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 £289 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
£289
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Great stay. Very attentive staff"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Gran hotel Miramar GL
Hotel Málaga Vibes
Hotel Málaga Vibes
3.5 out of 5
C. Gregorio Allegri S/N, Málaga, Málaga
The price is £78 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£78
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (247 reviews)
"The hotel was new and clean the rooftop is cute, its just in an odd spot off the freeay with a weird empy lot close by."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Hotel Málaga Vibes
Hotel ILUNION Malaga
Hotel ILUNION Malaga
4 out of 5
Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, 10, Málaga, Malaga
The price is £123 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£123
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, very friendly staff."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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! (402 reviews)
"Great location property with a small spa in the basement. Right in the centre of the old town close to shops, lots of bars and restaurants and the cathedral. Easy walking distance to the port and beach Really lovely rooms and very clean. Nespresso machine and small kitchen. Quality towels and bedding ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center
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! (245 reviews)
"Very well located. Nice cosy appartment!"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Limehome Málaga Calle Ancha del Carmen
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! (581 reviews)
"Excellent service and good location."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Graffiti Suites El Museo
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

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