The Ultimate Travel Guide to Malaga

Welcome to the sunny and vibrant city of Malaga, the gateway to Andalucia and Costa del Sol! Malaga is a perfect blend of rich history, beautiful architecture, and stunning beaches. As the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso, the city is also renowned for its art scene and cultural experiences, being also home to the only foreign branch of the famous Centre Pompidou.

Malaga has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, soaking up the sun on the Mediterranean coast, or indulging in delicious Spanish cuisine.

In this ultimate travel guide to Malaga we will go on a journey around the city and the region, discovering all the wonderful sights and experiences that you can have here.

Malaga Itineraries:

These are my comprehensive guides to exploring the charming city of Malaga. These Malaga itineraries have been designed to help you make the most of your time in the city, whether you are here for a quick weekend getaway or a longer holiday. There are plenty of things to do in Malaga, so I’ve gathered the best of them in these itineraries, grouping the attractions by distance, and adding recommendations of hotels and restaurants which, as a local, I have personally tested.

Get ready to discover Malaga!

The Best One Day in Malaga Itinerary Written by a Local

Malaga is a perfect blend of Moorish architecture, modern art, sandy beaches, delicious food, and [...]

2 Days in Malaga Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Malaga

This 2 days in Malaga itinerary has all the best activities in Malaga that will [...]

Things to Do in Malaga in Winter Recommended by a Local

Visiting Malaga in winter is a great idea, especially if you are looking for warm [...]

The Best Things to Do in Malaga:

I have prepared guides on the top attractions and experiences in Malaga that you won’t want to miss during your stay here. From exploring the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro Castle to marvelling at the works of Picasso at the museum dedicated to his life and art, from soaking up the sun on one of the Malaga’s beautiful sandy beaches to discovering the fantastic food scene of the city, there is something from everyone in Malaga.

Get ready to discover the best things to do in Malaga with my guides on this sunny city.

The colourful glass cube building underneath which is the Centre Pompidou in Malaga
The Best Museums in Malaga You Must Visit

Malaga has always been a city for artists. For centuries artists have been drawn to [...]

15 Of The Best Free Things To Do In Malaga

Malaga, the sun kissed capital of Costa del Sol, is a wonderful place to visit [...]

The Best Views of Malaga

Whenever my friends visit me in Malaga, I always take them up Mirador de Gibrafaro [...]

The Best Beaches in Malaga:

Malaga is a paradise for sunshine lovers, with over 160 kilometres of coastline and two beautiful urban beaches. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, take a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea, or try your hand at some water sports, the beaches in and around Malaga have it all.

In my guide on the best beaches in Malaga I highlighted some of the best seaside locations, complete with insider tips on where to find the best amenities, food, and drink. Grab your sunscreen and beach towel, and get ready to discover the stunning coastline of Malaga!

Special Days in Malaga:

Easter and Christmas are taken very seriously in Malaga, both being marked by spectacular festivities that shouldn’t be missed. These celebrations are offering a unique glimpse into the local culture, and they are both great times to visit Malaga. In the guides below I will tell you what to expect from spending Christmas or Easter in Malaga, where to find the best parades and how to enjoy the festive seasons alongside the locals.

The Holy Week Malaga: Celebrating Easter in Malaga

Easter and the Holy Week in Malaga are an unforgettable experience.  Catholicism runs deep in [...]

How to Spend Christmas in Malaga

If you’re planning on visiting the Costa del Sol during the winter months, then try [...]

Malaga Food Guides:

Malaga is not just a vibrant city but also a great place to try delicious food that reflects its rich history. In these food guides for Malaga I am highlighting the typical dishes such as boquerones and espetos, as well as the best places to try them.

Join me a on culinary journey through the streets of Malaga to discover the mouth-watering flavours the city has to offer.

A Local’s Guide to What to Eat in Malaga

The cuisine in Malaga is characterised by Mediterranean flavours, which bring together fresh ingredients to [...]

The Best Fish Dishes in Andalucia

The best way to enjoy a trip to Andalucia is at a slow pace. The [...]

A Complete Guide to Vegan Food in Andalucia

The food in Andalucia is full of flavour, with delicious fish dishes on the coast [...]

The Traditional Spanish Breakfast – What to Eat for Breakfast in Spain

Are you curious about what people eat for breakfast in Spain? Or which are the [...]

Top 20 Vegetarian Spanish Tapas to Try in Andalucia

Being a vegetarian travelling in Spain doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the delicious tapas [...]

Transport In and Around Malaga

Whether you’re traveling from the airport to your hotel, exploring the city’s top sights, or venturing out to the surrounding areas, there are plenty of transport options available to make your journey in and around Malaga smooth and hassle-free.

How to Get From Malaga Airport to Malaga

Malaga Airport is the main gateway to the Costa del Sol and Andalucia, one of [...]

How to Hire a Car in Malaga – Save Money and Have Peace of Mind

As someone who lived in Andalucia for the past few years, I know how important it is [...]

The promenade in Fuengirola, flanked by palm trees. In the middle there is a cycle path which is red
How to Get From Malaga Airport to Fuengirola

Malaga airport is a busy hub for travellers visiting Costa del Sol, and Fuengirola is [...]

Day Trips From Malaga

Whilst the Malaga itself is a fantastic destination for a long weekend, there is so much more to explore in the surrounding area. From picturesque white villages to beautiful natural scenery, the region around Malaga is filled with places waiting to be discovered. In this section of my travel guide to Malaga I am highlighting the places which make some of the best day trips from Malaga, complete with insider tips on how to get there, what to see and where to eat.

These day trips from Malaga are no longer than two hours away from the city.

The Best Day Trips from Malaga: An Insider’s Guide

Malaga is one of those perfect cities that has everything for everyone. It’s impossible to [...]

A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Nerja

Nerja is one of my favourite places in whole of the Costa del Sol. Not [...]

The Best Things to Do in Antequera

When you think of how small it is, you couldn’t imagine that there are so [...]

Fuente de Piedra – Where to See Pink Flamingos in Spain

Fuente de Piedra is a fantastic places to see pink flamingos in Spain, and a [...]

The Best Things to Do in Ronda on a Fantastic Day Trip

Many people who visit Ronda on a day trip tend to stick to the area [...]

Fantastic Things to Do in Fuengirola, Written by a Local

I have called Fuengirola my home for the past few years. It’s a lovely Spanish [...]

White Villages Near Malaga

The whitewashed villages near Malaga are a must-visit for anyone travelling here. These villages, also called pueblos blancos, have pretty houses, narrow streets and stunning mountain backdrops, just like in a postcard.  

The white villages are not just beautiful, but visiting them will also give you a glimpse into the Andalucian history and culture. Most of these villages were built on top of hills and acted as defence fortresses against the invaders coming from the land or the sea.

Today, these white villages near Malaga are wonderful places to visit.

The Most Beautiful Pueblos Blancos in Andalucia You Must Visit on Your Next Trip to Spain

Andalucia is one of the most culturally rich places in Spain and part of the [...]

A Charming Escape: The Best Things to Do In Mijas Pueblo, Andalucia

Mijas Pueblo has been my happy place ever since I moved to Andalucia. It is [...]

The Best Things to Do in Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalucia, Spain

Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique white village of Andalucia because of its unusual [...]

The Best Things to Do in Olvera, Andalucia, Spain

  Olvera is one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalucia, located on top [...]

The Most Instagrammable Places in Mijas Pueblo [With Map]

Mijas Pueblo is one of the most accessible white villages in Andalucia, only a 30 [...]

Hiking in Malaga

These are my guides to hiking near Malaga. The city is privileged to be located to close to some wonderful mountains, offering plenty of trails with all grades of difficulty. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional hiker or just want to enjoy a day out in nature, I have something for everyone. In these guides I will also tell you how to prepare and if the trails are ok or not to visit in summer (when it gets really hot).

Hiking in Malaga, in Sierra de Mijas: Pico de Mijas

Hiking to Pico de Mijas is one of the most rewarding things that you can do [...]

What to Expect From Hiking El Torcal de Antequera

Hiking El Torcal de Antequera is a must do on a trip to Andalucia. Located [...]

Everything You Need to Know about the Caminito del Rey Walk

My first encounter with the Caminito del Rey walk was about 15 years ago. Back [...]

Recent Posts:

In this section you will find the latest articles about Malaga, on the blog. Enjoy this Malaga travel guide and don’t be shy to drop me a line in the contact section if you need extra information. Enjoy Malaga!

A Charming Escape: The Best Things to Do In Mijas Pueblo, Andalucia

Mijas Pueblo has been my happy place ever since I moved to Andalucia. It is [...]

The colourful glass cube building underneath which is the Centre Pompidou in Malaga
The Best Museums in Malaga You Must Visit

Malaga has always been a city for artists. For centuries artists have been drawn to [...]

How to Get From Malaga Airport to Malaga

Malaga Airport is the main gateway to the Costa del Sol and Andalucia, one of [...]

The promenade in Fuengirola, flanked by palm trees. In the middle there is a cycle path which is red
How to Get From Malaga Airport to Fuengirola

Malaga airport is a busy hub for travellers visiting Costa del Sol, and Fuengirola is [...]

A Complete Guide to Vegan Food in Andalucia

The food in Andalucia is full of flavour, with delicious fish dishes on the coast [...]

The Holy Week Malaga: Celebrating Easter in Malaga

Easter and the Holy Week in Malaga are an unforgettable experience.  Catholicism runs deep in [...]

The Best Day Trips from Malaga: An Insider’s Guide

Malaga is one of those perfect cities that has everything for everyone. It’s impossible to [...]

Things to Do in Malaga in Winter Recommended by a Local

Visiting Malaga in winter is a great idea, especially if you are looking for warm [...]