Málaga, Spain, Travel Guide

Málaga, Spain, is a sun-seeker’s paradise. Located on the country’s southern coast, the city is the sunniest place in Europe, getting more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. But despite its position on the aptly named Costa del Sol, or the “sun coast,” Málaga has a lot more going for it than ideal beach weather. It’s also a cultural epicenter and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. 

“Málaga is a fantastic destination because it has a Mediterranean climate. Its winters are mild, and the summers are nice and warm,” Kristin Espinar, founder of Must See Spain, shared. “It has a sometimes-overlooked history rich in Roman and Moorish influence[s].” And, as with the rest of Spain, Espinar added, “Málaga has fantastic cuisine—especially fresh local seafood and tapas. Don’t miss local chiringuitos, which are seaside seafood restaurants that locals flock to.” 

Ready to explore this fantastic city? Here’s what you need to know about visiting Málaga, Spain. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Gran Hotel Miramar

Spend a few days in the lap of luxury with a stay at the Gran Hotel Miramar. The historic palace has been turned into a five-star hotel that looks out onto the Mediterranean. Each of its rooms is decked out with plush furnishings in a soothing natural palette, making the panoramic views the star of the show. The hotel’s spa is equally alluring, with an inviting hydrotherapy circuit featuring hot pools, saunas, and revitalizing showers.

Finca Cortesin

Guests staying at Finca Cortesin fall hard for its lush courtyard setting, colorful rooms, and gorgeous sea views—not to mention its fantastic Cabell B. Robinson–designed golf course. Here, guests can play a full 18 and then unwind in one of the spa’s 10 treatment rooms, where the menu offers Thai massage among other styles.

Palacio Solecio

For regal accommodations, book at Palacio Solecio, an 18th-century palace-turned-hotel. It’s as glamorous as you might imagine, with four-poster beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and doors that open to spacious patios, and deep soaking tubs in the bathrooms. The hotel’s central location makes for easy access to some of the city’s most sought-after sites, including Santiago Church, just a few feet away. 

Best Things to Do

Picasso Museum

Explore Pablo Picasso’s artistic genius at the Picasso Museum inside the Buenavista Palace. Here, guests can see the evolution of Picasso’s work through 144 pieces on rotation and also check out changing exhibitions that highlight works by other modern and contemporary artists.

Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle

Surround yourself with Málaga’s history during a visit to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. The former is a Moorish fortress that was used for defensive as well as residential purposes as a home for the Muslim rulers, while the latter castle was solely used for military defense of the city. “Must-see attractions really come down to the preferences of the visitors, but the Alcazaba—and nearby Gibralfaro Castle and Roman Theatre—are some of the most highly visited attractions for good reason,” shared Jess Rodley, the bookings director at Andorra Escapes, who also travels to Málaga for her summer vacations. “Filled with history, these sites are exceptionally well-preserved.”

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Sample some of Málaga’s best flavors with a visit to the Mercado Central de Atarazanas. The market, now located inside a 19th-century building, dates back to the 14th century. Here, travelers can mix with locals over the cured meats, cheeses, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Carmen Thyssen Museum

Málaga is absolutely spoiled for culture, so make sure to visit at least two museums. Once you hit the Picasso Museum, make your way to the Carmen Thyssen Museum, housed in a restored 16th-century palace. Here, guests can gaze upon 19th-century Spanish paintings, with a special focus on Andalusian art.

La Malagueta Beach

After admiring gorgeous art, take in the beautiful sea views at La Malagueta Beach. The beach is just a 15-minute walk from the city center, making it easy to stop by or spend an entire day. There are also plenty of beachside bars and restaurants to enjoy while you’re there.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Centro Histórico

Centro Histórico is the heart of the city. Here, travelers can weave their way through the bustling, narrow streets, check out the historic plazas, and shop in local stores. It’s also where you’ll find the Málaga Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the Carmen Thyssen Museum—all within a few blocks. 

La Malagueta

Make your way to La Malagueta, the city’s beachside neighborhood, for a little surf and sand with a splash of culture. While here, visit the Pompidou Centre for a colorful afternoon filled with modern art.

La Victoria

Get a local perspective with a visit to La Victoria, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Located just north of the Centro Histórico at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, this area is well-known for its beauty, traditional homes, local tapas bars, and street art. 

Best Time to Visit

If you can bear the heat, summer is an excellent time to visit and take part in festivals like the Málaga Fair in August, a week-long party that honors all the best parts of Andalusian culture. If you prefer slightly cooler temperatures, plan a trip for spring or fall. “The shoulder seasons are a great time to visit Málaga,” Espinar said. “I recommend traveling in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The temperatures will be mild, you’ll find smaller crowds, and you’ll have more energy for exploring the city and sights.”

Rodley agreed, advocating for a trip in April, May, and late September. “Visiting during the springtime, you can catch the gorgeous blossoms and flowering jacarandas of the parks and gardens while enjoying the moderate temperatures and fewer crowds when exploring the city and surrounding areas,” she explained. “Align your trip with Easter and you’ll be able to experience the color, culture, and festivities of Holy Week parades. A visit in September is perfect for wine tours and sightseeing with fewer tourists. At this time of year, it may still be warm enough to enjoy the beach without having to contend for a space on the sand.”

And, as Espinar added, “If you choose to go in the winter (December to February), you’ll find the benefits of having milder and warmer weather than the rest of Spain. There will be fewer tourists and you’ll enjoy the city. Málaga also has stunning Christmas light displays, which make it a great December destination.” 

How to Get There

To visit this sunny destination, you can fly into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, one of the largest airports in Spain. Less than 10 miles from the city’s historic center, the airport offers plenty of direct flights to cities around Europe and connections to cities around the world via airlines like Air France, easyJet, and Emirates.

Travelers can also get to Málaga by taking the train to the María Zambrano station; it’s a three-hour trip from Madrid. If you decide to drive, know that Malaga is about five hours from Madrid and two hours from Seville.

Getting Around 

Renting a car is a great option for those who want to get out and explore beyond the city’s bounds and see more of the Costa del Sol. Car rentals are available at the airport and numerous locations in the city with major operators like Avis, Budget, and Dollar Car Rental. 

Málaga also has a robust public transit system that guests can take advantage of during their stay, including both buses and a metro line, which covers most of the city. Travelers can get a single ticket or travel passes, which are easy to recharge online. There are plenty of taxis and Ubers available throughout Málaga, too.