Exploring Málaga’s Beautiful Gardens

The local people of Málaga (the Malagueños) are justifiably proud of their city, but even they will admit that at times, like any city, it can generate a desperate need to escape buildings and encounter nature.

True, the proximity of the sea and the city’s many beautiful walks along it are a huge benefit, but what’s less widely known is that Málaga is well-endowed with some beautiful gardens

El Parque

This is sometimes confused with the adjacent world-famous "Paseo del Parque" which hugs the sea, but this park was created towards the late 19th century and was based upon land reclaimed from the sea.

The flora and fauna here are a nature-lover’s delight and you’ll see some very exotic specimens. Many of these were imported from faraway lands during the Spanish colonial period, and also later, when Málaga was an extremely important global trading hub.

The Jardin de la Catedral

A great tradition in Spain, going well back into the mediaeval period, was that cathedrals would have their own gardens, usually just off the cloisters.

Málaga is no exception to that, and today these gardens are hugely popular with visitors and locals alike. True, they may not have the size and variety of the “Parque”, but they make up for that in their picturesque surroundings and backdrop.

A camera here is an absolute must.

El Jardín del Retiro

Not many gardens in the world are classified as a historical monument, but this is one!

It’s located in ‘Churriana’, which is a very short distance outside of Málaga city centre. Based upon what was originally (some 350 years ago) a planned estate, these gardens cover no less than 140,000 m²!

Not only are they magnificent, but they’re also home to a large variety of animals and fish – over 6,000 in all! Don’t miss ‘El Olmo’, which is a 200-year-old elm tree.

Finca de la Concepcion

Again just slightly outside of Málaga is this superb garden.

It was constructed around a mansion and it comprises not only pools and incredibly beautiful flowers and shrubs, but also a waterfall and some breath-taking views over the city. Look out for the terrapins in the pools!

Getting to Málaga

If you’d like to experience this city and its gardens, getting there couldn’t be easier. Most major European scheduled flight airlines fly regularly to Málaga. You have charter seat and budget airline options as well – and plenty of them!

You can also take trains from the UK via Madrid or Barcelona. There are cruise ship options into Málaga port too.

Whatever mode of transport you choose to come to Spain, luxury pre-booked transfer taxis from Málaga Airport into the city will take around 20 minutes - though traffic at peak periods might affect that a little.

Pre-booked airport transfer taxis from Málaga Airport are dedicated to you, so there is no waiting involved. You can easily accommodate unusual baggage sizes, providing you provide warning as part of your booking. It’s also possible to share one of these transfer vehicles with others, if you wish.