The old centre of Málaga clusters around the cathedral and the principal shopping street, Calle Marqués de Larios, and exploring this area is a wonderful way to pass an afternoon. Calle Larios itself is a marvel in southern Spain, where many of the streets – including the most modern – are narrow and overshadowed by stately old office and residential buildings. But Málaga’s busiest thoroughfare feels more like a Parisian boulevard than anything else you are likely to encounter in Andalusia: wide and spacious, it leads up from the port area to old Málaga’s principal square, Plaza de la Constitution. Lined with smart designer shops, Larios hosts some of the most hardcore street parties during the city’s August festival, and is beautifully illuminated by the Christmas lights every December.

For all its cutting-edge modernity, Málaga is also a city steeped in fascinating history. Like all the other major cities in southern Spain, it owes much of its design and architecture to the Moorish rulers of Andalusia, who built Málaga’s Alcazaba on the remains of a Roman fortification around the middle of the eighth century, and which makes for an interesting couple of hours’ visit. It was extensively rebuilt by the Sultan of Granada in the 11th century and connected up to the nearby Gibralfaro Castle by a Nasrid King in the 14th. Viewed from the port, this understated masterpiece of Moorish archtiecture blends in effortlessly with the hillside. There is also a well-preserved Roman amphitheater in its foreground, on Calle Alcazabilla.

For accessible fitness routes that take in the Coasta del Sol‘s most beautiful coastal scenery, Malaga is an amazing starting point. Heading east out of the centre takes you past the city’s historic Plaza de toros and along the Paseo de Sancha, close to  Malaga’s most popular beach, the Playa Malagueta. This lovely promenade is flat and well-maintained, so you can expend all your effort looking out over the perfect blue waters towards Africa, or inland at the green, hilly landscape that surrounds Malaga. A round trip of about 30 kilometres takes you out to the Rincón de la Victoria suburb of Malaga via the charming fishing village of La Cala de Moral where, on the way back, you can stop for some of the best seafood on the Costa del Sol.

Another relaxed ride starting from Malaga´s stunning port explores the coast paths that lie to the west of the city. A longer ride of about 30km takes you out to the former fishing village of Torremolinos – now one of the busiest tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol – and the beautiful whitewashed little towns of Benalmedena and Fuengirola.

Best running/cycling routes

Route 1: Málaga City

Plaza de la Marina – Muelle Uno – Malagueta – Baños del Carmen

Distance: 3.8 km (one way)

Route 2: Benalmádena

Parque de la Paloma – Puerto Marina

Distance: 5 km (round trip)

Route 3: Marbella

Puerto Banús

Distance: 4 km – 6 km (round trip)

Route 4: Fuengirola

Paseo Marítimo Rey de España Boardwalk

Distance: 8 km (one way)

Route 5: Outside Málaga City Centre

Los Montes de Málaga

Distance: 10 km – 22 km (round trip)

Before heading to the road you need to considering these facts when planning to run/cycling around Malaga:

Hydration – Have about 500 ml of water an hour or two before your run, and make sure to stay hydrated during your run and have some water about every 20 minutes.  

Clothing – Avoid cotton and opt for breathable clothing all the way down to your socks, and of course don’t forget your sunglasses and a hat. 

Time of day – In Andalusia running midday isn’t usually worth the fight against the sun. The best time to go is in the morning when the sun hasn’t been out for too long, or in the evening after sunset.