I first visited Malaga as a stopover on the way to the beaches further west and ended up extending my trip by three days. The city has a depth that Costa del Sol resorts lack – the Alcazaba fortress alone is worth an afternoon, and the Picasso Museum puts you fifteen minutes from where he was born. The food scene transformed my expectations of Spanish beach towns. I had espetos (charcoal-grilled sardines) on Pedregalejo beach that I still think about years later, and the tapas in the old town rivalled anything I ate in Seville. Malaga deserves more than a layover.
Málaga sits on Spain’s Costa del Sol with 3,000 years of history, excellent museums, and city beaches. It’s Picasso’s birthplace and has transformed from a port city into a cultural destination. The old town is walkable, the food is excellent, and the climate is mild year-round.
Main Attractions
Alcazaba
11th-century Moorish fortress on a hill overlooking the city. Wander through courtyards, gardens, and palace rooms. Views over Málaga and the port. Entry around €3.50, or combined ticket with Gibralfaro Castle.
Gibralfaro Castle
14th-century castle above the Alcazaba with panoramic views. Walk up or take bus 35. Combined ticket with Alcazaba around €5.50.
Roman Theatre
2,000-year-old amphitheatre at the foot of the Alcazaba. Free to view from outside. Visitor centre explains the history.
Málaga Cathedral
Renaissance/Baroque cathedral known as “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) because one tower was never completed. Rooftop tours available. Entry around €8.
Picasso Museum
Collection of 200+ works by Málaga’s most famous son, housed in a 16th-century palace. Entry around €12.
Centre Pompidou Málaga
Modern and contemporary art in a striking building with colourful cubes at the port. Only Pompidou Centre outside France. Entry around €9.
Carmen Thyssen Museum
19th-century Spanish painting in a renovated palace. Strong Andalusian collection. Entry around €10.
Beaches
La Malagueta: Main city beach, 10 minutes walk from centre. Promenade with restaurants.
Pedregalejo: Traditional fishing neighbourhood east of centre. Famous for espetos (grilled sardines) at chiringuitos (beach bars).
El Palo: Beyond Pedregalejo, more local atmosphere. Good seafood restaurants.
Food and Drink
Must try:
- Espetos: Sardines grilled on skewers over wood fire
- Ajoblanco: Cold garlic and almond soup
- Fritura malagueña: Mixed fried fish
- Pescaíto frito: Fried small fish
Where to eat:
- El Pimpi: Historic bodega, lively atmosphere
- Pedregalejo beach: Chiringuitos for espetos
- Mercado de Atarazanas: Central market with tapas stalls
Málaga has its own sweet wine (Málaga Dulce) – try it with dessert.
Neighbourhoods
Centro Histórico: Pedestrianised old town with shops, restaurants, and main sights.
Soho: Arts district south of the centre with street art and galleries.
Muelle Uno: Modern port promenade with shops and restaurants.
Pedregalejo/El Palo: Beach neighbourhoods east of centre.
Day Trips
Granada (1.5 hours): Alhambra Palace – book tickets well ahead.
Ronda (1.5 hours): Dramatic gorge town with famous bridge.
Nerja (1 hour): Coastal town with caves and Burriana Beach.
Marbella (45 mins): Upmarket resort town.
Caminito del Rey (1 hour): Dramatic walkway along gorge cliffs. Book ahead.
Transport
From airport: Train to Centro-Alameda (12 mins, €1.80) or bus A to city centre.
City buses: €1.40 single. Málaga Pass gives free museum entry and transport.
Metro: Two lines connecting suburbs, limited use for tourists.
Walking: Old town is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
When to Visit
Year-round destination with mild winters (15-18°C) and hot summers (30°C+).
Spring/Autumn: Best weather for sightseeing – warm but not too hot.
Summer: Beach weather but crowded. Book ahead.
Winter: Quiet, mild, good for museums and tapas.
Semana Santa (Easter): Major processions – atmospheric but busy.
Feria de Málaga (August): Week-long festival with flamenco, food, and late nights.
Costs
Sample prices:
- Coffee: €1.50-2.50
- Beer: €2-3
- Tapas portion: €3-6
- Restaurant meal: €15-25
- Bus single: €1.40
- Budget hotel: €50-80
- Mid-range hotel: €80-150
Practical Info
- Plug type: Type C/F (two round pins). Spain adapter guide.
- Siesta: Some shops close 2-5pm.
- Dinner: Locals eat late – 9pm onwards.
- Tipping: Round up or 5-10% at restaurants.
