Málaga, Spain: travel guide
Picasso's birthplace, with a Moorish fortress above city beaches
Costa del Sol capital, birthplace of Picasso, with a Roman theatre, Moorish fortresses and city beaches.
About Málaga
Málaga is the main city of the Costa del Sol, and one that has become much more than an airport. Its old centre mixes Roman and Moorish remains with a lively museum scene and a sunny waterfront.
The Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro look down over the port, with the Roman Theatre at the foot of the hill. The Museo Picasso Málaga honours the city's most famous son, the Mercado de Atarazanas is a good place for a snack, and the city beaches are easy to reach for a swim.
Málaga suits short city breaks, culture lovers and beach days in one trip. It is pleasant for much of the year, with spring and autumn especially comfortable.
- Country
- Spain
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid
- Nearest airport
- AGP
Last updated
Top places to visit in Málaga
Málaga Cathedral (La Manquita)
Church · about 1 h · entry €8 (≈ ₹850)
Renaissance-Baroque cathedral nicknamed "the one-armed lady" for its unfinished tower.
Alcazaba of Málaga
Fort · about 1.3 h · entry €4 (≈ ₹370)
Well-preserved Moorish hilltop fortress-palace above the Roman theatre.
Castillo de Gibralfaro
Fort · about 1 h · entry €4 (≈ ₹370)
Hilltop castle linked to the Alcazaba, with sweeping bay views.
Roman Theatre of Málaga
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
1st-century-BC Roman theatre at the foot of the Alcazaba.
Museo Picasso Málaga
Museum · about 1.5 h · entry €12 (≈ ₹1,280)
Major collection of Picasso works in a Renaissance palace in his home city.
Centre Pompidou Málaga
Museum · about 1.3 h · entry €9 (≈ ₹960)
Colourful cube pavilion of the Pompidou by the port with modern art.
Playa de la Malagueta
Beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The city's main urban beach beside the port and old town.
Mercado de Atarazanas
Market · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
19th-century iron market behind a Moorish arch, full of tapas and produce.
Muelle Uno & Port
Heritage · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Modern waterfront promenade of shops, restaurants and the Pompidou.
Museo Carmen Thyssen
Museum · about 1 h · entry €10 (≈ ₹1,070)
19th-century Spanish and Andalusian painting in a restored palace.
Casa Natal de Picasso
Museum · about 0.7 h · entry €3 (≈ ₹320)
The house where Picasso was born, now a foundation and museum.
Jardín Botánico La Concepción
Nature · about 1.5 h · entry €5 (≈ ₹550)
Lush 19th-century botanical garden with tropical species on the city's edge.
Things to do
- Alcazaba & Roman Theatre Tour Cultural · 2 h · from EUR 25 per person
- Catamaran Sunset Sail Cruise · 2 h · from EUR 35 per person
- Picasso Museum & Old Town Tour Cultural · 2.5 h · from EUR 30 per person
- Málaga Wine & Tapas Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from EUR 55 per person
- Caminito del Rey Day Trip Day Trip · 6 h · from EUR 55 per person
Day trips and tours
- Málaga & Caminito del Rey Day Trip 9 h · from EUR 95
Where to stay in Málaga
- Centro Histórico about EUR 125 per night
Pedestrian old town around the cathedral, museums and Larios shopping street.
- La Malagueta about EUR 130 per night
Beachfront district steps from the city centre and the port.
Hotels
- Gran Hotel Miramar 5-star · EUR 300 to EUR 700 per night
- Palacio Solecio 4-star · EUR 170 to EUR 360 per night
- Molina Lario 4-star · EUR 150 to EUR 320 per night
- Room Mate Larios 4-star · EUR 140 to EUR 300 per night
- The Lights Hostel Málaga 2-star · EUR 16 to EUR 55 per night
Where to eat
- El Pimpi Spanish, Andalusian, Tapas · about EUR 30 per person
- Casa Lola Spanish, Tapas, Andalusian · about EUR 18 per person
- Los Mellizos Spanish, Seafood · about EUR 35 per person
- El Tapeo de Cervantes Spanish, Tapas, Modern · about EUR 28 per person
- La Cosmopolita Spanish, Modern, Andalusian · about EUR 38 per person
- Chiringuito El Balneario Spanish, Seafood · about EUR 30 per person
Getting to Málaga
Airport: Malaga (AGP)
Getting around
- Bus
- Metro
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Taxi meter not used
Airport & port
Driver quotes a high flat fare instead of the metered/airport tariff.
How to avoid it: Insist on the meter or the fixed airport tariff sign.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions about Málaga
- What are the main places to visit in Málaga?
- Places covered in our Málaga guide include Málaga Cathedral (La Manquita), Alcazaba of Málaga, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre of Málaga, Museo Picasso Málaga.
- Where should I stay in Málaga?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Málaga: Centro Histórico, La Malagueta.
- How do I get around Málaga?
- Ways to get around Málaga covered in our guide: City bus, Metro, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Málaga?
- Scams reported to us for Málaga include Taxi meter not used. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Málaga?
- The nearest airport to Málaga has the code AGP.