Málaga with kids

Old Town, the park and the castles

• 7Sights
• 2Kid stops
• about 3 kmDistance
• 2 hoursWith play time

This walk of about 3 km links seven of Málaga's best-known places: Atarazanas Market, Plaza de la Constitución, the cathedral, Málaga Park, the Alcazaba, Plaza de la Merced and Gibralfaro Castle. Two playgrounds break it up, both inside Málaga Park, the long shady promenade between the old town and the port.

The first half is flat and mostly pedestrianised: from the market through the old town squares to the cathedral, then down to the park for a first playground, a stroll under the trees and a second playground. After that the route passes the Alcazaba on its way to Plaza de la Merced, with its Picasso statue on a bench, and ends below the walls of Gibralfaro. The last stretch is the climb to the castle, which one guide warns not to underestimate, so leave energy for it or take the bus.

1. 

   Atarazanas Market

   The market hall's marble Moorish gate and stained-glass window.

   Photo: NACLE2 · CC BY 3.0

2. 

   Plaza de la Constitución

   The old-town square at the top of Calle Larios.

   Photo: Simon from United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0

3. 

   Málaga Cathedral

   The unfinished cathedral with its single tower, nicknamed La Manquita.

   Photo: mahr · CC BY 2.0

4. Playground in western Málaga Park Playground

   A playground in the western part of Málaga Park, with a free public toilet mapped beside it.

   On the map

5. 

   Málaga Park

   The palm-lined garden promenade along the port.

   Photo: Frog17 · CC BY-SA 4.0

6. Playground in eastern Málaga Park Playground

   A playground in the eastern part of Málaga Park, mapped as accessible for wheelchairs.

   On the map

7. 

   Alcazaba

   The Moorish fortress walls climbing the hillside.

   Photo: Fernando · CC BY-SA 4.0

8. 

   Plaza de la Merced

   The Picasso statue seated on a bench in the square.

   Photo: Dguendel · CC BY 3.0

9. 

   Gibralfaro Castle

   The hilltop castle walls with the harbour below.

   Photo: Jwh · CC BY-SA 3.0 lu

Tips for parents

• Málaga Park is a shady promenade between the port and the Alameda Principal, with benches and fountains where children can cool off. Both playgrounds are inside it, so this is the place for a long break.
• A free, step-free public toilet is mapped right beside the first playground, and another one about 90 m from Plaza de la Merced. Use them before the climb.
• The old town streets between the market, Plaza de la Constitución and the cathedral are pedestrianised, so children can walk ahead without traffic. In summer it is often 30–35 °C, so plan the walk for the morning or late afternoon.
• One guide warns not to underestimate the walk up to Gibralfaro, and to bring water. Bus line 35 also goes to the castle if little legs are tired.

Public toilets

• About 10 m from Playground in western Málaga Park · On the map
• About 20 m from Atarazanas Market · On the map
• About 90 m from Plaza de la Merced · On the map
• About 40 m from Gibralfaro Castle · On the map