Málaga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Málaga
Málaga
Málaga
Málaga
Málaga

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

Málaga Centro

Málaga Centro

4.5/5(812 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
Cityscape of Malaga city. Bull Ring, Plaza la Malagueta, Andalusia, Spain

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 Muelle Uno are top spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Málaga area at La Malagueta Station.

La Malagueta
Baños del Carmen, Málaga

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 Playa de Pedregalejo.

Malaga-Este
Carretera de Cadiz

Carretera de Cadiz

4/5(40 area reviews)

Consider a visit to La Misericordia 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
Churriana

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 Malaga Airport Museum or Parador Malaga Golf Club might round out your trip.

Churriana
El Puerto

El Puerto

Bars, waterfront views and beaches highlight some of the noteworthy features of El Puerto. Make a stop by Malagueta Beach or Port of Malaga while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

El Puerto
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 £85 per night from 4 May to 5 May
£85
per night
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this guesthouse in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (135 reviews)
Helpful staff. Room clean and tidy. Location not to far from places to visit

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Malaga Centre
Málaga Hotel Eliseos

Málaga Hotel Eliseos

3 out of 5
Paseo de Reding, 19 Málaga Malaga
The price is £82 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
£82
per night
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Was in a great location. The staff were helpful and friendly. The room was ideal for what I needed clean and big enough for my short trip.

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026

Málaga Hotel Eliseos
Catalonia Molina Lario

Catalonia Molina Lario

4 out of 5
Molina Lario 20-22 Málaga Malaga
The price is £178 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
£178
per night
26 Apr - 27 Apr
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! (1,007 reviews)
Best Location, very clean and pleasant staff! We highly recommend

Reviewed on 16 Apr 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,609 reviews)
Contemporary studio with cooking facilities and a balcony. Nicely decorated. Great location in SoHo, near old town and sea front/beach. Lots of cafes & restaurants around. Staff friendly & helpful. Definitely recommend.

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

Be Mate Málaga Soho
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! (456 reviews)
Great hotel, geat location

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026

Casa de la Merced Suites
Staybridge Suites & Apartments Malaga by IHG

Staybridge Suites & Apartments Malaga by IHG

3.5 out of 5
Paseo de los Martiricos 36 Málaga
Stay at this aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (197 reviews)
Unfortunately breakfast was primarily the same food day after day.. That was all good for the first few days but it got old pretty quickly. The scheduling system for breakfast could be challenging if not done upon arrival due to limited space. listing originally indicated that there was a gym on ...

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026

Staybridge Suites & Apartments Malaga by IHG
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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