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 Las Acacias Beach.

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
Málaga Hotel Eliseos

Málaga Hotel Eliseos

3 out of 5
Paseo de Reding, 19 Málaga Malaga
The price is £96 per night from 17 May to 18 May
£96
17 May - 18 May
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,015 reviews)
Very clean hotel great location. Staff welcoming and breakfast buffet simple but fresh. Rooftop pool with great views.

Reviewed on 11 May 2026

Málaga Hotel Eliseos
Hotel ILUNION Malaga

Hotel ILUNION Malaga

4 out of 5
Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, 10 Málaga Malaga
The price is £125 per night from 17 May to 18 May
£125
17 May - 18 May
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! (1,001 reviews)
Always very helpful staff. Lovely clean hotel- even the cleaning staff are lovely and wish you hello and a good day. Spa and pool are super additions with a small sun deck around the pool. Towels are available free at reception. Near to Maria Zambrano station- a couple of stops away from the airport. ...

Reviewed on 12 May 2026

Hotel ILUNION Malaga
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 £90 per night from 17 May to 18 May
£90
17 May - 18 May
includes taxes & fees
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! (172 reviews)
Can't fault it really for the price, nice bar area also

Reviewed on 12 May 2026

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Malaga Centre
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 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! (537 reviews)
Room was very tiny. Bedroom door hadn’t room to close. Room ready late. No manual for stove/ washer. No drying rack for laundry. Items missing in kitchen. Towels to dry dishes, a sharp & bread knifes plus a small portion of oil, salt and pepper. Old food left in freezer Dishes - especially pots and ...

Reviewed on 9 May 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! (466 reviews)
I would thoroughly recommend this property. Perfect location for all the attractions, great sized rooms, clean and friendly staff.

Reviewed on 11 May 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! (205 reviews)
Nice hotel with very well set up and modern rooms, located about a 20 minute walk from the historic centre and train stations but really close to the stadium. Breakfast is appreciated due to being free but very limited selection

Reviewed on 5 May 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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