- Málaga airport has flights from almost every UK airport and the train reaches the centre in about 15 minutes
- The historic centre is compact and walkable, with beaches a short stroll away
- Combine culture and beach in one trip, or use the city as a base for Granada, Ronda and Nerja
- Spain is one hour ahead of the UK
- Airports
- Málaga (AGP)
- Best time to go
- March-June and September-November
- Type
- City
Málaga has shaken off its old image as just the airport for the Costa del Sol. The capital of the coast is now a lively city break in its own right, with a Moorish fortress above the old town, the museum dedicated to its most famous son, Pablo Picasso, a smart redeveloped port and sandy city beaches where locals eat grilled sardines on skewers.
Flights from London take about 2h45, and there are direct routes from almost every UK airport all year. Spain is one hour ahead of the UK, plugs are the two-pin European type and you drive on the right. Málaga is good value compared with many European cities, especially for food and drink. It's part of Andalucía and the Costa del Sol; see also our Spain guide.
Where to stay
- Historic centre – between the cathedral, Calle Larios and the Picasso Museum. Best for a first visit, with everything on foot, though some streets are noisy at night.
- Soho – the arty district between the centre and the port, known for its street art, with good-value hotels.
- La Malagueta – just east of the port, by the main city beach and still walkable to the old town. A good mix of beach and city.
- Pedregalejo and El Palo – former fishing districts further east, with a relaxed seafront promenade and beach restaurants. Quieter, and a bus or taxi ride from the centre.
- Torremolinos or Benalmádena – if you want a classic beach resort, both are about 20 minutes away by train.
Things to do
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro – the 11th-century Moorish palace-fortress and the castle above it, with the best views over the city and port.
- Museo Picasso Málaga – a large collection of Picasso's work in a Renaissance palace; his birthplace on Plaza de la Merced is also a museum.
- Málaga Cathedral – nicknamed La Manquita ("the one-armed lady") because its second tower was never finished. Rooftop tours are available.
- Roman Theatre – right below the Alcazaba, and free to visit.
- Muelle Uno and the Centre Pompidou – the waterfront promenade, with the glass cube of the Pompidou's Málaga outpost.
- Atarazanas Market – a 19th-century market hall for fresh fish, ham and a tapas lunch.
- Day trips – the Caminito del Rey walkway, Granada, Ronda, Nerja and Frigiliana are all within about 1-2 hours.
Try espetos, sardines grilled on skewers over an open fire in old boats filled with sand, at a chiringuito (beach bar) in Pedregalejo or El Palo.
Best time to visit
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March-May | About 20-25 °C | Ideal for sightseeing; Easter week processions are huge |
| June-August | Hot, often 30 °C or more | Beach weather; mid-August has the Málaga Fair |
| September-November | Warm, about 22-28 °C | Sea still warm, fewer crowds |
| December-February | Mild, about 17 °C by day | Good-value city breaks |
Getting there
Málaga airport (AGP) is only about 8 km from the city centre and is served by direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and many other airports. The C1 suburban train runs to María Zambrano station and Centro-Alameda in roughly 12-15 minutes, and the airport bus takes about 20 minutes. A taxi takes about 15-20 minutes. High-speed trains also connect Málaga with Madrid in under three hours.
Getting around
The centre is best explored on foot. Buses and a small metro cover the suburbs, and the C1 train runs along the coast to Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. For Nerja and the white villages, use Alsa buses or hire a car, but don't drive in the old town, where access is restricted.
Top attractions in Málaga
LandmarkAlhambra
A hilltop palace-fortress of carved stucco, tiled courtyards and water gardens, the Alhambra is the high point of…
LandmarkPark Güell
Gaudí's hillside park of mosaic benches, gingerbread-style lodges and a famous dragon, with sweeping views over…
MuseumPrado Museum
One of the world's great art museums, the Prado holds Spain's royal collection, from Velázquez's Las Meninas to Goya's…
LandmarkReal Alcázar
A dazzling Mudéjar palace and gardens in the heart of Seville, still used by the Spanish royal family and famous as the…
LandmarkSagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, with its forest-like nave and glowing stained glass, is Barcelona's must-book sight.
NatureSerra de Tramuntana
A UNESCO-listed mountain range of stone villages, olive terraces and hairpin roads along Mallorca's north-west coast.
Málaga on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Málaga worth visiting or should I go straight to the beach resorts?
It's well worth a few days. Málaga has better food, museums and atmosphere than most Costa del Sol resorts, plus its own beaches, so it suits travellers who want a city and beach holiday in one.
How many days do you need in Málaga?
Two or three days cover the main sights. Add a few more for day trips to Granada, Ronda or the coast.
Does Málaga have a good beach?
Yes, La Malagueta is within walking distance of the centre, and there are calmer beaches further east at Pedregalejo and El Palo. They are urban beaches with darker sand rather than postcard coves.
How do I get from Málaga airport to the city?
The C1 train is the cheapest and quickest option, taking about 12-15 minutes to the centre. Buses and taxis are also available outside arrivals.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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