Things to do in Málaga: top sights and where to go
Málaga's headline sights: the Moorish Alcazaba fortress with a Roman theatre at its foot, the Renaissance cathedral with its single tower and the Picasso Museum in the artist's home city. Along the Costa del Sol lie the beaches of Torremolinos and Benalmádena with its stupa and cable car, Marbella and the white village of Mijas, while day trips lead to Ronda's bridge over the gorge, the Caminito del Rey walkway and Nerja with its caves. Trains reach the centre from the airport in 12 minutes.
Sights
Málaga itineraries
Málaga travel guide
Before you go: where to stay, airport and trains, beaches, weather by month, espetos and trips along the Costa del Sol.
Málaga on your own: the essentials
- How long
- 2 days in the city, +2–3 for trips
- Best time
- April–June and September–October
- Food
- Espetos, fried fish, sweet wine
- Visa
- Schengen rules apply
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Money
- Euro; cards accepted almost everywhere
- Airport
- Costa del Sol (AGP), train ≈ 12 min
- Getting around
- C1 trains along the coast, buses
- Beaches
- La Malagueta in town, resorts nearby
- Meal times
- Lunch from 2pm, dinner after 9pm
- Time zone
- CET, UTC+1; summer UTC+2
officiali
Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator.
Key facts
Sourcei
Wikipedia, Pablo PicassoSourcei
Wikipedia, Alcazaba of MálagaSourcei
Wikipedia, Alcazaba of MálagaSourcei
Wikipedia, Costa del SolThings to do in Málaga
Málaga's top sights are the Alcazaba fortress with its Roman theatre, the La Manquita cathedral and the Picasso Museum in the old town. Along the coast lie the resorts of Torremolinos and Benalmádena, Marbella and the village of Mijas, and day trips lead to Ronda, the Caminito del Rey and Nerja. Every place with a YesGo score is in the list above.
| Old town | Alcazaba, cathedral, Picasso | 1 day |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby coast | Torremolinos, Benalmádena | 1 day |
| Western coast | Mijas, Marbella | 1 day |
| Mountains | Ronda, Caminito del Rey | A day each |
| Eastern coast | Nerja | 1 day |
Rather not plan it yourself? The list above includes ready-made Málaga itineraries.
Málaga in 1, 2 or 3 days
One day in Málaga means the Alcazaba and Roman theatre in the morning, the cathedral and Picasso Museum by day and an evening on the Muelle Uno waterfront. On day two, head to Ronda and its bridge over the gorge; on day three, Nerja and its caves or the beaches of Torremolinos.
- Day 1 — the Alcazaba, cathedral and Picasso Museum.
- Day 2 — Ronda or the Caminito del Rey.
- Day 3 — Nerja, Marbella or the beach in Torremolinos.
Málaga beaches
Málaga's beaches start right in town: La Malagueta and its promenade are a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, with Pedregalejo and El Palo and their fish restaurants beyond. A 20-minute train ride brings the long beaches of Torremolinos and Benalmádena, and to the east lie Nerja's coves. The swimming season runs from June to October.
- La Malagueta — the city beach by the centre.
- Pedregalejo and El Palo — former fishing quarters.
- Torremolinos — nearly 8 km of sand, 20 minutes by train.
- Benalmádena — beaches by the marina.
- Nerja — coves below the cliffs to the east.
Where to stay in Málaga
The handiest base is the old town around Calle Larios, within walking distance of the Alcazaba, cathedral and museums and 10 minutes from La Malagueta beach. The port and Soho district have modern hotels and bars, and for a seaside stay, choose Pedregalejo or neighbouring Torremolinos.
| Old town | First visit, all close | Noisy at night |
|---|---|---|
| Soho and port | Modern hotels, bars | A little further from museums |
| La Malagueta | A beach in town | Pricier |
| Torremolinos | Sea and day trips | Train to the centre |
Málaga airport to the city centre
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is 8 km from the centre and one of Spain's busiest. The fastest way in is the C1 commuter train, about 12 minutes, with the A Express bus and taxis as alternatives. The same train continues to Torremolinos and Benalmádena.
| C1 train | Airport — Málaga Centro | ≈ 12 min |
|---|---|---|
| A Express bus | Airport — centre, port | ≈ 20 min |
| Taxi | Airport — centre | ≈ 15 min |
| C1 train | Málaga — Torremolinos | ≈ 20 min |
| AVE train | Málaga — Madrid | ≈ 2.5 h |
| Bus | Málaga — Granada | ≈ 1.5 h |
Málaga weather by month
Málaga has one of Europe's mildest climates, with around 300 sunny days a year, 17 °C winter days, about 30 °C in summer and a warm sea. Mountains shelter the coast from cold winds. The best time is April–June and September–October; for the beach, June to October.
°CiLong-term averages, °C: day and night air, sea water near the shore, rain — rainy days a month. Any given year can be warmer or cooler. Tap a month for details below. | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | 17° | 18° | 20° | 22° | 25° | 28° | 31° | 31° | 28° | 24° | 20° | 18° |
| Night | 8° | 9° | 10° | 12° | 15° | 18° | 21° | 21° | 19° | 15° | 12° | 9° |
| Rain | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Warm — 20 °C and above by dayBest time to go: April–May and September–October
- day ≈ 17°
- night ≈ 8°
- rain 6 days
Mild winter, sunny.
- day ≈ 18°
- night ≈ 9°
- rain 5 days
Warm days, almond blossom.
- day ≈ 20°
- night ≈ 10°
- rain 5 days
Spring and Holy Week.
- day ≈ 22°
- night ≈ 12°
- rain 5 days
Warm, few tourists.
- day ≈ 25°
- night ≈ 15°
- rain 3 days
A great month, first swims.
- day ≈ 28°
- night ≈ 18°
- rain 1 days
Beach season.
- day ≈ 31°
- night ≈ 21°
- rain 0 days
Hot, warm sea.
- day ≈ 31°
- night ≈ 21°
- rain 1 days
Peak heat, the Málaga Fair.
- day ≈ 28°
- night ≈ 19°
- rain 2 days
Warm, the sea still warm.
- day ≈ 24°
- night ≈ 15°
- rain 5 days
Mild, some rain.
- day ≈ 20°
- night ≈ 12°
- rain 6 days
Cool, few tourists.
- day ≈ 18°
- night ≈ 9°
- rain 7 days
Mild winter, Christmas lights on Larios.
In August the Málaga Fair fills the old town with a week of music, dancing, traditional dress and street celebrations.
What to eat in Málaga
Málaga's signature dish is espetos, sardines on skewers grilled over embers right on the beach. Try pescaíto frito, a platter of fried fish, ajoblanco, a chilled almond soup, and sweet Málaga wine. The Atarazanas market and the fish bars of Pedregalejo are the places to go.
- Espetos — skewered sardines grilled over embers.
- Pescaíto frito — mixed fried fish.
- Ajoblanco — chilled almond and garlic soup.
- Sweet Málaga wine — with dessert.
- Málaga-style coffee — named by the share of milk.
- Atarazanas market — fruit, fish and tapas.
Málaga attraction prices
Free in Málaga: the beaches, the promenade, the Roman theatre from outside and the resorts and white villages along the coast. You pay for the Alcazaba, the cathedral and its rooftop tour, the Picasso Museum, the Caminito del Rey, the Caves of Nerja and the Benalmádena cable car.
| Alcazaba | 44 | 1 h 15 min | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Málaga Cathedral | 41 | 1 h | Paid |
| Picasso Museum | 36 | 1 h 45 min | Paid |
| Benalmádena | 26 | 5 h | Free; cable car paid |
| Caminito del Rey | 24 | 4 h | Paid |
| Nerja | 24 | 5 h | Free; caves paid |
Free — 4 places: Marbella, Ronda, Mijas, Torremolinos.
Tips
- Take the C1 train from the airport.
- Book the Caminito del Rey weeks ahead.
- Eat espetos on the beach, by the grill.
FAQ
What should I see first in Málaga?
The Alcazaba and Roman theatre, the cathedral, the Picasso Museum and the waterfront.
How many days do you need in Málaga?
2 days in the city, plus 2–3 for Ronda, Nerja and the coast.
How do I get from Málaga airport to the centre?
C1 train in 12 minutes, the A Express bus or a taxi.
What is the weather like in Málaga in May?
Around 25 °C by day and 15 °C at night, a great month to visit.
What is Málaga like in winter?
Mild: around 17 °C by day and sunny, though the sea is cool.
What are the beaches like in Málaga?
La Malagueta and Pedregalejo in town; Torremolinos and Benalmádena nearby.
Where should I stay in Málaga?
The old town, by the port, by La Malagueta beach or in Torremolinos.
What day trips can I take from Málaga?
Ronda, the Caminito del Rey, Nerja, Marbella and Mijas.
What should I eat in Málaga?
Espetos, fried fish, ajoblanco and sweet Málaga wine.
How do I get from Málaga to Granada?
By bus in about an hour and a half, or by car.
Sources and fact-check
- Wikipedia, Málaga; Málaga climate (1991–2020 normals)
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and Renfe commuter trains, official websites
- Málaga tourism portal, visita.malaga.eu