Málaga holidays

With the energy of a university town and history dating back to the Phonecians, past and future intertwine on holidays to Málaga. Dine at traditional tapas bars or splurge at modern Michelin star restaurants. Don’t forget your hiking boots for an adrenaline rush on the El Chorro Gorge trail, which includes the Caminito del Rey suspension bridge.

Málaga holiday highlights

Teatro Romano
Teatro Romano
Burk Frey

Medieval splendour

Bubbling fountains and orange trees decorate the Moorish Alcazaba, one of the most popular attractions to see on a city break to Málaga. Admire the Roman theatre and wander up cobbled pathways to fortress walls and courtyard gardens. Time a visit to Castillo de Gibralfaro with sunset for unforgettable views from the castle’s rampants.

Days by the sea

Lazy hours on La Malagueta Beach don’t cost a thing if you’re aiming for a cheap holiday to Málaga. Roll your towels out under a palm tree and let the kids loose in the playground. Explore more of the Costa del Sol, with the golden sand beaches of Torremolinos and Benalmádena a quick train ride or drive away.

Food and wine trails

Is there anything better than tasting your way around the sights? Food tours are popular in Málaga, from market and tapas crawls in the city to vineyard visits in the countryside. If tours aren’t for you, simply follow your nose to grilled seafood in the El Palo neighbourhood and bakeries in the old town for ‘polvorones’ (almond cookies).

Málaga: Know before you go

Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

July – September

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Málaga

Weather in Málaga

March – May: Málaga is one of Europe’s sunniest cities, enjoying some 300 days of annual sunshine. Spring mornings and evenings are cool, while afternoons are comfortably warm.

June – August: Summers are hot and dry, though the coastal breezes keep the city cooler than other parts of Spain. It rarely gets uncomfortably hot, but if it does, the water is perfect for swimming.

September – November: It generally stays warm and pleasant well into October. This is a great time to get out and explore the nature parks.

December – February: Winters can be downright balmy, though if there is any rain, it will happen this season. But otherwise, expect the months to be mild with partly cloudy skies.

Events in Málaga

Málaga Film Festival (March): This is one of the best places to catch rising stars in the Spanish film industry. See a screening or two, and follow the awards ceremony to see who takes home a Golden Biznaga statuette.

Holy Week (March or April): ‘Semana Santa’ (Holy Week) is a huge deal in southern Spain. Join the party in the streets for religious processions complete with ornate floats.

Noche de San Juan (June): It’s a Spanish tradition to celebrate the summer solstice by making beach bonfires and then taking turns jumping over them. The ritual symbolises purification and rebirth.

Feria de Málaga (August): Also called the Feria de Agosto, this week-long event celebrates Andalusian culture with flamenco, sherry, fireworks and fiestas.

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The best neighbourhoods in Málaga

Centro

Wondering where to stay in Málaga to be in the heart of the action? Look no further than Centro. Stroll from your hotel into the old town’s charming alleys lined with shops and restaurants. Most paths lead to the grand Plaza de la Constitucion. And most gourmands flock to trendy Mercado de la Merced for fresh fish, cheese and cured ham.

Good for: Historical attractions, restaurants, shopping

Carretera de Cadiz

Carretera de Cadiz is the best area to stay in Málaga for refreshing dips at Sacaba and Misericordia beaches, with fish restaurants steps from the sand. It’s easy to spot the fabulously decorative La Termica building for art exhibitions and flamenco shows. Check the schedule for major concerts and sporting events at Jose Maria Martin Carpena Arena.

Good for: Major events, beaches, cultural activities

Este

Perfectly wedged between the ocean and the hills, the Este district features a range of characterful neighbourhoods. Relax within the traditional fishing village vibes of Pedregalejo and El Palo, where life’s all about kayaking or strolling along the promenade before beach bar drinks. Inland, set out on the hiking trails of Montes de Málaga Natural Park.

Good for: Beaches, water sports, hiking

Things to do in Málaga

La Calle Larios
La Calle Larios
Burk Frey

Beaches

Almost year-round sunshine, golden sands and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean make the beaches in Málaga world-class. Don’t miss Playa de la Malagueta. The central location, a promenade lined with chiringuitos (fish shacks) and a playground make this Blue-Flag-awarded beach a family favourite. For more tranquil shores and some of the region’s best seafood restaurants, head to Playa Pedregalejo.

Shopping

For shopping in Málaga, the spotlight is on Calle Larios, a pedestrian-friendly stretch lined with big-name stores. Take a leisurely stroll down Calle Nueva for designer boutiques and unique gifts. If it’s time to escape the heat of summer, visit Centro Comercial Larios Centro for two levels of air-conditioned retail therapy.

Take in the culture

The museums in Málaga have helped the capital of the Costa del Sol earn its standing as a ‘City of Culture’. The Centre Pompidou Málaga building, like a giant Rubik’s Cube, is as exciting as the art exhibitions inside. Admire sketches and sculptures along with paintings by the great master at the Picasso Museum. Vintage hats join Ferraris at the Automobile and Fashion Museum. Get a Málaga Pass so you can skip the queues at all museums.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Málaga starts with sunsets and sangria at Playa de la Malagueta’s beachfront bars. Food and drink venues around Soho’s Calle Pinzon fill up after shows at the Teatro de Soho. In Centro, sip cocktails at posh rooftop restaurants and dance till dawn in clubs surrounding Plaza de Uncibay and Plaza de la Merced. ATICO Bar & Restaurant, on the 15th floor of the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio, is where to go for views and good vibes.

Places to eat

Running straight for the tapas restaurants in Málaga? We don’t blame you. Find crunchy ‘gambas en gabardina’ (battered prawns) and ‘croquetas’ (croquettes) at venues along Calle Granada. Fine dining restaurants line the waterfront promenade at Muelle Uno, including the Michelin-starred favourite Jose Carlos Garcia. Combine views of Málaga Cathedral with modernised tapas at El Refectorium Catedral.

Free things to do

If you’re visiting on Sunday, you’ll find some awesome free things to do in Málaga. Many museums, including Alcazaba fortress, offer free entry for the last few hours of opening. Otherwise, discover fountains and sculptures in Paseo del Parque or wander along the seafront promenade, El Palmeras de las Sorpresas. Málaga’s public beaches are always free for everyone to enjoy.

Plan your holiday to Málaga

Budget

Between the beach and admission-free attractions like the Roman Theater, it’s easy to have a cheap trip to Málaga. Diners on a budget can find an inexpensive meal for around 12 euros (€). Feeling thirsty? Your morning cappuccino or an afternoon beer will only cost around €3. Short taxi rides start at about €5.

Day trips from Málaga

Perched on dramatic cliffs above the El Tajo gorge, the beautiful city of Ronda is just 90 minutes from Málaga. Nearby Setenil de las Bodegas is Instagram famous for being built around (and underneath) giant boulders. A short bus ride up the coast gets you to Nerja, with its pretty beaches and underground caverns.

Getting around Málaga

Walking is the best way to explore the city on your holiday to Málaga, especially if you stay in Centro. Visit a tourist information centre to get leaflets with guided routes. Travel between suburbs on the Málaga Metro from Maria Zambrano station, where you’ll also find trains and buses for day trips and to the airport. Rechargeable travel cards are available. You won’t miss a thing on City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off buses, and it’s easy to hail taxis.

FAQs about Málaga holidays

Spanish (Andalusian dialect) is what you'll hear the most while you're here. Brush up on some local words and phrases during your city break in Málaga and you'll blend right in.
July is the hottest month in Málaga, with temperatures hitting highs of 34ºC (93ºF).
Málaga is a fantastic quick city break or long weekend destination with many top attractions packed into Centro. To make the most of day trips to Costa del Sol beaches and inland hiking trails, aim for a week or more and hire a car for flexibility.
Málaga is generally regarded as a safe city even at night, with well-lit streets bustling with locals and tourists in Centro and beach neighbourhoods. Take normal precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowds.
The good news for your wallet is that Málaga can be as cheap as you want it to be. Hostels and budget hotels are available in Centro, where you’ll be able to stroll to attractions. As long as you’re not near a tourist attraction, you’ll find cheap eats throughout most areas.
The euro (EUR) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, keeping a little cash handy during your trip to Málaga will be helpful.
January brings the coolest conditions for a Málaga holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of 7ºC (45ºF).
The rainiest month is March, which has an average rainfall of 8 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Málaga trip — there's still loads to do indoors like shopping, wandering through museums, or hanging out in cosy cafes.
Museo Picasso Malaga and La Calle Larios are just the beginning of what this city has in store. Check out the list of things to do in Málaga and discover why it's the ideal getaway.
May is when airfares are at their most affordable, so start searching for Málaga flights and hotels then. Use the cash you save to treat yourself to a more luxurious hotel experience or extend your trip by one or more nights.

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