacation. Seville and Malaga are also excellent places to experience authentic Spanish cultures and well as see the influence the Moorish empire had on Southern Spain throughout the centuries.
Overall, you need to decide if you are more interested in a more traditional Spanish city with impressive architecture (Seville) or a coastal city with beaches and a fortress (Malaga). Both cities deserve to be seen but you rest assured knowing they are both stunning.