Malaga: guide to the city and province
Malaga city combines historic sights, museums, beaches and local food on the Mediterranean coast. The province also offers coastal destinations, inland towns and natural areas. This guide helps you plan your visit to the city and trips around the rest of Malaga province.
Malaga is one of the eight provinces of Andalusia and lies on the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain. The provincial capital sits between the sea and the Montes de Malaga, with connections by air, rail, bus and road. Its history spans Phoenician, Roman, Muslim and Christian periods, traces of which can still be seen across the city.
Weather and the best time to visit Malaga
Malaga has a Mediterranean climate, with generally hot, dry summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn usually bring milder temperatures for sightseeing, walks and day trips. Summer is a popular choice if you want to spend part of your holiday at the beach.
Our guide to Malaga weather and climate covers the seasons, what to pack and ideas for activities throughout the year.
What to see and do in Malaga
Many of Malaga city's main sights are in and around the historic centre. You can combine visits to monuments and museums with a stroll around the port, a meal by the sea or an afternoon at the beach.
You'll find more ideas for your stay in our guide to tourist attractions and things to do in Malaga.
History and heritage
The city's main historic landmarks include the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre and Malaga Cathedral.
The Roman Theatre of Malaga stands at the foot of the Alcazaba. Their proximity allows you to explore two of the city's most important surviving sites from the Roman and Muslim periods in the same area.
Our guide to Malaga's main monuments and attractions provides more information about these landmarks and other places of interest.
Museums and culture
Malaga has numerous museums and cultural venues. They include Museo Picasso Málaga, Centre Pompidou Málaga, Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga and the Museo de Málaga, alongside other centres devoted to art and history.
Browse our guide to museums in Malaga to choose the visits that best suit your interests.
Beaches in Malaga city
Some of Malaga city's best-known urban beaches are La Malagueta, La Caleta, Pedregalejo and La Misericordia.
The Costa del Sol has many more beaches in other towns across the province. If you'd like to explore the coast, our guide to Malaga beaches offers more detailed information.
Malaga Port and Muelle Uno
The port is part of Malaga's waterfront and lies beside the historic centre. Muelle Uno brings together restaurants, shops, cultural venues and places to walk by the sea.
Its location makes it easy to combine a stroll with visits to the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and other parts of the city centre. Read more in our article about Muelle Uno in Malaga.
Malaga cuisine
Malaga's cuisine combines fish, seafood, vegetables, olive oil and other produce from across the province. Well-known dishes include espetos de sardinas (sardines grilled on skewers), fritura malagueña (Malaga-style fried fish) and ajoblanco, a cold almond and garlic soup.
The historic centre and the coastal neighbourhoods of Pedregalejo and El Palo are among the places where you can try local food as you explore the city.
Malaga Fair
The Malaga Fair takes place every August. The main celebrations are held in the city centre and at the Cortijo de Torres fairground, with music, activities and traditional festivities.
The dates and programme change each year. If your trip coincides with the fair, check the latest information before planning your visit.
Nature and outdoor activities in Malaga
Beyond the beaches and city sights, the province offers natural areas close to Malaga city and mountain landscapes further inland. Along the coast, you can also combine activities on the water with walks or cycle rides along various seafront promenades.
Natural areas in the province
These include the Montes de Malaga, the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, Sierra de las Nieves, El Torcal de Antequera and the area around the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes.
Our page on the natural parks of Malaga brings together information about the province's different natural areas.
Hiking and walking routes
Routes range from walks close to the city to trails through the inland mountains. Before choosing one, check the route, difficulty, duration and current conditions.
You'll find routes and areas to explore in our guide to hiking in Malaga.
Day trips around Malaga province
From Malaga city or elsewhere on the Costa del Sol, you can take day trips to both the coast and the interior. Coastal towns offer beaches and seafront walks, while inland you can explore towns and villages, mountain landscapes and natural areas.
Marbella, Nerja, Ronda and Antequera are some of the destinations you can include in your itinerary. Your interests, available time and choice of transport will help you decide where to go.
A car gives you more flexibility if you want to combine several towns or visit natural areas with more limited public transport connections.
How to get to Malaga and travel around the province
Malaga is connected by air, rail, bus and road. The most suitable way to get around depends on whether you'll stay in the city or also want to explore other towns and natural areas in the province.
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) has connections to Malaga city by train, bus, taxi and road.
Find out about facilities and services in our Malaga Airport guide. If you're planning to explore the province by car, you can also read about car hire at Malaga Airport.
Train
Malaga María Zambrano station provides high-speed rail connections to the city from other Spanish cities.
The C1 Cercanías commuter line connects the airport with Malaga María Zambrano and Malaga Centro-Alameda, as well as Costa del Sol destinations including Benalmádena and Fuengirola.
Connections from the airport are detailed in our guide to trains from Malaga Airport.
Bus
Bus services connect the airport with Malaga city and other destinations. Within the city, local buses link different neighbourhoods and places of interest.
Check the available services on our page about buses from Malaga Airport.
Car hire and private transfers
Car hire: flexibility to explore the province
A hire car can be useful if you want to combine Malaga city with Costa del Sol towns, inland destinations or natural areas where public transport connections are more limited.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
Private transfer or taxi from the airport
A taxi or private transfer takes you directly from Malaga Airport to your accommodation without needing to use public transport.
Book an airport transferBook in advance to secure availability and the price for your travel dates. No credit card is required, and payment is made on arrival.
Practical information about Malaga
Public holidays and calendar
Public holidays can affect the opening of shops, museums, monuments and other services. In addition to national and Andalusian public holidays, Malaga city has local holidays, so it's worth checking the dates for the year of your trip.
Check public holiday dates, celebrations and events in our Malaga calendar.
Map of Malaga province
If you're planning to explore beyond the city, our map of Malaga province will help you locate the coast, inland towns and main natural areas.
Malaga City Council
You can contact Malaga City Council for information about municipal services and administrative procedures:
Address: Avenida de Cervantes, 4, 29016 MalagaTelephone: +34 951 926 010
Website: www.malaga.eu
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Frequently asked questions about Malaga
What is the difference between Malaga city and Malaga province?
Malaga city is where you'll find the historic centre, Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, numerous museums and several urban beaches. The province also includes other Costa del Sol towns, inland towns and villages, and natural areas you can visit on day trips.
When is the best time to visit Malaga?
Spring and autumn usually offer milder temperatures for exploring the city and taking day trips. Summer is a popular choice for combining sightseeing with time at the beach. Our guide to Malaga weather and climate explains what to expect in each season.
What should I see in Malaga city?
The main sights include the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Malaga Cathedral, museums, the port and Muelle Uno, and the city's beaches. Our guide to Malaga's monuments and attractions covers more places to visit.
Can I get around Malaga without a car?
Yes. Within Malaga city, you can combine walking with local buses, the metro and trains, depending on where you want to go. The airport is connected to the city by train and bus. A car may be more useful if you plan to explore several towns or natural areas elsewhere in the province.
What can I visit outside Malaga city?
You can visit coastal and inland destinations such as Marbella, Nerja, Ronda and Antequera, as well as natural areas and hiking routes. Choose your day trips with your available time and transport connections in mind.
What local dishes should I try in Malaga?
Espetos de sardinas (sardines grilled on skewers), fritura malagueña (Malaga-style fried fish) and ajoblanco, a cold almond and garlic soup, are among the best-known specialities. Local cuisine also includes other dishes made with fish, seafood, vegetables, olive oil and produce from across the province.
