Malaga, Spain – Your Complete Guide to Attractions, Beaches, and Local Tips
What to know before you go. This is a guide to Malaga on Spains Costa del Sol. What to see, what to do, activities, accommodation, package holidays, all the outdoor markets, music venues and festival. It’s all here.
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Discover Malaga – Essential Information and Highlights
Malaga is a vibrant and diverse city in southern Spain that offers numerous attractions and experiences for holidaymakers. Here are some reasons why Malaga can be a great destination for your holidays:
- Rich History and Culture: Malaga boasts a fascinating history that spans over 2,800 years. As the birthplace of the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, the city is home to the Picasso Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of his works. You can also explore the historic Alcazaba fortress, visit the Roman Theatre, or wander through the charming streets of the old town (Casco Antiguo) to soak up the authentic Andalusian atmosphere.
- Stunning Beaches: Malaga enjoys a privileged location along the Costa del Sol, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers. The city offers a variety of sandy beaches, including La Malagueta, Playa de la Caleta, and Playa de Pedregalejo, where you can relax, sunbathe, swim, or engage in water sports.
- Gastronomic Delights: Malaga is known for its excellent cuisine, and you'll find a wide array of dining options throughout the city. From traditional tapas bars to upscale restaurants, you can savor delicious Andalusian dishes, such as pescaíto frito (fried fish), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), and espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines). Don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of Malaga's famous sweet wine.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Malaga comes alive at night with its vibrant nightlife scene. The city offers a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues where you can dance the night away or enjoy a relaxed evening with friends. The popular areas for nightlife include Plaza de la Merced, Calle Larios, and the Soho district.
- Museums and Art: Besides the Picasso Museum, Malaga is home to several other notable museums worth visiting. The Carmen Thyssen Museum showcases a collection of 19th-century Spanish art, while the Centre Pompidou Malaga exhibits contemporary art from the renowned French museum. There are also museums dedicated to Malaga's maritime history, contemporary art, and archaeology.
- Shopping Opportunities: Malaga offers a diverse shopping scene, from high-end boutiques to local markets. The central shopping street, Calle Larios, is lined with shops offering fashion, accessories, and more. For a unique shopping experience, head to the Atarazanas Market, where you can find fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products.
- Gateway to the Costa del Sol: Malaga serves as a gateway to the beautiful Costa del Sol region. From here, you can easily explore other coastal towns and resorts, such as Marbella, Estepona, and Nerja, each offering its own charm and attractions. You can also take day trips to nearby destinations like the stunning village of Ronda or the picturesque white villages (pueblos blancos) of Andalusia.
These are just a few reasons why Malaga can be an excellent choice for your holidays. Its combination of history, culture, beaches, gastronomy, and vibrant atmosphere make it an appealing destination for a memorable vacation.
Attractions in Malaga
What to know before you go. All the best places to visit in Malaga Click / tap on the image or the icons. Hotel for the best hotels all with reviews, the red peardrop for directions only and the image or the i for more information.
Castillo Gibralfaro
The Alcazaba
Teatro Romano
Malaga's indoor Market
Muelle Uno
Malaga's Cathedral
Malaga's Street Art
Plaza Mayor
Beaches & Promenade
Muelle Dos
Parque de Malaga
Calle Marques de Larios
La Concepcion
Maria Zambrano station
Parque del Oeste
Cueva de la Tesoro
Museum of Malaga
Outdoor Market
Tourist information centre
Getting around the Costa del Sol
The day trips and attractions below are offered by Viator to open an account click here then grab a great day out or trip
The day trips and attractions below are offered by Viator to open an account click here then grab a great day out or trip
Hop on hop off bus
Malaga's hop on hop off bus is a great way of getting around the city. It stops at all of the main attractions and with a 24 hour pass means you can …..
Scooter hire by Monkey rent
The quickest way to get around Malaga is on one of these electric scooters. They are good fun and easy to handle. For more information, …..
Malaga bike rentals
Get acquainted with the historical and natural highlights of Malaga at your own pace by renting a mountain, road or electric bicycle from City Bikes …..
Malaga rickshaw tuk tuk pedicab old city tour2-Hour
Eco Tuk Tuk offers you a 60 minute trip through the city of Malaga. A contact with this city on the Costa del Sol, known for its mix of ancient history,…..
Private and Guided Tour in Malaga With Electric Car and Walking TourPrivate
How to know Malaga in a different, fun, safe and unique way with our guided tour by electric car! Driving yourself! Our local guide will accompany…..
Alternative Malaga Bike Tour
Explore Malaga’s lesser-known districts and see the sights most visitors miss on this 4-hour bike tour. Cycle off the beaten path and discover……
1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour
The Roman Theater and the medieval Alcazaba Castle are two of Málaga’s most impressive historic landmarks, and this 1.5-hour walking tour…..
Historical Centre and Cathedral of Málaga
Take a 2-hour guided tour around the historic center of Malaga. Discover the city’s rich history from your informative guide as you pass key landmarks
Visit to the Alcazaba
Witness the invincible power of the Alcazaba! Extensive views of the sea, beautiful details of Muslim architecture, relaxing fountains and gardens….
Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket
The Automotive museum in Malaga is a great experience looking at the vehicles that once drove around Spain. The museum also follows Lady's fashion…..
Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket
The museum is housed in a 16th century mansion in the centre of Malaga city. Inside is a large quantity of 18th & 19th century paintings many from the
Museo Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso was one of the 20th-century's greatest painters and his life and work are showcased at the Picasso Museum in Malaga…..
Malaga Evening Wine and Tapas Tour
Experience a night of wine and tapas in Malaga on a 3.5-hour, small-group culinary tour of the city’s gourmet highlights, from a classic shop to beloved bars.
Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour
Pleasure your palate at three of Malaga’s most tantalizing tapas restaurants on a 3-hour culinary tour of the city. Tantalize your taste buds…..
Malaga Market Tour and the Oldest winery, Taste +10 local products
Sample Málaga’s most distinctive tapas, explore the city’s historic center and take in a vibrant dance show or market on a 3-hour, cultural tour…..
Malaga Nightlife Tour - Pub Crawl
The only original Nightlife Tour - Pub Crawl in Malaga. The best way to meet other travellers and enjoy local bars and clubs. A local guide will be there with you…..
Flamenco show in Malaga
No visit to Andalucia is complete without seeing a flamenco show, an art form that’s recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
6 Tapas y 4 Wines Malaga Tour + Flamenco show ticket
Spice up your visit to Malaga during this 3-hour combination tapas tasting and Flamenco performance. Raise a glass with locals…..
Half-Day Malaga Catamaran Cruise with BBQ Lunch and Dinner
Sail the waters off Malaga and savor an evening meal at a restaurant the same night with this cruise-and-dinner experience. Cruise along Malaga’s coast ……
Fly Blue Malaga - Boat Trip
Travelers wanting to enjoy a quick trip on the water will love this one-hour catamaran tour off the coast of Malaga. Relax on board with your family or friends…..
Arabian Baths Experience at Malaga’s Hammam Al Andalus
Immerse yourself in the sublime serenity of Malaga’s heavenly Hammam Al Ándalus during a session in the opulent Arabian baths…..
Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Fuengirola
Walking around Malaga with a professional photographer taking the best shots of your holiday: simply perfect…..
Malaga city game: Operation
Get ready to explore the streets of Malaga in a totally unique way. With the help of an iPad, follow the map, solve riddles, answer questions,…..
Seville Day Trip With Cathedral Entrance Direct from Malaga
Succumb to the Andalusian charm of Seville on an enriching full-day trip from Malaga. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, stroll the picturesque banks…..
Gibraltar sight seeing & shopping trip
Enjoy the sights and shopping of Gibraltar on this full-day trip from the Costa del Sol. Travel to the famous British territory by air-conditioned coach……
Tangier, Morocco Day Trip
Uncover the alluring mystery of Morocco on an immersive full-day trip to Tangier from Costa del Sol. Cruise over the Strait of Gibraltar and enjoy incredible ocean views before…..
Hiking in Torcal de Antequera Natural Park
Hiking in Torcal de Antequera Natural Park (UNESCO site) during 3 hours in a SMALL GROUP (max. 8 people). MALAGA ACTIVA TOURS transport…
Setenil de las Bodegas & Ronda day trip
Explore the mountaintop cities of Setenil de las Bodegas and Ronda on a full-day tour from Costa del Sol. First, enjoy free time to explore Setenil…..
Markets, music & festivals
Costa del Sol markets
Most towns have an outdoor market on the Costa del Sol. click / tap below for more information on all the main markets.
Costa del Sol music
All the main venue's on the Costa del Sol for music concerts including Starlite in Marbella.
Fairs & festivals
There are over 3000 fairs & festivals on the Costa del Sol here is just a few
