On the banks of the Guadalmedina River, to the north of the city of Malaga, hides a unique enclave that has been considered an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) since 1943. We are talking about the Botanical-Historical Garden of La Concepción, an English landscape garden with more than a century of history and home to more than 50,000 plants.
Open to the public since 1994, it has its origins in the Hacienda de la Concepción and its creators were Jorge Loring Oyarzábal and Amalia Heredia Livermore, marquises of the Casa Loring. On their arrival in Malaga in the mid 19th century, they decided to recreate the gardens they had discovered all over Europe during their honeymoon and, thanks to the French gardener Jacinto Chamoussent, they laid the foundations of this Garden. It has great recognition throughout Europe and last year 2021 it was the second most visited garden in Spain, with more than 200,000 visitors
The Botanical Garden and the Historical Garden
La Concepción has two areas within the same enclave: the Historical Garden and the Botanical Garden.
The first occupies 3.5 hectares and brings together more than 3,000 species surrounded by waterfalls, fountains, greenhouses, an important monumental grove and ancient palm trees recognised as one of the best collections in Europe. Surrounding the Historical Garden is the Botanical Garden, where the plant collections are organised according to scientific criteria. There are aquatic plants, prehistoric plants, African plants, vines and olive trees, among many other species, surrounded by a forest trail and viewpoints.
In addition, the Botanical-Historical Garden has several important buildings, among which we can highlight: the Palace House, the Loringiano Museum, the Historical Viewpoint or the Administrator’s House.
The Garden also serves as a space for the recording of advertisements or television programmes, the programming of shows, cultural and private events such as weddings, workshops, educational activities, night visits, research activities or courses and conferences.
The Garden at Christmas: ‘The Lights of the Botanic Garden’.
At Christmas, the Garden opens its doors under ‘The Lights of the Botanic Gardens’, a resplendent landscape of Christmas lights and fascinating illuminated vegetation. Throughout the month of December, and until the end of the festive season, visitors can enjoy a spectacle suitable for the whole family at nightfall, and whose overwhelming success makes it well worth a visit.
How much does it cost to enter the Botanical Garden of Malaga?
The regular individual entrance fee for the general public is €5.20 per person and for groups of between 20 and 30 people it is €4.15 per visitor. There are also reduced rates for individuals and groups, as well as a special price for guided and night visits. If you visit on a Sunday, admission is free at certain times. If you have a dog, it is also welcome as long as it complies with the established regulations.
How to get there and opening hours of the Botanical Garden of Malaga
Visiting hours are from 9.30 am, with closing times depending on the time of year you visit. If you are travelling along the Costa del Sol, the best way to get to this fascinating place is undoubtedly by car, and Yellow Car is the best option. This will avoid unnecessary waiting and you will be able to enjoy this incredible visit with all the peace of mind it deserves.