Malaga is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia. And it’s no wonder. Malaga enjoys pleasant warm weather all year round, and the water temperature from May to September is comfortably warm for swimming. It is located on the Costa del Sol and offers beautiful sandy beaches, great restaurants, as well as cultural activities.
Let’s take a look together at what to see and do in Malaga. In the following sections, you’ll find our tips for the best sights and excursions you shouldn’t miss in Malaga. If you want to make roadtrip in Andalusia, read our next article.
Malaga Weather: when to Visit Malaga?
Malaga has pleasant temperatures all year round, but if you want to swim, the most suitable period is from May to September.
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 hovers around 17 °C.
Malaga Accommodation: where to Stay in Malaga
The ESTUDIO EN TORREMOLINOS CENTRO and B&B Casa Rubí are highly rated.
How to get from the Airport to Malaga City Center
Upon arrival at Malaga Airport, you have several convenient options to get to the city center.
The fastest and most convenient option is the train, which runs directly from the terminal and takes just 12 minutes to get you to Malaga’s main station (Estación de Málaga-Centro-Alameda). If you prefer the bus, you can use the A Express line, which connects the airport with the city center and offers a regular service. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
For those seeking more comfort, there’s the option of taxis, which will get you from the airport to the center in approximately 20 minutes, with the price depending on your specific destination in the city. You can also consider car rental if you plan to travel around the wider Malaga area (we recommend RentalCars, we have great experience with them).
Malaga Vacation: how many Days to Spend in Malaga
The length of your stay in Malaga depends on your interests, but generally:
- 1–2 days – Ideal for a quick visit to the main sights. You’ll have time for the Alcazaba, the cathedral, the port, and a walk through the historic center.
- 3–4 days – Enough time to explore local culture, visit museums (Picasso, Carmen Thyssen), and take excursions to the surrounding areas, such as the white villages or Gibralfaro.
- 5 or more days – If you want to truly experience Malaga, enjoy the local beaches, take trips to Ronda or Granada, and soak in the city’s atmosphere without rushing, we recommend at least a week.
Malaga Sea: Sea Temperature in Malaga – when to Visit Malaga if You Want to Swim
The ideal period for swimming in the sea in Malaga is approximately from mid-June to early October, when the water temperature regularly exceeds 20 °C. The sea is warmest in July and August, with an average temperature just under 25 °C. On the other hand, the coldest period for swimming is in February and March, when the water temperature drops to about 17 °C.
11 Tips for 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. We’ve compiled 11 tips for what to visit in Malaga.
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.
AC Malaga Rooftop Bar
If you’re looking for a beautiful view of the city center, the cathedral, the port, and the coastal promenade, head to the top of the AC Malaga Palacio hotel, located at Calle Cortina del Muelle 1. On the rooftop terrace, you’ll find a restaurant, a bar with a pool, and panoramic views of the entire surroundings. You can enjoy a drink here with a beautiful view.
Malaga Beaches: 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.
Malaga Day Trips: 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
Caminito del Rey, the world’s most dangerous path, the path of death, is one of Andalusia’s most famous tourist attractions and a truly unique experience for those who want to walk along an incredibly narrow path high above the river.
The path, located on the cliffs above the Guadalhorce River, was long abandoned and significantly dilapidated, but it was completely renovated and opened to tourists in 2015. You can buy tickets through GetYourGuide. How to get there and other practical information can be found in our article.
Ronda
Ronda is a picturesque town located on a cliff top. The town is mainly known for its Puente Nuevo bridge, where every visitor must take a photo. Ronda is known for its unique charm and 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 can be quite hot there in the summer months, so we recommend going on a 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.
Malaga with Kids
With older children, you can go to Caminito del Rey (8+ years) or visit one of the water parks. For example, Aquatropic in Almuñécar or Mijas Water Park on the Costa del Sol.
Malaga: Map with Points of Interest for your Phone
Save a map of the best places in Malaga directly to your phone. After purchase, you will receive a link to a non-public Google Map, which you can save by clicking ”Follow/Follow”. This will copy it to your Google account and display it on all devices where you use Google Maps.
What to Do in Malaga when it Rains
Although Malaga is known for its sunny weather, you might be surprised by rain. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to enjoy the day even without sunshine.
1. Visit Museums
Malaga is a cultural city with many museums. We recommend:
- Picasso Museum – Pablo Picasso’s hometown offers a fascinating insight into his work.
- Carmen Thyssen Museum – A collection of Spanish art with an emphasis on Andalusian motifs.
- Centre Pompidou – Modern art in a colorful and interactive form.
- Automobile and Fashion Museum – For lovers of classic cars and elegance.
2. Explore the Historic City Center Indoors
Stop by one of the traditional cafes, taste local churros with chocolate, or try tapas at Mercado de Atarazanas.
3. Relax at the Hammam Al Ándalus Arabic Baths
A perfect way to wait out the rain while relaxing in warm water and enjoying massages.
4. Discover Local Gastronomy
Cooking classes or wine tastings at one of the local wineries can be a great way to get to know Andalusian cuisine.
5. Go Shopping at Shopping Malls
If you feel like shopping, head to Larios Centro shopping center or Muelle Uno in the port.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Malaga?
The best time to visit Malaga is in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is pleasant. Summer can be very hot, with temperatures exceeding 30 °C.
How do I get from the airport to the city center?
From Malaga Airport (Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa del Sol), you can get to the city center in 15–20 minutes by taxi or bus. You can also take the train, which is direct and convenient.
Is Malaga suitable for families with children?
Yes, Malaga is ideal for families. It offers many attractions for children, such as the local aquarium, botanical garden, and beaches. Children can also enjoy local parks and playgrounds.
What are the best beaches in Malaga?
The best beaches in Malaga include Playa de la Malagueta, Playa del Palo, and Playa de la Caleta. These beaches are easily accessible and offer all necessary services.
Is Malaga safe for tourists?
Malaga is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as in any tourist city, it is recommended to be careful with your personal belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
