Below you will find general information about attractions and leisure activities in Malaga and its surrounding areas, including Torremolinos. If you’d like to read specific and more detailed information about Torremolinos, the area where MODELS will take place, read here: Torremolinos area. We also provide some recommendations for popular day trips as well as some links to the official tourism websites.

Museums & Art

• Visit the Museo Picasso Málaga, a world-renowned museum showcasing the life and works of Pablo Picasso in the heart of his birthplace.

• Explore the colorful Centre Pompidou Málaga, a modern art museum famous for its vibrant glass cube and rotating contemporary exhibitions.

• Discover Andalusian paintings at Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, home to an exceptional collection of 19th-century Spanish and Andalusian art.

• Visit the immersive Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum, a unique museum combining vintage luxury cars with high-fashion design pieces.

• Explore contemporary art at Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga, one of Spain’s leading contemporary art spaces featuring international and emerging artists.

• Visit the interactive Museo Interactivo de la Música Málaga, a hands-on music museum where visitors can play instruments and explore music from around the world.

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Historic Landmarks

• Walk through the Alcazaba of Málaga, a well-preserved 11th-century Moorish fortress-palace with gardens, arches, and viewpoints over the city.

• Climb to Castillo de Gibralfaro, a 14th-century hilltop castle offering panoramic views of Málaga’s coastline, port, and historic center.

• Visit Málaga Cathedral, known as “La Manquita” for its unfinished second tower, blending Renaissance architecture with impressive interior spaces.

• Explore the Roman Theatre of Málaga, a 1st-century BC Roman site at the foot of the Alcazaba.

• Walk around Plaza de la Merced, a lively square filled with cafés, street life, and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

• Discover the old town around Calle Granada and Calle Larios, Málaga’s main historic and shopping streets, full of tapas bars, boutiques, and Andalusian charm.

• Visit Castillo de Colomares in Benalmádena, a striking monument blending castle-like architecture with intricate design, built to honor Christopher Columbus and the discovery of the Americas.

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Beaches & Waterfront

• Enjoy seafood at the chiringuitos (beach restaurants), casual spots along the coast serving fresh grilled fish, especially espeto sardines cooked over open flames.

• Walk or bike along the modern waterfront at Muelle Uno, a lively harbour promenade filled with shops, restaurants, views of the marina and the famous light house La Farola.

• Take a sunset catamaran cruise from Málaga Port, offering relaxed sailing along the coastline with views of the city as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

• Try paddleboarding or kayaking along the Mediterranean coast, a fun way to explore Málaga’s calm waters and see the city skyline from the sea.

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Food & Local Cuisine

• Go tapas hopping, stopping at small bars to try local dishes.

• Try espeto sardines (sardines on a stick) on the beach, a traditional Málaga specialty where fish is grilled over open wood fires right on the sand.

• Visit Mercado Central de Atarazanas, a vibrant historic market with fresh produce, seafood, and local food stalls under a stunning stained-glass window. Note it only opens in the morning and afternoon.

• Drink wines from Malaga and Spain in traditional taverns such as El Pimpi, one of the city’s most iconic wine bars full of barrels signed by celebrities.

• Eat rooftop dinners overlooking the cathedral, enjoying panoramic views of Málaga’s skyline and the illuminated “La Manquita” at night.

• Try churros (the real Spanish ones) at local cafés, typically served fresh and hot with thick chocolate for dipping.

• Visit beachside chiringuitos for grilled seafood, casual seaside restaurants serving freshly caught fish just steps from the Mediterranean.

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Outdoor Activities

• Málaga is surrounded by mountains with endless hiking trails and coastal views — apps like Wikiloc help you find everything from flat walks to challenging uphill routes.

• Walk through the palm-lined Paseo del Parque, a lush 19th-century garden park connecting the city center to the port.

• Explore the Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción, a tropical botanical garden filled with exotic plants, and shaded historical pathways.

• Cycle the Málaga beachfront promenade, a long, flat coastal route perfect for riding beside the sea with constant Mediterranean views.

• Watch sunset views from Gibralfaro viewpoint, one of the best panoramic spots in Málaga overlooking the city, port, and coastline.

• Visit the El Torcal de Antequera, a stunning natural park known for its surreal limestone rock formations shaped over millions of years, offering unique hiking trails and panoramic views of the Andalusian countryside.

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Adventure & Excursions

• Hike the famous Caminito del Rey, a breathtaking walkway through narrow cliffs and canyons pinned 100 meters high. Note that tickets sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential.

• Go kayaking in the cliffs of Maro/Nerja, paddling through crystal-clear waters, sea caves, and dramatic coastal scenery.

• Explore the spectacular Cuevas de Nerja, a vast cave system with massive chambers, prehistoric paintings, and natural rock formations.

• Go paragliding over the Costa del Sol, offering unforgettable aerial views of mountains meeting the Mediterranean Sea.

• Join dolphin-watching boat tours, where you can often spot pods of dolphins swimming offshore in their natural habitat.

• Canyoning is an exhilarating outdoor adventure that takes you through narrow gorges, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear natural pools. There are different canyoning locations such as Benahavís.

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Nightlife & Entertainment

• Enjoy rooftop cocktails in the city center or along the coast, with panoramic views over Málaga’s skyline, port, and Mediterranean sunset.

• Experience Málaga’s beach clubs, where music, cocktails, and seaside lounging create a lively day-to-night atmosphere on the sand.

• Watch live flamenco performances in intimate tablaos, showcasing traditional Andalusian dance, guitar, and singing.

• Go salsa dancing in local clubs, where Latin music nights bring a vibrant and social nightlife scene.

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Family-Friendly Activities

• Visit SeaLife, an interactive aquarium featuring sharks, rays, and marine exhibits designed for close-up underwater experiences.

• Explore Bioparc Fuengirola, a modern zoo-style park focused on naturalistic habitats where animals live in recreated tropical environments.

• Ride the Ferris wheel at Benalmádena Port, offering wide views over the marina, coastline, and surrounding hills.

• Spend the day at nearby water parks, with slides, pools, and splash zones ideal for cooling off in the Costa del Sol heat.

• Take family bike rides along the promenade, a safe and scenic coastal path perfect for all ages.

• Visit interactive museums and science centers in Málaga, where hands-on exhibits make learning fun for children and adults alike.

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Disclaimer: This list does not intend to be complete and does not include all available leisure activities and locations. Participants are encouraged to explore additional options online or contact the local organization for further information.

Torremolinos area

The MODELS venue, Meliá Costa del Sol, is perfectly situated in the heart of the Torremolinos-Bajondillo area, offering a blend of traditional Andalusian charm and modern Mediterranean lifestyle.

Local Highlights in Torremolinos

• El Bajondillo Beach: Located right at the hotel’s doorstep, this vibrant promenade is perfect for a morning jog or a relaxing sunset walk. It is lined with chiringuitos (beach bars) where you can taste the famous espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines).

• Calle San Miguel: The town’s main pedestrian artery. It is a bustling street filled with shops, cafes, and local life. You can reach it from the hotel via a scenic walk up the stairs or by using the public lift (elevator) located nearby.

• La Carihuela: A historic fishing district just a short walk along the promenade. Known for having some of the best seafood restaurants in the region, it still retains its old-world charm with narrow streets and bougainvillea-covered walls.

• The Botanical Garden (Molino de Inca): A peaceful oasis featuring exotic plants, bird sanctuaries, and a historical flour mill. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking a moment of quiet away from the conference halls.

Torremolinos Nightlife

Torremolinos has been a pioneer of Mediterranean nightlife since the 1960s. Whether you are looking for a sophisticated rooftop cocktail, a lively beach club, or a high-energy dance floor, there is something for every mood.

• Beach Clubs: Just steps away from the hotel along the Bajondillo and Playamar promenades, you will find stylish beach clubs.

• La Nogalera District: Located in the town center (near the train station), this is the heart of Torremolinos’ social life. It is world-renowned for being the center of the LGBTQ+ scene, offering an inclusive, friendly, and incredibly diverse atmosphere for everyone.

• La Carihuela: If you prefer a more traditional and relaxed evening, head over to La Carihuela.

Nearby Attractions: Downtown Malaga

In just 20-30 minutes by train (Cercanías C1), you can visit Málaga’s historic center, a city where 3,000 years of history meet modern Mediterranean culture. Most of these attractions are located within walking distance of each other.

Historical Landmarks

• The Alcazaba & Gibralfaro Castle: Stunning historical landmarks offering panoramic views of the city and the port. These two fortifications are linked by a walled corridor (the coracha) and represent the finest examples of Málaga’s Islamic past.

• The Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano): Situated right at the foot of the Alcazaba, this is the city’s oldest monument, dating back to the 1st century BC. Its interpretation center provides a fascinating look into Málaga’s Roman heritage. Free admission until capacity is reached.

• The Cathedral (La Manquita): A remarkable Renaissance cathedral nicknamed “The One-Armed Lady” because its second tower was never completed.

Art & Picasso’s Legacy

• The Picasso Museum: Celebrating the city’s most famous son, this museum houses an extensive collection of works in the beautiful Buenavista Palace. Please check fares and timetables at the official museum website.

• Plaza de la Merced & Picasso’s Birthplace Museum: This iconic square is home to the Museo Casa Natal de Picasso, where the artist was born in 1881. It is a great spot to see the bronze statue of Picasso resting on a bench.

• Centre Pompidou Málaga: Located within the colorful glass cube at Muelle Uno, this is the first international branch of the Paris-based art center, showcasing a rotating collection of avant-garde 20th and 21st-century art.

Day Trips

If you are planning to extend your visit before or after the conference, we recommend the following day trips given its popularity among both visitors and locals.

Useful Links

Useful Links for Your Visit

For more detailed information about local events, gastronomy, and cultural tours, we recommend visiting the following official tourism websites:

• Visit Torremolinos: The official tourism portal for the town, featuring updated guides on what to see and do.
• Visit Costa del Sol: Comprehensive information about the entire province, including nearby day trips to Ronda, Marbella, or Mijas.
• Málaga Tourism Board: The best resource if you plan to extend your stay and explore the capital’s museums and historic center.
• Aena - Málaga Airport: For real-time flight information and airport services.

Organizer’s Tip: Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes and sunscreen! The Costa del Sol enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, and the sea breeze makes for wonderful outdoor networking opportunities.