Málaga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Gibralfaro Castle which includes a coastal town, a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Watch a bullfight, visit Picasso’s childhood studio and see one of the best preserved Roman ruins in Spain as you explore one of the country’s largest cities.

Málaga’s position in the far south of Spain on the Alboran Sea has made it a hybrid city. Several empires, including the Romans, the Moors and the Christians, left the city with landmarks. Sometimes, as in the Moorish-Roman Alcazaba, the traditions mixed. Admire the diverse artefacts, enjoy the varied cuisine and check out the array of cultural institutions in this ancient metropolis.

Begin with a tour of the Old Town’s meandering streets. The Málaga Amphitheatre is the oldest structure in town, dating back to the first century B.C. Visit the Renaissance Málaga Cathedral for a glimpse of more recent history. Head east and climb the stairs to the top of the hill to reach Gibralfaro Castle. Look out over the city to the northwest and the Alboran Sea to the south.

Pablo Picasso, the world-famous painter and sculpture, was born and raised in Málaga. Visit Picasso’s Birthplace and the Picasso Museum Málaga, two Old Town museums that celebrate his legacy. There are more than 30 other museums in town dedicated to art and history.

Enjoy the regional cuisine of Málaga, including gazpacho, a tomato soup served cold adobo, a wine-marinated fish and pescaíto frito, fish freshly caught from nearby waters and fried.

Visit Málaga during a festival to see the city at its most lively. The Semana Santa at Easter and the Feria de Málaga in August are some of the city’s biggest annual festivals. Catch a bullfight at the antique Plaza de Toros around the time of a festival to see the 9,000-seat stadium at full capacity.

From Málaga, explore the 160 kilometres (100 miles) of Mediterranean coastline along Andalusia’s Costa del Sol. The beach bars, water sports and wide, sandy beaches of this stretch of coast attract celebrities from around the world, so keep an eye out for movie stars in sunglasses.

Fly into Málaga International Airport from all major European cities, or take a high-speed train from Madrid or Barcelona. Once you’re in Málaga, the compact city centre is easily explored on foot.

Where to stay in Málaga

Malaga featuring a city

Málaga Centro

4.5/5(29 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 English Cemetery 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

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

Malaga-Este
Malaga featuring outdoor art

Carretera de Cadiz

3.5/5(2 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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Churriana

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
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Cruz de Humilladero

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Cruz de Humilladero. Spend some time visiting top spots like Trade Fair and Congress Center of Malaga, and catch the metro at Barbarela Station or Portada Alta Station to see more of the area.

Cruz de Humilladero
Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga
Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga
4 out of 5
Av. de Luis Buñuel 14, Málaga, Málaga
The price is NZ$200 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$200
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (71 reviews)
"The property is very clean , quiet and easy parking , especially in Malaga . I am impressed with the cafe in the lobby , the all pastry is very delicious, and open very early and closed very late . It has plenty seat to eat . Strong recommend this hotel if stay in Malaga . It is much better than ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2024

Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga
Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Avenida de Velazquez 294 Salida, Autovia MA-21 en direccíón Aeropuerto, Málaga, Malaga
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$216 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$216
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,336 reviews)
Good value for money
"Good value for money if you need a cheap night near the airport after a late flight. Easy to reach but use the free bus from the airport for drop off."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport, an IHG Hotel
Gran hotel Miramar GL
Gran hotel Miramar GL
5 out of 5
Paseo Reding, 22, Málaga, Málaga
The price is NZ$623 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$623
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Gorgeous hotel with exceptional service. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2024

Gran hotel Miramar GL
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
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete
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! (250 reviews)
"Close to all attractions and transportation . Great restaurants nearby. Friendly people. Safety. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!!!! View was of other property courtyards and rooftops. Not much of a view"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete
Apartamentos Nono Charming Stay
Apartamentos Nono Charming Stay
3 out of 5
ST. Casas de Campos 15, Málaga
Stay at this aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,232 reviews)
Fabulous
"Amazing especially the roof terrace"

Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2024

Apartamentos Nono Charming Stay
El Museo Living & Experience Club Apartments
El Museo Living & Experience Club Apartments
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! (413 reviews)
"Really friendly reception staff and you couldn’t fault the accommodation. Thanks for a great time 👍"

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2024

El Museo Living & Experience Club Apartments
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

Activities

Reviews of Málaga

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
11
" "5 - Excellent 47.82608695652174%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 30.434782608695652%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 17.391304347826086%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 4.3478260869565215%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Sep 2019

Malaga is a city worth visiting. Excellent historical monuments of various historical periods. Amazing old town and marina and surrounded by beautiful beaches and lovely villages by the coast or on the local mountains. A must visit city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Sep 2019

The old town was a very pleasant surprise.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
8 Sep 2019

Very disappointed. Was the main reason I came to Spain. Is under construction and impossible to drive. Took over 1 hour to find our hotel as you could not go down roads or go around roundabout. Such a shame.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Jul 2019

Hidden gem in Spain. Very easy city to walk. Friendly people, excellent food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Jun 2019

Exceeded our expectations!! Lovely tropical park in center of town very well maintained. Various water features also well maintained. Tourist info in convenient location. Bus and train stations also conveniently located. People were friendly.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Jun 2019

Lovely place to visit

Cities near Málaga