Málaga, often overlooked as merely a gateway to the Costa del Sol region, is in fact a brilliant and beautiful city overflowing with culture.
The southern Spanish belle is home to world-class museums, a sleek port, and to-die-for food, all enhanced by golden sunshine.
Málaga is also incredibly well-connected to the rest of Spain, whether you’re traveling by train or bus. This means you can book trips to Málaga from all over the country with Trainline and take day trips within the region using the city as your base.
Image Credit: Getty Images, F.J. Jimenez. Image Location: Málaga, Spain.
Málaga, Spain: need to know
What’s the temperature in Málaga, Spain?
The Costa del Sol lives up to its name as one of Spain’s sunniest areas. Málaga’s Mediterranean climate blesses the city with year-round sunshine, meaning hot summers and mild winters.
How many days in Málaga is enough?
The more (or should that be ‘Moor’?), the merrier, leaving you plenty of time to soak up the atmospheric bars and sun-kissed beaches. However, a minimum of two days is recommended to scoot around the main sights and hit the lively tapas bars. Then add an extra day for bronzing on some of Spain's best beaches.
Image Credit: Getty Images, SeanPavonePhoto. Image Location: Málaga, Spain.
What not to miss in Málaga, Spain
The Alcazaba, an ancient Arab fortress, is reached by walking up Mount Gibralfaro via the Old Town – and the effort to make it up there is rewarded with pretty Moorish gardens and sublime views across the city and the Mediterranean.
Málaga’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso, was born in the city in 1881. The Museo Picasso Málaga, housed in a whitewashed palace, boasts a sizable collection of the artist’s work and hosts temporary exhibitions. Dig a little deeper into Picasso’s past by visiting the house where he was born, now a museum, nearby on Plaza de la Merced.
Centre Pompidou Málaga is easy to spot – its multi-colored cube overlooks the port. The contemporary museum houses work by some of the biggest names in art, including Bacon, Kahlo, and of course, Picasso.
Did you know Málaga has a district called Soho, similar to New York and London? This neighborhood with colorful murals and cultural events is home to CAC – Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, showcasing works of artists from around the world.
Hungry? Don't miss El Tintero, one of the best restaurants in Málaga. This chiringuito (beach bar) offers an authentic slice of southern Spanish coastal life, where waiters dash about with plates of the day’s freshest catch, serving diners overlooking the seaside.
Enjoy a coastal stroll along the Port of Málaga, close to the city center. You could spend hours at the stylish seaport lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques while palm tree fronds and sails on the shiny superyachts sway in the sea breeze.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, e55evu.Image Location: Málaga, Spain.