Malaga
The best travel guide to Spain: all-inclusive hotels, tours, day trips and tips
Málaga city is much more than the home city of Picasso. A vibrant and modern-looking provincial capital on the Costa del Sol. It dates back to a Phoenician foundation and has been an episcopal seat since the 4C.
This Malaga city guide provides you with practical information to plan your trip to Malaga. No matter if you plan to stay in the city or expand your stay with day excursions, you will find here the best ideas and recommendations on hotels, restaurants, attractions and day trips from Málaga.
Malaga boasts 300 days of sunshine a year. Yes, you´ve read correctly: 300 days of blue skies. But the city of Malaga offers much more than “just” the sun. The city has an enviable cultural offer, made up of historical buildings of all styles you can think of, as well as superb modern art (being the homeland of Picasso may have something to do with this after all). Foodies will find delicious (and cheap) food. Couples will enjoy fantastic sunsets from the Alcazaba. Families the beach and resort-like hotels. And Malaga is only the start of a whole wealth of things to enjoy nearby. Malaga is one of the cities in Spain that offers more top attractions and activities in less than 2 hours by car. Are you ready to learn more?
3 Top Malaga Tours & activities
Night tour with wines and tapas in Malaga
Let a guide take you to authentic old city food spots popular with the locals.
Very Tasty!
The best of Malaga in 2 hours by Segway
A great option to enjoy Malaga and have fun at the same time.
Great Fun
Hop on and off bus tour of Malaga
With this bus tour in Malaga you will discover the enchanting southern port city
Very convinient
Malaga travel guide - Contents
Our Top 3 Hotels in Malaga
Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro
The Parador Hotel in the center of Málaga, next to the Gibralfaro castle and offers spectacular views of the city and the Mediterranean. The terrace on the roof has an amazing pool and solarium.
This hotel is located right next to the Parador del Golf.
Guests can sit and enjoy the inviting lounge spaces, decorated with antique furniture, tapestries, and warm Mediterranean tones.
The restaurant at the hotel offers traditional Andalusian dishes.
excellent views
Petit Palace Plaza Málaga
Petit Palace Plaza Málaga offers free WIFI and free iPads and is located on a pedestrian street, near the famous Larios street, the Carmen Tyssen museum, and in front of the cathedral of Málaga.
MIFI can be provided upon request and for a fee.
The Petit Palace Plaza Málaga is housed within a XX century palace. Several of the rooms have views of the cathedral.
Great Location
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio hotel is located in the center of the city Málaga and features a rooftop pool and a permanent collection of historical artifacts. The rooftop is our favorite thing at Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio. But we also love the remains of the roman-arabic walls which are located near the Lobby area of this luxury five hotel in Malaga
Rooftop pool
5 Top Reasons To Visit Malaga
Art and museums in Málaga
Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous people from Spain. Art is part of today´s reality in Málaga. The city is home not only to the Picasso Museum, but also to a Pompidou center, and the Carmen Thyssen Museum. The Thyssen museum in Madrid is one of Europe´s most important art galleries and Carmen Thyssen decided to create a museum in Malaga to host the private collection she initiated in the 1980s. Malaga´s art district is called Soho, and all in all, there are more than 10 art galleries in the city, something outstanding for a city of its size. Some of these are amongst Spain´s most important art galleries.
Day Excursions from Malaga
Its location makes Malaga a perfect place from where to visit many of the highlights in Andalusia: Marbella, Ronda and its famous Ronda bridge, Gibraltar, el Caminito del Rey, some of Spain´s most beautiful white villages like Mijas or Frigiliana. All these and more are among the many options offered while you stay in Malaga. One of the best day tours from Malaga is actually Morocco in Northern Africa!
Beaches and relax
Malaga is the most important city in La Costa del Sol. La Costa del Sol boasts 160 kilometers of seaside and a good number of fantastic beaches; some of which are amongst the best beaches in Southern Spain. From Marbella to Nerja and its caves there are many beaches that promise a perfect sunny day to enjoy and relax. La Malagueta is a very popular and famous in Malaga city. Since it is a city beach it tends to get crowded, but not at all times during the day. La Pedregalejo beach also in Malaga city is a bit further from the city center. In the old fishermen’s area. There are many bars and restaurants that specialize in fish next to the beach. A very good option to enjoy a beach day not traveling far from Malaga city. If you prefer to visit around, the beaches of Burriana or Maro, both in Nerja are amongst our favorite beaches in this part of Spain.
World-class Cultural Attractions
Malaga tourist attractions offer visitors a good number of options. The Gibralfaro castle and la Alcazaba fortress offer not just amazing views but a place of great beauty which combines splendor with defensive needs. Just right below the Alcazaba, we encounter the Roman theatre, which has been carefully restored in recent times. Malaga is also home to “La Manquita” or the cathedral of Malaga, which tower can be seen from nearly all parts of the old district in Malaga.
Great Nightlife
Going out is part of everybody´s life in Malaga. Locals tend to spend a large part of their days outside, and that includes night time.
Most locals would start their night out enjoying tapas to then move on to one of the areas with more night live: El Palo, La Malagueta, and Pedregalejo.
Best Time To Visit Malaga
If you decide to visit Málaga during the summer you will enjoy for sure high temperatures and a great atmosphere. August get especially interesting thanks to the Malaga Fair Festival. Our favorite months are September, October, May and June, but with such mild weather, Malaga is a destination you can enjoy all year round
Weather In malaga
Due to its proximity to the sea, temperatures even in summer are bearable in Malaga. Daily average highs in July and August are 31C (87F). From November till February daily high averages are close to 18C (64F), which makes it very pleasant to visit Malaga all year through. Sea temperature is above 20C 68F from June till October and between 16-20C (61-68) the rest of the year.
It does not rain very often in Malaga, with the highest probability of rain in November and December (100 mm and no more than 7 days of rain each month)
Malaga in 1 day - Itinerary
If you have just day 1 in Málaga you will still be able to good feel for the city, you will quickly loose the notion that Málaga is al about partying and nightlife.
Málaga features and incredible Moorish palatial complex in the center of the city, know as the Alcazaba. The Gibralfaro is the main fortress of the complex and will transport you back to a different era as you explore the ruins. Here you will aslo find and ancient Roman theater, as the moors repurposed what had been the Roman city center when they had occupied the city.
Also in the Málaga you will find the Málaga Cathedral. This 150 year old temple is one of the cities main attractions and blends Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles.
La Alcazaba de Malaga – Gribalfaro
Málaga, like all of southern Spain, during the middle ages was under Moorish rule. A relic from that time is the Alczaba fortress and the Gibralfaro castle. The fortified complex dates back to the Roman empire and features a series of spectacular gardens and fountains.
This site is the heart of Málagas historic city center. within walking distance you will also find the Roman Theater, another relic from an even older occupier of the Iberian Peninsula and the Cathedral of Málaga.
Cathedral of Malaga
One of Spain´s best examples of Reinassence architecture, Construction of the cathedral of started in 1528 and the project was completed in 1783.
The Cathedral features two towers one of which was never fully completed. If you stand in front of the temple you will see that the tower to your right seems to be missing its capitol. This tower is known as “La Manquita” or the one without. The interior is beautiful, ornate and massive. The main hall is over 300 fett long and over 160 feet tall. In the middle there are very beautiful choir stalls with 100 seats and 40 statues of saints saints, carved by Pedro de Mena (1658-60).
You will also find a gilded statue of the Virgin that was supposedly carried as a good luck charm during the re-conquering of Spain.
Roman Theater
Located right next to the Alcazaba, this roman-era-relic was built during the reign of the Emperor Augustus. The theater is built into the hillside and still maintains some of the marble furnishings.
Relax at La Malagueta
After a day of exploring we recommend you cool down at la Malagueta and enjoy the “less cultural” side of Malaga
Calle Larios
End your day with some tapas and wine in the famous street and the district nearby. Get ready for lots of fun!
Best Time To Visit Malaga
If you decide to visit Málaga during the summer you will enjoy for sure high temperatures and a great atmosphere. August get especially interesting thanks to the Malaga Fair Festival. Our favorite months are September, October, May and June, but with such mild weather, Malaga is a destination you can enjoy all year round
Weather In malaga
Due to its proximity to the sea, temperatures even in summer are bearable in Malaga. Daily average highs in July and August are 31C (87F). From November till February daily high averages are close to 18C (64F), which makes it very pleasant to visit Malaga all year through. Sea temperature is above 20C 68F from June till October and between 16-20C (61-68) the rest of the year.
It does not rain very often in Malaga, with the highest probability of rain in November and December (100 mm and no more than 7 days of rain each month)
Brief History of Malaga
The city of Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians. However, a number of findings demonstrate that the province of Malaga had been inhabited long before those days. Important prehistoric settlements have been found in different parts of the province, being the most important ones the Caves of Nerja, with paintings dated 42,000 years old.
Today Malaga is a modern-looking provincial capital on the Costa del Sol. The city dates back to a Phoenician foundation and has been an episcopal seat since the 4C. The strategic location of Malaga helped them in the trade of wine, oil and other goods. The first town set up by the Phoenicians was located near the hill where today stands the Alcazaba of Malaga.
The Phoenicians were followed by the Romans. Malaga was important in the trade of garum. Garum was a sauce made with fermented fish and salt, highly appreciated at that time. The Roman theatre of Malaga, located at the feet of the Alcazaba brings us back to that moment of history.
Málaga became culturally and economically important after its capture by the Moors in 711; they extended the town until it was retaken by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1487.
The Catholic Monarchs conquered Malaga as late as 1487 (just 12 years before Granada). Christians that lived in the valley of the Guadalquivir river moved to Malaga. Mosques were transformed into churches and the construction of the cathedral of Malaga started soon later.
Nevertheless, Arab influence continued until the final expulsion of the Islamic population by Philip III at the beginning of the 17C. Malaga witnessed then of the best moments in its history when the Arabs developed beautiful mosques and other constructions like the Alcazaba.
The city of Malaga entered a long period of certain instability that lasted between the 16th and 18th centuries. Rises of Moriscos led to their expulsion during the time of Philip III. To the social unrest, we need to add natural disasters and the developments of epidemics. Live was not simple around those days. Despite this situation, the population of the city of Malaga grew and the exports of wine and raisins played an important role in the development of Malaga.
Political unrest in 1931 and the Spanish Civil War of 1936-9 brought about the severe damage or total destruction of many historical buildings. After the end of the civil war the brand “Costa del Sol” was created and the city of Malaga and the region concentrated its efforts in becoming a top tourist destination in Spain.
Top Day Trips From Málaga
Caminito del Rey
A truly excellent day trip to take if you are in Málaga. El Caminito del Rey or the King’s Path is a famous walkway through the surrounding mountain mountain range, just outside of Málaga. The gravity deifying path connects Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls. For decades it was considered to be the most dangerous hike in the world. Between 1999 and 2000, 5 people died while trying to get across.
The walkway is just 1 meter (3 ft) wide and rises over 100 meters (330 ft) above the river below. You can see how this trek might not be for the faint of heart.
For decades the pathway lay forgotten and fell into disrepair, making it all the more dangerous and deadly. In fact, large chunks of the pathway had to be closed to the public as they were too dangerous for even expert hikers.
Finally, in 20015, the pathway was re-furbished and saftey measures where implemented, making El Caminito thrilling but completely safe.
Nerja Caves
The Nerja caves are just 50 minutes from Málaga. you can’t exactly call them a hidden gem, it is an internationally famous historical site, but it is not the first place that might come to mind when planning a day trip. The Nerja Caves, simply put, are breathtaking. They were discovered by accident by a group of 5 friends on January 12th, 1959.
The cave is divided into two main sections: known as Nerja I and Nerja II. The cave is enormous and spectacularly beautiful, featuring impressive mineral formations and crystals.
In February 2012 it was announced that possibly Neanderthal cave paintings dated in 42,000 years have been discovered in the Caves of Nerja. Organic remains associated with several paintings of seals have been dated in 42,000 years. These might well be the first known works of art in the history of humanity.
History of the Nerja Caves
the Caves of Nerja were discovered by accident by a group of 5 friends on January 12th, 1959. The friends observed bats streaming out of a hole in the ground. This entrance is known as La Mina hole and gives access to the caves’ chambers below. With some difficulty, they were able to access the main cavern and marveled at the astonishing sight.
Just south of the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park, a third entrance was created in 1960, to allow guests to access the caves with ease.
The cave is divided into two main sections: known as Nerja I and Nerja II. Nerja I is comprised of the Show Galleries which are open to the public and is relatively easy to access via a flight of stairs and concreted pathways.
Nerja II, which is not open to the public. It is formed by the Upper Gallery discovered in 1960 and the New Gallery discovered in 1969. The Upper and New Gallery are each divided into two halls.
In the Upper Hall you will find the Columns of Hercules or Columnas de Hércules and the Hall of Immensity or Sala de la Inmensidad. The New Gallery features the Hall of the Lance or Sala de la Lanza and the Hall of the Mountain or the Sala de la Montaña.
These two areas contain a wide collection of ancient cave paintings and are therefore closed to the general public. Tourist access is restricted to specialized caving “speleothem tourism”
In February 2012 it was announced that possibly Neanderthal cave paintings dated in 42,000 years have been discovered in the Caves of Nerja. Organic remains associated with several paintings of seals have been dated 42,000 years. These might well be the first known works of art in the history of humanity.
Prices
The visit to the Nerja Cave consists of: a previous audiovisual projection and an audio-guided or guided visit.
Ticket for Special visits
With this ticket, you can enter the Cave when they close to the general public. You will be able to explore all its ins and outs with a small group of privileged people and a Spanish guide, who will guide you through all its rooms.
There are 2 types:
- The secrets of the Cave. On this special excursion, you will learn all the secrets of the cave that are not known in a normal visit. The tour is given in Spanish and English.
- Night visit. You will be provided with a head torch, so you can enter the silence of the night and experience the sensations felt by its first explorers.
In Spanish and English.
Nerja Museum
The Nerja Museum is located in the Plaza de España in Nerja and it’s open 363 days a year. Closing only on January 1 and May 15.
In the museum, you will find a projection on the importance of the Nerja Cave, a journey through the history of the site. Also, you will find a multitude of prehistoric tools from prehistoric on displayed.
Museum hours
The General Visiting Hours are from 10:00 to 16:30.
The Special Hours are from 10:00 to 19:00.
Friday and Saturday.
Last access time: at 18:30 in Special Hours and at 16:00 in General Hours.
Museum price
General: € 3
Child (-6 years): € 0
Child (6-12 years): € 2
Free: every Monday, for EU citizens.
Free: February 28 (Andalusia Day), May 18 (International Museum Day) and September 27 (Tourist Day).
Discounts for retirees, unemployed and students of € 1
Cueva Tren – the cave train
The price includes a visit to the Cueva de Nerja and the Museum of Nerja.
Cave train price
€ 15 for adults.
€ 10 for children from 6 years to 12.
Free for children under 6 years old.
When can I visit the Nerja Caves?
The cave is open to the public 363 days a year, the caves only close on January 1st for the new year and the 15 for the Romería de San Isidro, patrón de los labradores.
Opening hours are between 9:30 in the morning until 16:30 in the evening.
Caves of Nerja concerts
During the summer months, the Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de las Cuevas de Nerja is held every year. the main hall is big enough to house these type of concerts and recitals and has attracted a-list acts over the years. For the time being though, unfortunately, concerts have been cancelled until the COVI-19 epidemic gets under control.
How to get to the Nerja Caves from Málaga
The best option is to get there by car. The drive takes about 50 minutes.
Where are the Nerja Caves?
Marbella
Marbella is the Costa del Sol’s most popular destination and for good reason. Marbella is gorgeous, filled with amazing beaches, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Marbella’s old quarter is chock full of little bars, quaint restaurants, and all the mom-and-pop shops you can handle.
Once you are done exploring the historical city center, you can head on over to any of Marbella’s amazing beaches. Soak up some sun and enjoy a beachside drink before the sun goes down because your day is just starting
Marbella is well known for its bubbling nightlife and nearby Puerto Banus is a required stop if you want to partake in Marbella’s night-time culture.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar has to be on this list. This small rock in the middle of the Mediterranean, sea connected to Spain is actually a British territory. It is, at the very least, interesting to experience the culture shock that it is to go from the very authentically Spanish city of Málaga to the 100% British town of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is also home to the Cuevas de San Miguel are a must-see on your visit and Calle Real is also a popular spot for people looking to do a bit of high-end shopping.
Antequera
Antequera is located north of Málaga, just 47 minutes away by car. It is a wonderful little slice of authentic, old-school andalucía.
The small town is located in the middle of a rural plain, perched on a hill. The city is home to several stunning Moorish and Spanish buildings including a pristine castle. But the town’s main attraction is even more ancient still.
The Dolmens of Antequera is a prehistoric site is also known as the Sistine Chapel of Antiquity. The dolmens are a spectacular archaeological site that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Costa Tropical
There is a very special sliver of the southern coast of Spain, known as the Costa Tropical. In this small area, a combination of factors work together to create a unique climate.
The land between Motril and Almeria actually enjoys tropical weather patterns, which make it an excellent destination if you are looking to soak up some rays and enjoy the warm Mediterranean waters. Here you will find some of the best beaches in Southern Spain like La Playa de Los Muertos and La Playa de Los Genoveses.
Here you will find a diverse range of beaches, fishing villages and rocky cliffs, the 60km. Some of the most popular sites include the quaint fishing village of La Herradura and the picturesque whitewashed town of Salobreña.
Ronda
Ronda is a little more out of the way, but definitely worth the trip. Ronda is one of the most sticking and stunningly beautiful towns in all of Andalucía.
Perched high upon a cliff, the town of Ronda is held together by a series of bridges that unite the different sections of the town. The most beautiful of these bridges is the storied Puente Nuevo.
Ronda is also home to Spain’s one of the oldest bullfighting rings, where the modern art of bullfighting was developed. Hemingway and Orson Wells were both famously enamored with the city and the passionate culture.
Other Day Trips from Málaga
Málaga is relatively close to several other important Andalusian cities, but they will demand an important time investment. Córdoba, Granada, Seville, and Cádiz are all within driving distance and are all places you should visit once in a lifetime. All of these options will take over 2 hours worth of driving.
- Córdoba: Cordoba is without question one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Spain. The cities Jewish Quarter, with its reputation as one of the largest World Heritage Sites on Earth, and the Great Mosque of Cordoba is, simply put, one of the most beautiful sites on earth.
- Seville: Seville boasts the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, the Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz, the Plaza de España, and much more. Seville is vibrant and sensual and filled with amazing bars and restaurants. It is also the birthplace of Flamenco, so you can only imagine what the local culture is like.
- Granada: Granada is magical. It is easily one of the most romantic and enchanting cities in Spain. Backdropped by the imposing Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada is most famously home to the Alhambra Palace. The Alhambra palatial complex (which includes the UNESCO-listed Generalife Gardens) is one of those places that you have to visit before you die, but it isn’t the only trick up Granada’s sleeve. The Arabic quarter, the lively district of Sacromonte, the Albaicín, are all worth visiting as well.
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