Malaga
temperatur
28°
tid
17:02
Malaga
Malaga might not be as popular as other Spanish cities, but a quick visit to the birthplace of Pablo Picasso is enough to win any visitor's heart. With a great mix of ancient history and modern culture, nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, and several kilometres of beach, it's quite easy to see why Malaga has been described as 'Paradise City'.Hitta resa
Wandering through Malaga’s Old Town is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city. The maze of narrow streets still follows the original Moorish layout — winding paths that offer shade during the heat and open into small squares lined with cafés, churches, and tapas bars. It's an easy place to get a bit lost in the best way possible. At its heart is Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s main square since medieval times. Nearby, Calle Larios is the grand pedestrian street — good for shopping, people-watching, or just walking under the seasonal lights and decorations. The area’s full of small shops, old buildings, and hidden corners that tell Málaga’s layered story.
The Alcazaba is an 11th-century palatial fortification which stands as a testament to Malaga’s rich Moorish past. You can walk up if you’re feeling active, or take the bus if it’s too hot — it drops you near the top. Inside, it’s a mix of stone walls, arches, and quiet courtyards with views out over Malaga and the port.
Built in the 1300s to protect the Alcazaba and house troops, Gibralfaro Castle still has walkable ramparts with some of the best views over Malaga, the port, and the coastline. Inside, there’s a small military museum. The name comes from Jabal-Faruk, meaning 'hill of the lighthouse' in Arabic. The castle was also the site of a long siege in 1487, when Catholic forces took the city from the Moors.
Malaga’s coastline runs right along the city, so you don’t need to go far for a swim. The main stretch starts near the port along the Paseo de Pablo Ruiz Picasso. La Malagueta is the most central beach — about 10 minutes from the Old Town — with dark sand, showers, toilets, and sunbeds for hire. You’ll spot the big Malagueta sign where everyone stops for photos. The beach is lined with chiringuitos, casual seafood spots where you can try grilled sardines (espetos) cooked over open fire. La Caleta, just a bit further east, is quieter but has the same setup — clean, calm water, and easy access.
Locals call it La Manquita — 'the one-armed lady' — because only one of its towers was ever finished. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the cathedral mixes Renaissance design with a Baroque front. It actually sits on the site of a former mosque, and you can still spot a few traces of that. There's a long-running rumour that money meant for the second tower went to support the American War of Independence — not confirmed, but it’s part of the local lore.
One of Málaga’s liveliest squares, Plaza de la Merced is known for its statue of Picasso sitting on a bench — a nod to the artist who was born just a few steps away. The square has a long history as a public meeting spot, once home to a local market (hence the name Merced, tied to trade). These days, it’s a social hub with cafés, bars, and outdoor tables where people linger late into the evening.
Picasso was born in Malaga, so it makes sense there’s a museum dedicated to him here. It’s inside a 16th-century palace, and the collection comes straight from his family — over 200 works, covering a bit of everything: painting, sketching, ceramics, even sculpture. Just around the corner at Plaza de la Merced, you can also visit the house where he was born.
A colourful glass cube by the port marks the only Pompidou outside France. Inside, there’s a mix of modern and contemporary art from the main collection in Paris, with rotating exhibits and some permanent works. Expect big names like Frida Kahlo (The Frame is here), plus a few thematic sections covering identity, the body, politics, and more.
Wandering through Malaga’s Old Town is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city. The maze of narrow streets still follows the original Moorish layout — winding paths that offer shade during the heat and open into small squares lined with cafés, churches, and tapas bars. It's an easy place to get a bit lost in the best way possible. At its heart is Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s main square since medieval times. Nearby, Calle Larios is the grand pedestrian street — good for shopping, people-watching, or just walking under the seasonal lights and decorations. The area’s full of small shops, old buildings, and hidden corners that tell Málaga’s layered story.
The Alcazaba is an 11th-century palatial fortification which stands as a testament to Malaga’s rich Moorish past. You can walk up if you’re feeling active, or take the bus if it’s too hot — it drops you near the top. Inside, it’s a mix of stone walls, arches, and quiet courtyards with views out over Malaga and the port.
Calle Larios is one of Malaga’s main shopping streets — pedestrianised, elegant, and lined with stylish boutiques and big-name brands beneath grand neoclassical facades. Just around the corner, Calle Nueva offers a more laid-back shopping experience with a mix of international chains and local shops, ideal for souvenirs, clothing, or homewares. Both streets are car-free, making for easy, unhurried strolling — and when it’s time for a break, cafés and terraces spill onto the pavement, perfect for people-watching with a drink in hand.
Centro Comercial Larios Centro is a popular and expansive shopping mall that caters to a diverse range of tastes and needs. From trendy fashion boutiques to an array of dining options and a supermarket, Centro Comercial Larios Centro is a one-stop destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Muelle Uno is an open-air shopping promenade right on the waterfront, with palm-lined walkways, sea views, and a relaxed vibe. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, international brands, restaurants, and gelato spots — plus regular pop-up markets and cultural events. It’s also a great place to pause with a drink as the sun sets over the port.
Located just outside the city centre, Plaza Mayor is a sprawling mall housing a wide array of shops, ranging from popular international brands to local boutiques. Visitors can indulge in retail therapy, catch a movie at the cinema, or enjoy a variety of dining options in the food court.
Ultramarinos Zoilo is a long-standing market offering an exquisite selection of traditional Malaga products, including confectionery, sweet wines, cured meats, and cheeses.
Spain's department store colossus is both loved and hated, but it successfully performs the main task of a department store, which is to offer most things to most people. Designer fashions, their own low and medium-priced lines, enormous perfumery and make-up departments, accessories, toys, children's and baby's clothes, art materials, souvenirs, food and delicatessen, household furniture and decorations, electrical goods, books, and a range of services can be found here.
Housed in a railway station, Vialia Centro Comercial is a modern shopping mall featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, a casino, and a cinema.
Just 15 minutes from Malaga's city centre and right next to Plaza Mayor, Designer Outlet Malaga is an open-air complex featuring big-brand shopping with serious discounts — often up to 70% off. You'll find everything from international fashion houses like Hugo Boss, Karl Lagerfeld, and Calvin Klein to sportswear staples like Adidas and Nike. There’s also a handful of cafés and restaurants to refuel between finds.
Calle Larios is one of Malaga’s main shopping streets — pedestrianised, elegant, and lined with stylish boutiques and big-name brands beneath grand neoclassical facades. Just around the corner, Calle Nueva offers a more laid-back shopping experience with a mix of international chains and local shops, ideal for souvenirs, clothing, or homewares. Both streets are car-free, making for easy, unhurried strolling — and when it’s time for a break, cafés and terraces spill onto the pavement, perfect for people-watching with a drink in hand.
Centro Comercial Larios Centro is a popular and expansive shopping mall that caters to a diverse range of tastes and needs. From trendy fashion boutiques to an array of dining options and a supermarket, Centro Comercial Larios Centro is a one-stop destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is located just 10 km from the city centre — about 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. The Cercanías C-1 train is the fastest option, getting you into town in around 12 minutes, with departures every 20–30 minutes between early morning to around midnight. The A Express bus is another solid choice, running from Terminal 3 to central stops like María Zambrano station in about 25 minutes, with services every 25–45 minutes until midnight. Taxis and rideshares are also available right outside the terminal.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Spain, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
Malaga enjoys a mild climate year-round, with warm winters and hot, dry summers. Spring (March to June) is one of the best times to visit — the weather is pleasant, and the city feels lively without being overcrowded. If you're more into sun and sea, the summer months are perfect for a beach-focused trip, though July and August can be quite hot. Malaga also shines during its biggest annual events. Semana Santa (Holy Week) in spring transforms the city with dramatic religious processions. In August, the city bursts into colour for the Feria de Malaga, a week-long street party with music, dancing, food, and fireworks.
Malaga’s public transport is easy to use and covers most of what travellers need. There’s a two-line metro, city buses, and Cercanías trains that connect nearby towns and the airport. They all use the same rechargeable card (Tarjeta de Transporte), which works across buses, metro, and trains. For short stays, the pay-as-you-go option is the simplest and most flexible. That said, the historic centre is compact and very walkable, so you might only need transport for longer trips. For fares, routes, timetables, and where to get or top up your card, check the official Málaga Transport Consortium or Metro de Málaga websites.
It’s easy to find a taxi in Malaga — official ones are white with a blue diagonal stripe and a roof light, and you can catch them at taxi ranks, the airport, train stations, or just by flagging one down. Ride-sharing apps like Uber, Bolt and Cabify also operate in the city and work well for both short trips and airport runs.
Málaga’s main post office is on Calle Santa Lucía 7 and is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 8:30pm. Services include sending letters and parcels, collecting post, and P.O. box pick-up. You can spot a Correos branch by its yellow facade, and stamps are easy to find in tobacconists marked with a ‘Tabacos’ sign.
Malaga’s pharmacies are mostly independent, with a few well-known ones in convenient spots. Farmacia Caffarena, on Alameda Principal 2 in the city centre, is open 24 hours and carries everything from prescriptions to skincare. Farmacia Mata, located on Calle Larios, is one of the city’s oldest, known for its custom preparations and classic interior. Closer to the port, Farmacia Castillón near Muelle Uno is modern and well-stocked, good for anything from travel essentials to beachside first aid. Look for the green cross signs—24-hour service rotates, and the on-duty pharmacy is usually listed on the window of any branch.
Spain’s power grid operates at 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, using Type F (Schuko plug) and Type C (Europlug) outlets. Both types accept plugs with two round prongs, common across continental Europe.
Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is located just 10 km from the city centre — about 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. The Cercanías C-1 train is the fastest option, getting you into town in around 12 minutes, with departures every 20–30 minutes between early morning to around midnight. The A Express bus is another solid choice, running from Terminal 3 to central stops like María Zambrano station in about 25 minutes, with services every 25–45 minutes until midnight. Taxis and rideshares are also available right outside the terminal.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Spain, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
