Málaga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Gibralfaro Castle featuring heritage architecture, a coastal town and a bay or harbour
The city of Málaga is situated along Spain’s southern coast, just a 30-minute-drive from Torremolinos and an hour by car from Marbella. Once famous for being the gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga is respected around the world for its fantastic art scene, cosmopolitan vibe and sophisticated shops, hotels and restaurants.

Start a tour of this lively city at the central attraction of Mount Gibralfaro, a hill rising over the town that’s also the location of the Gibralfaro Castle. After that, you can visit other historic sights such as the 16th-century cathedral and the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, before moving on to the city’s key attractions: the art galleries and museums.

There’s the Pompidou Centre, a brightly coloured glass cube housing works by famous 20th-century artists. There’s the Art & Popular Customs Museum, housed in a 17th-century inn and providing an insight into a lost way of life. And of course, there’s the Picasso Museum, which boasts over 200 works by the Málaga-born painter.

All art and history aside, Málaga is the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday. A long stretch of beach known as Playa la Malagueta runs from the harbour to the suburb of El Morlaco, offering refreshment stands, sun loungers and a friendly vibe that makes families, party animals and backpackers alike all feel right home. Its easy to see why Malaga holidays have boomed in popularity.

Venture further from the centre of Málaga and you can enjoy a football game at La Rosaleda stadium, brush up on your car knowledge at the Automobile Museum and wander through the beautiful blooms of the Botanical Garden. Day trips to neighbouring resort towns are also incredibly easy by car or train.

Head southwest to Torremolinos and savour a day of theme park fun, splashing around at Aqualand, getting up close to the wildlife at Crocodile Park and admiring the night-time illuminations at Tivoli World in neighbouring Benalmadena. For secluded natural walks, meanwhile, Montes de Málaga Natural Park, just north of the city, cannot be missed.

Spain is one of the best locations in the world for a beach holiday. If you like beach holidays in Malaga then you're sure to love ourall inclusive holidays to Malaga,cheap beach holidays to Lanzaroteor ourMarbella beach holidays. Book with Expedia and find out why for yourself.

Where to stay in Málaga

Malaga featuring a city

Málaga Centro

4.5/5(807 area reviews)

Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are a few top attractions in Málaga Centro. Hop around the city on the metro at La Marina Station or La Malagueta Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning cathedral and captivating waterfront views.

Málaga Centro
Malagueta Beach featuring signage and a sandy beach

La Malagueta

Pristine beaches, ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are just a few things travellers love about La Malagueta. Sights like Malagueta Beach and English Cemetery are top spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Málaga area at La Malagueta Station.

La Malagueta
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Malaga-Este

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the cafes and spas in Malaga-Este. You might want to make time for a stop at Malagueta Beach or Banos del Carmen Beach.

Malaga-Este
Malaga featuring outdoor art

Carretera de Cadiz

4/5(40 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Playa Sacaba Beach and take some time to enjoy the beaches during your time in Carretera de Cadiz. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at El Torcal Station or La Luz - La Paz Station.

Carretera de Cadiz
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Churriana

3.5/5(59 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Churriana. A stop by Parador Malaga Golf Club or Los Alamos might round out your trip.

Churriana
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Cruz de Humilladero

4/5(34 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Cruz de Humilladero. Spend some time visiting top spots like Trade Fair and Congress Center of Malaga, and catch the metro at Barbarela Station or Portada Alta Station to see more of the area.

Cruz de Humilladero
Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Avenida de Velazquez 294 Salida, Autovia MA-21 en direccíón Aeropuerto, Málaga, Malaga
The price is £103 per night from 27 May to 28 May
£103
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,334 reviews)
Nice place to stay
"Nice clean room. Great breakfast and close to airport and car rental. Service was great too. 24 hr coffee machine was handy."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport, an IHG Hotel
Gran hotel Miramar GL
Gran hotel Miramar GL
5 out of 5
Paseo Reding, 22, Málaga, Málaga
The price is £296 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
£296
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
"Gorgeous hotel with exceptional service. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Gran hotel Miramar GL
Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga
Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga
4 out of 5
Av. de Luis Buñuel 14, Málaga, Málaga
The price is £107 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£107
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and breakfast. Popular attractions Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are located nearby. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (69 reviews)
"The property is very clean , quiet and easy parking , especially in Malaga . I am impressed with the cafe in the lobby , the all pastry is very delicious, and open very early and closed very late . It has plenty seat to eat . Strong recommend this hotel if stay in Malaga . It is much better than ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete
4 out of 5
Calle Pozos Dulces 11, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (250 reviews)
"Close to all attractions and transportation . Great restaurants nearby. Friendly people. Safety. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!!!! View was of other property courtyards and rooftops. Not much of a view"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete
Apartamentos Nono Charming Stay
Apartamentos Nono Charming Stay
3 out of 5
ST. Casas de Campos 15, Málaga
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,232 reviews)
Fabulous
"Amazing especially the roof terrace"

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2024

Apartamentos Nono Charming Stay
El Museo Living & Experience Club Apartments
El Museo Living & Experience Club Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Calle Madre de Dios 11, Calle Alamos 37, Málaga
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (389 reviews)
"Really friendly reception staff and you couldn’t fault the accommodation. Thanks for a great time 👍"

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024

El Museo Living & Experience Club Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Málaga

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
411
" "5 - Excellent 68.5%
4 - Good
172
" "4 - Good 28.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
17
" "3 - Okay 2.8333333333333335%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Gustav
13 Mar 2020

Lovely, friendly vibrant City! Never been in Spain before but after this trip I want to be back!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

Only there for one day but would definitely go back for longer. Beaches are nice. Town is nice. Quite a lot to do.

5/5 - Excellent

Amelia
9 Mar 2020

Malaga has my heart.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Mar 2020

Great location for a warm city break during the UK winter.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Mar 2020

Very much enjoyed Malaga. Very friendly and welcoming people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Mar 2020

Great town, bars, beach, shops, restaurants, transport links, excellent value for money, friendly, weather

Cities near Málaga