Malaga City

Malaga city has so much to offer © Michelle Chaplow
Malaga city has so much to offer

Overview of Malaga City

It is easy to understand why Malaga City is capital of the Costa del Sol. Once considered the poor cousin of Andalusia’s capital city, Seville, it now competes successfully for attention, thanks to its profusion of quirky museums, delightful pedestrianised centre, innovative restaurants and stylish hotels, many featuring trendy rooftop terraces with bar, pool and stunning views. Muelle Uno is a contemporary leisure complex in the port - the arty district called SOHO is brings a bohemian edge to the city.

The opening of the Picasso Museum in 2003 triggered the city's cultural rebirth, and visitors are now flocking to this port city which boasts excellent transport, top-class cuisine and fascinating monuments, from Moorish and Roman times through to modern day - while retaining its authentic Andalucian feel. Whether you are visiting from a cruise, a weekend break or as curious Costa del Sol visitors, you will be pleasantly surprised by this intriguing city.

The choice of hotels in Malaga city is vast and varied. Over recent years, this vibrant Andalusian city has undergone much hotel renovation and restoration. Many old buildings have been brought… More →

Andalucia is justifiably famous for its excellent gastronomic scene. Using first-class ingredients grown throughout the region's lands and caught along its extensive coastline, cutting-edge dishes… More →

With quick and easy access from Malaga Airport, situated just outside the city, and a busy commercial port, it's no wonder that Malaga is a popular destinations for tourists and travelers alike.… More →

Málaga's Holy Week celebrations were declared to be of interest to International Tourism in 1965 and they have also obtained the regional stamp of approval "Fiesta of National Interest". Thousands… More →

Find cosy and spacious modern apartments in the centre of Malaga City to share with family and friends. Make yourself at home in the largest City on the Costa del Sol and the second largest in… More →

Málaga Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Spain with over 15 million passenger movements in 2016. Malaga Airport offers full range of passenger services. The airport essentially operates… More →

Here is a guide to the traditional festival that take place in Malaga city each year. We also link to a monthly What's On! guide for Malaga city.

Renowned for its tapas bars, Malaga offers visitors some of the tastiest tapas in Spain, and favourites such as boquerones, tortilla, jamon Serrano and fresh oysters can all be found in and around… More →

Malaga María Zambrano train Station opened in 2007 as a Vialia sponsored station on the site of the original 1863 station. It is situated on Explanada de la Estación in the South West of the City… More →

3.000 years ago the Phoenicians landed in Málaga, they called it MALACA (probably from the word malac - to salt) and they used the harbour as an important centre for salting fish. They built the… More →

See and do

The Soho art district of Malaga is a buzzing creative area of alternative culture located next to the Guadalmedina river, which has sprung up largely thanks to, and inspired by, the CAC (Centro de… More →

Private tours and excursions from Malaga City to location inland Malaga and Costa del Sol and the historical cities of Granada (for the Alhambra palace), Cordoba and Sevilla

See a selection of excellent excursions from Malaga city, perfect opportunities to see the biggest and best attractions in Andalucia without the hassle of having to organise it yourself.

The Playa-Balneario Nuestra Señora del Carmen, popularly known as Baños del Carmen, is located on a stretch of seafront east of Malaga city, near the old fishermen's area of El Pedregalejo.

The city has a wealth of art galleries which include Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, Fundación Picasso, Pompidou Centre, Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, and more.

Just outside Malaga, "La Concepción Jardín Botánico-Historico de Málaga." is a magnificent botanical garden. There are regular guided tours of the gardens which pass through exotic trees and… More →

Málaga's Holy Week celebrations were declared to be of interest to International Tourism in 1965 and they have also obtained the regional stamp of approval "Fiesta of National Interest". Thousands… More →

The annual Malaga city fair in August is an exuberant week-long street party with plenty of flamenco and 'fino' (sherry). The fair commemorates the re-conquest of the city by Isabella and… More →

Some companies offer luxury yacht and boat hire, a luxury sailing concierge, who can arrange almost everything from sunset cruises with fine dining to trips to Morocco and Portugal. All in all it'… More →

The Málaga Airport Museum is worth a visit whether you love airplanes, airports, local history or simply getting a glimpse inside a project 100% made-in-Málaga by a group of passionate, "Friends… More →

With modern shops, restaurants and bars bordering one side of the central orange tree-lined promenade and exclusive yachts flanking the other, Muelle Uno is not your average shopping complex. The… More →

The port of Málaga is in international seaport, and a popular fishing port. It is the oldest one of this kind operating in Spain. The port is in a natural bay, well protected by the shape of… More →

El Teatro Romano is the oldest monument in Málaga City; it is situated in the cultural heart of Málaga city, at the foot of the famous Alcazaba fortress.

Fish, meat, cheese, and fruit and vegetables: all fantastically fresh and at the best prices. If you enter the market with you eyes at street level, they will certainly raise to gaze in marvel at… More →

Information about the city of Malaga in Andalucia, southern Spain. Cinemas and Multicines in the city of Malaga.

La Alcazaba is Malaga's most important landmark, and overlooks the city from a hilltop inland. It is one of two Moorish fortresses in the city, the other being the Castillo de Gibralfaro, situated… More →

The seductive climes of Málaga in the southernmost part of Spain guarantees fun and frolics. With an emerging food scene and overlooked cultural gems, this elegant and surprising city has… More →

Malaga City has much to offer a tourist, not only is it the cosmopolitan capital of the Costa del Sol it also has kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches. The beaches are all situated along the… More →

Shopping in Málaga is a fascinating mix of the old and the new. Years ago shopping for the malagueños was a fairly parochial, low-key affair but economic booms and the increase in tourism, has… More →

Boasting some of the best restaurants in Spain, Malaga attracts diners from all over the Costa del Sol.  Whether it is tapas bars, fine dining restaurants, fast food or excellent fresh fish you… More →

Main sights in Malaga city centre include the cathedral and several churches, each with its own distinctive style. Malaga is  now a city of over 30  museums headlined by the Picasso Museum and  … More →

Whether you like wine, archaeology or cars; you’re interested in glass, contemporary art or 19th century painting, you’re sure to find at least one museum which will interest you in the city. Most… More →

When William Mark arrived in Malaga in 1816 to take up his post as British Consul, he was astonished and horrified to learn that in Spain burial in consecrated ground was reserved exclusively for… More →

El Teatro Cervantes is situated right in the centre of the city, near Plaza de la Merced and easy walking distance to other historic monuments such as the Roman Theatre, the Cathedral and the… More →

The English Cemetery lies on a hillside very near the historic centre of Malaga. More than 1000 people are buried within its 8,000 square metres; the majority, including its founder, are British… More →

Malaga's city park which runs alongside the "Paseo del Parque", was created at the end of the 19th century making use of land reclaimed from the sea. The park contains beautiful tropical flowering… More →

Here is a selection of 'shore based' excursions ideal for for cruise passengers to Malaga. The tours in Malaga and excursions are also suitable for tourists staying in the city of Malaga.

Golf courses in Malaga are challenging yet fun for even the least experienced of golfers. Play at one or all of the three Malaga Golf clubs during the day and experience the Malaga city… More →

See below a selection of excellent group and private excursions from Malaga city. Perfect opportunities to see the major attractions in Andalucia without the hassle of having to organise it… More →

travel

Málaga Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Spain with over 15 million passenger movements in 2016. Malaga Airport offers full range of passenger services. The airport essentially operates… More →

There is one main bus stations in Malaga serving all long distant routes, and also smaller one called Muelle de Heredia serving the city and local towns

Malaga María Zambrano train Station opened in 2007 as a Vialia sponsored station on the site of the original 1863 station. It is situated on Explanada de la Estación in the South West of the City… More →

As with any large city, transport options around Malaga are abundant. On this page you will find our transport information about the city, with links to dedicated pages, and information on the… More →

As with any large city, transport in and out of the city is plentiful. On this page you will find links to our transport information pages specific to Malaga.

More →

More about Malaga

There are a number of privately operated health clinics in Málaga for patients to go without referal as an alternative to the state health service.

Skatepark Málaga "Rubén Alcántara" is a specially designed sports centre for skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes and rollerskates situated on Camino Cuarto S/N in the North Park area, just a short… More →

Sports is Big Business in Spain, as we are all frequently reminded with a quick look at the news; it´s not just the likes of Nadal, and Casillas that like to keep in shape. Along with Football and… More →

Tourist Offices in Malaga City are Municipal Central, Centro de Recepción de Visitantes Ben Gabirol, Alcazaba, Malaga Airport, Terminal Portuaria, Pasaje de Chinitas.

Although its history dates back centuries, since the 1950s Malaga has been best-known as the gateway to the Costa de Sol. Many of the 16 million holidaymakers who arrive at the airport annually… More →

Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga still known locally by its former name; Carlos Haya Hospital. It consists of four hospitals and one specialist clinic.

Málaga University is the Institute of Higher Education in Málaga. It is a relatively modern university set on two campuses. It is one of the most popular Universities in Spain, and especially… More →

Lost your passport? You need to speak to your consulate in Andalucia. Malaga has many Consulate offices for the Costa de Sol and the South of Spain, the majority are in Malaga City or Fuengirola… More →

Sunland International School opened in September 2001 on a spacious countryside campus close to Cartama Estacion, near Málaga University and the Scientific and… More →

MUSEUMS

Malaga has more museums than any other city in Andalucia; over 30 at last count - and new ones are opening all the time. The latest is the long awaited Malaga Museum for those interested in archaeology and Fine Arts.  Learn about the city through its wine, at the Wine Museum; its social history and customs, from the collection of 19th-century paintings at the Carmen Thyssen museum; and its famous local personalities, such as the painter Felix Revello del Toro. For more art and design delights, you can visit museums of contemporary art, archaeology or glass; while fashion is covered, together with cars, a clever gender-balancing combination. 

 

Climate

Sea breezes from the Mediterranean coastline regulate the summer heat to a more comfortable level than inland Andalusian towns, while the Malaga Mountains form the perfect barrier to protect the city from colder weather in winter. However, it is still hot in July and August (30C), though mild (minimum of around 13°C) between December and February. Some much-needed rainfall is to be expected in the cooler months, but it usually does not usually last for long.

Beaches

Thanks to the year-round magnificent weather you can nearly always go to the beach in Malaga. From family-friendly beaches such as 'El Palo' to manmade beaches such as 'La Malagueta', there are sandy stretches for everyone on Malaga's coast.

Monuments

In addition to homage to the great Picasso, other great historic monuments include the imposing Baroque Cathedral, popularly known as 'La Manquita' (One Armed Woman), and the newly restored Roman theatre. High on the hill above the city is the Parador (state-run hotel), which is situated in the Gibralfaro Castle. This is a wonderful place to either stay the night or have a long lunch in these fascinating surroundings, with panoramic views over Malaga city and out across the port to sea.

Malaga´s Baroque Cathedral and contemporary port development. © Sophie Carefull

The Baroque Cathedral and contemporary port development.

Although there has been a certain amount of destruction here over the centuries, especially during the Spanish Civil War, there is still plenty of evidence of the Moorish occupation. Today you can visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, dating back to 1065, which also now features a very interesting archaeological museum, as well as the Castillo de Gibralfaro, another Moorish castle. Read the History of Málaga. There are also many churches of great architectural and historic interest in and around the centre, which are well worth visiting.

Shopping

The city is not only the perfect place to explore many historical monuments, atmospheric little streets and squares with delightful café culture, but it is also an excellent shopping centre. The main street to head for runs perpendicular to the stunning tree lined avenue, the Alameda, and starts at the Plaza Marina, near the port. Calle Marqués de Larios (often simply referred to as 'Larios') was pedestrianised with marble in 2002 and spearheaded improvements to the city centre. The result is a bustling, pedestrianised chic area with many boutiques, designer shops and classy cafes, all surrounded by beautifully restored buildings. More>

FESTIVITIES

Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Malaga, such as the International Jazz Festival (at the beginning of November) and Film Festival (held early in March). The main venue for these and other such events, as well as excellent theatre and music, is the beautiful Teatro Cervantes (Cervantes Theatre). See Malaga Festivals.

Eating and Drinking in Malaga

You'll find no shortage of places to eat and drink, from top-notch, Michelin-starred restaurants to the most humble tapas bar, and everything in between. Calle Larios is a good starting point. If you find yourself in a chiringuito (beach bar) in the El Palos district a few km east of the centre, then the traditional espeto (skewer) of sardines cooked outside over hot coals is not only delicious, but also an integral part of the healthy Mediterranean diet. Many other delicious fresh fish dishes are available on most menus and generally at very reasonable prices. 

The area around Plaza de la Merced is great for restaurants. © Sophie Carefull
The area around Plaza de la Merced is great for restaurants.

Nightlife

The fabulous Malaga nightlife evolved from once being a thriving port to now being one of the most stylish and beautiful cities in Spain. Anything from piano bars, fun clubs or cocktail bars can be found here in the nightlife section. More >

Sightseeing

A great way to get an overall impression of the area is to hop on and off the Malaga Tour Bus. The whole tour takes under one and a half hours and is well worth the price of 15 euros per adult. The Tour Bus ticket also includes a free voucher for bus transport to the beautiful botanical gardens on the outskirts of Malaga, Jardines de la Concepcion, on the main road to Antequera. The city also has many beautifully-kept gardens worth seeing.

Getting Around

Here you have plenty of options for getting around the city, such as the bus service which also offers both local and national services. Alternatively, you can hire a car, which offers more flexibility than public transport, though at a higher cost.

You don´t have to travel far from Malaga city to encounter a bit of rural tranquility. A mere 2km north of the centre are the immense pine forests of the Montes de Malaga Natural Park.

 

Hover the cursor over Malaga to see a bigger map and click to go to the maps page.