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
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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
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
Gran hotel Miramar GL

Gran hotel Miramar GL

5 out of 5
Paseo Reding, 22, Málaga, Málaga
The price is £288 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
£288
15 Sept - 16 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! (1,007 reviews)
Review
"Loved the hotel. The pool was great. The bed was super comfortable and the design of the hotel itself was gorgeous. Would definitely recommend!!"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Gran hotel Miramar GL
Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga

Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga

4 out of 5
Av. de Luis Buñuel 14, Málaga, Málaga
The price is £91 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
£91
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (362 reviews)
"Everything is great, great location with shopping mall beside, bus station next to the hotel to travel to city town center and with restaurants beside."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga
Hampton By Hilton Malaga Martiricos

Hampton By Hilton Malaga Martiricos

3 out of 5
Paseo de Martiricos 38, Málaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £103 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£103
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of Malaga and Malagueta ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
"Great service!"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Hampton By Hilton Malaga Martiricos
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! (419 reviews)
"Other than some miscommunication during check in time (which was quickly resolved!) it was a great stay. Nice clean property and great location"

Reviewed on 16 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! (614 reviews)
"It's definitely the best apartment I've ever stayed in my entire life. 1. Very clean 2. Perfect location 3. Fully equipped (even dishwasher and washing machine available in the apartment). Soda, eggs, bread, jam in the fridge as well. Jacuzzi on the rooftop. 4. Beautiful design of the apartment. ..."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Graffiti Suites El Museo
Apartamentos Málaga Premium - Calle Granada

Apartamentos Málaga Premium - Calle Granada

3.5 out of 5
Calle Granada 42, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Port of Malaga and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
"Very clean, amazing location, perfect for a city break for a few nights."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Apartamentos Málaga Premium - Calle Granada
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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