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Malaga, Spain, where the year-round sun beams down on the city with radiant enthusiasm. A destination brimming with cultural sights and good vibes, there is plenty here to draw you in.
Discover Malaga’s fascinating history or explore the vibrant art scene, where the abundant galleries and street murals burst with creativity.
All of this topped up with a sandy beach for when you just fancy a sit down by the sea, Malaga is a fun spot for your next city break.
Malaga, Spain: The Basics
Currency // Euro.
Timezone // Central European Time / Central European Summer Time (CET / CEST)
Language // The language spoken in Malaga is Spanish. You will be able to navigate the tourist attractions, bars and restaurants if you don’t speak Spanish, although learning some basic phrases will always be helpful.
Cash or Card // You can use either cash or card will be fine in Malaga. Most places will accept card, although cash is good for tips and some smaller businesses and purchases.
Tipping // Tipping in Malaga is not compulsory, but it is appreciated. As a general rule of thumb we would tip around 10% at restaurants and for bars/cafes we would round up or leave change, although this is entirely optional.
Climate // With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Malaga enjoys hot, dry summers and very mild winters. We go into more detail on best time to visit later in this travel guide.
Watch our Malaga Itinerary Video
if you can’t wait to see the city for yourself!
Best Things to Do In Malaga
- Alcazaba // An 11th century palace-fortress that once served as a stronghold for Moorish rulers. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and courtyards. Entry includes an audio guide.
- Gibralfaro Castle // A 14th century fortress built to protect the Alcazaba. Walk the castle walls and take in some of the best views in Malaga. Entry includes an audio guide.
| Ticket Type | Alcazaba | Castle | Combined |
| General Entrance | €3.50 | €3.50 | €5.50 |
| Reduced Entrance | €1.50 | €1.50 | €2.50 |
| Groups | €2.50 | €2.50 | €4.00 |
- Roman Theatre // A well preserved amphitheatre from the 1st century BC. The amphitheatre is closed on Mondays, but you can still get a good view from the outside. Admission is free.
- Malaga’s historic centre // Walk the pretty streets, go shopping, relax at a traditional hammam or people-watch from one of the many bars and cafes.
- Malaga Cathedral // The cathedral, built in a baroque and renaissance style, is nicknamed ‘the one-armed lady’ due to having only one complete tower. The other tower remains unfinished. Entry includes an audio guide.
We’d recommend buying a ticket that includes a rooftop visit.
You can view admission prices and purchase tickets here.
- Picasso Museum // Given that Malaga is Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, it feels appropriate to explore one of the museums in the city devoted to this renowned artist. At the Picasso Museum you can view a varied array of Picasso’s life’s work, spanning across diverse styles. Entry includes an audio guide.
We would recommend booking online in advance as the queues for tickets can get pretty long.
- Museum of Glass and Crystal // Take a guided tour of a vast personal glass collection showcased in a stunning 18th-century home.
Check the latest admission prices and opening hours here.
- OXO Video Game Museum // Learn about the history of video games and play on a huge range of consoles, from retro to modern. Once you have paid to enter all games are free for three hours. It’s super fun!
Book tickets here.
- Automobile and Fashion Museum // A large collection of classic cars paired with vintage fashion, all housed in an old tobacco factory. We missed this one but in retrospect I wish we hadn’t. However this one is further out of the centre than the other museums on this list.
Check up-to-date admission prices and opening hours here.
- Interactive Museum of Music // A kid-friendly music history museum filled with interactive touch-screen displays and plenty of fun playable instruments for young music fans to enjoy!
Check up-to-date admission prices and opening hours here.
- Carmen Thyssen Museum // Check out primarily Spanish and Andalusian paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Check up-to-date admission prices and opening hours here.
- Go to the beach // One of the many things we loved about city break in Malaga is you can also combo it with a bit of downtime at the beach. La Malagueta Beach is a popular city beach walking distance from the centre of Malaga. You could travel further afield to uncover arguably nicer beaches, but if convenience is your priority then La Malagueta beach is still a decent option.
- Street Art // Soho and Lagunillas are two districts in Malaga with a high concentration of impressive murals. You can easily fit either area into a Malaga itinerary as both these neighbourhoods border the historical centre.
- Port of Malaga // Relax around Malaga’s modern portside promenade where you can go shopping, refuel at one of the waterside restaurants, and even visit Malaga’s very own Centre Pompidou.
If watching the boats around the harbour makes you want to hit the waves yourself then you can join a sunset catamaran cruise.
Map of Malaga Attractions
>>> Check out our free map of places to go, eat and drink in Malaga <<<
How Many Days in Malaga is Enough?
We think three days is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and it’s attractions without having to rush. If you have longer than three days then Malaga is a good spot to base yourself for day trips.
Day Trips from Malaga
- Pedregalejo and El Palo // These charming fishing villages are just an hour’s walk (or 15 minute bus ride) along the seafront from Malaga centre. Make sure you stop at a a chiringuito (beach bar) for seafood cooked over the hot coals, right there on the beach!
- Ronda // White-washed buildings perch dramatically atop the cliffs of the El Tajo gorge. You can combo a visit to Ronda with Setenil de las Bodegas, where huge boulders overhang pretty white houses that are built right into the rock face.
We booked a transport-only trip to visit both destinations in a day, but there was an optional upgrade available for a walking tour of Ronda.
View across the staggering gorge- Puente Nuevo, Ronda
- Mirador de Ronda had amazing views with a backdrop of live music — perfect!
- Marbella // A luxurious town where you can explore the designer boutiques, high-end restaurants and flashy yacht-lined marina.
- Alhambra, Granada // While we spent three days in Granada, you could visit as a day trip from Malaga to explore the famous Alhambra. This expansive Moorish palace complex is a bucket list attraction and a highlight of any Andalusia itinerary.
Make sure you book your tickets to the Alhambra well in advance.
Alternatively you can book a group or private tour of the Alhambra from Malaga (including transfers).
Thinking of visiting the Alhambra?
You can check out our tips for visiting the Alhambra here!
- Caminito del Rey — Spain’s bucket list hiking trail // A thrilling walk through towering gorges, traversing walkways that dramatically cling to the sheer cliff faces.
You can complete the trail on your own: Book tickets here.
Or you can take a guided tour including transport. This one has a score of 4.8/5 from over 5,000 reviews: Book now .
- Nerja // Stroll along the clifftop promenade known as the Balcony of Europe, and explore the depths of the Nerja Caves, known for housing the Guinness World Record-holding widest naturally-formed column in the world!
- Frigiliana // Spend a day leisurely wandering the whitewashed streets of what is often referred to as one of the prettiest villages in Spain.
When To Go To Malaga
Malaga is a year-round destination, although whether or not you’re planning for beach or pool time will determine whether you should stick to June – September.
Spring (March — May)
- The weather should be pleasant with mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing and walking up that big ol’ castle hill!
- While temperatures are mild you may get a spot of rain, although it typically doesn’t last long.
- Mornings and evenings can be cooler so pack layers, especially earlier in the year.
- Beautiful flowers will start to bloom.
- Fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.
- The exception to lower crowds is during festival periods, particularly Semana Santa (Holy Week). This festival usually falls in late March or early April, but the dates change each year based on the Easter calendar, so double-check before you make any plans. Semana Santa will bring elaborate processions and cultural festivities, along with higher crowds and increased accommodation prices.
Summer (June — August)
- Long days with plenty of sunshine, perfect for the beach!
- It’s warm enough for dining al fresco, even late at night.
- Warm Mediterranean waters ideal for swimming and water sports.
- Depending on your own heat tolerance you might find the high temperatures uncomfortable.
- Vibrant atmosphere.
- It’s peak tourist season, meaning crowded beaches, higher prices, and longer waits at attractions and restaurants.
Autumn (September — November)
- Pleasant temperatures, particularly in September and October, make it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Temperatures do cool towards the end of autumn, especially in November, so pack layers.
- Lower tourist numbers compared to the summer.
- Increasing rainfall towards November, although it’s generally not as heavy as in other regions.
Winter (December — February)
- Mild winters with relatively comfortable temperatures, making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing during the day without the summer crowds. It can also be a respite from colder winter temperatures depending on where you live!
- Chilly evenings and mornings, particularly in December and January, so pack warmer clothes.
- Shorter daylight hours for exploring.
- Some attractions may have reduced hours or closures during the offseason, although major sites generally remain open.
- Occasional rainfall.
- Festive atmosphere during the holiday season, with Christmas markets, magical decoration, and cultural events. It could be a nice alternative to the stereotypical snowy Christmas scene!
- Lower prices for accommodation.
Where to Stay In Malaga
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Malaga, the city centre is compact and walkable. Because of this, I would suggest picking somewhere based on amenities and recent reviews said rather than stressing too much about the exact location as long as it is in or close to the city centre. If you are a light sleeper though then do double-check reviews to make sure your accommodation is not close to loud bar!
Where We Stayed
Hotel Brö // An adults-only hotel northeast of the centre, walking distance from all the attractions. It was clean, modern and quiet, with a small rooftop pool. Rated 9.0 ‘Superb’ on booking.com.
Here are a few other appealing options we found while researching our trip to Malaga (all highly rated by recent guests).
If you would like a hotel:
- Stay in a beautiful 18th century Andalusian palace! Awarded Best Urban Hotel 2022 by Condé Nast Traveler Spain. Rated 9.1 ‘Superb’. // Check availability and pricing.
- A very reasonably priced boutique hotel, right right across from the Roman Theatre. Rated 8.8 ‘Fabulous’. // Check availability and pricing.
If you prefer the flexibility and extra space of an apartment:
- Spacious and absolutely beautifully decorated. Rated 9.2 ‘Superb’. // Check availability and pricing.
- Some apartments offered here have a terrace and a hot tub! Rated 9.4 ‘Superb’. // Check availability and pricing.
If you’re looking for a hostel:
- If you’re on a budget, we met someone on a bus travelling between Granada and Malaga who enthusiastically recommended this hostel chain in Spain. Rated 8.8 ‘Fabulous’. // Check availability and pricing.
If you would like to be by the beach:
- A grand beachfront hotel in a listed building. It has a rooftop terrace, restaurant and seasonal pool. This looks ideal if you’re looking to treat yourself, and prioritise being closer to Malagueta beach over the centre. // Check availability and pricing.
Where To Eat In Malaga
There are plenty of highly rated places to eat in or close to the centre of Malaga, so this is a selection of places that we enjoyed on our trip. I have added them all to the map we created.
- Casa Aranda // Indulge in churros, a type of fried dough that you can dip into rich hot chocolate.
- Byoko // A well-reviewed cafe offering a wide range of healthy breakfast options.
- Mesón Ibérico // A great tapas bar and restaurant in the Soho area. Friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. This one was probably my favourite of the restaurants we tried in Malaga.
- Grilled Large Wood Mushrooms with Prawns and Ham
- Sit in the restaurant or at the bar
- prawns pil-pil
- Pork cheek
- Illari Vinos y Tapas // This welcoming restaurant serves gourmet tapas right in the heart of the historical centre.
- Patatas bravas
- Cheesecake
- Tuna tartare
- Marinated anchovies (normally your portion would be larger, we were given this for free as it was all they had left!)
- D’Platos // This gourmet tapas bar had outdoor seating on a busy, central street, ideal for people watching.
- Amorino Gelato // If you’re walking around the harbour, stop here for a gelato or sorbet.
- Restaurante Rompeolas // This is the chiringito we enjoyed on our trip out to El Palo and Pedregalejo, although I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these beach bars!
- To balance out all the money we were spending on tuna tartare we went out for budget-friendly pizza on a couple of evenings. A couple of places we enjoyed were Terra Mia (Neapolitan-style pizzas) and Pizzeria Italiana Vittoria (delicious thin-based pizza).
- Andino Gastrobar // Latin American specialities. Be warned, the portions are pretty huge!
Restaurants typically start serving lunch from 1:00pm and dinner from 8:00 pm until late.
This does vary from restaurant to restaurant, so if there is a particular place you would like to eat then do check their opening times in advance.
Where is Malaga & How To Get There
Malaga stands as a sun-drenched gem along the southern coast of the Andalusia region of Spain. Conveniently situated within an easy train or bus ride of other captivating Spanish cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Granada, Malaga adds a perfect touch to your southern Spain itinerary.
I created the map below to help illustrate the distance between Malaga and other popular destinations in Spain.
Pssst… when you’re done, read our other travel guides
or watch our videos from Spain
How to get to Malaga by Plane
To reach Malaga by plane, you can fly into Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is the main international airport serving the city.
The airport between Malaga airport and the city centre is only around 8km / 5miles, and travel between the two is easy with train, bus and taxi options available.
Taxi to/from the airport
We caught a taxi back to the airport. The journey took under 20 minutes. The taxi will cost €20-30 depending on when you travel and where you are staying.
The main airport taxi rank is located just outside the Arrivals area of Terminal 3.
This is the most expensive, but also the most convenient way to travel, especially with luggage.
We opted for the taxi because our accommodation was on the opposite side of the centre from both the train station and the place where the airport bus terminated. So, on this occasion, we chose convenience!
Bus to/from the airport
The line A airport express bus leaves from outside the Arrivals area.
A single ticket costs €4, with no extra cost of luggage. Tickets can be bought either on board (using cash or card) or from the ticket machine at the terminal.
The bus can take up to 45 minutes and will make several stops between the airport and Malaga centre, including the bus station and María Zambrano Train Station.
The bus runs every 20-45 minutes and you can check the timetable here.
Train to/from the airport
The train station is located under terminal T3, accessible via the transport interchange.
Tickets cost 1.80 euros one way. The train stops at María Zambrano train station and Malaga Centro Alameda, taking under 15 minutes. Malaga Centro Alameda is located just south west of the city centre, so make sure you check the distance between the station and your accommodation before deciding if this is the best option for you.
How to get to Malaga by train
Malaga is well connected by train to various cities in Spain. Malaga city train station (Málaga María Zambrano Train Station) is around 1.5km / 1 mile south-west of the historic city centre.
Train schedules and availability can vary based on the season and specific dates of travel, so always check your route in advance.
Where to research and book your train tickets:
We would recommend either using Renfe, which is the primary train operator in Spain. If you struggle with their website (which isn’t super user friendly) or find your international payment method is rejected, then try TheTrainLine or Omio.
How to get to Malaga by bus
You can find bus routes to Malaga from cities like Granada, Seville, and Cordoba. We booked our seats in advance through a bus company called Alsa. We found these buses were comfortable, air conditioned and had plenty of space to store your luggage.
Getting Around Malaga
Walking:
- Walking is the best way to get around Malaga. Attractions in and around Malaga old town and the beach are all within close proximity, plus walking is a fun way to get to know a new city.
Bus:
- EMT buses cover areas around the city centre. Individual tickets are available for one ride at a cost of 1.40€ per person.
- If you’re planning to use the bus a lot or you are travelling in a group, it might be worth buying a multi-journey bus ticket (bonobus) to save some money. You can use a bonobus for as many people as you like and can purchase journeys in blocks of 10. If you board a second bus within one hour of your previous journey then the next ride is free.
- You can purchase bus tickets directly from the driver. The ‘bobonus’ ticket can be bought from tobacconist’s (estancos), newspaper kiosks and many other places in the city centre.
- For planning your journey there is an EMT bus app (search for EMT Malaga in Google Play / App store to download), or you could use Google Maps.
Bicycle:
- Malaga is very flat,with plenty of bike parking zones with miles of designated cycle lanes. Whizz through Malaga on a rented bicycle or join a guided bike tour to take in the sights. You could even hire an electric scooter or ebike if you prefer.
Taxi:
- Taxis are everywhere in Malaga, and handy for covering short distances or travelling to the airport.You can hail a taxi on the street or find them at taxi stands located in busy areas. Alternatively Uber and Bolt are available.
How Expensive Is Malaga
According to BudgetYourTrip.com you should plan to spend around €140 per day.
We would typically class our travel budget as mid-range, and we tend to find the estimations from BudgetYourTrip.com to be a pretty good guide.
Estimated budget by travel style:
- Budget // €59 per person, per day
- Mid-Range // €140 per person, per day
- Luxury (High-End) // €326 per person, per day
Want to find out more about visiting Spain?
Read our other Spain travel guides
or watch our Spain travel videos on YouTube
