I studied abroad in Málaga, Spain, and I think it is absolutely an underrated destination! From the beaches to the food to the history, it has everything. I highly recommend visiting the beautiful city, and to help you plan the ultimate trip, I’ve compiled all my best travel tips for Málaga.
In this guide, I’ll help you find the best time to visit Málaga, how to get to and around Málaga, and some safety tips for the city.
Keep reading for all the essential travel tips you need for visiting Málaga, Spain.
Published: February 1, 2025
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The Best Time to Visit Málaga
When you visit Málaga will affect how your visit to Spain’s Sunshine Coast is. Lucky for you, the city is one of the sunniest in Europe, so you will likely have excellent weather no matter when you visit.
Here are the three seasons you can visit Malaga and how they vary.
- Shoulder Season (March to May, September to November): These months have mild weather and fewer tourists. This makes it a good time to visit if you want a comfortable and easy trip. You can explore popular attractions without long lines and enjoy outdoor activities without extreme temperatures. Hotels are also often less crowded, making travel planning simpler.
- High Season (June to August): During the high season in Malaga, you’ll find vibrant festivals and a lively atmosphere awaiting you, despite larger crowds and higher prices. This time is perfect if you’re eager to immerse yourself in cultural festivities. You can experience traditional events, enjoy bustling markets, and savor local cuisine at its peak. While it may be busier and costlier, the energy and excitement of the city during this period make it a memorable time to visit.
- Low Season (December to February): During the low season, if you prioritize a festive atmosphere, you’ll love Malaga’s Christmas markets and the joyful spirit that fills the air, even though temperatures are cooler. This time of year offers a quieter pace, allowing you to explore historic sites and local attractions with fewer crowds. You can also take advantage of lower prices on accommodations and activities, making it an ideal opportunity for budget-conscious travelers.
Plan your visit to Málaga based on what you like best, whether it’s enjoying the city’s cultural heart or savoring its peaceful charm.
Getting To And Around Málaga: Transportation Tips
Getting to and around Málaga is easy, whether you’re arriving at Costa del Sol or heading to other historic spots in Andalusia. Here are the best transportation tips to make your travels smooth.
How To Get To Málaga
- Travel from Seville to Málaga: From Seville, getting to Málaga is easy with a scenic train ride. You can take the high-speed AVE or the more affordable AVANT trains from Málaga’s María Zambrano station to Seville’s Santa Justa station in about 2 hours. If you prefer traveling by road, there are plenty of bus services available, or you can rent a car for a more flexible schedule. Car rental is also a great way to explore the beautiful Andalusian countryside at your own pace.
- Getting From Granada to Málaga: Granada is just 125 kilometers away from Málaga, making it a quick journey to the majestic Alhambra. Regular bus services link these cities in about 2 hours, perfect for a day trip. You can also opt for train services, offering comfort and a glimpse of Andalusia’s stunning landscapes along the way.
- Journeying from Madrid to Málaga: Madrid, a beacon of Spanish culture and history, is easily accessible from Málaga in just 2.5 hours via the AVE high-speed train. This quick connection allows you to explore the capital’s many attractions without spending much time on the journey.
- From Barcelona to Malaga: Barcelona, known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, is a mere 6-hour journey from Malaga via the AVE high-speed train. This convenient connection allows you to explore both cities with ease, enjoying the scenic landscapes of Spain along the way.
No matter how you travel, Málaga is the perfect starting point to dive into the rich blend of Spanish tradition and modern life. Use these transportation tips to embark on your Andalusian journey, just a few hours away.
Getting Around Málaga
Getting around Málaga offers a variety of convenient options tailored to different preferences:
- Walking: Málaga’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly layout make walking an ideal way to explore. You can easily stroll through the historic city center, discovering landmarks like the Alcazaba fortress and the Cathedral. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, stop at charming cafes, and appreciate the city’s architecture up close.
- Buses: Málaga boasts an efficient bus network that covers the city center and extends to popular attractions like the beachfront and museums. Bus stops are well-marked, and schedules are frequent, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore. This option is affordable and convenient, especially for longer distances or when visiting areas outside the city center.
- Biking: Renting a bike in Málaga is a great way to enjoy the city’s bike-friendly infrastructure and scenic routes. You can pedal along the Paseo Marítimo promenade, cycle to the nearby beaches, or explore parks like Parque de Málaga. Biking allows you to cover more ground than walking while still enjoying the flexibility to stop and explore at your leisure. It’s also environmentally friendly and promotes an active way to sightsee.
- Car Rental: For those looking to venture beyond Málaga city limits, renting a car provides flexibility and convenience. You can easily explore the picturesque Andalusian countryside, visit nearby towns like Ronda or Nerja, or embark on a road trip along the Costa del Sol. Car rentals offer the freedom to create your own itinerary, making it ideal for travelers who want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations or prefer the convenience of door-to-door transportation.
These transportation options in Málaga cater to different travel preferences, ensuring you can navigate the city and its surroundings comfortably while maximizing your exploration of this dynamic region.
Safety First: Tips For A Safe Visit To Málaga
Málaga is generally a safe city for tourists, with a welcoming environment and friendly locals. However, it’s wise to remain cautious, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots:
- Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur, so keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Have emergency numbers handy: dial 112 for general emergencies, 091 for national police, and 061 for health emergencies.
- When at the beach, watch over your personal items and use beach lockers if available.
- At night, stick to well-lit and populated areas, and consider using reputable taxi services instead of walking alone in unfamiliar areas.
Ensuring your travel insurance is up-to-date before your trip is also a wise precaution. These tips will help you enjoy your visit to Málaga safely and confidently.
Culinary Delights: Foods To Try in Málaga
You cannot truly experience Málaga without indulging in its vibrant local cuisine, which embodies the rich flavors of Andalusia. Here are some must-try foods and drinks:
- Espetos: Savor skewered sardines roasted over a beachside wood fire, a quintessential Málaga delicacy.
- Atarazanas Market: Explore this historic market for fresh produce and the catch of the day, offering a feast for the senses.
- Fritura Malagueña: Delight in a mix of fried fish and seafood, served in traditional chiringuitos (beach restaurants).
- Gazpacho and Ajoblanco: Enjoy chilled soups perfect for the Mediterranean climate, showcasing local ingredients.
- Málaga Sweet Wines: Pair your meals with these sweet wines, known for their unique flavors and regional heritage.
For an immersive culinary experience, consider joining a tapas tour in the historic city center. Here, you can sample a variety of small dishes, each reflecting local traditions and ingredients.
Take One Of The Top Tours In Malaga
One of the best ways to experience Malaga is by taking a tour. Whether you want to leave the city for a day, dive deeper into it’s history, or have another activity you want to try, there are tons of great tours in Malaga.
Here are the best tours in Malaga:
Takeaways: Using Tips For The Ultimate Málaga Adventure
To ensure a delightful trip to Málaga, consider these essential tips: Choose the shoulder seasons for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, or embrace the festive spirit during high and low seasons. Utilize Málaga’s well-connected transportation for day trips and visits to nearby cities like Seville, Granada, and Madrid. Stay alert in crowded areas, keep emergency numbers handy, and savor Andalusian flavors at local eateries for an authentic experience.
Ready to plan your trip to Malaga? Here are my favorite travel planning resources:
- Top travel credit cards
- SafetyWing for travel insurance
- Flytographer for professional photoshoots all over the world
- Daily Drop for daily travel tips and tricks in one fun, short newsletter
- Daily Drop Pro for miles and points bookings (learn more in my guide)
- Booking.com for a huge variety of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more
- HostelWorld for the best hostels around the world
- Vrbo for vacation homes and rentals
- Going for cheap flight alerts
- Skyscanner for the cheapest flights
- Amazon for travel and packing must-haves
- Priority Pass for airport lounge access
- TripAdvisor for the top hotels around the world
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