Malaga is an amazing destination for travellers who want to experience the best of Spanish culture. From beautiful beaches to rich history and delicious cuisine, Malaga offers something for everyone. Check out our travel guide and the best things to do in Malaga, Spain.
Malaga’s mild Mediterranean climate makes it a perfect destination all year round. Whenever you come here, you are guaranteed a great holiday in Malaga, Spain.
In the summer, you can relax on the long beaches, and the rest of the year you can explore the sights, places of interest or go on trips around Malaga. From Granada to the white villages of Andalusia, Malaga offers plenty of options.
Today, we’ll take a look at the best things to see and attractions in Malaga, Spain to build the perfect itinerary. We’ll also add tipshow to enjoy your visit to Malaga (transport, parking, public transport, food, accommodation, map).
- Malaga: Trips and things to see in Malaga
- The best day trips around Malaga
- Malaga: Things to see in Malaga – Map
- Where to stay in Malaga?
- What to taste in Malaga?
- How to get to Malaga
- Malaga transport (metro, buses)
- Practical information before visiting Malaga
- Best time to visit Malaga
- More information about Andalusia
- Summary: Guide and things to see in Malaga
Malaga: Trips and things to see in Malaga
Alcazaba de Malaga
If you want to learn more about Malaga’s history, be sure to check out the Alcazaba in Malaga.
This incredible fortress from 11th century is a breathtaking example of Moorish architecture and one of the best preserved fortresses in Europe. It is a symbol of the city’s past and its rich history.
The whole area was formerly part of the Nasrid Kingdom, when Spain was under Islamic rule.
From its magical courtyards, towers, walls and gardens, the Alcazaba is one of the most beautiful places to see in Malaga.
Allow approximately 1.5 hours for the tour.
Admission and opening hours of the Malaga Cathedral
Admission to the Alazaba in Malaga is just €3.50 (reduced €1.50 for students, disabled and seniors over 65). If you are also planning to visit Gibralfaro Castle, buy a combined ticket for €5.50 (€2.50 reduced price). Every Sunday, entry to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle is free after 2pm.
You can buy tickets simply from the machine at the entrance to the Alcazaba. There are no queues during the week, but there are on weekends (especially in high season).
Opening hours: Alcazaba is open daily from April to the end of October from 9:00-20:00 and from November to the end of March from 9:00-18:00. The last entry is always 45 minutes before the end of opening hours.
Best accommodation Malaga 😴
Teatro Romano de Malaga
The Teatro Romano de Malaga (Roman Theatre) is a unique archaeological site just a few steps from Alcazaba. The Roman Theatre has stood here since 1st century BC, making it the oldest building in Malaga where you can learn more about Roman culture.
For many centuries, the Teatro Romano was covered in dirt. It was not until the middle of the last century that its ruins were discovered and managed to be preserved in excellent condition even after so long.
The theatre is free of charge. If you walk a short distance behind the Alcazaba Fortress, you can see it in all its glory right from the street.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday open 10:00-18:00 and Sunday and public holidays open 10:00-16:00. It’s closed on Mondays.
Castillo de Gibralfaro
Castillo de Gibralfaro is a fortification on the hill of Monte Gibralfaro with a fantastic view of Malaga.
The castle has stood here since the 9th century, when it was part of the Moorish defences. Mostly the walls have been preserved and you can walk around them. And the views are definitely worth it – you’ll have Malaga in the palm of your hand.
The ruins of Gibralfaro Castle are located above the fortress of Alcazaba. You can get here in about 35 minutes by walking uphill or by bus no. 35 from Parque de Malaga in the city centre.
Especially in the summer, bring extra water (there are refreshments upstairs if needed).
Admission and opening hours of Gibralfaro Castle
Admission to Gibralfaro Castle is €3.50 (reduced €1.50 for students, disabled and seniors over 65). If you are also planning to visit the Alcazaba Fortress, buy a combined ticket for €5.50 (€2.50 reduced price). Every Sunday, entry to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle is free after 14:00.
Opening hours: Gibralfaro Castle is open daily from April to the end of October from 9:00-20:00 and from November to the end of March from 9:00-18:00. The last entry is always 45 minutes before the end of opening hours.
Museo Picasso Malaga
If you are interested in Picasso or art history, don’t miss the Museo Picasso Malaga. Picasso was born here in Malaga and this museum dates his early years, including paintings, sculptures and engravings (a collection of more than 200 works).
Admission: Admission to the Picasso Museum is €12 and a reduced €10 for students under 26 and seniors over 65. Children up to 16 years of age and disabled persons with an escort are admitted free of charge. Free admission for all every Sunday after 5pm.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Opening hours: the museum is open daily 10:00-19:00, off-season 10:00-18:00.
Catedral de la Encarnación de Malaga
The Catedral de la Encarnación de Malaga is an impressive Gothic-Renaissance cathedral in the centre of Malaga. It was built on the site of a former mosque and the construction lasted from the 16th to the 18th century, hence the mix of styles.
The cathedral is unique in that it has only one bell tower. This is why the locals call her “La Manquita”, translated as “the one-armed lady”. The bell tower is 84 metres high and is the second tallest bell tower in Spain after La Giralda in Seville.
Admission and opening hours of Malaga Cathedral
Admission: admission to the cathedral varies depending on what you want to see. You can buy a single ticket to the cathedral or a combined ticket including the roof (or just the roof entrance, which costs the same as the cathedral ticket).
The prices are as follows:
Full admission is €10 (€15 including roof), €9 for seniors over 65 (€13 including roof), €6 for youth 13-17 (€9 including roof) and €7 for students under 25 (€10 including roof). Children up to 13 years of age are admitted free of charge. An audio guide in 7 languages is also included.
Opening hours: the Cathedral is open Monday to Friday 10:00-19:00, Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 14:00-18:00. The last entry is always 45 minutes before the end of opening hours. In the low season, the cathedral is open Monday to Friday 10:00-18:30, Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 14:00-18:00.
You can also explore the streets of the historic centre, which are home to great museums and beautiful houses with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Parque de Malaga
Parque de Malaga is a great place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park covers more than 250 acres of lush gardens, ponds and fountains.
An ideal place for a walk or picnic, especially on warm summer days.
Parque de Malaga is located right in the centre of the city, lining the main avenue, Passeo de los Curas.
Mercado Central de Atarazanas
The Mercado Central de Atarazanas in Malaga is a lively historic marketplace housed in a beautifully restored building with colourful stained glass windows from the 19th century.
It’s a great place to buy fruit, vegetables, local produce, spices, souvenirs and more.
The market is open daily except Sunday from 8:00-15:00.
Muelle Uno
Other attractions to visit in Malaga are the port of Muelle Uno. There’s a shopping centre, plenty of restaurants, shops and, above all, the Palmeral de Las Sorpresas promenade, which is lined with palm trees.
It’s a great place to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean or soak up the atmosphere of vibrant Malaga, Spain.
If you like art, you won’t miss the huge glass cube, which is a branch of the Le Centre Pompidou contemporary art museum in Paris. You can get tickets here.
Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes
Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes is the place to relax after a day of sightseeing or just to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
This is an authentic Arabian spa where you can enjoy traditional steam baths, scrubs and even massages. Plus, surrounded by stunning Moorish architecture.
Book the Arabian Spa at
this link.
La Concepción Botanical Garden
La Concepción Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico La Concepción) is one of the most popular places in Malaga and no wonder.
This incredible garden is home to more than 2,000 species of plants, trees and flowers from all over the world. The entire garden is interwoven with paths leading to ponds, bridges and secret corners.
Full admission to the Botanical Garden is €5.20 and reduced admission is €3.10 (children under 16, students under 26 and seniors). Free admission to all from October to March on Sundays after 2pm. hour and from April to the end of September on Sundays after 16:30.
Opening hours vary according to the season – from April to the end of September it is open from 9:30-20:30 and from October to the end of March from 9:30-17:30.
Best accommodation Malaga 😴
Soho
Malaga’s Soho district is one of the city’s trendiest spots – a lively neighbourhood full of colourful murals, cosy cafés and trendy bars. But the murals and graffiti were not created for no reason – their aim was to increase tourism.
But you don’t have to go to Soho. Even as you wander the streets of Malaga, you’ll come across a range of street art.
Malaga beaches
Malaga is famous for its coastline, where there are many beautiful beaches.
The sea in Malaga is beautiful and crystal clear. In summer, it has the ideal temperature for swimming and diving. Or do you book a cruise which is one of the most popular activities to do in Malaga.
La Malagueta Beach is one of Malaga’s most popular urban beaches. The downside – there are a lot of tourists.
Other good beaches are Playa El Palo or Playa de Huelin, overlooking the harbour, and several smaller beaches. All of them have plenty of restaurants nearby and usually also at least basic facilities.
The most popular beach in Malaga is Playa de la Misericordia, which lies to the west of the city centre. Beautiful, long beach with clear water and good facilities, where locals go too.
Around the beaches, you can refresh yourself at the beach bars, called Chiringuitos.
The best day trips around Malaga
Malaga is located in Andalusia, one of the most beautiful regions in Spain and Europe. Andalusia is famous for its white-painted houses with lots of flowers lining the narrow cobbled streets. In addition, it hides the beautiful mountains and unspoilt nature of the Cabo de Gata coast. There are so many places to explore, even a month wouldn’t be enough.
Malaga is perfectly located and connected to many of the most beautiful cities and places of interest in Andalusia, and now we’re going to show you the best of them:
Marbella
Marbella is a charming destination on the Costa del Sol, known for its luxurious marina, high-end shopping and vibrant nightlife. Together with Malaga, it is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Costa del Sol.
Marbella is famous for its beaches and beautiful streets lined with white-painted houses (and lots of colourful flowers), where you can walk for hours and discover hidden corners.
How to get to Marbella from Malaga
Marbella can be reached in 45 minutes from María Zambrano Bus Station – Avanza buses run every 15-30 minutes.
It also takes 45 minutes by car. You can take the AP-7 toll motorway or the non-toll A-7 (more traffic than the AP-7). There are several parking garages near the centre, or you can park in the more distant districts and take public transport to the rest.
☞ Find out all about renting and driving a car in Spain in our detailed guide.
Mijas
Mijas is a charming village in the hills of the Costa del Sol, almost halfway between Marbella and Malaga.
If there was a competition for the most beautiful Pueblos Blancos (white villages in Andalusia), Mijas would come out on top with its charming streets.
What’s more, the view from here is fantastic – from the mountains to the Mediterranean Sea.
How to get to Mijas from Malaga
The easiest way to get to Mijas from Malaga is by car. The journey takes only half an hour and is partly on the AP-7 or A-7 road.
If you want to take public transport, take the C1 suburban railway to Benalmadena. Here you change to the bus to Mijas. The journey will take you around 1.5 hours in total.
Castillo Monumento Colomares
Castillo Monumento Colomares is an iconic monument near Benalmádena, built in honour of Christopher Columbus. It’s a great place to explore, with winding paths, beautiful gardens and views of the surrounding countryside.
The building looks like a ship and tells the story of Columbus. Who knew the memorial wasn’t built until the 1990s, right?
Benalmádena is located near Malaga. In addition to the Christopher Columbus monument, you can walk through the Plaza de España and the surrounding streets lined with white-painted houses with colourful shutters, visit the Underwater World or one of the parks (Parque de la Paloma, Parque de la Batería).
How to get to Castillo Monumento Colomares
The memorial can be reached by car in 30 minutes.
In this case, the route is similar to Mijas (see previous trip tip), but you get off the bus earlier (Las Mimosas stop). Alternatively, you can take the train to Torremuelle station and then walk for about half an hour.
Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey is a spectacular trail that is one of the best things to do in Malaga.
The trail leads around rock walls with views of cascading waterfalls and piercingly clear water. If you’re lucky, you may also spot wild animals such as the local goats and eagles.
How to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga
At the main train station, take the train to Estación de tren El Chorro (40-50 minutes). Here you will change to the shuttle bus, which will take you to the entrance of the trail for €2.50 (price for a return ticket; pay cash at the driver).
The bus will take you about 2 kilometres from the trail, from where you will still walk to the northern entrance. At the official entrance you will be given a helmet and instructions. After that, the trail itself, which is one-way, awaits you.
Set aside about an hour from the train before you reach the main entrance to the gorge.
Caminito del Rey is a 50-minute drive away. There are 3 car parks to choose from for a fee of € 2 per day.
The trail itself is perfectly safe and extremely popular. Tickets tend to sell out in advance. There are even a number of organized trips that include entry and transportation.
Granada
Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia, famous for its stunning architecture and Moorish influence.
Visit Granada and see the magnificent Alhambra Palace, one of the most stunning monuments in Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will take your breath away with its breathtaking Islamic art and gardens.
☞ How to skip the queues for the Alhambra: Tickets to the Alhambra tend to sell out on the spot – it’s better book tickets in advance if you want to make sure you get in.
Stroll through the streets of the former Islamic quarter of El Albaccín, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada. Here you’ll find one of the best viewpoints in the whole of Andalusia – Mirador Sant Nicolás, with its iconic view of the Alhambra Palace.
How to get to Granada from Malaga
By car you can be in Granada in 1.5 hours. For parking, see our article on Granada.
Alternatively, the Alsa or Avanza direct buses take you from Malaga Bus Station to Granada in less than 2 hours.
If you prefer an organised trip, this trip to Granada includes transportation and admission to the Alhambra Palace.
☞ You are reading a detailed guide and what to visit in Granada.
Córdoba
Córdoba is a city full of culture and history in the heart of Andalusia. A place full of flowers, historical monuments, amazing architecture and rich culture, it is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia.
Córdoba is not big and you can probably see the best it has to offer in one day.
When visiting Córdoba, you can’t miss the majestic Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, an example of Moorish architecture and a symbol of reconciliation between Christianity and Islam.
Some of Córdoba’s most beautiful sights include the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (translated as the Fortress of the Christian Kings), the Roman Bridge and the Calleja de las Flores, a picturesque street full of flowers.
How to get to Córdoba from Malaga
Córdoba Train Station can be reached in one hour from Malaga. By car in 1.5-2 hours.
Ronda
Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Spain, boasting beautiful landscapes and one of the best views in Andalusia.
Ronda is famous for its impressive Puente Nuevo bridge, which spans a deep ravine and divides the old town into two parts.
The whole city is literally interwoven with monuments, charming streets and fantastic views in all directions. It’s easy to see why Ronda is one of the most visited and beautiful towns in Andalusia and Spain.
How to get to Ronda from Malaga
Ronda is the easiest to reach by car – it takes 1.5 hours to get here from Malaga.
A popular option is also an organised trip from Malagawhich includes transport to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas (see next tip), including admission to Plaza de Toros in Ronda.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique village located near Ronda. It’s like stepping back in time as you walk through the narrow, winding streets of Setenil de las Bodegas, which are lined with white-plastered houses partially built into the rocks.
The village is famous for its cave dwellings, which are set into the cliffs. Above them are traditional Andalusian houses and churches full of niches and spiral staircases leading to hidden courtyards.
How to get to Setenil de las Bodegas from Malaga
Setenil de las Bodegas is just 20 minutes’ drive from Ronda.
Seville
Seville may be a little further away from Malaga, but on the other hand it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. If you have at least one free day (preferably 2-3 days), put Seville on your itinerary of the best day trips around Malaga.
Discover Seville’s magnificent Cathedral with its intricate Gothic design and other sights such as the Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar Fortress, the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz and the Metropol Parasol viewpoint.
How to get to Seville from Malaga
Seville is easily accessible by car (around 2 hours depending on where you start from). You drive all the way along the main roads. For parking in Seville, I recommend checking out our guide to Seville.
Another option is direct trains, which will get you to Seville in 2 hours.
☞ Read our guide and tips on what to visit in Seville.
Nerja and Frigiliana
Nerja and Frigiliana are two beautiful towns located just a few kilometres apart. Each exudes a different atmosphere, making it the perfect day trip from Malaga.
Nerja is a charming coastal town known for its blue and white buildings, while Frigiliana is a white-plastered village on the slopes of the Sierra de Almijara.
Both towns offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and picturesque streets lined with colourful flowers. Whether you want to relax or explore, these two cities are definitely worth a visit.
How to get here
On the A-7 motorway you are in Nerja in 45 minutes by car. From here it is only a few minutes to Frigiliano.
Another option is the Alsa buses, which take 45 minutes to get to Nerja (some buses take longer – up to 1.5 hours).
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is one of the most unique places in Europe, with something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just want to have fun, there’s plenty to see and do. The small British colony of Gibraltar offers an interesting mix of cultures and breathtaking scenery.
Once you arrive in Gibraltar, you’ll notice the Rock of Gibraltar right away. It is an iconic landmark of the region and home to the tailless magotes, the only wild monkeys in Europe.
Up you go by cable car (or you can walk – then you just pay the entrance fee to the national park).
How to get to Gibraltar from Malaga
The bus journey from Malaga takes 2 hours and 45 minutes with one change. A faster option is a car, which will get you to Gibraltar in 1.5 hours.
If you prefer an organised trip, this trip to Gibraltar includes transport and access to the beautifully lit St. Michael’s Cave.
Malaga: Things to see in Malaga – Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with things to do and see in Malaga, Spain. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places mentioned in the Malaga guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Where to stay in Malaga?
- Hotel Sol Guadalmar – right next to the beach, this 4* hotel with complete facilities (outdoor and indoor pools, tennis court, gym, rooftop bar, restaurant), good access to the centre and airport
- Hotel Brö – stylish hotel ideal for couples with an outdoor pool and good access to the centre
- Soho Boutique Los Naranjos – pleasant 3* hotel on the edge of the centre and only 5 minutes from La Malagueta beach
- Casual del Mar Malaga – cosy and clean hotel with a strategic location – good access to the airport, the centre and the beach
- Hotel Zeus – cheap but clean two-star hotel with an excellent location close to the train station, the centre and the beach
- Hotel Holiday Inn Express – modern hotel near the airport, ideal for late arrivals or early departures
What to taste in Malaga?
Typical dishes to try in Malaga include gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, espetos de sardinas, grilled sardines on wooden skewers, paella with seafood or chicken, and ajoblanco, a refreshing almond and garlic soup accompanied by grapes or melon.
What other Andalusian dishes to try in Malaga?
- Pescaito frito – fried fish or shellfish with lemon and sometimes mayonnaise
- Ensalada malagueña – salad of boiled potatoes with spring onions, oranges, cod and olives
- Porra antequerana – similar to a salmojero of tomatoes, bread, garlic, egg, serrano ham or tuna; often served as tapas
- Campero – a typical local hamburger made of round bread with various fillings. Every local would rather have a campero than a hamburger.
- Albóndijas en salsa de almendras – meatballs with almond sauce, which you can have with chips or bread
- Tortas locas or just locas – puff pastry and custard tarts with orange and cherry glaze
There are plenty of great restaurants to explore in Malaga, from tapas bars to traditional Andalusian or Spanish restaurants.
In the city centre, tapas is not included in the price of a drink as it is in other neighbourhoods. It costs around 2,20 €.
How to get to Malaga
Malaga is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Spain. This gives it excellent connections to other cities in Spain and Europe.
Malaga has its own international airport (Aeropuerto de Malaga-Costa del Sol), located south-west of the centre. You can get here from many European cities including Vienna, Berlin, Prague, Nuremberg, Milan and more.
The direct flight from Prague to Malaga takes 3 hours and 20 minutes. The airlines to choose from are:
- Czech Airlines – A traditional Czech airline that flies all year round. The ticket price also includes hand luggage up to 8 kg.
- Eurowings – German low-cost airline that flies mainly in high season and offers different times than Czech Airlines. The price of the basic ticket includes a small baggage with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 25 cm – the parameters meet, for example CabinZero (28 l) .
If the date doesn’t suit you, here you can search for flights with a transfer .
How to get from the airport to Malaga city centre
You have several options to get from the airport to the centre of Malaga:
Train
The C1 train line connects the airport with the city centre and runs every 20 minutes until midnight. It’s the cheapest and fastest way to get into town. Malaga-Almadena Station in the historic centre is just 12 minutes’ walk away.
You can simply pay with a contactless card (or mobile phone), which you attach before departure and upon arrival at the turnstile. Tickets can also be bought at Cercanías ticket offices and machines at the station.
The price varies depending on how many zones you drive through – to the centre from the airport it’s around €2.70.
Buses
Airport Express Line buses run every 20 minutes. They stop right outside the terminal and take you to the city centre in 45 minutes. They stop at more stops than trains.
The price of a one-way ticket is €3 and you pay by card or cash at the driver’s boarding desk.
Taxi or Uber
Taxi or Uber are other options to get from the airport to Malaga. The taxi rank is right by the arrivals.
Malaga transport (metro, buses)
Public transport in Malaga is great – it’s easy to get around by bus, metro or train.
The most popular are the buses that take you to almost every corner of Malaga. The ticket costs €1.40. You can pay in cash or by card at the driver (cash up to a maximum of €5) or by putting your card to the blue turnstile on the bus and the ticket price will be deducted automatically. Tickets are non-transferable.
You can download a map of bus routes
here.
The buses are complemented by 2 metro lines that will take you to the beach or the other side of town in no time. The two metro lines connect at El Perchel and Guadalmedina stations in the city centre. The ticket costs €1.35 and cannot be used on buses.
Public transport also includes suburban trains, which consist of two lines C1 and C2. The C1 line goes around the coast to the airport and connects Malaga with other seaside resorts (not Marbella).
Line C2 connects the city with the province of Malaga inland.
The main bus station, Estación de Autobuses de Malaga, is about 15-20 minutes from the centre. Long-distance and regional services depart from here if you would like to take a trip around the area.
The main train station, María Zambrano, is also next to the bus station and offers trains to Madrid. Both suburban railways pass through and both metro lines stop at El Perchel station.
Bike
The city also has an extensive network of cycle paths and a bike-sharing system, making it even easier to explore the area. All of these options are affordable and efficient, making it easy to get where you need to go during your stay in Malaga.
Taxi
Public transport is supplemented by taxis, which are white with a blue stripe. In addition to taxis, there’s also Uber and Bolt. Neither option is worthwhile for short distances as the minimum fare is €6.
Car rental in Malaga
Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to explore Malaga’s surroundings at your own pace. You can rent a car directly at the airport or at several locations in the city.
Tip: If you’re planning to rent a car, I recommend booking well in advance to ensure you get the best price and choice. Plus, Andalusia is very popular and last-minute availability can be very limited.
To rent a car in Spain you will need a driving licence from your home country (non-EU citizens need an international driving licence), a passport and a credit card.
☞ Find out all about renting and driving a car in Spain in our detailed guide.
Parking
Parking for non-residents is prohibited in the historic centre itself. Within Malaga, it is better to use public transport and rent a car for trips around Malaga.
Several parking garages are available in Malaga. You can also park on the street – free of charge in white marked spaces and for a fee in blue marked spaces (for a maximum of 2.5 hours, but sometimes for as little as 30 minutes). For parking information you can use Parkopedia.
Practical information before visiting Malaga
- Currency: euro
- Official language: the official language is Spanish, but especially in the tourist areas you can easily communicate in English.
- Prices: Malaga is slightly cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, but especially near the centre and tourist areas, prices are higher than in other parts of Spain.
- The informal greeting in Spain is hola. Basic Spanish phrases:
- Buenos días – Hello
- Buenas noches – Good evening
- Gracias – Thank you
- Helados – Ice cream
- Por favor – Please
- Safety: Malaga is a safe destination. The city has a low crime rate and tourists are rarely targeted by crime. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to follow a few safety tips. Make sure your valuables are always safe, don’t go out alone late at night and be vigilant.
- Siesta: Southern European countries are known for siestas between 1 pm and 4 pm. However, this applies more to the off-season or to restaurants and shops frequented mainly by locals.
Best time to visit Malaga
There’s never a bad time to visit Malaga. Malaga in Spain is a perfect destination all year round thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate. From June to September you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming on the local beaches and visit the sights and attractions of Malaga and Andalusia at any time of the year.
The weather in Malaga is usually sunny and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. It can get quite hot in the summer months. Precipitation is generally infrequent, although heavier rain can occasionally occur during the spring and autumn months.
Plan your trip quickly and easily. If you buy something through our links, we get a small commission. You pay nothing extra. Thank you!
This was our guide to Malaga with tips on things to see in Malaga. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Andalusia
ANDALUSIA: Andalusia is one of the most beautiful regions in Spain – in our Andalusia guide, we’ve put together tips on the best places to see in Andalusia.
GRANADA: Granada is a historic gem near Seville, home to the world-famous Alhambra Palace. Read our guide with tips on the best things to do in Granada.
SEVILLA: Get inspired by our tips on the best things to do in Seville.
SPAIN: In our list of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain, we give you tips on things to do in Spain.
In our guide to renting and driving a car in Spain, we share practical tips and useful links that will come in handy before your car journey.
☞ Read even more tips about travelling to Spain.
Summary: Guide and things to see in Malaga
When visiting Malaga, you can’t miss some of the sights and places of interest. Be sure to check out the beautiful Alcazaba Fortress, the impressive Picasso Museum and Gibralfaro Castle, which offers spectacular views of the city. You should also explore Calle Larios, a picturesque shopping street with lots of restaurants, cafés and boutiques. And don’t forget to take a stroll along La Malagueta beach, where you’ll have stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Malaga is a popular seaside resort where you can spend several weeks and still have plenty to do. If you want to see the best of Malaga, you’ll visit the best in 2-3 days. Would you like to enjoy a few sunny days on the beach or go exploring in Andalusia? Extend your stay for a minimum of 7 days.
Malaga serves traditional Spanish food. Typical dishes to try include gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, espetos de sardinas, grilled sardines on wooden skewers, paella with seafood or chicken, and ajoblanco, a refreshing almond and garlic soup.
Malaga offers a wide range of accommodation options, so you can easily find what suits your needs and budget. From luxury hotels on the coast to cosy apartments in the city centre. For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a traditional casa rural – these are usually located in small villages near Malaga and offer spectacular views of the countryside. Read specific tips on the best hotels in Malaga in the article.
