Malaga is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia. No wonder. Malaga has nice warm weather all year round and the water temperature from May to September is pleasantly warm for swimming. Located on the Costa del Sol, it offers beautiful sandy beaches, great restaurants and cultural activities.
Here are our tips for the best sights and tours you shouldn’t miss in Malaga. If you want to make roadtrip in Andalusia, read our next article.
When to go to Malaga?
Malaga enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, but if you want to go swimming, the best time is between May and September.
Where to stay in Malaga
The ESTUDIO EN TORREMOLINOS CENTRO and B&B Casa Rubí are highly rated.
Weather in Malaga
Malaga has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is around 30 °C, while in winter it is around 17 °C.
Sea temperature in Malaga – when to visit Malaga when I want to swim
The ideal season for swimming in the sea in Málaga is roughly from mid-June to early October, when the water temperature regularly exceeds 20 °C. The sea is warmest in July and August, when the average temperature is just below 25 °C. On the other hand, the coldest time for swimming is in February and March, when the water temperature drops to around 17 °C.
10 tips on what to see in Malaga
Malaga is mainly known for its beaches, as most tourists come here for their summer holidays. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to explore in the area.
Alcazaba
Alcazaba is an Arab fortress located in the centre of Malaga. The building was built in 11. century and served as a royal palace. It is now open to visitors and offers beautiful views of the city.
Castillo de Gibralfaro
Castillo de Gibralfaro is an ancient castle located above Malaga. It was built in 14. century and offers breathtaking views of the city and coastline.
Malaga Cathedral
The Malaga Cathedral is one of the most famous symbols of the city. It was built in 16. century and combines various styles, including Gothic and Baroque.
Centro de Arte Contemporáneo
Centro de Arte Contemporáneo is a modern art museum located in a historic building. The museum offers exhibitions of contemporary art and is ideal for culture lovers.
Jardines de Picasso
The Jardines de Picasso are beautiful gardens that were inspired by the famous artist Pablo Picasso. Located in the centre of the city, it offers a quiet oasis in the middle of the urban bustle.
Mercado de Atarazanas
The Mercado de Atarazanas is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. This market was originally built as a medieval shipyard, but was converted into a marketplace in 1879. Here you can sample traditional Andalusian cuisine and shop for local specialities such as olives, cheese, ham, fresh fish and seafood.
La Malagueta
La Malagueta is the most famous beach in Malaga. This white sand beach is located in the centre of the town and is a popular place for sunbathing and swimming. Here you will find many restaurants and bars and you can try various water sports.
Teatro Romano – Ancient Roman Theatre
The Teatro Romano in Malaga is an ancient Roman theatre that was built during the 1st. centuries n. l. during the reign of Emperor Augustus, and is one of the oldest and best preserved Roman theatres in Spain.
Museo Picasso Málaga
This museum is – as the name suggests – dedicated to Pablo Picasso, who was born here and is one of the main attractions of the city. The exhibition contains a wide selection of the famous artist’s works, which includes his drawings, paintings and ceramics.
The most beautiful beaches near Malaga
Malaga has many beautiful beaches and popular tourist destinations nearby. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches near Malaga that you shouldn’t miss:
- Playa de la Malagueta – This beach is located right in the centre of Malaga and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. It is a sandy beach with clear water and has a wide range of services, including restaurants, bars and sales stalls.
- Playa de Burriana – This beach is located in the nearby town of Nerja, about an hour’s drive from Malaga. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa del Sol, with fine sand and blue water. It also has many restaurants, bars and shops.
- Playa de Cabopino – This beach is about 15 minutes drive from the centre of Marbella and is famous for its dunes and sandy beaches. It is an ideal place to relax and also offers many restaurants and bars.
- Playa de la Cala Mijas – This beach is located in the town of Mijas Costa, about 25 minutes drive from Malaga. It is a sandy beach with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and offers many activities, including windsurfing and water sports.
- Playa del Cristo – This beach is located in Estepona, about an hour’s drive from Malaga. It is a beautiful bay with fine sand and calm waters, ideal for families with children. It also has many restaurants and bars.
- Playa de la Cala Mijas – The beach with natural dunes near Malaga is called Artola-Cabopino and is located in the Artola Dune Nature Reserve. The dunes on this beach are considered one of the most beautiful in Andalusia and are protected as a natural monument. Visiting this beach is ideal for those who seek peace and nature away from the crowds of tourists.
Where to go on a trip from Malaga
If you have enough time, it’s definitely worth a trip from Malaga to visit some of the most beautiful places in Andalusia.
Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Andalusia and is a truly unique experience for those who want to walk along the incredibly narrow path high above the river.
The trail, located on the cliffs above the Guadalhorce River, was long abandoned and badly deteriorated, but was completely renovated and opened to tourists in 2015. A visit to the Caminito del Rey is an experience not to be missed by any visitor to Malaga.
Ronda
Ronda is a picturesque town situated on top of a cliff. The city is especially famous for its Puente Noevo Bridge, which is a must-see for every visitor. Ronda is known for its unique charm and its impressive location atop steep rocky cliffs. More information about Ronda can be found in our article.
Granada
Granada is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia and certainly one of the most beautiful. However, it is quite hot in the summer months, so we recommend that you start your trip early in the morning. Read the article about 15 places to visit in Granada.
Antequera
Antequera is another historic town in Andalusia worth visiting from Malaga. This city is famous for its megalithic dolmens and menhirs, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other places of interest include the city walls, Alcazaba Castle and the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor.
Cadiz
Cadiz is an ancient port city on the Atlantic coast, located about 2 hours drive from Malaga. The city offers beautiful beaches, narrow streets, traditional architecture and many cultural monuments, such as the Cathedral of Cadiz or the Puerta de Tierra. The city also hosts the largest carnival in Spain, which takes place in February.
Tariff
Tarifa is a small town located at the southern end of Europe, about 2 hours drive from Malaga. This town is famous for its beaches and is a paradise for surfers and kite surfers. Tarifa also offers a beautiful historic centre, where Guzman el Bueno Castle and several museums are located. The city is also an ideal starting point for a trip to the African continent, to Tangier in Morocco.
If you’re planning a trip to Malaga, don’t hesitate to visit some of these beautiful destinations located close to the city that offer unforgettable experiences.
Marbella
This popular resort is about 50 km from Málaga and offers beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and a rich nightlife.
Sierra de las Nieves
This beautiful mountain range is located about 50 km from Málaga and offers beautiful natural scenery and opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.
Nerja
This picturesque town is located about 50 km from Málaga and offers beautiful beaches, views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Cuevas de Nerja caves.
Gibraltar
Although Gibraltar is a British territory, it’s the perfect place for a trip from Malaga. It is about 130 km away and is the only place in Europe where macaque magot monkeys live naturally.
What to do in Malaga with children?
With older children, you can go to the Caminito del Rey or to one of the water parks. For example Aquatropic in Almuñécar or Aquapark Mijas on the Costa del Sol.
