Prepare to be surprised by Malaga’s blend of history and modernity!
Much more than a seaside resort renowned for its vibrant nightlife, the town boasts a rich past, offering a singular heritage to visit.
Between the Alcazaba, the superb Cathedral of the Incarnation and Gibralfaro Castle, you won’t have time to get bored. Stroll through one of the many museums, the colorful streets of the city center, the bustling port or along the golden sandy beaches!
In this article, you’ll discover a list of must-see things to do in Malaga, illustrated by numerous photos. We’ve added some useful tips and bonus activities!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
1. Marvel at Malaga Cathedral
Why visit?
The magnificent Cathedral of the Incarnation is well worth a visit to Malaga! We loved our visit to this atypical building, famous for its main façade, a Baroque masterpiece, and its unfinished tower giving it a unique silhouette! In addition to the beauty of its architecture, the cathedral’s interior impressed us with its imposing dimensions, rich ornamentation and numerous pieces of sacred art. More details and photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: downtown, 7min walk from the Paseo del Parque stop, served by several bus lines
- Length of visit: 1h minimum with audioguide (included in the price of the visit)
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 7.30pm. Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm. Last access 45min before closing time.
- Difficulties: None, PRM access (only access to terrace via staircase).
- Prices: €10 (full price), €7 (students, children aged 13 to 17), free (under 12)
- Parking: Camas or Carriola parking lots 5 minutes’ walk from the cathedral
- Eating and drinking: there are numerous restaurants nearby, including Restaurant Illari y Vinos for a quick lunch break or Restaurant Blossom for a gastronomic journey!
- Fancy a guided tour of the cathedral’s treasures? See more info, availability and book!
2. Explore the imposing Alcazaba
Why visit?
If you’re visiting Malaga, you won’t want to miss the Alcazaba, a Muslim fortress built in the 11th century. From Calle Alcazabilla, you’ll first appreciate its imposing appearance, before exploring the maze of doors and nooks and crannies that make up its interiors. Despite the crowds, we loved the charming Arab gardens with their fountains, the remains of the Nasrid palace and the few preserved archaeological finds. And don’t forget the panoramic view from the ramparts!
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown, just above the Roman Theatre stands
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (April-October) and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (November-March)
- Tour duration: 1h
- Difficulties: a steep climb to reach the site, several steps up to the towers, uneven ground in places.
- Price: €3.50
- Parking: no, but the Granados pay parking lot is a 5-minute walk away
- Food & beverage: Yes, a snack bar and bottled water dispenser are available on site.
- Want to learn more about the art, history and architecture of the Alcazaba? See more info, prices and availability on the guided tour!
WHERE TO STAY IN Málaga
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historical center
Hotel Palacio Solecio – see photos and availability
Near the sea, Playa de la Magualeta
Gran Hotel Miramar – see photos and availability
In the Soho district
Hotel Only You Malaga – view photos and availability
3. Stroll through the squares of the historic center
Why visit?
We were pleasantly surprised by the charm of Malaga’s historic center.
The city is best explored on foot, alternating between teeming palm-lined arteries, cobbled streets with colorful facades and lively squares.
We also enjoyed discovering the various sculptures hidden around the city, such as the one by painter Pablo Picasso in Plaza de la Merced, or the Paloma Quiromantica, a tribute to poet Rafael Perez Estrada, in Calle Bolsa (photo below).
Practical advice
- Visit duration: between 45min and 1h, not including window shopping!
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, head for Calle Marqués de Larios, where you’ll find a host of international names, or be surprised by the handicraft and second-hand stores! - Opening hours: 24/7. And don’t forget to come back and take a tour of the town at night, as many buildings are beautifully lit.
- Difficulties: None, but bring comfortable shoes to withstand the shock of the cobblestones! And don’t forget a hat on sunny days, when the streets are full of sunshine.
- Parking: We recommend Parking Malaga Centre, in Calle Marqués, and continuing on foot.
- Eating out: You won’t be able to resist one of the many tempting restaurants for long, and we already recommend the excellent Restaurant Beluga on the ever-bustling Plaza de las Flores!
- Tempted by an immersive downtown tour? See prices and availability.
4. Admire Spanish painting at the Carmen Thyssen Museum
Why visit?
The Carmen Thyssen Museum is a veritable nugget for lovers of Spanish art!
Housed in the magnificent 16th-century Palacio de Villalón, this museum offers a panorama of Spanish painting, from romantic landscapes to naturalism and costume scenes. A variety of themes, colors and techniques that we loved discovering! The permanent collection also includes over 230 paintings by great masters such as José Moreno Carbonero, Joaquín Sorolla and Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo. See more photos in our dedicated article, coming soon.
Read more in our article.
Practical advice
- Access: downtown, 5min walk from the Cathedral
- Length of visit: 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interests and whether you opt to visit the temporary collections.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Difficulties: None and full PRM access
- Prices: €11 (full), €7 (concessions), free (under 18s) – more info here
- Parking: no bicycle or car parking
- Catering: yes. An onsite cafeteria offers coffees, cold drinks, some daily specials and several tempting pastries, in a pretty, quiet patio to boot!
- Fancy a guided tour of the museum’s magnificent collection? More info and availability here.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
5. Lounging on Malaga’s beaches
Why visit?
What better way to balance out a day of intense cultural sightseeing than an afternoon lounging on the beach? The most famous is undoubtedly La Malagueta Beach, located near the town center and port. It’s popular for its lively promenade and many restaurants, but there’s something for everyone at Malaga’s other beaches!
Note, however, that it can be difficult to find completely undeveloped sites close to the city center. If you prefer wild beaches, you’ll have to head off towards the eastern beaches or opt for the unspoilt ones around Nerja. Families can opt for the well-equipped beaches of Torremolinos.
Read our article on the best beaches in Malaga.
Practical advice
- Access: numerous beaches on either side of the port to the east and west, accessible from the center in 20 minutes on foot for the closest. Alternatively, EMT serves most beaches from the city center (more info here).
- Duration: half or full day
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Difficulties: Most beaches are accessible to PRM
- Price: Free except if you opt for a private pitch with deckchairs
- Difficulties: None, except that most beach showers are inaccessible due to Spain’s water shortage. Make sure you bring water and sun protection, as few beaches offer sunshades (apart from those for which a charge is made).
- Parking: most beaches have parking lots or parking spaces close to the seafront.
- Eating and drinking: most beaches have chiringuitos (typical beach bars) and/or mini-markets nearby.
- In the mood for aquatic immersion? Discover our many excursions featuring boating, diving and other pleasures: see more info and availability.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
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6. Feast on tapas
Why try it?
Tapeo is an Andalucia custom emblematic of Spanish gastronomy, the concept of which is to share dishes in small portions. Naturally, we succumbed to this delicious tradition, and were quick to try Malaga’s own specialities, such asajo blanco (a cold soup made with garlic and almonds), fish fritters, borrachelos (sweet potato cakes) orespeto de sardines (a skewer of sardines cooked over charcoal), which we enjoyed at one of the chiringuitos(a typical beach bar).
And let’s not forget the sweet Malaga wine, ideal to accompany the end of your meal!
Are you tempted? See our article dedicated to the best restaurants in Malaga.
Practical advice
- How to get there: You’ll be spoilt for choice in the city center, from typical bodegas to Michelin-starred establishments, coffee-shops and rooftops with panoramic views.
- Duration: At lunchtime, lunch is often taken at a standing lunch counter, and quite quickly, while in the evening, meals can linger on the terrace.
- Times: Meal times are generally late, with lunch between 2 and 4pm and dinner rarely before 9pm.
- Difficulties: Málaga is very touristy, so beware of restaurants with touts and multilingual menus near the attractions. They often offer mediocre cuisine at high prices. Prefer discreet restaurants with short, seasonal menus, a guarantee of freshness. And remember to book in advance, especially at weekends and in high season.
- Fancy a tapas tour? See more info and availability.
7. Wonder at the Centre Pompidou
Why visit?
You’ll come to this museum first to admire its cubic architecture, adorned with the signature stripes of French artist Daniel Buren. Beneath this famous cube lie immense underground spaces housing part of the collection of Paris’s iconic Centre Pompidou museum. Renewed every two years around a different theme, the selection of works offers a forward-looking look at contemporary art.
During our visit, we explored the “Habiter un lieu” exhibition, which questions the way we occupy a space. We had the pleasure of discovering emerging artists alongside established figures such as Joan Mitchell and David Hockney.
Read more in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: in the heart of Malaga’s marina and next to La Magualeta beach, 2 minutes’ walk from the La Farola or Paseo de los Curas bus stops.
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you choose to visit the temporary exhibitions.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Tuesday)
- Difficulties: None and full PRM access (toilets, elevator, low signs)
- Admission: €7 for the permanent collection (more info here)
- Parking: Yes, the Muello Uno shopping area has a 24/7 parking lot.
- Eating out: choose from one of the many nearby restaurants in the port or a snack bar on Magualeta Beach.
- Don’t wait, book your ticket now! See more info and availability.
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8. Taking in the view from the terraces of the Roman Theatre
Why visit?
Just below the Alcazaba stand the remains of a Roman theater, testimony to the empire’s presence in the late 3rd century B.C. This site is well worth a detour to appreciate Malaga’s rich history, even if the elements to be explored are limited to admiring the tiers and a small adjoining interpretation center.
Returning at sunset is particularly recommended to appreciate the palette of shimmering colors that embellish the stones. Finally, we found it fascinating to observe the dialogue between the ruins and the surrounding buildings, including the Crystal Pyramid, home to other archaeological remains.
Read more in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: downtown, at the foot of the Alcazaba
- Tour duration: 15 to 30min
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Difficulties: PRM access (toilets, ramps) except for access to bleachers
- Price: Free (see the latest info on the official website here)
- Parking: no, but the Granados pay parking lot is a 5-minute walk away
- Eating out: you’ll find plenty of restaurants on the Alcazabilla street opposite, including the famous El Pimpi restaurant, whose famous terrace boasts a magnificent view of the ramparts!
9. Culture at the Musée Picasso
Why visit?
Malaga is also famous for being the birthplace of one of the most famous painters of the 20th century: Pablo Picasso! To immerse yourself in his work, you’ll need to visit his eponymous museum, housed in the former Palacio Buenavista, a Renaissance masterpiece.
This enchanting setting is the ideal setting for the artist’s various works, including oils, drawings, engravings, sculptures and ceramics, testifying to his virtuosity and constant renewal. We enjoyed a retrospective look at his work, perfectly illustrated by an enriching audio guide.
Finally, you can discover the remains of the building’s foundations, revealing traces of different eras, from the Phoenician period to the Roman and Arab eras.
Find out more in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: downtown, 2min walk from Alameda Principal-Norte bus station
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours, given the richness of the tour and the explanations provided by the audioguide.
- Opening hours: open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Difficulties: none, but we recommend booking online to save time. Expect a 10-30 minute wait before entering, given the museum’s popularity. PRM access (toilets, elevator)
- Price: €12 (see the latest info on the official website here)
- On-siteparking: no, but the Granados pay parking lot is a 5-minute walk away.
- Catering: Yes, cafeteria on site, and we highly recommend a stopover in the lovely flower garden.
- Want to discover the city through Picasso’s eyes? Discover this themed tour of the city center: see more info, prices and availability.
10. Stroll around the Port and Palmeral de las Sorpresas
Why visit?
For an ideal stroll in fine weather, we highly recommend a detour to the Port of Malaga. The route begins at Palmeral de las Sorpresas, a palm-lined avenue overlooked by a surprising structure designed by Jerónimo Junquera. You can then stroll along the quays of the marina, where you can observe the azure blue of the water, take a look at the stores before reaching the lighthouse and its view of Malaga Bay. Although the panorama may be altered by the presence of imposing yachts, it’s still a very pleasant stroll!
Some organized tours even combine the discovery of the old town with an exploration of the port by bike: More info and availability.
Practical advice
- Access: 20min walk from the Alcazaba, nearest streetcar stop is Paseo del Parque and nearest bus stop is Paseo de la Farola.
- Length of visit: 30min to 1h depending on whether you go as far as the lighthouse
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the port and Muello Ueno Shopping Centre is open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight.
- Difficulties: none + PRM access + bicycle lanes
- Price: Free
- On-siteparking: yes, parking under Muello Ueno shopping center
- Catering: yes, plenty of options on site, along the Croisette and inside the shopping center, or even at Plage de la Magualeta.
- Want to see the sunset from the sea? Embark on a catamaran trip from the harbor – see more info, availability and book.
11. Contemplating the panorama from Gibralfaro Castle
Why visit?
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Malaga, Gibralfaro Castle is an invitation to travel back in time. Built in the 14th century by King Badis to protect the Alcazaba, the fortress today reveals its remains. As you walk along its ramparts, you’ll discover a variety of architectural features that bear witness to the military ingenuity of the period. The site also houses an interpretation center recounting the life of the château.
In our opinion, the visit is well worth the detour for its breathtaking views over the whole of Malaga. Don’t hesitate to go there at sunset for an even more magical moment!
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: from the town center via a circular walkway, 15/20min walk, otherwise several bus lines serve the castle from the Paseo del Parque.
- Duration of visit: 30min to 1h (not including climb)
- Opening hours: open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Difficulties: the climb to reach the site, the steep stairs up to the towers and some very high steps, uneven ground and a fairly uneven route.
- Price: €3.50 (see adjustments on the website here)
- On-siteparking: yes, but very few spaces
- Catering: yes, there is a cafeteria on site offering snacks and pizzas, but for a moment out of time, we recommend the Mi Nina Lola Terrace Restaurant, from which you can walk to the castle in 11 minutes.
- Would you like a tour that includes the majestic château? See prices and availability
12. Climb the breathtaking Caminito del Rey
Why visit?
Caminito del Rey is the perfect place for hiking enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a sublime natural setting! Cut into the side of a cliff for the construction of a dam at the beginning of the 20th century, this path has now been rehabilitated as a hiking trail.
We gave it a try and loved this shot of nature!
After an initial walk in the forest, we took narrow paths through breathtaking scenery, observing the flora and fauna along the way.
The ultimate challenge: crossing the 100m-high suspension bridge between the narrow gorges!
See more photos and anecdotes in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: 1 hour’s drive from Malaga
- Duration: between 3h and 5h for a 7.5km one-way hike
- Times: depending on weather conditions, please note that reservations must be made at least 1 month in advance if you are coming on your own. For more information, visit the official website here.
- Difficulties: uneven ground, steep steps, a suspension bridge to cross. Bring water, as there is no spring on the trail, and good shoes. Please note that the hike is forbidden to children under 8, and that helmets must be worn.
- Price: €10 (entrance to the site), €18 (entrance + guided tour), between €30 and €60 (excursion)
- Parking: yes, on-site parking. Plan to arrive at least 30min in advance to have time to park before going to your hiking slot.
- Catering: yes, several stands with drinks and snacks at the end of the course
- Choose an all-inclusive excursion from Malaga: see prices and availability
13. A breath of fresh air at the Botanical Gardens
Why visit?
A must for nature and botany lovers!
Created in the 19th century by an upper-middle-class Malaga couple, the historic La Concepción garden offers an enchanting, colorful stroll. You’ll be amazed at the 2000 species of tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean plants!
After strolling the vibrant face of Malaga, there’s nothing quite like strolling through the shady alleys, adorned with fountains and sculptures, creating a romantic and soothing atmosphere. Last but not least, you’re sure to appreciate the panoramic view of Malaga from the canopy!
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: 20min by car or 1h by public transport from the city center
- Length of visit: 1 to 3 hours if you plan to visit the entire estate.
- Opening hours: open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (October-March) and until 8:30 p.m. (April-September).
- Difficulties: none apart from the size of the garden.
- Price: €5.20 (full), €3.10 (reduced) – see adjustments on the sitehere
- Parking: yes dedicated on-site parking
- Catering: you’ll find an ice-cream and cold drinks vendor, but we advise you to bring your own picnic, as there are plenty of places to sit!
14. Discover the atmosphere of the Malaga Market
Why visit?
We didn’t want to leave Malaga without visiting the Atarazanas market! It’s a fun way to discover local culture while filling up on good food, in a vitamin-packed atmosphere! The place is worth a visit for its wrought-iron façade (built in the 19th century on the site of former Muslim wine cellars) and its splendid, colorful glass roof. Those who come early can hope to secure a seat at one of the few tables available.
Otherwise, you can do as the locals do, eating standing up at the stall counters or taking your spoils to one of the town’s green spaces.
See more photos on our dedicated article coming soon.
Practical advice
- Access: near the Soho district, Atarazanas tube station
- Length of visit: 15 to 30min depending on your ability to choose from the plethora of products!
- Opening hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed on Sundays)
- Difficulties: None, PMR access, lockers for suitcases and toilets.
- Rates: Prices are relatively reasonable for a market that remains touristy.
- Parking: The Camas underground parking lot is a 2-minute walk away.
- Would you like to discover Malaga’s specialities? Discover a gourmet tour of the market – see prices and availability.
15. Escape to the Parque Natural de Antequera
Why visit?
The Parc Torcal d’Antequera, a geological masterpiece, is one of Europe’s most impressive natural sites. We loved walking through this labyrinth of stones and admiring the spectacular views over the surrounding valley! Once submerged under water, the rocks have been shaped by tectonic forces and erosion, sculpting this unique lunar landscape.
Walking through this karst landscape, over 150 million years old, is already extraordinary, but the experience becomes even more fascinating when you realize the presence of Neanderthal man, 5000 years BC.
See more photos in our dedicated article coming soon.
Practical advice
- Access: 1 hour’s drive from Malaga
- Duration: from 45min to 4h depending on the trails used
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day, but we recommend that you hike during the day, as the information center is open from 9am to 5pm – see info on the website here.
- Difficulty: variable depending on the trail, with rocky, steep paths. Bring good footwear, sun protection and water.
- Price: Free
- Parking: on-site parking
- Food & beverage: yes, Restaurant Torcal Alto offers dishes with panoramic views
- Ready for an unforgettable tour? See info, prices and availability.
Things to do in Malaga: other ideas
Other museums in Malaga
Malaga’s cultural offering is as varied as it is exciting! There is something for everyone! For those wishing to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, we recommend the Museum of Costumes and Popular Arts (MUACP), a tribute to local know-how, and the section devoted to Spanish art at the Malaga Museum.
Fans of contemporary art will be delighted with the Centre d’Art Contemporain (CAC), which showcases the work of Spanish artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, or with the programming of the third-party venueLa Térmica!
For a themed visit, we recommend the Musée du Verre et du Crystal , with its 3,000 precious pieces housed in a private mansion, or the Musée de l’Automobile, with its rare collection of 90 cars.
Would you like to discover the world of a Malaga artist? Go to the Revello del Toro Museum which showcases the work of artist Felix Revello de Toro, or the Jorge Rando Museum.
For impressive and varied collections, we recommend the cultural center Fundación Unicaja de Málaga or the Museo Ruso de Málaga.
Finally, for an immersive experience, we recommend the Flamenco Museum which offers dance demonstrations, or the fun visit to theOXO – Musée du Jeu Vidéo and its many game terminals.
Other churches in Malaga
Lovers of religious heritage will also be able to delight in other remarkable buildings as they wander around the city. For our part, we particularly liked..:
- TheChurch of Los Santos Martires Ciriaco y Paula, with its dazzling Baroque interior remodelled in the 18th century.
- The Sanctuary of Santa Maria de la Victoria, built in the 15th century, is worth a visit for its sumptuous camarin (chapel), whose altarpiece is richly decorated (cherubs, acanthus leaves, mirror frames, coats of arms).
- The Santiago Apóstol church , or the oldest in Malaga! Founded in 1490 on the site of a former mosque, the interior houses valuable works by Alonso Cano and Niño de Guevara. As a matter of interest, Picasso was baptized inside!
- The 18th-century San Felipe Neri church , whose chapel and contemporary religious paintings by Raúl Berzosa we loved.
Other beaches in Malaga
Malaga’s beaches, true treasures of the Costa del Sol, offer the ideal setting for a lazy day! The least we can say is that you’ll be spoilt for choice!
To the west of Malaga, you’ll find..:
- Campo de Golf Beach: renowned for its ideal kitesurfing conditions.
- Guadalmar Beach: the prettiest part of which lies next to the Parc del Guadalhorce nature reserve.
- Plage de la Misericordia: more urbanized, but pleasant for its sports facilities (beach volleyball courts, children’s playground).
To the east, you can choose between:
- La Caleta Beach: located between La Malagueta and the residential areas, this beach offers a more tranquil setting.
- Pedregalejo Beach: where you can stop off at one of the many chiringuitos (beach bars) for grilled sardines!
- Palo Beach: famous for its fine sand and charming fishermen’s cottages.
- The beach of Peñon del Cuervo and its mysterious rocky outcrop.
Families will be delighted by the white sandy beaches of La Carihuela, Los Alamos and Playamar in the outlying district of Torremolinos (a 30-minute drive from downtown).
Last but not least, we recommend renting a bike for an iodine-filled ride, as the seafronts of each of the beaches are particularly well laid out!
Let us guide you: see more info and availability.
Nightlife in Malaga
Throughout the year, Malaga vibrates to the rhythm of numerous traditional festivals (carnival, féria, holy week) and cultural events (Spanish film festival, theater festivals, concerts). And as you’ll have noticed, Malaga is renowned for its festive atmosphere and lively nightlife. Here’s a list of ideas to try out:
- An evening of tapas tasting: see prices, info and availability
- Flamenco show: see prices, info and availability
- A sunset cruise with music: see prices, info and availability
Things to do in Malaga with children
All Malaga’s sites are suitable for a family visit, with a preference for the Alcazaba, where your children can have fun exploring its many nooks and crannies, and the Centre Pompidou, with its educational area. We also recommend..:
- Enjoy bike rides, ideal for discovering the city in a fun way.
- The Caminito del Rey, accessible from age 8, for the most adventurous!
- Malaga’s beaches, with their many facilities for children.
Looking for a fun way to explore the city with your kids? Try an escape game!
See more info, prices and availability.
Things to do in Malaga when it rains
If it rains in Malaga, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy one of the city’s many museums! Coming soon: our selection of the best museums.
Another alternative for a sheltered visit? Discover the caves around Malaga and opt for excursions into the surrounding area:
- La Grotte du Trésor (20min from Malaga): see info, prices and availability
- Nerja cave (1h from Malaga): see info, prices, availability
If you don’t like rain, November is the coldest and rainiest month in Malaga, with a reasonable average of 5 days of rain.
Excursions around Malaga
Malaga is ideally located between the sea and the mountains. The city is also well connected to the many attractions of Andalucia. For simplicity’s sake, you can also opt for a day trip:
- Ronda: discover the magnificent town of Ronda, one of the oldest in Spain, built into the side of a cliff – see prices, availability and book.
- Cordoba: discover the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba with this tour including entrance to the monument and transfer from Malaga – see price, availability and book.
- Frigiliana: explore this picturesque village, famous for its Moorish past and craft traditions, see prices, availability and book.
Need more inspiration?
Read our article on the best excursions from Malaga.
See also our article on Andalucia’s most beautiful white villages.
Useful tips for visiting Malaga
Where is Malaga?
- Malaga is located in southern Spain
- Located on the Costa del Sol, it enjoys a privileged position between the sea and the mountains.
- Sevilla to Malaga = 2h30 drive
- Marbella to Malaga = 1h drive
- Malaga’s main attractions are all within walking distance, concentrated in the historic center. Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Malaga
To get to Malaga, you can choose from the following options:
- By plane: Malaga airport is served by many European cities. Most car rental companies can be found at the airport.
- By car: the city is easily accessible, with major highways like the A-7 and A-45 linking it to other major cities in Andalucia and Spain.
Read our article on renting a car in Malaga. - By train: María Zambrano station is connected to many other Spanish cities, including Madrid in 3 hours and Sevilla in 2 hours (more info on the official renfe website here).
- Bus: There are many direct connections from Malaga bus station to other cities in Andalucia (more info on the official movelia website here).
- By boat: Although the port of Malaga is primarily commercial, a regular passenger service links Spain with North Africa (more info here).
Parking in Malaga
The city has a large number of pay-and-display parking lots, often located close to the main tourist attractions. However, we advise you not to drive into the city center if you can, as traffic is very heavy and parking spaces are scarce, especially in high season.
Getting around Malaga
To get around, walking is undoubtedly the most pleasant option, with the city center and seafront easily accessible. We advise you to avoid driving in the city center, which is often saturated with traffic.
You can also use the metro system (more info here) in the city center.
And, if you want to visit more remote areas or climb up to Gibralfaro Castle, you can opt for the good city bus network (more info on the official website here) or rent a car. See our tips here.
Finally, the cab network (see Unitaxi or Taxi Unión) is very efficient and inexpensive. There are also organized tours from Malaga. This can be a good alternative for long journeys and/or if you don’t want to drive.
Where to eat in Malaga
Malaga has an excellent choice of restaurants. There really is something for every taste, style and budget! We’ve tested a few for you, in our dedicated article, but we can’t resist giving you our 3 favorites here:
- The Beluga Restaurant for delicious arroces, a generous rice speciality full of flavour!
- The Perro Viejo restaurant , for its traditional setting and creative, delicious tapas.
- Café Churreria Casa Aranda, for an anthology of churros!
Visiting Malaga in winter
Planning a stay in Malaga during the winter season? It’s a great idea, as you’ll avoid the summer crowds and heat.
Malaga and the surrounding area offer a wealth of tourist attractions, even in the depths of winter. Between the museums, the numerous festivities and the nature excursions, you won’t have time to get bored! Read our article listing the best things to do in the city in winter!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
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- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
