Parque Martiricos

Parque Martiricos is one of Málaga's newest urban parks, sitting right in the city centre between the La Rosaleda football stadium and the Guadalmedina river. It was built as part of the urban renewal of a former industrial site — the old Citesa factory grounds — and now forms the green backbone of the new Martiricos district, next to a residential building constructed as part of the same project.

How do you get to Parque Martiricos?

The park sits in an easily reachable part of Málaga, right next to La Rosaleda stadium, a short walk or a quick bus ride from the historic centre. It's a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city on foot or by bike, since a dedicated cycle path runs alongside the park.

What will you see there?

The heart of the park is a long central pond whose shape echoes the nearby river. Its banks are lined with terraced palm trees, and beneath the pergola that runs along the main promenade lies a carpet of pebbles — a reference to the stones once thrown at the city's patron saints, the source of the park's name. Together, the promenade, pergola, and elongated water feature form the park's main axis, with cross paths linking it to the surrounding streets and riverside squares.

Families with children will find a dedicated sand area designed for younger kids. Covering roughly 28,000 square metres, the park is lit at night by close to 300 energy-efficient LED lamps spread across the walking paths, the play area, and the bike lane, making it a pleasant place to visit after dark as well.

Where does the park's name come from?

The name "Martiricos" comes from a tradition linking this site to the martyrdom of Málaga's patron saints, Ciriaco and Paula. According to the story, during the Roman-era persecution of early Christians, they were tied to palm trees on the riverbank here and stoned to death. That imagery — palms by the water and a stone-like carpet beneath the pergola — is woven directly into the park's design as a quiet nod to the site's history.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when Málaga's temperatures are milder and the greenery looks its best. In summer, aim for early morning or evening and avoid the hottest hours — this is an open space with little tree cover, so it can get quite hot in full sun. The LED lighting makes an evening stroll just as appealing as a daytime one.

Who is this park for?

Parque Martiricos suits families with children, casual walkers, and anyone looking for a quiet green spot close to central Málaga, away from the busiest tourist routes. It's also worth a look for visitors interested in contemporary landscape architecture and urban regeneration projects.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, Parque Martiricos is a public city park, open to everyone free of charge.

Is there a playground for children? Yes, there's a dedicated sand area designed for younger children to play in.

Can you reach the park by bike? Yes, a marked cycle path runs alongside the park, making it easy to reach and connecting it to the rest of the city.

Where does the name Martiricos come from? It comes from the tradition linking this area to the martyrdom of Saints Ciriaco and Paula, Málaga's patron saints, during the Roman persecution of early Christians.