Málaga: Private Treasure Hunt Tour & Iconic Sights Walk

4.88

(144 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a “private sightseeing treasure hunt” in Málaga. Maybe something for kids? But the moment our “treasure master” handed us this battered little compass and the quirky adventure set — not an app in sight — I got weirdly excited. The city felt different when you’re chasing clues instead of just following a map. Atarazanas Market was our first stop, and the smell of olives and fresh bread hit me before we even crossed the street. Our guide, Marta, grinned at my pronunciation of “boquerones” (I tried), then pointed us toward our first riddle.

We wandered through Malaga Park where parrots squabbled overhead and the air felt heavy with orange blossoms. The tasks made us actually look — like really look — at things I’d have missed otherwise: carvings on the Alcazaba wall, that tiny plaque outside Cervantes Theatre. At Plaza de la Merced, a group of old men were arguing about football under Picasso’s statue (he looked unimpressed). One clue led us to the cathedral — locals call her “La Manquita,” or “one-armed lady,” because she’s missing a tower. Didn’t know that before. There was this moment outside the Roman Theatre where we just sat on the steps, catching our breath and laughing about how lost we’d gotten two turns back. Kind of nice to be disconnected for once.

The final clue took us down a side street I’d never have found alone. When we finally opened the treasure chest (no spoilers), Marta handed us this odd but sweet handmade souvenir — honestly, it meant more than any fridge magnet ever could. We finished with churros dipped in thick chocolate at a café where Picasso’s family supposedly ate; can’t vouch for that but it tasted pretty good after all the walking. If you want to see Málaga differently — or just want an excuse to play detective for a few hours — this private sightseeing treasure hunt is worth it. I still think about that view from behind the Alcazaba walls.