Málaga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A bustling pedestrian street lined with historic buildings and hanging flower baskets.
A coastal town with stone buildings, a paved walkway, and a beach.
A historic building with a dome and bell towers, surrounded by lush greenery and pedestrians.
A grand room with a piano, a large portrait, and a chandelier.
A beach with thatched umbrellas and green lounge chairs.

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.

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Where to stay in Málaga

Find the best Málaga areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Málaga
Learn more about Málaga

Málaga Centro

Port of Malaga and Malaga Roman Theatre 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.

La Malagueta

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

Pedregalejo Playa

While visiting Pedregalejo Playa, you might make a stop by sights like Playa de Pedregalejo and Las Acacias Beach.

Pedregalejo

Some popular features of Pedregalejo include its beaches and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Playa de Pedregalejo or Las Acacias Beach are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Ensanche Centro

While you're in Ensanche Centro, take in top sights like Soho and jump on the metro at La Marina Station to see more of the city.

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Malaga Centre

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Malaga Centre

1 out of 5
Avda Ingeniero Jose Maria Garnica, 6 Málaga
The price is £82 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
£82
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8/10 Very good! (292 reviews)
"A DISGRACE! Arrived from the other side of the world at 23:30 local time. As soon as we stepped in, there was an argument going between a customer and the girl at the front desk, about a "smelly" room; she left us there unattended and went up to check the smell; after a long wait came back and gave ..."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2026

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Malaga Centre
Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World

Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World

4 out of 5
Calle Granada 61 Málaga Málaga
The price is £241 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
£241
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Great hotel, best location!!!"

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2026

Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Catalonia Molina Lario

Catalonia Molina Lario

4 out of 5
Molina Lario 20-22 Málaga Malaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £174 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
£174
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Property over all was nice and convenient for our trip."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2026

Catalonia Molina Lario
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.
Be Mate Málaga Soho

Be Mate Málaga Soho

3 out of 5
ST. Casas de Campos 15 Málaga
Stay at this aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,690 reviews)
"Well located. 10-15 minute stroll to marina and city centre. Plenty of cafes and supermarket within a couple of minutes walk. Staff stored our luggage before and after stay which was great. Ample space in the one bed apartment (double bed and sofa bed in living area). Suitably equipped kitchenette. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

Be Mate Málaga Soho
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center

4 out of 5
Calle Pozos Dulces 11 Málaga Málaga
Stay at this aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (589 reviews)
"Very clean, walking distance to shops, restaurants and historical sites. Staff was very helpful when needed"

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center
Casa de la Merced Suites

Casa de la Merced Suites

3 out of 5
Granada, 82 Málaga Malaga
Stay at this aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (523 reviews)
"Lovely property right in the middle of old town."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2026

Casa de la Merced Suites
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.

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