Malaga Gardens - Tourist Information

• Finca La Concepcion

Just to the north of the city of Malaga is the stunning botanical gardens of Finca La Concepcion.
La Concepcion is one of the most beautiful and important tropical gardens in Spain and one of the best in all of Europe.

A visit to these gardens, situated five kilometres from the city centre, is an unforgettable experience, and tourists of all nationalities are amazed to find this beautiful and exquisite garden surrounded by arid and rugged mountains. It has an impressive collection of palm trees, where the most remarkable one is the Chilean Palm (Jubaea chilensis). There are also some fine specimens of Ficus and many sub-tropical flowering plants including Strelitzia nicolai which stands over four metres high and the Alpinia cerumbet with its large flowers.

Visiting hours: opens 10.00 a.m. Closes: Spring 6.30 p.m. Summer 7.30 p.m. Fall 4.30 p.m. Winter: 4.00 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
Telephone: 0034 952 252 148 / 0034 952 250 745

• The El Retiro Gardens

The El Retiro Gardens, landscaped by the Condes de Buenavista in the 18th century and famous all over Spain, display a rich mixture of English, Italian and French styles and also include an exotic bird sanctuary. The origins of El Retiro date back to 1523, when the site belonged to the Catholic Church. It was then used as a farmhouse and was later turned into a watchtower to patrol the coast.

Today the complex is divided into three main areas: the ornithology section, the botanical gardens and the historical park. The bird park includes over 150 Mediterranean and exotic species.

The botanical gardens include a vast collection of over 800 specimens, from 100 year old cypress trees, palm trees and American walnut trees to magnolias, avocados and bamboo. The historical part of the gardens is famous for its dolphin-shaped fountain and its statue of Hebe, the goddess of youth. The statues and fountains are beautiful examples of Italian decorative art.
Only a short car drive away from the town centre, El Retiro is the perfect place for a day out and a stroll on a warm sunny day.

• Paseo del Parque

Paseo del Parque is a delightful botanical garden located in the centre of Malaga city, close to the waterfront and the Plaza de La Marina. This popular park features a wide variety of plants and trees from around the world, together with spectacular water features, statues and a theatre. Malaga parks and gardens open: daily - 24 hours

• Parque de la Naturaleza Selwo (Selwo Animal Park)

Autovia Costa del Sol, Las Lomas del Monte, Estepona, Malaga, 29680, Costa del Sol, Spain

Selwo is a fascinating adventure in contact with nature. The park covers 100 hectares and is home to more than 2.000 animals from the five continents.

Open daily 10.00 - 19.00. Direct bus service from Malaga bus station at 9.00, and from Algeciras on Sundays only.