Botanic Gardens Malaga: A Tropical Paradise in the City
If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature in Malaga, you should not miss the Botanic Gardens. This historic garden, located about 8 km north of the city centre, is one of the few gardens with subtropical climate plants that exist in Europe. It has a rich collection of exotic plants from all over the world, as well as a beautiful landscape design that dates back to the 19th century.
Botanic Gardens Malaga And Its History
The Botanic Gardens were created in 1855 by Jorge Loring Oyarzabal and Amalia Heredia Livermore, two members of Malaga’s rising bourgeois class. They were passionate about botany and travelled around the world to acquire rare and valuable plants for their estate. They also built a neoclassical mansion and a museum where they displayed their archaeological and artistic collections.
The garden was designed by the French landscape architect Jacinto Chamoussent, who followed the English style of naturalistic gardens. He created different areas with winding paths, ponds, waterfalls, bridges and sculptures. He also planted a wide variety of trees and flowers from different continents, creating a tropical oasis in Malaga.
It was finally opened to the public in 1943 and declared a Historical Artistic Garden in 1946. It was also named a Site of Cultural Interest in 1994. Since then, it has been restored and improved by the City Council of Malaga, which owns and manages it.
A Garden with Diversity
The Botanic Gardens cover an area of 23 hectares and have more than 2,000 plant species. Some of them are very rare and endangered, such as the Wollemi pine or the dragon tree. The garden is divided into several sections, each one with its own character and charm.
Some of the highlights of the Botanic Gardens Malaga are:
- The Historical Garden: This is the oldest part of the garden, where you can admire the original design by Chamoussent and some of the most emblematic plants, such as the wisteria arbour, the black bamboo forest or the palm tree avenue.
- The Around the World in 80 Trees section: A route that takes you through different regions of the world, represented by their characteristic trees. You can see specimens from Asia, Africa, America, Europe and Oceania.
- The Forest Pathway: An short trail that leads you through a pine forest, where you can enjoy the shade and the fresh air. You can also spot some birds and animals that live in the garden, such as peacocks, ducks or turtles.
- The Western Section: This is the newest part of the garden, where you can find some of the most spectacular plants, such as the giant water lilies or the orchid greenhouse. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Malaga from the viewpoint.
A Garden to Discover
A visit to the Botanic Gardens are not just about admiring plants, but also a place to learn and have fun. They offer various activities for visitors of all ages, such as guided tours, workshops, concerts or exhibitions. You can also visit their museum, where you can see some of the archaeological and artistic treasures that belonged to the Loring family.
The Gardens are open every day from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (8:30 pm in summer). The entrance fee is 5.20 euros for adults and 3.10 euros for children and seniors. You can also buy a combined ticket with other attractions in Malaga for a reduced price.
A Garden to Explore
If you have some extra time after visiting the Botanic Gardens, you can also explore some of the nearby attractions in Malaga. Here are some suggestions:
- The Car Museum: A unique museum that showcases more than 80 vintage cars from different eras and countries. You can also admire some fashion items and accessories that match the cars. The museum is located next to the Botanic Gardens and you can buy a combined ticket for both attractions for 7 euros.
- The Hacienda Nadales: This historical estate dates back to the 18th century. It has a beautiful garden with fountains and statues, as well as a chapel and a restaurant. You can visit it for free or book a guided tour for 5 euros.
- The Caminito del Rey: This is one of the most famous hiking trails in Spain. It runs along a narrow gorge in the El Chorro Natural Park, about 60 km from Malaga. You can walk on a wooden boardwalk that hangs over the cliffs and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and the river. You need to book your tickets in advance online for 10 euros.
This place will surprise you with its beauty and diversity. They are a green oasis in Malaga that invites you to explore and enjoy nature. If you want to experience one of the most unique gardens in Europe, you should not miss this attraction.
If you want to learn more about the Botanic Gardens Malaga, you can visit their official website: https://laconcepcion.malaga.eu/en