Málaga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Malaga Historic Centre showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Malaga Historic Centre showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Gibralfaro Castle featuring heritage architecture, a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Malaga
Malaga showing a house, heritage elements and interior views

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

Port of Malaga showing general coastal views, boating and a marina

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
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 Las Acacias Beach.

Malaga-Este
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
Malaga featuring interior views

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
Malaga

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
Dusk photo of the lighthouse and harbor in Málaga, Spain.

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
Hotel ILUNION Malaga

Hotel ILUNION Malaga

4 out of 5
Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, 10 Málaga Malaga
The price is £104 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
£104
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
A very comfortable hotel not too far from the city centre. The pool and hot tub were only lightly heated in January which was disappointing, however the service and amenities were excellent . We stayed in a top-floor suite with a very large balcony overlooking the harbour. It was a quiet room, and ...

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

Hotel ILUNION Malaga
Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
Avenida de Velazquez 294 Salida Málaga Malaga
The price is £77 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
£77
2 Mar - 3 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,960 reviews)
Clean room, nice breakfast

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport by IHG
Gran Hotel Miramar GL

Gran Hotel Miramar GL

5 out of 5
Paseo Reding, 22 Málaga Málaga
The price is £230 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
£230
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
No. Everything was perfect 👌

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Gran Hotel Miramar GL
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, Historic Center

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center

4 out of 5
Calle Pozos Dulces 11 Málaga Málaga
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (487 reviews)
We were delighted with this hotel - fantastic location, very easy to walk the entire old town and newer areas, and quick to the airport too. The staff were lovely, even giving my child a little gift when we spoke about her birthday, and I am so glad we stayed here. Good size room with spotless facilities ...

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (167 reviews)
The hotel was very clean. The staff was exceptionally warm and friendly all are request were made promptly and professionally.

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Staybridge Suites & Apartments Malaga by IHG
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (428 reviews)
Great location for a visit to Malaga.

Reviewed on 29 Jan 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Málaga

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
411
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
172
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Gustav

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Malaga has my heart.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very much enjoyed Malaga. Very friendly and welcoming people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Málaga

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