Autumn may have officially arrived on the calendar, but you’ll find the last of summer sunshine lasts well into in October. That said, early mornings and evenings are decidedly cooler and you might find you need to get your jacket out again. Early autumn makes a great time to visit and in the latest of our month-by-month round-ups, we look at the best things to do in Malaga in October. They include celebrating Picasso, autumn produce and excellent art as well as suggestions for getting off the beaten track and exploring a little further afield.
Happy Birthday Picasso
As his home city, Malaga celebrates Picasso often, but October is just a little bit more special. He was born on the 25th in 1881, so this year will commemorate 141 years since his birth. Several events take place on and around the date, centred on his birthplace on Plaza de la Merced. For full details about the event, check out our article on October and Picasso in Malaga.
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Walk the walls
As fans of Guide to Malaga know, we like to get off the beaten track and discover the city not featured in the guide books. As one of the best things to do in Malaga in October, we suggest you walk the city’s walls. They turn up in the most unusual of places including the basement at a 5-star hotel and help you appreciate the centuries of history behind Malaga. Read about walking Malaga walls and where to find the best-preserved stretches.
A feast for autumn
When it comes to food, one of the best things to do in Malaga in October is to check out the autumn fruit. You’ll find market stalls literally groaning with seasonal produce that includes some strange-looking fruit with an unusual taste. Make October the month you feast on caquis, custard apples, figs, pomegranates… But make sure you know how to eat them. Find out all you need to know in our dedicated guide to autumn fruit in Malaga.
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Circle the Gibralfaro
October brings cooler temperatures that are perfect for walking around the city. This month we suggest you don your boots and hike up to the Gibralfaro viewing platform. Take a pause while you admire the amazing views and then instead of continuing up the stone-paved track to the Castle, look for the footpath at the back of the platform. Follow this as it circles round the Gibralfaro hill. Breathe in the scent of pines, admire the sea views and keep an eye out for the cheeky squirrels.
Make the most of light evenings
One thing you’ll notice about Malaga in October is how dark it is in the mornings. It doesn’t really get light until almost 8am. But the upside are the light evenings. Unlike northern Europe where it’s lamps on and curtains drawn by 6pm, in Malaga the sun doesn’t set until just after 8pm. Stroll the streets, parks and seafront promenades to take maximum advantage of these longer evenings. And don’t forget to enjoy a little something as you watch the sun go down.
Check out the new art
Our museum suggestion for things to do in Malaga in October takes you to the city’s art museums. As usual, this season showcases some excellent paintings, sculptures and installations by renowned artists. For full details on what’s on where, check out our Autumn Art in Malaga article. And to stay bang up-to-date with new exhibitions, sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter.
Buy some Malaga raisins and figs
The Malaga grapes harvested in September have now been dried into plump, juicy raisins. Pasas de Málaga have denomination of origin status and are simply delicious. Stock up on them at the indoor markets in Malaga or in specialist food stores in the centre. While you’re there, try some dried figs too. They’re also very tasty especially when they have an almond in the centre.
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Discover the Alhambra
One of the greatest treasures in Andalusia lies just a short journey away from Malaga and is extra pretty in October. The Alhambra sits in woodland whose trees change to lovely autumnal colours this month and there’s something rather magical about Granada at this time of year. The temperatures are perfect for sightseeing and you might see the first snows on Sierra Nevada. Granada is an easy day trip from Malaga, but don’t forget to book Alhambra tickets well in advance.
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Go for a run
Or at least a fast walk. Malaga makes a great place to get out those running shoes and there are some lovely runs. If you’re looking for some running inspiration, check out our suggestions for the 5 best runs in Malaga. And if you’re feeling very energetic, sign up for the marathon in December…
Visit a cemetery
Our last suggestion for things to do in Malaga in October takes its inspiration from Halloween. You don’t have to wait until All Souls Day on 31 October to visit one of these cemeteries, both interesting places to explore on any day. The English Cemetery in La Malagueta is a haven of peace and quiet in the midst of the city bustle and has a fascinating history. Slightly older, the San Miguel Cemetery in the Capuchinos district also has an interesting backstory and plenty of interesting monuments, including those in honour of the Larios and Heredia families.
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