Málaga

Travel Guide

Málaga
Gibralfaro Castle which includes general coastal views, heritage architecture and a bay or harbor
Málaga
Malaga which includes heritage elements, a house and interior views
Málaga
Experience the traditional festivals, tapas bars and museums of this modern, sprawling city, where Picasso was born and the beauty of the Costa del Sol awaits.

Málaga has all the folklore, energy and romance of a flamenco dance on a balmy night. Phoenician, Roman, Moorish and Christian empires all left their mark on this bustling metropolis, which is Spain’s sixth-largest city. 

A walk along the winding streets of Málaga’s Old Town will take you past the palm tree-lined Paseo del Parque, the ancient ruins of the Málaga Amphitheatre and the monumental Málaga Cathedral. Visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress from where you can follow a passageway up to the city’s landmark Gibralfaro Castle, with its views over the Alboran Sea towards Morocco.

This port city is sunny most of the year and summers can get hot in southern Spain, so don’t plan outdoor activities around noon. Have a siesta instead, followed by a lunch of adobo (fish marinated in wine), gazpacho (cold tomato soup) or pescaíto frito (fried fish).

As is the custom in Spain, dinner doesn’t start until late at night in Málaga so you’ll have plenty of sightseeing time to visit the city’s many cultural attractions. Among these is Picasso’s Birthplace (Casa Natal Picasso), in the Plaza de la Merced, and the nearby Picasso Museum Málaga.

More than 30 other local museums are dedicated to the arts and history and public shows are common too. In the late afternoon, "living" statues entertain the crowds in the main shopping street and squares. Festivals include the parades of the Semana Santa at Easter and the Feria de Málaga in August.

The province of Málaga is located on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia and the city gives access to more than 100 miles (160 kilometres) of Mediterranean coastline with long, wide sandy beaches. You’re sure to find the ideal place to sunbathe, enjoy watersports or socialize in beach bars. Málaga International Airport has flights to all major European cities and high-speed trains connect Málaga with Madrid and Barcelona.

Málaga’s compact historic centre is easy to explore on foot and metro buses stop at many major attractions.

Where to stay in Málaga

Port of Malaga showing general coastal views, boating and a marina

Málaga Centro

4.5/5(807 area reviews)

Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are a few top attractions in Málaga Centro. Hop around the city on the metro at La Marina Station or La Malagueta Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning cathedral and captivating waterfront views.

Málaga Centro
Malagueta Beach featuring signage and a sandy beach

La Malagueta

Pristine beaches, ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are just a few things travellers love about La Malagueta. Sights like Malagueta Beach and Muelle Uno are top spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Málaga area at La Malagueta Station.

La Malagueta
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Malaga-Este

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the cafes and spas in Malaga-Este. You might want to make time for a stop at Malagueta Beach or Las Acacias Beach.

Malaga-Este
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Churriana

3.5/5(59 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Churriana. A stop by Parador Malaga Golf Club or Los Alamos might round out your trip.

Churriana
Malaga featuring outdoor art

Carretera de Cadiz

4/5(40 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Playa Sacaba Beach and take some time to enjoy the beaches during your time in Carretera de Cadiz. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at El Torcal Station or La Luz - La Paz Station.

Carretera de Cadiz
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Ciudad Jardin

4/5(2 area reviews)

Ciudad Jardin is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Malaga Botanical Garden and Mirador Del Cochino.

Ciudad Jardin
Gran hotel Miramar GL
Gran hotel Miramar GL
5 out of 5
Paseo Reding, 22, Málaga, Málaga
The price is RM1,520 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
RM1,520
RM1,672 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel is beautiful and certainly stands"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Gran hotel Miramar GL
Hotel Málaga Vibes
Hotel Málaga Vibes
3.5 out of 5
C. Gregorio Allegri S/N, Málaga, Málaga
The price is RM511 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM511
RM562 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (249 reviews)
"The hotel was new and clean the rooftop is cute, its just in an odd spot off the freeay with a weird empy lot close by."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Hotel Málaga Vibes
Hotel ILUNION Malaga
Hotel ILUNION Malaga
4 out of 5
Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, 10, Málaga, Malaga
The price is RM723 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
RM723
RM796 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Good place to stay only a 20 minute walk to Malaga central, the buffet breakfast was great with lots of options and nice seating inside and out. Pool facility and sauna which was very nice."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Hotel ILUNION Malaga
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center
4 out of 5
Calle Pozos Dulces 11, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (403 reviews)
"Great location property with a small spa in the basement. Right in the centre of the old town close to shops, lots of bars and restaurants and the cathedral. Easy walking distance to the port and beach Really lovely rooms and very clean. Nespresso machine and small kitchen. Quality towels and bedding ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center
Limehome Málaga Calle Ancha del Carmen
Limehome Málaga Calle Ancha del Carmen
3 out of 5
C. Ancha del Carmen 21, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (247 reviews)
"Very well located. Nice cosy appartment!"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Limehome Málaga Calle Ancha del Carmen
Graffiti Suites El Museo
Graffiti Suites El Museo
3.5 out of 5
Calle Madre de Dios 11, Calle Alamos 37, Málaga
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (583 reviews)
The perfect spot in Malaga!
"My husband and I had an excellent 2-night stay here— easily the best accommodation we stayed in during our 10-day Portugal and Spain trip! This place is immaculately clean, comfortable, and has all the amenities you could possibly need. It’s in the perfect location— walkable to all the sights, shops, ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Graffiti Suites El Museo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Málaga

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
411
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
172
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Gustav

Lovely, friendly vibrant City! Never been in Spain before but after this trip I want to be back!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Only there for one day but would definitely go back for longer. Beaches are nice. Town is nice. Quite a lot to do.

5/5 - Excellent

Amelia

Malaga has my heart.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great location for a warm city break during the UK winter.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very much enjoyed Malaga. Very friendly and welcoming people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great town, bars, beach, shops, restaurants, transport links, excellent value for money, friendly, weather