Málaga hosts millions of visitors per year, making it one of Spain’s most popular travel destinations. The southern region of Spain, Andalucía, set a new record in 2025 with 6.8 million international arrivals during the first half of 2025. Given the amount of people visiting the region at any time, there’s surely no shortage of things to do in Málaga if you know where to look.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your trip to Málaga, including where to eat, where to stay, day trips from Málaga, and the best things to do in Málaga.
Why Visit Málaga?
Originally founded by the Phoenicians and conquered by the Catholics in 1487, this city has a vast history that’s brought to life through it’s stunning architecture and cobblestone streets.
Málaga is also the birthplace of famous Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso, and you can even visit his home which is now a museum in the heart of the city.
In addition to it’s long history, Málaga also offers a rich culture, punctuated by it’s slower seaside lifestyle. As part of the region of Andalucía, there is a strong flamenco culture, and it’s not uncommon to see groups of people singing and dancing in the streets. It also has a slower beach vibe to it, making it a perfect relaxed pace for a blended cultural and beach vacation.
Lastly, it’s easily connected to Madrid and other Andalusian cities via train. The trains are inexpensive and easily connected, making this a perfect stop on your Spanish adventure. With plenty of unique things to do in Málaga, it’s a worthy addition to your Spanish itinerary!
Málaga Travel Tips
| Best Time to Visit | March to June and September to November — perfect weather for sightseeing and beach days without the intense summer crowds. July and August are hot but great if you love long beach days. |
| How Expensive Is It? | Málaga is more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, especially for food and accommodation. Expect to pay around €10–€15 for a casual meal and €3 for a glass of wine or beer. Beach bars (chiringuitos) are often surprisingly budget-friendly! |
| Local Dishes to Try | Don’t miss espeto de sardinas (grilled sardines), gazpacho or salmorejo (cold tomato soups), boquerones fritos (fried anchovies), and vino dulce, Málaga’s famous sweet wine. For tapas, head to Casa Lola or Bodegas Pimpi for a classic local experience. |
| Currency | Euro (€) — most restaurants and shops accept cards, but it’s handy to carry some cash for markets or smaller beach cafés. |
| Language | Spanish is the main language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas. Learning a few local phrases (like “gracias” or “una caña, por favor”) is always appreciated. |
| Local Holidays & Festivities | Málaga comes alive during Feria de Agosto (a week-long summer festival with music, dancing, and street parties) and Semana Santa (Holy Week), one of the most impressive Easter celebrations in Spain. The light displays on Calle Larios also make it one of the best Cristmas destinations in Europe. |
Things to Do in Málaga
Go shopping on Calle Marqués de Larios
Right in the heart of the city, Calle Larios is home to all of Spain’s most famous brands. Zara, Mango, Desigual, Primor, and other classic Spanish brands can be found in this street, ending at the Plaza de la Constitución. This is also the hub for local festivities around holidays and cultural events.
Pro Tip: Check the calendar on Málaga’s tourism site to see if there are any local events happening during your trip!
Walk by the Port of Málaga
One of the best things to do in Málaga is to take a walk along the port, enjoying the sunshine. The wide walkway offers great views of the massive yachts and sailboats in the port, and there are also plenty of great restaurants to stop and grab a tapa and a glass of wine and enjoy the view.
My personal favorite is Restaurante Gutierrez Puerto due to it’s large outdoor seating area and nearby location to Calle Larios.
Go to the beach
It’s not a trip to Málaga without visiting the beach! Pack your swimsuit and beach towels and head to one of Málaga’s many sandy beaches. My personal favorites are Playa de la Malagueta and Playa de Huelin.
Pro Tip: There are dog friendly beaches in Málaga, but it will depend on the season. Check out Playa Arroyo de Totalán during the peak season, or visit Playa de Huelin which becomes dog friendly from October 1 – April 30.
Visit the Picasso Museum
Located in Picasso’s childhood home, the Picasso Museum in Málaga offers a unique glimpse into Picasso’s past. With more than 200 works, this is one of the best things to do in Málaga for art-lovers.
Get views of the city from Gibralfaro Castle
Built in the 14th century, the Gibralfaro Castle is one of the city’s most important landmarks. It’s strategic hilltop position made it the perfect place to guard the city and Alcazaba below. Sitting at 132 meters above sea level, you also get an incredible viewpoint of downtown Málaga!
Go to a traditional hammam
One of my favorite things to do in Málaga is to go to a hammam. A hammam is a traditional Arab bathhouse and spa which uses a combination of massage, natural treatments, and thermal pools as a relaxation and cleansing ritual.
I recommend planning a busy morning of exploring the city, and booking a hammam in the afternoon to relax and rest before a late Spanish dinner. I find the experience to be equally fun, cultural, and relaxing. Plus, they give you the most delicious mint tea during the experience!
Visit the Catedral de Málaga
Málaga has one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain, and it’s right in the heart of the city. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and orange trees, it’s worthy of admiration from the outside, but certainly worth a visit inside as well.
Previously the site of a mosque during moorish rule, the mosque was torn down and rebuilt into a cathedral upon the Castilian conquest of Málaga in 1487.
While you can get your tickets upon arrival, I prefer to book them in advance through their official website.
See a flamenco show
While you can find flamenco shows almost anywhere in Spain, the tradition originated in Andalucía. This makes Málaga one of the best places to catch an authentic show!
While I recommend booking a show to get the full experience, you’ll also likely hear people singing and dancing in the streets. It’s a part of the culture that is very much alive and well!
Where to Eat in Málaga
Like anywhere in Spain, one of the best things to do in Málaga is eat. Here are a few of my favorite spots in the city.
Breakfast & Brunch
- No Piqui – A local-favorite café, perfect for a slow morning in Málaga. They serve great coffee, fresh pastries, and a diverse brunch menu. I like to get their avocado toast, and end my meal with a slice of carrot cake. Theirs is one of the best carrot cakes I’ve ever had!
- Mi Cafecito – A mexican-style brunch spot in the heart of Málaga. They have great coffee and healthy brunch options, perfect to kickstart your day.
- Next Level – A trendy coffee shop in the heart of the city, perfect for a grab-and-go coffee and pastry.
Lunch & Dinner
- Lunch at a Chiringuito – You can’t visit Málaga without having a seaside meal at one of its chiringuitos. I’d recommend trying espeto de sardinas (grilled sardines) or fritura malagueña (fried seafood).
- Bodega Pimpi – A Málaga institution and a must-visit for tapas and local wine. Located in the heart of the city right outside of the Alcazar, the atmosphere is lively, and the walls are lined with photos of celebrities who’ve dined there. It’s classic Andalusian charm at its best.
- Los Marangos – A great spot for an elegant dinner or date night. Expect high-quality local seafood, beautiful presentation, and a great wine list.
- Restaurante Divinno – Located right by the port, this is a great choice for dinner with a view. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish favorites, and it’s an easy walk from the city center if you’re staying nearby.
- Casa Lola – Another Málaga favorite that’s always buzzing. Come for the traditional tapas and vermouth on tap, and stay for the authentic taberna atmosphere.
Sweet Treats & Dessert
- Casa Mira – You can’t leave Málaga without stopping here. Casa Mira is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved ice cream shops, serving rich, creamy flavors since the 19th century. It’s the perfect way to end your evening stroll.
Where to Stay in Málaga
Whether you’re looking for luxury, historic charm, or a unique boutique experience, Málaga has a hotel for every type of traveler. These hotels all have great reviews and are close to almost all of the key things to do in Málaga.
Here are some of my top picks:
Luxury & Historic
- Gran Hotel Miramar – This beachfront palace hotel combines historic elegance with modern amenities. Perfect for a splurge or a romantic getaway, it offers stunning sea views, a beautiful pool, and easy access to Málaga’s main attractions.
- Palacio Solecio – Located in the heart of Málaga, this boutique hotel is housed in a restored 19th-century palace. With stylish rooms and a central location, it’s ideal for exploring the city on foot.
- Vincci Selección Posada del Patio – A historic hotel blending traditional Andalusian architecture with contemporary design. It’s centrally located, making it a great base for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
- Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro – Perched on a hill with panoramic views of the city and harbor, this Parador offers a unique combination of history, luxury, and unforgettable scenery. Ideal if you want a stay that’s as memorable as your sightseeing.
Affordable & Central
- Dulces Dreams Hotel – I stayed here during my first trip to Málaga and fell in love! It’s located in a beautiful plaza, right next to the best hammam in the city making it extremely convenient for exploring and relaxation. They also have a cute coffee shop in the lobby!
- Hotel Don Curro – While this is a 3-star hotel, it has excellent accommodations and is centrally located right in the heart of the city. With less than 5 minute walks to the Picasso Museum and the Cathedral, it’s perfect for a short stay.
Day Trips from Málaga
While there’s plenty of things to do in Málaga, there are also a ton of hidden gems along the Costa de Sol and into Andalucía.
Spend a Day Exploring Marbella
Marbella is known for being the retirement and luxury vacation destination for Spaniards and foreigners alike. Known for it’s luxury yachts and beautiful estates, this is a great day trip from Málaga to get a unique experience.
I’d recommend shopping around in the charming old town, making sure to hit the iconic Calle Nueva. Other highlights include Alameda Park, exploring the port, or even taking a boat tour!
Hike the Caminito del Rey
This is definitely one of the coolest experiences in Andalucía, especially for outdoors lovers. The Caminito del Rey is a famous hiking trail pinned against the walls of a steep gorge called El Chorro. Filled with dramatic landscapes, incredible views, and steep heights, this is a great activity for adventure lovers!
Unless you plan on renting a car, I’d recommend booking a guided tour that includes drop-off and pickup from your accomodations.
Have a Beach Day in Estepona
Estepona is a quiet resort town in the Costa del Sol, known for it’s beautiful beaches and water sports activities.
When visiting Estepona, I’d recommend exploring the charming old town streets, heading to Playa de la Rada, and enjoying the beach bars & restaurants (chiringuitos). If you love water sports, head to El Saladillo beach for kayaking, wakeboarding, or paddle surfing!
What to Pack For Your Trip to Málaga
When packing for Málaga, you’ll want to balance comfortable walking clothes with fashionable, layered outfits for the Mediterranean climate. Whether you’re strolling the historic streets, lounging on the beach, or enjoying tapas at sunset, here’s what I recommend bringing:
Clothing
- Light layers: Even in fall and spring, temperatures can fluctuate between warm days and cooler evenings.
- Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for beaches like Playa de la Malagueta or hotel pools.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Málaga’s cobblestone streets and hilly areas like Gibralfaro Castle make comfy shoes a must.
- Smart-casual outfit: Perfect for tapas dinners or having wine on a patio.
Accessories & Essentials
- Sunglasses & sunhat: The Andalusian sun can be strong, even in winter.
- Sunscreen: Always pack sunscreen to protect your skin during beach or city explorations.
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated while walking the city is essential.
Optional Extras
- Beach towel or small blanket: If you plan to spend time at chiringuitos or city beaches, I’d recommend bringing your own gear.
- Light backpack or crossbody bag: Handy for carrying water, camera, and souvenirs while exploring.
- Travel guide or map app: Even if you rely on Google Maps, having a backup can be helpful.
Packing smart means you’ll be ready for everything for all of the plentiful things to do in Málaga — from sunny beaches to charming streets and evening tapas adventures.
Getting to Málaga
The easiest way to get to Málaga is to fly into Madrid and take the train from Atocha into María Zambrano station. Book via Renfe or Omio for the best (and quickest) routes!
If you’re looking for affordable flights to Spain, I always recommend searching for flights on Kiwi. Not only do they have cheap travel routes, but they have incredible customer service. I know from my own experience dealing with extreme delays and cancellations, and they helped organize my hotel stay and voucher when I got stuck. I can’t recommend them enough!
Locate All Things to Do in Málaga On The Map Below!
Final Thoughts
Málaga is such a vibrant city, and one I return to often as an expat living in Madrid. It offers the perfect mix of beaches, history, and delicious food. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets, enjoying fresh seafood at a chiringuito, or soaking up the sun along the coast, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this part of Spain.
If you’re planning a longer trip, don’t miss exploring other parts of the country. Check out my cities to visit in Spain guide for more inspiration, from hidden gems to iconic destinations. And if you’re staying based in Madrid or passing through, my Madrid travel guide is packed with tips on the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and local experiences.
Moving abroad or even just traveling to Spain can come with a few surprises — like some of the cultural differences I’ve written about in my culture shocks in Spain post. But that’s all part of the adventure, and Málaga is one of those places where you can dive in, enjoy the slower pace of life, and savor every bite of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
No matter how long your visit, there are endless things to do in Málaga — a city that invites you to relax, explore, and fall in love with Spain all over again.
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