Málaga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Málaga
Gibralfaro Castle featuring heritage architecture, a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Málaga
Malaga showing a house, heritage elements and interior views
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

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
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 Muelle Uno 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 Las Acacias Beach.

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

Churriana
Malaga featuring outdoor art

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
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Ciudad Jardin

4/5(2 area reviews)

Ciudad Jardin is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Malaga Botanical Garden and Mirador Del Cochino.

Ciudad Jardin
Gran hotel Miramar GL

Gran hotel Miramar GL

5 out of 5
Paseo Reding, 22, Málaga, Málaga
The price is £298 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£298
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)
"This is a truly luxury hotel. The service was beyond our expectations."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Gran hotel Miramar GL
Hotel Málaga Vibes

Hotel Málaga Vibes

3.5 out of 5
C. Gregorio Allegri S/N, Málaga, Málaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £100 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£100
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (272 reviews)
"Very clean, near the airport, staff friendly, lovely room"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Hotel Málaga Vibes
Hotel ILUNION Malaga

Hotel ILUNION Malaga

4 out of 5
Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, 10, Málaga, Malaga
The price is £141 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£141
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"It was walking distance from the train station, the beach and the shopping. Great stay! Everything very clean"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Hotel ILUNION Malaga
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 4-star spa aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (409 reviews)
"Great location, great amenities, service, clean. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center
Graffiti Suites El Museo

Graffiti Suites El Museo

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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (600 reviews)
"Our stay was wonderful and the staff were very helpful. The location is excellent—close to Malaga’s historic center and just a 20-minute walk from the beach. There are plenty of shops and grocery stores within walking distance. I highly recommend this place."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Graffiti Suites El Museo
Limehome Málaga Calle Ancha del Carmen

Limehome Málaga Calle Ancha del Carmen

3 out of 5
C. Ancha del Carmen 21, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (254 reviews)
Quick little trip
"It was great. Only one way communication from the hotel - not able to communicate with them. The fridge broke and iron wasn’t working. Also would be lovely to somewhere on sight to leave our luggage as we have a night flight and check out is 11. Overall great location, modern, clean, bright and fresh ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Limehome Málaga Calle Ancha del Carmen
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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