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 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.

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.

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 Banos del Carmen 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.

Livensa Living Studios Malaga Feria

Livensa Living Studios Malaga Feria

1 out of 5
Calle Baliza 2 Málaga Andalusia
The price is £66 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£66
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostal in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (180 reviews)
"Uni accommodation no frills and dodgy area."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2026

Livensa Living Studios Malaga Feria
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 £97 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£97
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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 ...
8.2/10 Very good! (239 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2026

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Malaga Centre
Hotel ILUNION Malaga

Hotel ILUNION Malaga

4 out of 5
Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, 10 Málaga Malaga
The price is £140 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£140
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,014 reviews)
"Excellent hotel. Stylish and enjoyable on every level. Facilities are excellent, great buffet breakfast, lovely poolside bar for food and drinks. Super helpful and friendly staff. Great location - quiet and away from tacky tourist areas, yet only 10 euros in a cab to central Marbella. Haven’t yet ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2026

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.
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! (1,651 reviews)
"Excellent apartments. From the minute we arrived we were greeted by friendly welcoming staff. Check in was smooth and quick. When we got into our apartment we were very impressed. Clean, spacious and modern. We were able to get a late check out also. Location was fantastic. Very central. When we ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 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! (566 reviews)
"Excellent location, just two things you could hear everything happening outside make sure you get a high room. Coffee machine did not work, however, I did not say anything. I am sure they would have fixed as their staff is Super Nice and Attentive!!!!!!!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 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! (496 reviews)
"Room was clean, there were no staff to greed us upon arrival. parking is available but costly. staff friendly in the am. Plenty of shops near by."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 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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