Jardín Botánico Histórico, a real jungle in Andalusia

La Concepción is a historic botanical garden in Malaga – a top attraction on the Costa del Sol. It is one of the most important tropical and subtropical gardens in Spain and one of the few of its kind in Europe. Read on to find out why this unique place is worth visiting.

A historical and modern garden

The estate of the current La Concepcion garden has been owned since 1850 by Jorge Loring, Marquis of Casa Loring, a nobleman, politician and entrepreneur, and his wife Amalia Heredia Livermore, a Spanish researcher, philanthropist and promoter of culture and the arts. In 1855, the couple commissioned a French gardener to design the space in the style of English gardens. In 1911, the property was purchased by a couple from Bilbao, Rafael Echevarria and Amalia Echevarrieta, who contributed to the further expansion of the garden, including the enlargement of the palm tree collection. In 1943, La Concepción was officially declared a historic artistic garden and a place of cultural importance. In 1990, it was purchased by the city of Malaga and, after four years of renovation, was reopened, this time to tourists.

The La Concepción Botanical Garden covers an area of approximately 23 hectares, where there are as many as 2,000 different species of plants. It is divided into a historical and a modern part. The historical garden is characterised by subtropical vegetation, ponds, waterfalls and fountains. One of its most interesting features is the stone sculpture La ninfa (The Nymph), by Paco Durrio, inspired by the Greco-Roman style and depicting a naked, pensive woman. Behind her, you can see a blue Mexican palm tree, over a hundred years old, which is the most valuable specimen in the entire garden.

The construction of the modern part was initiated during the renovation in 1990 and continued over the following years around the historical part. The modern garden consists of several themed sections, such as „El jardín de cactus”, „El mapamundi de palmeras”, „La vuelta al mundo en ochenta árboles” and „La estufa caliente„. The most famous is „La vuelta al mundo en ochenta árboles” (Around the world in eighty trees), opened in 1997. As the name suggests, it features 80 different species of trees from five continents.

Museum and light show

The Loringiano Museum is a beautiful Doric-style temple that once housed an extraordinary collection of archaeological artefacts, sculptures, mosaics and other Roman works collected by the Marquis of Casa Loring. It was the Loring Museum that made the La Concepción garden famous. Today, most of its historic collection can be seen in the Malaga Museum. The historic La Concepción Botanical Garden is not only home to a variety of plants, but also has a rich history. It is the perfect place for a few hours’ stroll in the shade of tropical trees.

During the Christmas season, all visitors to the Jardín Botánico can also enjoy a unique light show. When night falls, one of the most beautiful and important tropical gardens in Europe opens its doors to visitors in a way they have never experienced before. The spectacular Christmas display at the Jardín Botánico can be admired until the first days of January.

When and how to visit the Jardín Botánico Histórico?

You can explore the garden on your own using a free map available at the ticket office. The average time for a walk along the historical route, including the themed trails, is 2-3 hours. The themed trails you can explore on your own are:

• „La Vuelta al Mundo en 80 Árboles” – a collection of 80 tree species from 5 continents,
• „Ruta de los Miradores” – viewpoints overlooking the Bay of Málaga,
• „Ruta Forestal” – a path through Mediterranean forests.

There are two 90-minute walks every day, led by a botanist or city guide (languages: Spanish/English/French). Telephone booking is required on 951 92 61 80 or WhatsApp 639 91 40 55.

Tourists can choose from two dedicated options:

• „Noches con historia” – evening tours after dark, including the interior of the Casa-Palacio.
• „Jardín Botánico: El origen” – a theatrical tour by oil lamp light, recreating 19th-century anecdotes of the Loring family.

Tickets are sold exclusively in advance – the number of places is limited.

Calendar period	Opening days	Visiting hours	Free admission on Sundays	Notes
1 April – 30 September	Tue–Sun	09:30	16:30	The garden is open half an hour longer to allow visitors time to leave the premises.
1 October – 31 March	Tue–Sun	09:30–17:30	2:00 p.m.–5:30	24 and 31 December closing at 15:00.
Mondays	–	Closed (except for the following public holidays, which are open )	–	–
25 December and 1 January	–	Closed	–	–

Ticket prices

Ticket type	Price	Eligible group
Standard ticket	€5.20	Adults over 26 years old
Reduced ticket	€3.10	Young people ≤ 16 years old, students ≤ 26 years old, seniors, Málaga Pass or Tarjeta Joven cardholders
Groups of 20-30 people (standard)	€4.15 per person	Organised tours
Groups of 20-30 people (reduced price)	€2.05 per person	As above, with discount
Guided tours (daily)	+€3.00 to the admission fee	Daily in the late morning and afternoon (reservation required)
Night tour „Noches con historia”	€8.40 standard / €6.30 reduced	Fridays June–September at 9:00 p.m., 90 min
Theatrical night tour	€18.00 adults / €15.00 concessions	Selected Fridays and Saturdays July–September at 9:30 p.m., 75 min

Best time to visit

Season	What to see
February–April	Wisteria pergola and camellia shrubs in bloom
June–September	Night visits and concerts „Noches con historia”
October–November	Autumn colours of oak and sweetgum trees
December–January	Green collections of palms and cicadas, low tourist turnout

After dark, these unique spaces are illuminated, allowing tourists to visit the garden at night. During an evening visit to La Concepción, it is possible to explore the interior of the palace, the courtyard and the old library. In addition, on Friday evenings, there are „Nights with History” (from October to March at 8:00 p.m., from April to September at 9:00 p.m.). These are organised guided tours that last about 1.5 hours. It is also possible to book a tour on another day and at a different time: infojbotanicomalaga@gmail.com or by phone 951926180 / 639914055.

It is worth noting that dogs are allowed in the garden, provided that they are kept on a leash and their owners comply with the rules and regulations. They are required to sign a special form and accept the rules of the garden.

How to get there and parking

You can reach the Jardin Botanico from the A-7 ring road by taking exit 240 (towards Pantano del Agujero) and following Camino de Casabermeja until you reach the garden gate. Free parking for approx. 90 cars is available just behind the entrance. A cycle path leads to the „San José” stop. The last kilometre requires climbing a narrow, asphalt road (7% gradient) which does not have a separate lane for cyclists.

A visit to the Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción rewards visitors not only with the richness of the vegetation found in this unique space, but also with a living lesson in the history of the Loring family and subtropical gardening. By booking a guided tour in advance and choosing the right time of year, the garden offers a comfortable and inspiring day surrounded by nature.