Malaga travel guide
Meet MalagaMalaga weather reportGetting into MalagaTop attractions in MalagaGetting around Malaga Where to eat in MalagaPage 2: More information on Malaga
Meet Malaga
Málaga was described as the ‘city of paradise’ by Vincente Aleixandre, 1977 Nobel Laureate for Literature. With its picturesque architecture, balmy weather and stunning mountain and coastal scenery, Málaga is one of the jewels of the Costa del Sol.
Perhaps the main attraction of Málaga are its beaches with over two kilometres of soft sand and warm turquoise waters. But once you get there, it soon becomes apparent that there is much, much more to Málaga than sunbathing.
There are Moorish citadels and castles to explore, dating from the 14th century, from which you can admire a panoramic view of the seaside city. Strolling through the winding pedestrianised streets, you’ll find hidden cafés and quirky shops. Art lovers will have plenty to see, primarily the Picasso Foundation and Museum which depict the life and works of one of the world’s most famous artists, with the Foundation housed in the building where Málaga’s most famous son was born.
Málaga has maintained its historical sites, fiercely proud of the varied influences that have shaped the city, but it is also bursting with trendy restaurants and buzzing nightclubs, making it a destination that is guaranteed to satisfy both the party animal and culture vulture in you.
Malaga weather report
Málaga’s Mediterranean subtropical climate means that the summers are warm and the winters among the mildest in Europe. Málaga experiences very little rain throughout the year and the coastal breeze makes the summer heat – with temperatures as high as 32°C – bearable.
As Málaga enjoys summer weather from late March to late October, it is possible to avoid the high tourist seasons of Easter, summer holidays and half-term breaks and still enjoy the sun.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Malaga
Málaga Airport (AGP) is the fourth busiest in the country and the main hub of the Andalusia region. It is situated five miles southwest of Málaga and there are plenty of transport links, including trains and buses, that run directly to Málaga city centre. A taxi from the airport to the city centre shouldn’t cost more than €15.
Top attractions in Malaga
Málaga is a vibrant mixture of picturesque historical sites, sunny beaches and contemporary museums. To get a full feel for this beautiful city, make sure you visit a variety of the attractions available.
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For an authentic look at the Moorish history of Málaga, the Alcazaba should be top of any list. An 11th century citadel, turned into an archaeological museum, it shares the site with a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre.
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The Gibralfaro castle is another famous Moorish structure, sitting majestically atop a hill which offers excellent views across the city. Walking to the castle, exploring it and taking in the view is an excellent way to get acquainted with the city.
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Famous as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Málaga is home to the Picasso Foundation, a five-story building in Málaga’s old quarter, which now houses temporary collections as well as frequent exhibitions of borrows Picasso pieces, as well as works by his contemporaries. Nearby is the Picasso Museum, which holds a large permanent collection of the painter’s work.
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For art lovers, Málaga also boasts its Contemporary Art Museum and Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.
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Málaga’s bull ring is in frequent use and is one of the most exciting spots to watch a bull fight in all of Spain.
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La Mantiqua Cathedral is perhaps the city’s most iconic building, rising as it does out of the crush of buildings in the city centre. Built between 1528 and 1782 on the site of a former mosque, the renaissance and baroque features are clearly evident, and the stonework on the cathedral’s façade is ornate and generally intact.
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The Malagueta beaches consist of 2.5 km of coastline bordered by the Pablo Ruiz Picasso promenade. Head to the beach for some serious relaxing after a morning of sightseeing.
Getting around Malaga
On the whole, getting around Málaga is easy and cheap. The EMT (Empresa Malagueña de Transportes) public bus network is extensive and single tickets cost €0.95. Ten-journey or monthly passes are also available and the buses come frequently and are air-conditioned. For travelling further afield, there are many bus companies and bus routes that travel further into the Málaga province, and to other countries. This terminal is located just behind the main train station.
There are two train lines that run through Málaga, C1, which runs along the coast from the city centre westward towards Fuengirola, and the C2, which runs inland towards Alora. Both trains can be caught from the main station, Renfe, as can longer distance and cross country trains. Be sure to check the board before boarding a train, as some do not stop at every station.
Taxis are cheap and can be found everywhere. Most short journeys around the city shouldn’t cost more than about €5.
Where to eat in Malaga
Málaga has plenty of great restaurants, and because it is such a popular tourist destination, there are eateries to suit every budget. For the top level, you just can’t beat Café de Paris. Near Málaga’s bull ring, the classy and vibrant restaurant serves Spanish adaptations of classic French dishes. Expect delicious crusted fish and crepes gratinées, and inventive desserts such as custard-apple mousse.
For a less costly meal, El Chinitas is a popular haunt, with an associated tapas bar next door, Bar Orellana. Quick and attentive service is accompanied by consistently good food, which has a marked focus on seafood, as well as excellent grilled meat. Another average-priced restaurant is Parador de Málaga-Gibralfara. Perched on a mountainside with a lovely view of the coast, the restaurant is open and breezy, with a dining room as well as an arched terrace. The food is fun and tasty, particularly noteworthy is the hors d’ouevres parador – a massive selection of tiny aperitifs. Adolfo is another value for money restaurant, where hake in green sauce and suckling pig with garden herbs are firm favourites.
For a cheaper meal of simple, good food, try Refectorium, also situated near the bull ring. With generous servings and a rustic, homemade atmosphere, Refectorium serves classic Andalusian food, such as ajo blanco con uvas, a cold almond soup with garlic and muscatel grapes, and fresh seafood.