As the snow and negative temperatures start to creep in across Canada, Canadians are seeking warm-weather destinations, with Málaga, Spain, being a popular choice in December. Information provided to Yahoo Canada by Skyscanner revealed a 61 per cent month-over-month increase in December flight bookings to the Spanish city from Canadian airports.
As Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert, shared, Málaga is becoming a “standout destination.” Set along the southern coast of Spain, the city has mild temperatures and blue skies throughout all winter months, exactly what travellers from Canada are looking for.
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Why is Málaga such a popular destination for Canadian travellers?
According to Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends, 53 per cent of Canadians identified culture as the most important factor in choosing a travel destination, with Málaga being a great choice for those travellers.
The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Málaga boasts more than thirty museums, including the Picasso Museum, as well as numerous contemporary art exhibits.
Walk through the city’s historic streets and Málaga’s art district, Soho neighbourhood, and take in the murals and street art.
Lindsay also highlighted that Málaga’s culinary scene is “shaping the city’s rise,” from markets, tapas bars, and seafood restaurants, to beach bars (chiringuitos) and Michelin-recognized restaurants.
Málaga aerial cityscape (Getty Images)
How much does it cost to go to Málaga in December from Canadian cities?
Using Skyscanner search data, round-trip flights from Toronto to Málaga in December can currently be found for as low as $717.
Flights from Vancouver to Málaga currently start at $762, or $727 from Montreal.
Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights.
A view of bars and cafes in the Plaza de la Merced, Málaga, Spain (Getty Images)
3 expert tips on what to do in Málaga
No matter your level of love for art, the Picasso Museum and the surrounding galleries certainly deserve a stop when you head to Málaga.
“Málaga takes art seriously,” Lindsay advised. “The museum offers a deep look at his early work and personal story, all set within a restored Andalusian palace.”
“Pair your visit with a walk through the Soho district, where murals, galleries and creative spaces bring a modern edge to the city’s historic core.”
For the foodies, Atarazanas Market is a must, and a great way to try a variety of local cuisine.
“This lively market is the heart of local food culture. You’ll find fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and stalls serving up quick bites made from market ingredients,” Lindsay highlighted. “Go in the morning to catch the action as locals shop and vendors call out the day’s best catch.”
When golden hour arrives, travellers are going to want to head to the Málaga Coastal Path.
“Málaga Coastal Path is one of the most scenic coastal paths in southern Spain, connecting beaches and fishing villages along the Costa del Sol,” Lindsay recommended. “Rent a bike or take a slow stroll from Playa de la Malagueta to the port. It’s the best way to feel the rhythm of the city.”
Hotel Molina Lario
Where to stay in Málaga
Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio is situated in Málaga’s historic center and features a rooftop plunge pool. The rooms and suites have contemporary design elements, and the hotel’s concierge can provide guidance on local experiences and day trips.
The Only YOU Hotel Málaga is also in the city centre, featuring design elements that combine Art Deco style with a Mediterranean touch. On the rooftop, there is an infinity pool and a lounge area.
Hotel Molina Lario boasts views of the Málaga Cathedral, La Manquita. There’s a terrace with panoramic views of the port and the cathedral, as well as bright and elegant rooms, many of which feature a double balcony.
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Skyscanner’s Saved Feature: Save those deals to look at later
Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation.
Take advantage of the “Saved” feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later.
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Step 1: Find your flights and hotel.
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Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you’re logged into your Skyscanner account.
Tips for finding the cheapest flights
If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.
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Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.
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Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you’re hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.
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Consider “Everywhere”: If you’re hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the “Everywhere” search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.
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Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.