Here are my picks for the 18 best things to see and do in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol, with prices, opening hours and tips on what to book before you go. Prices are in euros, and many of the city’s sights are free late on Sunday afternoons, so read the sections before you plan your week. If you’re still unsure where to stay, I’ve written a guide to where to stay in Malaga.

1. Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is the Moorish fortress on the slope above the Old Town, and it’s Malaga’s most important sight. Work on the palace began in the 11th century under the Hammudid dynasty, and later Muslim rulers extended the fortress up to the 14th century. You walk up through a series of gates and defensive walls before you reach the inner courtyards with fountains, pools and gardens, and from the walls there are views over the harbour and the city.

A ticket costs €7, and a combined ticket for the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro costs €10. From 1 April to 31 October, it’s open from 9am to 8pm, and from 1 November to 31 March from 9am to 6pm. Last entry is an hour before closing.

Entry is free every Sunday from 2pm, but that’s also when it’s busiest. It’s better to come early on a weekday morning before it gets hot, because there are lots of steps and not much shade. The entrance is on Calle Alcazabilla, right next to the Roman Theatre, so the two are easy to see in one go.

Book a guided tour of the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre with entry tickets.

2. Castillo de Gibralfaro

High above the Alcazaba stands Castillo de Gibralfaro, and from here you get the best view of Malaga. The castle was built under King Yusuf I between 1344 and 1354 and completed by his son Muhammad V. It was linked to the Alcazaba by a walled passage, la Coracha, and from 1487 to 1925 it was used as a garrison and a lookout post over the coast.

Inside the castle, you can walk the whole way round on the ramparts, and there’s a small visitor centre about the castle’s history. The view from the walls takes in the harbour, the bullring and La Malagueta beach. A ticket costs €7, or €10 together with the Alcazaba, and the opening hours and free entry on Sundays from 2pm are the same as at the Alcazaba. The combined ticket is the best buy if you want to see both.

The way up is steep. You can walk up Paseo de Don Juan Temboury in about 20 minutes, or you can take city bus 35 from the centre, which runs about every half hour. My tip is to take the bus up and walk down, because then you have the view in front of you all the way. Just below the castle is the Mirador de Gibralfaro viewpoint, which is free.

3. Malaga Cathedral

Malaga Cathedral was built over several hundred years from the 16th century, and construction stopped before the south tower was finished. That’s why locals call the church La Manquita, which means the one-armed one. Inside, there’s a tall, bright nave with a carved wooden choir and a row of side chapels.

A ticket costs €10 and includes an audio guide. From Monday to Friday, the cathedral opens at 10.30am and closes between 6.30pm and 8pm depending on the season, on Saturdays it’s open from 10.30am to 6pm and on Sundays from 2pm to 6pm. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing. The cathedral’s own website shows two different timetables, so check the times before you go. It’s closed on 1 January and 25 December, and there are no tourist visits during services on Saturdays and Sundays.

The cathedral is in the middle of the Old Town, a few minutes’ walk from the Alcazaba. If you want to see it together with the fortress and the theatre, a combined walking tour with tickets is an easy option on your first day.

Book a guided tour of the cathedral, the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre with tickets.

4. Museo Picasso Málaga

Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, and the city’s big Picasso museum is in the Palacio de Buenavista in the Old Town. The collection shows works from his whole long career, from the early portraits to the late paintings, ceramics and sculptures, and it’s complemented by temporary exhibitions.

A ticket to the whole museum costs €13 and includes an audio guide that you use on your own phone. The museum is open every day from 10am to 7pm from March to June and in September and October, from 10am to 8pm in July and August, and from 10am to 6pm from November to February. It’s closed on 25 December and on 1 and 6 January.

On Sundays, entry is free for the last two hours before closing, and children under 17 always get in free. The free Sunday hours are popular, so arrive in good time. The museum is on Calle San Agustín, a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral.

Book a guided tour of the Picasso Museum with a ticket.

5. The Roman Theatre

At the foot of the Alcazaba lie the remains of a Roman theatre that was built at the beginning of the first century AD. It lay hidden underground for centuries and was only rediscovered in 1951, during work on a garden. At first, people thought it was a gate in the Roman city wall.

You can see the theatre for free from Calle Alcazabilla, but it’s worth going in. Entry is free, and in the small visitor centre by the entrance, the theatre’s history is explained before you go out onto the seating. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 4pm, and there’s no entry in the last half hour before closing. The theatre is closed on Mondays and on 1 and 6 January, 1 May and 24, 25 and 31 December.

It’s easy to combine with the Alcazaba, as the entrance to the fortress is only a few metres away. Calle Alcazabilla is a pedestrian street with cafés and bars, so you can finish with a coffee overlooking the ruins.

6. Plaza de la Merced and Picasso’s Birthplace

Plaza de la Merced is one of the big squares in the Old Town, with an obelisk in memory of General Torrijos in the middle and cafés and bars all the way round. A bronze statue of Picasso sits on a bench on the square, and opposite it is the house at Plaza de la Merced 15, where he was born.

Today the house is a museum, the Museo Casa Natal, run by the Fundación Picasso. You see the flat where the family lived, with furniture and family belongings, and you learn about his childhood in Malaga and about his father, who was a drawing teacher. There are also temporary exhibitions with prints and ceramics, among other things.

The museum costs just €3, and a combined ticket with the temporary exhibition costs €4. It’s open every day from 9.30am to 8pm, including public holidays, and it’s closed on 1 January and 25 December. Entry is free on Sundays from 4pm to 8pm. The birthplace is much smaller than the big museum, but it’s a good complement and takes less than an hour.

7. Muelle Uno and the Centre Pompidou

Malaga’s old port was opened up to the city in 2011, and today you can walk along the water from Paseo del Parque to La Malagueta beach. The first quay, Muelle Uno, has a promenade and playgrounds on the upper level and shops and restaurants below. Next to it is Muelle Dos with the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, a promenade under palm trees with a long pergola. This is where tour boats and cruise ships moor.

At the end of Muelle Uno stands the coloured glass cube El Cubo, which the artist Daniel Buren helped to design. Beneath it is the Centre Pompidou Málaga, the first branch of the French Centre Pompidou outside France. The museum opened in 2015 and shows modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries from the Paris museum’s collection. It’s run under an agreement between the city and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

I haven’t been able to confirm the prices on the museum’s own website. A ticket to the collection has cost about €7, or about €9 with the temporary exhibition, and the museum has been closed on Tuesdays. Check before you go.

8. Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Malaga’s central market stands where the Moors had their shipyard in the 14th century. The iron and glass market hall itself was inaugurated in 1879, but the entrance is a white Moorish gate with a horseshoe arch that survives from the shipyard. Inside the hall, the morning light falls through a large stained-glass window.

There are more than 250 stalls with fish, seafood, fruit, vegetables, olives, ham and cheese, and some of the bars in the hall fry fish and make tapas that you can eat at the counter. It’s the best place to try boquerones, the small deep-fried anchovies that are Malaga’s own dish.

The market is usually open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm and closed on Sundays. Come in the morning, when the stalls are fully stocked and the bars are busy. Remember that it’s a working market, so buy something and keep out of the traders’ way when you take photos. The market is on Calle Atarazanas near the Alameda Principal, a few minutes’ walk from Calle Larios and the cathedral.

9. Museo Carmen Thyssen

The Museo Carmen Thyssen is in an old palace in the Old Town and has one of Spain’s best collections of 19th-century Spanish painting. The collection comes from Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, and it focuses on landscapes and everyday scenes from Andalusia, bullfighters, flamenco dancers and portraits of the middle classes of the time. There are also temporary exhibitions, and in the basement you can see an archaeological excavation.

A ticket to the collection and the temporary exhibitions with an audio guide costs €12, or €15 with the excavation. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm, and last entry is half an hour before closing. The museum is closed on Mondays, on 25 December and on 1 and 6 January.

Entry is free on Sundays from 4pm, and under-18s always get in free. The museum is on Calle Compañía, a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de la Constitución. If you only have time for one art museum besides the Picasso Museum, I’d choose this one, because it gives you a good picture of Andalusia before the tourists arrived.

10. Museo de Málaga

The Museo de Málaga is in the Palacio de la Aduana, the city’s old customs house, between the Alcazaba and the harbour. The museum opened in the building in 2016 and brings together two old museums, an art museum and an archaeological museum. The archaeological section is the larger one and runs from the Stone Age through the Phoenicians and the Romans to Moorish Malaga, and among other things there’s a long Roman mosaic. The art collection has Spanish painting and sculpture, including works by the sculptor Pedro de Mena.

According to Andalusia’s tourism website, the museum is open from 9am to 9pm five days a week and from 9am to 3pm on the sixth day and on public holidays. It’s closed on Mondays. Entry is free for EU citizens, who need to show ID.

The museum is large, so allow a couple of hours if you want to see both collections. It’s a good place to go on a hot afternoon, and you can easily combine your visit with the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba, which are right next door.

11. La Malagueta

La Malagueta is Malaga’s city beach, about a ten-minute walk from the Old Town, just east of the harbour. The beach is 1,200 metres long and 45 metres wide with dark sand, and it has a Blue Flag. You can hire sun loungers and parasols, and there are toilets, showers and an area for children.

Along the beach is a row of beach restaurants, chiringuitos, and this is where you should try espetos. They’re sardines on skewers, grilled over a fire in old boats filled with sand. Sardines are at their best in summer, and a portion makes a cheap lunch.

La Malagueta is convenient, but it’s also the busiest beach in the city. If you want more space, carry on east along the promenade to La Caleta and on to Pedregalejo and El Palo, where the old fishing districts still have lots of small beach restaurants.

12. The La Concepción Botanical Garden

North of the centre is the Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción, a large historic garden on a hillside with views towards the city. It was laid out in the 1850s by a wealthy merchant couple, Amalia Heredia and Jorge Loring, who planted exotic trees and plants from their travels around the world. Today it’s a botanical garden where the paths lead through dense tropical planting, avenues of palms and a large cactus area, past a lake and several gazebos.

The garden is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 8.30pm from April to September and from 9.30am to 5.30pm from October to March. It’s closed on Mondays and on 25 December and 1 January. According to the city council’s schedule of fees, a standard ticket costs €5.20, and entry is free on at least four days a month.

The garden is some way outside the centre, so take a taxi or the city bus. Allow a couple of hours and come in the morning, before the heat gets too strong. It’s a good breather if you need a break from the city, and it’s one of the sights that most tourists skip.

13. Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey is a hiking route on walkways that hang on the rock face up to 100 metres above the river in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge. The path was built in the early 20th century for the workers at the hydroelectric power station, and for many years it was known as one of the world’s most dangerous paths. After a major renovation, it reopened in 2015, and today you walk on new walkways with railings.

The route is about 7.7 kilometres long, of which about 2.9 kilometres are on walkways, and you should allow three to four hours. You only walk one way, and a shuttle bus takes you back from El Chorro for about €2.50, paid in cash. Children under eight aren’t allowed, and you need to show ID.

A standard ticket has cost about €10 plus a small fee, and tickets are released for set periods on the official website. They sell out quickly, so book as soon as you know your date. The path is about an hour’s drive from Malaga, so without a car, a tour with transport is the easiest option.

Book a guided tour of the Caminito del Rey with transport from Malaga.

14. Granada and the Alhambra

The Alhambra in Granada is Andalusia’s biggest sight and one of the most visited in Spain. It’s a fortified palace city on a hill above Granada, where the last Muslim rulers in Spain, the Nasrids, lived until 1492. The highlight is the Nasrid Palaces, with carved stucco walls, tiles and courtyards with pools of water, but you also see the Alcazaba fortress, the Palace of Charles V and the Generalife gardens.

A standard day ticket costs €22.27 and covers the whole site. From 15 October to 31 March, the Alhambra is open from 8.30am to 6pm, and from 1 April to 14 October from 8.30am to 8pm. The ticket has a fixed time slot for the Nasrid Palaces, and you can only get in at that time, so plan your day around it.

Tickets sell out, especially in spring and summer, so buy them on the official website as soon as you know your date. Granada is inland, north-east of Malaga, and it’s a long day there and back. If you haven’t managed to get tickets yourself, a day trip with a guide and tickets is the safe option. If you’d rather spend a night or two there, my guide to where to stay in Granada covers the best areas near the Alhambra.

Book a day trip to Granada with a guided tour of the Alhambra.

15. Ronda

Ronda is one of Andalusia’s most beautiful towns, and it sits on top of a cliff in the mountains west of Malaga. The town is split in two by the deep El Tajo gorge, and the Puente Nuevo bridge spans the gorge. It was built in the 18th century from stone taken from the gorge itself and is 98 metres high. It’s Ronda’s landmark and one of the most photographed places in Spain.

Crossing the bridge is free, and from the viewpoints on both sides you look down into the gorge and out over the landscape. Take a walk through Ronda’s Old Town south of the bridge with its white houses, too, and see the large 18th-century bullring, which now has a museum. If you want to see the bridge from below, you can take the path down into the gorge, but expect a steep walk back up.

You can easily see Ronda in a day, and many tours combine the town with Setenil de las Bodegas, where the houses are built in under the rocks. If you have time, Ronda is also a good town to spend the night in, because in the evening the day-trippers have gone home.

Book a day trip to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas from Malaga.

16. Nerja and the Nerja Caves

Nerja is on the eastern part of the Costa del Sol and is one of the prettiest resorts on the coast, with small coves and the Balcón de Europa viewpoint in the middle of town. Just outside the town are the Nerja Caves (Cueva de Nerja), a huge cave system full of stalactites, which five local boys found in 1959 while they were looking for bats.

The tour of the caves takes about 50 minutes, and there are just over 400 steps up and down. The lighting is dim, and you may only take photos without flash and only in certain places. The caves are open every day from 9.15am to 4.30pm, and until 5.30pm in the summer months, at Easter and at Christmas, and last entry is an hour before closing. They’re closed on 1 and 6 January, 15 May and 25 December. A ticket costs about €15, and it’s cheaper online.

Combine the caves with Frigiliana, a white mountain village a few kilometres up in the hills, where the narrow streets are decorated with flowers and tiles. Without a car, a day trip from Malaga is the easiest option, because then you get both places in one day.

Book a day trip to the Nerja Caves, Nerja and Frigiliana.

17. Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, and it makes a fun day trip, because in a few minutes you go from Spain to a small British town with red phone boxes, pubs and the pound as its currency. From the Spanish border town of La Línea de la Concepción, you walk across the border and over the runway into town.

The big draw is the Rock of Gibraltar. Entry to the Upper Rock nature reserve costs £30 (around €35) for adults and £22 (around €25) for children aged 5 to 11. The ticket gives access to St Michael’s Cave, the tunnels from the 18th-century siege, the Windsor Suspension Bridge and the Apes’ Den, where you see Gibraltar’s wild Barbary macaques. From 1 October to 30 April, it’s open from 9am to 6.15pm, and from 1 May to 30 September from 9.30am to 7.15pm.

The macaques are wild animals, and it’s forbidden to feed them, so keep food and carrier bags tucked away in your bag. The trip from Malaga takes a couple of hours each way, so an organised coach tour is the easiest option.

Book a day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga.

18. Bioparc Fuengirola

Bioparc Fuengirola is a zoo in the middle of the resort town of Fuengirola, and it’s built around the animals’ natural habitats instead of cages. You walk through areas that recreate Madagascar, Equatorial Africa, South-East Asia, the Indo-Pacific and Central and South America, and the focus is on endangered species.

A ticket costs €29.50 for adults and €23 for children aged 3 to 9 and for adults over 65. If you buy your ticket online at least 24 hours in advance, it’s €1 cheaper. The park is open every day of the year, and the ticket office closes an hour before the park.

Fuengirola station on the C1 Cercanías line is 600 metres from the entrance, and the train runs from Malaga and the airport. With children, Bioparc and a few hours on the beach in Fuengirola make a good day out, and you can check the day’s programme of feedings and presentations on the park’s website.

Book a ticket to Bioparc Fuengirola.

Practical Travel Tips for Malaga

The Old Town, the Alcazaba, the harbour and La Malagueta beach are so close together that you can walk between them, and you’ll only need a bus or train for Gibralfaro, the botanical garden and the towns along the coast. The C1 train runs from the airport to the centre and on along the coast to Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. I’ve gathered all the options from the airport in my guide to getting from Malaga Airport to the city centre.

Plan your Sunday carefully, because many places are free late in the day. The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro are free from 2pm, the Carmen Thyssen from 4pm, Picasso’s birthplace from 4pm to 8pm and the Picasso Museum for the last two hours. The Roman Theatre is always free. On Mondays it’s the other way round, because the theatre, the Carmen Thyssen, the Museo de Málaga and the botanical garden are closed.

July and August are very hot, and Malaga and the coast are packed with beachgoers. Spring and autumn are the best times for both the city and the excursions, and in winter it’s still mild enough for a T-shirt on good days. If you’d like to see more of Andalusia, I’ve also written about where to stay in Seville. And if you want to cross over to Morocco, read my guide to where to stay in Marrakech.

If you’re not sure whether to stay in Malaga itself or in one of the beach towns, read my guide to where to stay in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol, or see all hotels in Malaga on Booking.com.

The post 18 Best Things to Do in Malaga & the Costa del Sol: Sights, Prices & Tips appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Airport trains run every 20 minutes in both directions and cost less than €3. You can pay by tapping your bank card at the ticket barrier. Here I compare the options, with fares, journey times and my recommendations.

If you’d rather drive yourself from the airport, you can compare prices on rental cars at Booking.com.

1. The train (Cercanías C1) to Malaga and the Costa del Sol

The train is the option I would recommend for most people. Line C1 runs between Málaga Centro-Alameda and Fuengirola, with the airport roughly halfway along the route, serving both the city and the main holiday towns. Aeropuerto station is opposite the arrivals hall in Terminal 3, a walk of 2 to 5 minutes.

Check the platform display before boarding. Trains towards Málaga Centro-Alameda go into the city, while trains towards Fuengirola head along the coast.

Journey times

• Málaga María Zambrano: 8 minutes. Change here for high-speed trains, long-distance buses and the metro at El Perchel.
• Málaga Centro-Alameda: 12 minutes. This is the terminus and the station to use for a hotel in or near the Old Town.
• Torremolinos: around 10 minutes.
• Benalmádena (Arroyo de la Miel): 18 minutes.
• Fuengirola: 34 minutes.

These are the journey times given on the airport’s train information page.

Fares and tickets

A single ticket costs around €1.80 to central Malaga or Torremolinos, around €2.05 to Benalmádena and around €2.70 to Fuengirola. The fare depends on how many zones you cross.

Contactless payment is the easiest option. Tap your Visa, Mastercard or phone at the barrier when entering and again when leaving. You are charged the price of a single ticket. Renfe explains the system on its page about contactless payment in Malaga.

Use the same card at both ends, and each person needs their own card. For a paper ticket, use the machines or ticket office at the station. The ticket must be used within two hours. The conditions are on the Renfe website.

Departures and operating hours

Trains run every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes late in the evening. Towards Fuengirola, the first train is at around 05:30 and the last at around 23:40. Towards Malaga city centre, the first is at around 06:45 and the last shortly before 01:00.

There are no overnight trains. You can find the full timetable on the Malaga transport authority website.

2. The A Express airport bus to central Malaga

The A Express city bus runs from the airport to Paseo del Parque in the city centre. Stops along the way include the bus station beside María Zambrano and Alameda Principal.

A ticket costs €4, payable on the bus by Visa, Mastercard or cash. Luggage is free. The stop is outside the arrivals hall on level 0. Details are on the airport’s bus information page.

The journey takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run roughly every 20 to 30 minutes, from around 07:00 until midnight.

The bus is both slower and more expensive than the train. I would choose it only for a hotel near one of its stops, or for the eastern end of the city centre around Paseo del Parque.

3. Buses to Marbella and Estepona

There is no train to Marbella, so the bus is the obvious choice. Avanza runs direct from the airport to Marbella in around 45 minutes. Several services continue to Estepona, around 1 hour and 15 minutes from the airport.

Tickets to Marbella start at €6.48, rising to €9.30 for express services. Tickets to Estepona start at €10.24. There are around 40 departures a day, from approximately 08:45 to 22:00.

The bus stops just outside the Terminal 3 arrivals hall. Buy tickets online or at the Avanza ticket office at the airport, open daily from 07:45 to 23:00. Timetables and fares are on the Avanza website.

ALSA also runs from the airport to destinations including Nerja, Granada and Seville. Services are listed on ALSA’s airport page. For a trip to Andalusia’s capital, I have written a guide to where to stay in Seville.

4. Taxis

Taxis wait outside arrivals on level 0 and use the meter. Journeys from the airport have a minimum fare, depending on the time:

• Weekdays from 06:00 to 22:00: at least €18.24.
• Weekday nights and daytime at weekends and on public holidays: at least €22.48.
• Nights at weekends and on public holidays: at least €25.80.

There is also a €0.58 charge per suitcase. A journey to central Malaga usually costs €20 to €27 and takes 20 to 25 minutes. Official fares are published by Malaga City Council.

Journeys outside the city cost more. Allow around €17 to €25 to Torremolinos, €22 to €25 to Benalmádena, €36 to €42 to Fuengirola and €70 to €100 to Marbella, with the higher prices applying at night and at weekends.

5. Uber, Bolt and Cabify

Uber, Bolt and Cabify all operate from the airport. They cannot collect passengers at the taxi rank, so you need to walk to a designated meeting point. According to the airport, Uber collects from Parking preferente at Terminal 3 and Bolt from Parking llegadas, both on level 0.

Follow the VTC signs from arrivals and allow a walk of 3 to 5 minutes with luggage. Meeting points are listed on the airport’s VTC information page.

The app shows the price before you book. Fares rise in peak season and late at night, so compare them with the taxi minimum fare before deciding.

6. Private transfers

To have a driver waiting in arrivals, you can book a private transfer from Malaga Airport here. Prices start at around €23 per person.

This makes most sense for families with lots of luggage or for a late-night arrival when the trains are not running.

Which option should you choose?

Here is what I recommend for the most common situations:

Heading to central Malaga: Take the train to Málaga Centro-Alameda. It takes 12 minutes and costs around €1.80.

Heading to Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Fuengirola: Take a train towards Fuengirola. The journey takes 10 to 34 minutes and costs less than €3.

Heading to Marbella or Estepona: Take the direct Avanza bus from the airport.

Landing at night: Take a taxi or Uber. There are no trains between approximately 01:00 and 05:30.

Travelling as a group of three or four: A taxi to central Malaga works out at €5 to €9 per person and takes you to the door.

Practical tips for Malaga airport transport

Everything is at Terminal 3. Trains, buses, taxis and the Uber and Bolt meeting points are all near the Terminal 3 arrivals hall on level 0.

Remember to tap out. When paying contactless for the train, tap your card at the barrier at both the start and end of your journey.

The metro does not serve the airport. For the metro, change at María Zambrano, beside El Perchel metro station.

Choose your hotel with the connection in mind. Staying in central Malaga can put you at your hotel around a quarter of an hour after boarding the train. You can see hotels in Malaga city centre here. For a beach stay with a nearby train connection, you can see hotels in Torremolinos here.

For help deciding on a location, I have written a guide to where to stay in Malaga. Once you’re in the city, my guide to the best things to do in Malaga covers what to see in Malaga and along the Costa del Sol, plus day trips to the Caminito del Rey, Granada, Ronda and Nerja.

The post Malaga Airport to the City Centre & Costa del Sol - Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why I’ve written this guide to help you choose the best area to stay in while you visit this fantastic city. Before you arrive, compare trains, buses and taxis in my guide to getting from Malaga Airport to the city centre and Costa del Sol.

Whether you want to be close to the beach, stay in the historical centre, or find yourself in a more modern district, this guide will help you find the best location for your stay in Malaga.

So, where to stay in Malaga? Let’s get started with the guide.

Best Areas in Malaga

In this guide, I delve deep into the best areas of Malaga, but if you want the short version, here it is.

Best areas to stay in Malaga:

• Centro Histórico – the historic centre close to everything
• La Malagueta – right by the beach in Malaga
• Soho – trendy & hip area close to the centre

Click on each area to discover the best hotels in Malaga in the given district.

Later on in this guide I’ll also tell you a bit about 3 interesting holiday towns near Malaga.

1. Centro Histórico – Best Area in the Centre

The best area to stay in as a tourist in Malaga is undoubtedly Centro Histórico, the historic centre of Malaga.

This area is brimming with charm and atmosphere, making it the perfect base for exploring the city’s many attractions.

You’ll be within walking distance of numerous tourist attractions like the impressive Alcazaba fortress, the iconic Malaga Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum.

The area is also teeming with lively cafes, bars, and eateries, ensuring you’ll always have things to do in this bustling neighbourhood.

Calle Larios, the city’s most famous shopping street, is also located in Centro Histórico, a spot most tourists will pass by during their trip to Malaga.

See the best hotels in Centro Histórico here.

Get an impression of the historic centre in this video:

Another significant advantage of staying in Centro Histórico is the easy access to public transport to other areas of Malaga or the entire Costa del Sol.

So, Centro Histórico is the perfect place to stay for tourists who want to experience Malaga’s history, culture, and vibrant nightlife.

It’s a safe and convenient location that will give you an unforgettable experience of this beautiful city.

Places to stay in the Centre of Malaga

Naturally, there are plenty of excellent hotels in the centre of Malaga.

Below, I’ve selected some of my favourites across different price ranges, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after luxury hotels with pools or looking to save a bit on your holiday budget.

We start with one of the more luxurious hotels with a stunning rooftop pool overlooking Malaga.

Located in the heart of Malaga’s historic centre, AC Hotel Malaga Palacio by Marriott offers an ideal base for those wanting to explore the city’s rich past and vibrant culture.

One of the hotel’s most prominent features is its impressive rooftop terrace with a pool, offering panoramic views of Malaga’s skyline and the blue Mediterranean Sea.

The rooms are modern, with an elegant touch that reflects Andalusia’s charm.

You’ll find several of the city’s most famous attractions within walking distance of the hotel, including the Cathedral and the Alcazaba Fortress.

This hotel is a top choice for those seeking both comfort and a central location.

See more photos and book here.

And I must also mention another excellent hotel in the same class—although not in the historic centre, it’s nearby.

Although H10 Croma Malaga is not situated directly in the heart of Malaga’s centre, it’s only a pleasant 10-minute walk away.

This short distance makes it an attractive option for those wanting peace while still having easy access to the city’s bustling life.

The hotel features a modern aesthetic and offers rooms with all the modern amenities.

H10 also has hotels in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, so you may already be familiar with the chain.

The rooms are consistently superb, and often they come with delightful rooftop pools, which this hotel in Malaga also has.

See more photos and book here.

Debambú Suites offers something different than the traditional hotel experience; it provides a range of professional luxury-style apartments.

This can be extremely pleasant if you travel to Malaga with older children or want to cook for yourself on a longer holiday.

Located right in the central part of Malaga’s historic centre, these suites give you a sense of being at home while still enjoying luxurious comforts.

Each apartment comes with modern conveniences combined with stylish decor that provides a sense of elegance and comfort.

See more photos and book here.

And now for a more budget-friendly hotel in central Malaga.

Málaga Premium Hotel is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.

The rooms at the hotel are neat and clean. Although it’s a more affordable option, you can expect a comfortable stay with all the essential facilities.

According to previous guests, the rooms are comfortable, and the staff is helpful and friendly.

For travellers looking for a combination of value for money and a good location, Málaga Premium Hotel is an excellent choice.

See more photos and book here.

2. La Malagueta – stay by the Beach in Malaga

La Malagueta is a popular area to stay in as a tourist in Malaga.

With its ideal location close to the beach, this is a perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy the beach while still having easy access to the centre of Malaga.

The area has one of the city’s most famous beaches, La Malagueta, and several cosy cafes, bars, and restaurants along the promenade.

See the best hotels in La Malagueta here.

There is also a wide range of water sports and beach activities you can engage in.

Compared to some of the busier areas of Malaga, La Malagueta is known for its relaxing atmosphere and is an ideal place to stay for tourists who want to combine beach life with the city’s charming and cultural atmosphere.

At the same time, you are not far from the historic centre, as you can easily walk there quickly (depending on precisely where your hotel in La Malagueta is located).

If you’ve been to Barcelona, the area is comparable to La Barceloneta, which is also right by the city’s beach.

Places to stay near the beach in Malaga

Malaga is popular as a holiday destination all year round, but it’s especially in the warm months when you can go to the beach that tourists flock to the Spanish city.

Therefore, it makes good sense to stay by the beach in Malaga – here are some of my favourite beach hotels in Malaga.

Gran Hotel Miramar GL is located right by the beach in La Malagueta. This five-star hotel combines comfort and class in the best way.

The rooms are cosy and inviting, and the pool area with sea views is a definite highlight. If you fancy a dip in the sea, the beach is just a stone’s throw away.

Many who have stayed here love the place – especially the excellent food and easy access to the beach.

If you want to experience Malaga with a wonderful mix of relaxation and luxury, Gran Hotel Miramar GL is a top choice.

See more photos and book here.

Hotel MS Maestranza is also superbly located, where city life meets the beach.

That means you can take a city tour and shop or enjoy an ice-cold drink by the sea – all within a few minutes walk.

The rooms are lovely and provide everything you need to feel comfortable.

Many previous guests speak warmly of the hotel’s helpful staff and the fantastic rooftop terrace with views over the city and the sea.

See more photos and book here.

A slightly cheaper option in the area is Hotel California, which boasts a fabulous location where you get the best of both worlds.

Located right between Malaga’s bustling city centre and the relaxing La Malagueta beach, it lets you choose how you want to spend your day.

The rooms are comfortable and cosily furnished, so you’ll feel at home. Many guests praised the hotel’s friendly staff and the cosy atmosphere.

Furthermore, it’s easy to get around from the hotel, whether you want to go shopping, enjoy a good meal, or simply relax by the water.

For those who want to experience the best of Malaga without any hassle, Hotel California is the perfect choice.

See more photos and book here.

3. Soho – the Trendy & Cool Area

If you want to experience Malaga’s more trendy and creative side, Soho is a fantastic place for tourists to stay.

Soho is an artistic area that has been renovated in recent years and is now home to the city’s coolest galleries, shops, and trendy eateries. 

It’s quite similar to what we know of Soho in London and New York City.

See the best hotels in Soho here.

The area is filled with creative and alternative cafes, bars, and restaurants, and the colourful streets are brimming with life and energy. 

Soho in Malaga is known for its cosy shops selling everything from clothes and crafts to inventive souvenirs.

One of the best tapas restaurants in Soho is Mesón Ibérico, popular among both tourists and locals.

You can also easily walk from Soho to La Malagueta and the historic centre.

It’s a great area to stay in Malaga if you’re interested in experiencing the most trendy bars and restaurants.

Places to stay in Soho

Soho is trendy and cool, but it’s also right next to Malaga’s historic centre. So, staying in Soho doesn’t mean you’re compromising on being “close to everything”. Some hotels are even cheaper than those in Centro.

Here are some of my favourite hotels in Malaga’s Soho area:

Mariposa Hotel in Soho is a place where you can really feel the city’s vibe. The hotel is super nice, and the rooms are inviting.

But the best part? Their rooftop terrace!

From here, you get a fantastic view of the city, and it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Many visitors praise the hotel for its location, atmosphere, and wonderful terrace.

See more photos and book here.

Aparthotel Gran Alameda gives you more space than you’d typically get in a hotel, and it feels almost like having your own apartment in Malaga.

The place is well-organized, so everything runs smoothly – from check-in to daily chores.

People who have stayed here particularly talk about how easy and comfortable everything was.

See more photos and book here.

ICON Malabar in Soho is the hotel where you know you’ll have a good stay.

The rooms are not only stylish; they are also super comfortable and well-furnished. The hotel blends modern design with cosy surroundings, making it feel new and homely.

Many guests highlight the friendly staff and the beautiful rooms as some of the hotel’s significant advantages.

If you’re looking for a solid and stylish place to stay in Malaga, ICON Malabar is the place for you.

See more photos and book here.

3 Popular Holiday Towns near Malaga

Southern Spain and the Costa del Sol boast some of the most spectacular holiday and excursion destinations, all easily accessible from Malaga.

Especially if you visit Malaga during the summer, it makes sense to venture out and explore these nearby areas—or perhaps even spend the night there.

Nerja

If you’re dreaming of a gem of a holiday town close to Malaga, Nerja is absolutely worth checking out. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque villages in Andalusia.

The town is famous for its stunning cliffs, which rise beside crystal-clear beach areas.

And then there’s Balcón de Europa—a beach promenade so renowned it’s almost a must-see. 

You can enjoy unparalleled sea views from here and experience the genuine Andalusian ambience.

See the best hotels in Nerja here.

With its narrow streets, charming squares, and irresistible coastline, Nerja is ideal for those wanting to experience the best of the Spanish coast without sacrificing charm and beauty.

So where to stay in Nerja?

Located in the heart of Nerja, Parador De Nerja is not just a place to sleep – it’s an experience in itself.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, the hotel offers panoramic views that are hard to beat.

The rooms are comfortable and thoughtfully designed, and the hotel beautifully blends traditional Spanish architecture with modern amenities.

And let’s not forget the incredible pool where you can dip with the sea as a backdrop.

Past guests are particularly impressed with the hotel’s location, excellent service, and unbeatable views. Parador De Nerja is a sure bet if you want to indulge in a stay that combines relaxation and luxury in Nerja.

See more photos and book here.

Mijas

Just 20 km from the centre of Malaga, you’ll find Mijas – a mountain village that takes charm to a whole new level.

Mijas is renowned throughout Andalusia as a top holiday destination, and once you step into the town, it’s easy to see why.

Here, classic, aesthetic architecture meets the most picturesque streets imaginable.

White buildings contrast sharply to the blue sky, and the narrow streets wind up and down the mountain, providing some stunning vistas.

See the best hotels in Mijas here.

If you want to experience an authentic Andalusian ambience and breathtaking views, Mijas is the place to visit. 

Here, you get relaxation, beauty, and a good dose of Spanish culture.

So where to stay in Mijas?

Nestled in the enchanting mountain village, you’ll find Mijas Residence – an apartment hotel that stands out.

Each suite is designed with a perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional Spanish charm, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

With well-equipped kitchens and spacious living rooms, it’s easy to feel at home here.

And let’s not forget the fantastic reviews! Previous guests cannot get enough of the friendly service, the beautiful surroundings and the comfortable facilities.

If you are looking for a place in Mijas where you can combine the authentic with the luxurious, Mijas Residence is definitely worth a look.

See more photos and book here.

Frigiliana

The delightful village of Frigiliana is close to Nerja mentioned above, just 10 km to the east. This gem is the ultimate representation of Andalusian charm.

The village is known for its traditional architecture: whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and colourful doorways.

See the best hotels in Frigiliana here.

Frigiliana is the kind of place where time seems to stand still and where you can truly feel the soul of Andalusia. If you want to experience a village that exudes authenticity and charm, then Frigiliana is the place to visit.

So where to stay in Frigiliana?

Tucked away in the picturesque streets of Frigiliana, you’ll find Casa Calle Real 87 – an authentic little treasure of a hotel.

This place is a gem that combines cosy and historical with modern comfort. The hotel has a charm that immediately makes you feel welcome.

The rooms are inviting and stylishly decorated, mixing traditional Andalusian charm with modern amenities.

But it’s not just the place that’s special—it’s also the experience. Past guests often praise the personalized service and homey atmosphere. Not to mention the stunning views overlooking the sea and mountains.

Some even mention that it feels like visiting old friends. 

If you’re looking for a unique and authentic lodging experience in Frigiliana, then Casa Calle Real 87 is the place to book. 

Here, you get a combination of warm hospitality and a genuine Spanish ambience.

See more pictures and book here.

And this is where the guide comes to an end! So whether you wish to explore authentic Spanish culture, enjoy the exciting nightlife, or relax on the beach, Malaga and its surroundings offer many options.

No matter where you end up staying, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable holiday in Malaga, and we hope this guide will help you make the best decision about where to stay in Malaga. Once you’ve found your base, my guide to the best things to do in Malaga covers what to see in the city and along the Costa del Sol, plus day trips to the Caminito del Rey, Granada, Ronda and Nerja.

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