Costa del Sol Travel & Vacation Guide
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Description
As you explore Malaga, the city’s rich history comes to life — from its founding around 900 B.C. by the Phoenicians to the layers left behind by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs. Each chapter has left its mark, shaping the Malaga you see today. The legacy of the city’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso, is everywhere. His presence is felt in the streets, in the local pride, and most notably at the Museo Picasso, which opened in 2003 and helped spark a new wave of cultural revival. Not far from the museum, you’ll find some of the city’s most remarkable heritage sites: a Roman theatre, a Moorish fortress, and one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. Across the Old Town, the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) presents cutting-edge international work, while nearby, Plaza del Obispo regularly hosts open-air exhibitions. Close to the Cathedral, Teatro Cervantes continues to bring music, theatre, and dance to locals and visitors alike — proof that Malaga’s creative spirit is still very much alive.
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Do & See
Alcazaba
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 y...
Botanical Garden
Just outside the city, this 19th-century garden was once the private estate of the Loring-Heredia family. Today it’s open to the public, with winding paths, tropical and subtropical plants, a huge col...
Centre Pompidou Malaga
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 perma...
Church of the Holy Martyrs Ciriaco and Paula
If you enjoy the history and splendour of old churches, Iglesia de los Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula will certainly impress you. Built in the 15th century in Gothic style, the church's exterior boas...
Colección del Museo Ruso
This compact museum brings a slice of Russian art and culture to Malaga, with pieces borrowed from the Leningrad State Museum. The collection covers everything from grand, classical works to more mode...
Cueva del Tesoro
A few kilometres outside Málaga in Rincón de la Victoria, this marine cave is one of the few in the world formed by water erosion. It’s small but interesting, with narrow tunnels, odd rock shapes, and...
El Caminito del Rey Hike
Around an hour outside Málaga, this cliffside path takes you through narrow walkways, deep gorges, and a high suspension bridge at the end. It’s about 8 km one-way and takes a few hours, depending on ...
Feria de Agosto
Malaga’s biggest party of the year happens every August. It kicks off with fireworks and runs for about a week, with two main zones: one in the city centre during the day, and the official fairgrounds...
Dining
Al-Yamal
Al-Yamal is the first Arabic restaurant in Malaga, and it still holds up. It’s small, warmly lit, and full of detail — the décor is inspired by the Mosque of Córdoba, with candles on every table. The ...
Bodega El Pimpi
El Pimpi is Malaga’s most iconic restaurant — a sprawling 18th-century bodega filled with Andalusian charm, colourful tiles, and walls lined with wine barrels signed by local celebrities and Spanish i...
Casa Lola
Casa Lola has grown into a small empire in Malaga, but the original taberna on Calle Granada still steals the show. It’s compact, noisy in the best way, and often packed within minutes of opening. The...
Chiringuito El Tintero
El Tintero is one of Malaga’s most entertaining places to eat — a loud, no-menu seafood spot right on the beach in El Palo. Waiters wander between tables shouting out dishes like crispy fried fish, ga...
La Campana
This no-frills little tavern is all about doing one thing right: pescaíto frito. Crispy, golden anchovies and other fresh fish are fried to perfection in olive oil and best washed down with a cold bee...
La Tasquita de en Medio
Right in Malaga’s historic centre, La Tasquita brings traditional Andalusian and Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist—pintxos, montaditos, varied tortillas, pescaíto, raciones, and Alicante-styl...
Los Marangós Molina Lario
Just off the cathedral in the heart of Malaga, Los Marangós is a relaxed local favourite known for its generous tapas, fresh seafood, and friendly service. Enjoy a solid line-up of Spanish classics—gr...
Mercado de Atarazanas
Mercado de Atarazanas is one of Malaga’s most iconic food spots, where locals come for fresh seafood, jamón, olives, cheeses—and where visitors stay for the tapas. Housed in a striking 19th-century ir...
Cafés
Brunchit
Brunchit is a lively brunch spot just around the corner from Mercado de Atarazanas. Indulge in fresh-roasted coffee and colourful brunch plates like healthy bowls, pancakes, avocado toast, and Eggs Be...
Casa Aranda
Eating churros is a must when visiting Malaga. And for nearly nine decades, Casa Aranda has been serving this delicious treat to be dipped in velvety, hot chocolate to both locals and visitors with gr...
Casa Mira
Casa Mira is an institution in Málaga. Praised by locals and tourists alike, it’s often called the city’s best ice cream—a claim backed up by the long queues out front. It’s also the oldest ice cream ...
La Recova
La Recova is a quirky café, where antiques and crafts spill across the walls and make you wonder whether you’re in a shop or a café. Their signature breakfast is a thick slice of bread with paper-egg-...
Santa Coffee Soho
Santa Coffee Soho is a café and roastery in Malaga’s Soho district where they roast their own beans on-site. You can choose how you want it brewed—filter, espresso, cold, whatever suits you. They also...
Bars & Nightlife
Antigua Casa de Guardia
A Malaga landmark since 1840, this old-school bar pours fortified wines straight from the barrel. Tapas are minimal—cold cuts, cheese, maybe a bit of seafood to go with your glass. It’s mostly standin...
Bambu
Right in the heart of Malaga, Bambu is a buzzy nightclub where local DJs keep the energy high with a mix of current hits and reggaeton. It’s a popular late-night stop for drinks, dancing, and even a b...
Bubbles Club
Bubbles is a trendy nightclub offering an eclectic and exciting experience for everyone. It hosts nights filled with live music and energetic parties, ensuring a fantastic time for all who step throug...
La Biblioteca
La Biblioteca is a small, library-themed bar in Málaga’s Old Town. Shelves, books and retro touches set the scene, but it’s really a late-night spot for dancing and cocktails. Some nights lean toward ...
Lo Güeno Mesón
Lo Güeno Mesón is a traditional Spanish tapas bar serving Andalusian paella and grilled delicacies, along with a selection of tapas and beer.
MalaFama
Despite its name, which means 'bad reputation,' this is a great place for dancing and drinking in the centre of Malaga. Combined with their affordable prices, cool music, and a fun crowd and you've go...
Morrissey's Irish Pub
Morrissey's is a typical Irish Pub in the heart of Malaga, close to the Picasso Museum, offering a wide array of beers, cocktails, and spirits, as well as a food menu which includes burgers, hot dogs,...
Sala Gold
Sala Gold is a stylish nightclub featuring themed parties and DJs, plus elaborate light shows seven days a week until the early hours of the morning.
Shopping
Calle Larios & Calle Nueva
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 ...
Centro Comercial Larios Centro
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 supermarke...
Designer Outlet Malaga
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...
El Corte Inglés
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 ...
Muelle Uno
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, ...
Plaza Mayor
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 therap...
Ultramarinos Zoilo
Ultramarinos Zoilo is a long-standing market offering an exquisite selection of traditional Malaga products, including confectionery, sweet wines, cured meats, and cheeses.
Vialia Centro Comercial
Housed in a railway station, Vialia Centro Comercial is a modern shopping mall featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, a casino, and a cinema.
Tourist Information
Best Time to Visit
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 b...
Passport & Visa
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...
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
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 aro...
Public Transport
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...
Taxi
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 do...
Electricity
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 E...
Pharmacy
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 ...
Post
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 spo...
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