Malaga is a holiday destination that offers something for every interest. From spending time relaxing in the Mediterranean sun – the Spanish destination is a particular beach holiday hotspot – to seeing historic sites and sampling fine cuisine, you will have a truly wonderful break here. What may really catch your interest though, particularly if you’re into art and culture, is the fact the city is the home of the legendary painter Pablo Picasso.

Picasso was widely regarded as one of the leading figures in 20th century art and a pioneer in the development of the Cubist movement, so a trip to Malaga enables you to gain an insight into his life and work, both in the pieces he made and the sites that inspired him.

There are plenty of attractions and things to do related to Picasso here, so seek out car hire in Malaga and you can travel from destination to destination at a pace that suits you, without having to wait around for trains or attempt to translate public transport timetables that are in Spanish. So, once you’ve got your hire vehicle sorted where should you go? Here’s a guide to some of the places you definitely ought to visit.

Museo Picasso Malaga

Given its name, it should be no surprise the Museo Picasso Malaga is a must-see attraction for Picasso fans. Situated in the Palacio de Buenavista – itself a stunning example of 16th-century Andalusian architecture – here you’ll find paintings, sculptures and drawings covering the artist’s entire career.

Among the pieces on display are 1919 painting Fruit Bowl, Portrait of a Bearded Man and Woman Standing Outside a Cafe, the latter of which was drawn in Barcelona in 1899. In addition to Picasso’s many works, the museum showcases collections of other artists – including Richard Turner – allowing you to see the influence the Spanish painter continues to have on art to this day.

Find out more about Picasso’s work by going on one of the free weekly guided tours, before heading to the library.

Casa Natal de Picasso

Just a short distance from the museum you will find the casa natal (that’s birthplace to you and me) of Picasso. This is where the iconic artist was born and since the 1980s has become an official heritage site dedicated to its former resident.

Step inside the building and you’ll come across a range of his works – as well as paintings by his father Jose Ruiz Blasco – and personal mementos. A temporary exhibition hall on the ground floor ensures there will always be something new for you to see, while an extensive library and research centre is situated at the top of the building.

Spend some time exploring the area surrounding Casa Natal de Picasso and you can gain a glimpse into Picasso’s early inspiration. Located in Plaza de la Merced, the building is surrounded by a range of historic attractions, including the Alcazaba Arabian fort and Gibralfaro Castle, all of which are sure to have influenced the painter as he was growing up.

Santiago Church

This stunning medieval structure in Calle Granada has the distinction of being Malaga’s oldest church. Park your hire car nearby and not only will you be at the location where Picasso was christened in 1881, but also the place where his parents were married.

Are you a fan of Picasso and have visited Malaga to learn more about the painter? If so, why not leave a comment about the sights you saw?

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