Are you planning your trip to Malaga? If you have any questions about the city, this Ultimate Malaga Travel Guide is for you! Here you will find everything you should know before visiting Malaga: weather, transportation, beaches, best areas to stay, things to do & more!

This is a very complete and extensive article so get till the end, and I am sure you will find all your questions about Malaga answered! If not, leave a comment and I will be more than glad to help you 🙂

Check the contents of our Ultimate Malaga Travel Guide: What to know before visiting Malaga! and enjoy your reading:

1. Malaga Survival Guide: What to do and see in Malaga?

You all know that I love Malaga because you can find everything here: nice beaches, cultural heritage, museums and good food and wines…There are so many things to write about! So, after writing many blog posts about Malaga, I have decided to create this Malaga Survival Guide summing up all the things you should know before coming to Malaga.

So here you go, my favorite things to do and see in Malaga and its surroundings according to the amount of time, the budget or even the weather:

If you are thinking to visit Malaga during a special holiday period like the Feria de Malaga in August, or the Christmas holiday, start planning ahead of time and be quick when looking for a place to stay! Malaga is a trendy city with lots of visitors during the summer, but also at Christmas time. To make this task easier, here you go, some discounts for your Malaga trip!

DISCOUNTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TRIP

✈️ Find the cheapest flights, train or bus tickets here.

🛏️ Get up to 15% discount on your hotel by booking here.

🏛️ Book the best tours and activities here.

🚗 Compare and rent a car at the best price here or hire your transfer here.

📖 Get your Spain travel guide here.

💚 Book your travel insurance here.

And don’t forget…Who is going to make you fall in love with Malaga better than me? If you are visiting Malaga, you have to join one of Oh My Good Guide Experiences! There are so many things we can do together: try our traditional tapas and wine tour, an outdoor drawing lesson, watch a beautiful sunset from the highest viewpoint, become a model with a photoshoot or check out our private tours.

Have a look! I’m sure that you will find something perfect for you…and if you don’t, write me and let me know what you would like trying in Malaga. I am always open to new ideas!

2. Transportation in Malaga: Local tips for getting to and around!

2.1. How to Get to and From Malaga Airport?

One of the first things to know before travelling to Malaga is probably how to get to and from the Malaga-Costa del Sol AGP airport, which will be almost sure, your first stop. Fortunately, the airport is not far from the city centre. Here is the essential information about how to get to Malaga airport.

First of all, the easiest way to get from Malaga airport to your accommodation is to use Welcome Pickups airport transfer service. The local driver will pick you up at the gate and provide some useful tips on the way to your accommodation. Check the details below!

By train: the fastest and cheapest way to get to Malaga Airport

The fastest and cheapest way to the city is by train. The last stop of the C1 line of the train is Malaga Centro – Alameda. From here you can go to the city centre on foot or catch a bus to your destination. The train ride from the airport to the last stop is about 12 minutes.

The price for one trip is 1.80 Eur. The first train from the airport leaves at 6:44, the last at 0:54. The train goes every 20min. Also, with the same line, you can go to Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Benalmadena. For more information and timetables, check the Renfe website.

By Bus: a cheap option to reach Malaga airport operating 24/7

Another option is to go by bus. To find a bus stop, follow the signs at the main terminal T3 entrance of the airport. The A-line bus service costs 3 Eur and it is available 24/7, although from 01:00 till 06:00 there are fewer connections. Buy the ticket from the driver as a regular Malaga bus card is not valid on this route.

Find the timetable and the stops of the bus here. Also, don’t forget to follow the route on the monitor as the bus does not stop if there is no request 🙂

By Taxi: the most comfortable way to get to Malaga airport

Outside the Terminal T3, you will find white Malaga taxis. There are two fares based on the time of the day and week. Also, the fares are different for urban and intercity rides. Keep in mind that for a taxi ride you will pay approximately 20 Eur even if your destination is not far from the airport. For full fares click here.

2.2. Public Transportation in Malaga City

Transport is a really important thing to know before visiting Malaga. Getting around Malaga by car might not be the best choice. First of all, parking a car in the city centre is a headache and can be expensive, so it is better to choose public transport. If you are not travelling outside Malaga, there is no need to rent a car. Also, the city centre is quite small, so walking is the best option to get around.

Buses in Malaga: Get everywhere for just 1.30 €!

Malaga has an extensive bus network, so you will easily find a route you need. If you buy a ticket on board, one trip costs 1.30 Eur. If you travel a lot, buy a bus card with ten trips. Then, each trip will cost you only 0.83 Eur. You can buy the card at tobacco or newspaper kiosks. Frequency of buses depends on a line; it can be from 8 to 20 minutes. Keep in mind that buses are not always on time, so be patient and plan your time.

Malaga Subway “Metro”: The best option for those staying in Malaga West Part

If you are staying in the west part of Malaga, the metro is the fastest and cheapest way to travel. There are just 2 metro lines and both start at El Perchel, this is Maria Zambrano main railway station. See the map here.

The first trip and a metro card cost 1.35 Eur. Then you can recharge your metro card with trips that cost only 0.82 Eur each. From Monday to Friday the metro opens at 6:30 am, on weekends it opens at 7 am. The metro closes at 11 pm from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, while on Friday and Saturday it is closed at 1:30 am. Plan your trip by metro here.

Bikes and scooters: Where to rent a bicycle or an electric scooter in Malaga?

Malaga is perfect for travelling by bicycles or electric scooters. The city centre is small and flat; also, there are bicycle lanes and paths by the beach. You can rent a bike from private companies such as cyclemalaga.com or use the public bike renting system in Malaga.

Malagabici is a public bike renting service which has a network of bicycle stations. To use the service you need to buy an EMT card from EMT office or register online. After paying a 5 Eur insurance and 5 or 10 Eur charge, you can use the bike for free in the first 30 minutes. Each extra minute after 30 costs 0.017 Eur. If there is a bicycle station near you, consider returning the bike and getting a new one for the next half an hour.

Another thing you should know before coming to Malaga is where to rent an electric scooter and their traffic rules. There are many electric scooters companies in Malaga. You can actually find them along the streets in Malaga Old Town, so download the app of any company and enjoy a fun ride across Malaga!

3. What to know before visiting Malaga: What Is the Weather Like?

What is the best time to go to Malaga? This is a very useful topic to take into account when planning your trip to Malaga. Well, I can say that the best time to visit Malaga is…all year long! It really depends on what do you want to do.

If you want to explore the city, anytime is good. Malaga is the biggest city of Costa del Sol region which is famous for its warm weather all year round. If you want to relax on the beach, the best time is in summer and in September. It also depends on your tolerance of colder Mediterranean sea temperatures. In this case, you can go swimming in autumn and enjoy the sun on the beach.

Spring in Malaga: a pleasure for all senses

What to know before visiting Malaga in 2021 during Spring? The city smells like orange blossoms! It’s a beautiful time of the year in Southern Spain. The temperature from March to May is mild, but there can be the first hot days of the season. Monthly averages at midday in March is 19°C (66 °F), in April 21 °C (70 °F) and in May 24°C (75 °F). It rains sometimes, but it usually doesn’t last many days.

Summer in Costa del Sol: sun and beach!

What to know before visiting Malaga in 2021 during Summer? Prepare for hot weather! Summer in Malaga is perfect for beach holidays. Drink lots of water in the hotter days, when the temperature might rise to 40°C (104 °F)! It’s not that hot all summer, the monthly average in June is 28°C (82 °F).

July and August are the hottest months when the temperature average is around 30°C (86 °F). Summer is the busiest season in Malaga, so expect a lot of people in bars and beaches. Anyway, Malaga in summer is perfect for enjoying the sun without worrying about the rain.

Autumn in Malaga: still good for beach and not so hot or crowded

What to know before visiting Malaga in Fall 2021? The weather in autumn is warm. September is still a good month for going to the beach – the average temperature is 28°C (82 °F) and days are long.

In October it gets a bit colder, 24°C (75 °F), but the rain is not very likely. The last month of the season is the rainiest, although the rain usually lasts for a couple of days at a time. In November the weather is still good for sightseeing ( 20°C (68 °F) but bring a jacket for colder evenings.

Malaga Winter: come and escape the cold winter in your country

What to know before visiting Malaga in 2021 during Winter? Winter is much warmer in Southern Spain than in Central or Northern Europe. Because of its geographical location between the mountains and the sea, Malaga has good weather even during the coldest months.

The temperature does not drop below zero, so there is no white Christmas in Malaga. In December the average temperature is 17 °C (63 °F). January is on average the coldest month ( 17 °C (63 °F), some days are cloudy and cold but is not very often. February is slightly warmer than January with an average temperature of 18 °C (64 °F). So, winter in Malaga is good for sightseeing and spending time outside.

4. What time do restaurants, bars or supermarkets open in Malaga? Common opening hours here:

Another important thing you should know before coming to Malaga are Spanish most common opening hours for restaurant, bars or even supermarkets. Spain is famous for its siesta time (although we don’t do siesta anymore), so many little shops close at 2 pm and open again at 5 pm, while restaurants usually close from 4 pm to 8 pm. The schedules vary, so check the opening hours for a specific business.

Another interesting Spanish habit is having dinner very late. Usually, the dinner in Malaga is around 10 pm, much later than in other European countries. Also, most supermarkets and shops are closed on Sunday. Be aware of these differences and plan your meals according to your habits, or try to eat like a true Andalusian 🙂

5. What to know before visiting Malaga: Are Beaches in Malaga city good?

I am sure you are wondering about this thing before coming to Malaga… so the answer is yes! Malaga has several great beaches. The closest ones to the city centre and the Port are Malagueta and La Caleta beaches.

There are parasol renting services, children’s playground, restaurants and local chiringuitos. At chiringuitos you can try fresh fish, famous fried fish pescaito frito and your favourite seafood.

A bit further from the busy main beaches are El Palo and Pedregalejo beaches. Here you can feel like a true local, enjoy the sun and watch how the locals fry the seafood in traditional boats. It is also a good place for families with children as natural bays are safer for kids.

6. No mobile data? Free WiFi Hotspots in Malaga

Free WiFi is nowadays one of the most important things a traveller needs. Check our useful tips on everything you need to know about Free Wifi before coming to Malaga and make your stay in Malaga easier. 

WiFi hotspots in Malaga city centre

There is a public Internet network in the city centre of Malaga but is not very good. If you are in the Port of Malaga, go to Plaza de la Marina. Look for a blue post behind the tourist information centre, where you’ll get a good signal and some spots to charge your phone. Also, try to connect to the network near touristic places such as Picasso museum, the Town Hall or Alcazaba.

WiFi on Malaga public transport

There is WiFi on some buses, especially the newer ones. Check your Internet networks and select “emtmalaga” if you can. When travelling by the metro of Renfe Cercanias trains, you will not be able to connect to the free WiFi. The only exception is Malaga Centro station, where you should find a WiFi network.

Is there free WiFi at cafes in Malaga?

Usually, there is free WiFi in coffee shops and restaurants. Modern cafes and restaurants are more likely to have WiFi. If you need to use the Wifi, ask the staff for the network and password.

7. Malaga FAQS: More Things to Know Before Coming to Malaga

When visiting a new place in a new country, there are so many doubts and questions that come to your mind… I know there are still some things you need to know before coming to Malaga, so in this section, I tried to answer all those little doubts! Keep on reading and discover more useful stuff to know before visiting Malaga City!

– Where to stay in Malaga City? Best areas to stay for beach, history, shopping or art.

If you want to live near the city centre and the beach, stay in the old town or Malagueta neighbourhood. Families who want to live near a beach should stay at El Palo, Pedregalejo or Huelin. All those areas are much quieter than the main beach near the city centre.

If you are interested in history, museums and shopping, the best area to find accommodation is Malaga Old Town.

People who want to live in a vibrant neighbourhood with lots of young people and hostels should go for Soho, which is famous for its street art.

To make this task easier, here you go, some discounts for you to book your accommodation for your Malaga trip in 2020! 🙂

• Get 34 € on your first booking with Airbnb by clicking here
• Get 15 € back after your stay with Booking using this link!

– Is Malaga an expensive holiday destination?

This is one of the first things to know before visiting Malaga in 2021. Malaga is not a very expensive holiday destination. It is cheaper to stay in Malaga than in Barcelona or Madrid. So, if you want to have a holiday by the Mediterranean Sea and not spend a lot of money, consider going to Malaga. Also, it is cheaper to visit Malaga off the tourist season.

– Where to go shopping in Malaga?

There are many options for shopping in Malaga. First, explore many shops in the city centre and Larios Street. You can also go shopping centres near the city centre El Corte Ingles or Larios Centro. Also, there are many shops at Maria Zambrano railway station. The biggest shopping centre Plaza Mayor is close to the airport.

– Is Malaga a walkable city?

It is, Malaga is not a big city, so walking is the best way to get around. Also, the famous monuments are very close to each other! And the whole Malaga Old Town is pedestrianised!

– Is Malaga a wheelchair and stroller accessible city?

Yes, Malaga city is really flat and the historical city centre and port of Malaga is only accessible for pedestrians, so you don’t even have to worry about cars!

– Is Malaga safe for tourists?

Yes, Malaga is one of the safest cities in Spain, even for female solo travellers. Anyway, it is always a good habit to be careful in crowded places and to not leave your belongings unattended.

– Can I drink tap water in Malaga?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water. Bottled water may taste better, but there is no scientific evidence that is better than tap water. Safe your money and the planet – drink tap water!

– Luggage storage and bag drop in Malaga?

If you need to leave your bags for a Malaga day trip in the heart of the city, you can use Lock and Relax services (Calle Casas de Campos, 22) or Bagscare (Plaza del Teatro 6). Both of them have available lockers for around 5€ per locker per day. They are open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you need to pick your bag later than 8:00 p.m, then check bagbnb.com. There, you will find some shops in Malaga Old Town that will take care of your luggage until 9:00 or even 9:30 p.m.

If you are arriving or departing by train or bus, you can use the lockers located in Malaga Maria Zambrano train station.

– Where to exchange currency in Malaga?

The best option is to withdraw cash at the ATM but, as different banks charge different operation fees, don’t rush to withdraw cash from the first ATM and try several banks. Also, you can exchange currency in any currency exchange office in the airport or Malaga Old Town.

– Where can I rent a car in Malaga?

There are many car rental companies in Malaga, but the best place to get a car is near the airport. To save money, do your research and rent a car in advance. Compare car rental companies here.

– Do I need an electrical travel adapter or converter in Malaga?

As in most Western Europe countries, the electricity supply in Malaga is 230 V (50 Hz) and plugs have two round pins. If you are visiting Spain from the UK or US for example, you’ll need to get an adapter. This is an essential thing in our what to know before visiting Malaga list!

– Can you smoke at restaurants in Malaga?

You cannot smoke inside restaurants, bars, hotels, nightclubs etc.

– Can you smoke at Malaga airport?

No, there is no smoking area inside the airport.

– Are there any sharks in Malaga?

Don’t be afraid! Even though there are 20 species of sharks that live offshore of Malaga, it is incredibly rare to see a shark in shallow waters. Also, there has not been a single attack registered in Malaga or Costa del Sol. So, don’t worry about sharks, relax and enjoy beautiful beaches of Malaga.

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Now that you know everything about Malaga, I am sure you must be planning your holidays in Costa del Sol for 2021. You won’t regret: there are so many things to see and do in Malaga!

So, if you finally come to Malaga, don’t hesitate to join one of Oh My Good Guide tours. We’ll show you how to experience Malaga like a local with our traditional tapas and wine tour, pure flamenco show or 3 h private tour. But not only! we also offer creative off the beaten path activities in Malaga, like urban drawing classes, street art tour, Spanish lessons or amazing photoshoots! Book now and pay on arrival 😀

For more useful information about Andalusia and Malaga, check our blog and subscribe to our newsletter if you want to stay tuned! 

Malaga is a destination of boundless wonder. The capital of Costa del Sol is famous for its multicultural architecture, beautiful landscapes, and sunny beaches. One thing you don’t probably already know about that beautiful city is that you don’t have to be rich to travel there. Here are the top 10 things to do for free in Malaga.

 It is perfectly possible to enjoy a city trip without breaking the bank. While you may not be able to do every single thing on your list, you can still enjoy the city and everything it has to offer on a budget. So don’t hesitate, book a flight and let’s find out what to do in Malaga for free.

If you are in Malaga or planning your trip, you should know we have plenty of tours and things to do here! Count on us! Besides, we want to leave you here some advice and discounts for your holiday:

DISCOUNTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TRIP

✈️ Find the cheapest flights, train or bus tickets here.

🛏️ Get up to 15% discount on your hotel by booking here.

🏛️ Book the best tours and activities here.

🚗 Compare and rent a car at the best price here or hire your transfer here.

📖 Get your Spain travel guide here.

💚 Book your travel insurance here.

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1. Soho Neighborhood: Malaga Street Art District

No 1 in the list of the top 10 things to do for free in Malaga is visiting the Soho Neighborhood. If you love street art this is the right place for you. Soho neighborhood, in the heart of Málaga City, is the literary quarter of the Costa del Sol capital. It has become synonymous with urban art and underground culture.

One of the iconic elements in Soho Málaga is the graffiti and the wall murals that decorate several buildings. They are works by such street artists as Obey, the author of the Barack Obama poster with the caption ‘HOPE’, and D*face, whose interventions can be seen in New York, Barcelona, and other cities.

The illustrations are all part of the Maus project, aimed at transforming the walls of Málaga into a huge mural painted by artists from all over the world.

2. Atarazanas Market: the best fresh local products

Visiting Atarazanas Market is another suggestion in the top 10 things to do for free in Malaga. Situated right in the heart of the city, Malaga’s Central Market is a great place to visit and come in contact with the locals.

The name “Atarazanas” comes from Moorish times, and when translated literally from Arabic means a “place where ships are repaired”. Although hard to believe now, most of the current day Malaga was underwater during the Moorish rule and the Atarazanas were right at the sea’s edge.

There are records well into the 18th century of people still fishing from the market (shipbuilding yards) walls. Even if you are not in the mood of buying fresh meat, fish, and vegetables a walk around the colorful market stalls won’t cost you anything. Besides, you can also stop there to eat some tapas!

3. Free Museums in Malaga on Sundays

The best day to visit Malaga is on Sunday because almost all of the 36 museums are free.

• Carmen Thyssen Museum offers an extensive collection of masterpieces that summarize 19th-century Spanish art and belonged to the Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza. The entrance is free every Sunday from 17:00 to 20:00.

• Malaga’s Center of Contemporary Art, CAC as it’s known, houses a really interesting collection of 20^th and 21^st century. The museum also helps artists of Malaga get recognition. You can access the museum for free the whole week from 10:00 to 18:00.

• Opened in the spring of 2015, this is the first Pompidou Center outside of France. Its collection displays 90 masterpieces from the 20^th and 21^st centuries, to which temporary exhibitions are added twice/three times every year. If you are lucky enough to be in the city on Sunday you can visit the museum from 4 pm to 8 pm, the last entry is at 7.30 pm. If you want to go on any other day of the week, the museum opens from 9.30 am to 8 pm, at the cost of €9.

• Situated in a Renaissance building recently restored in a modern style, Picasso’s Museum hosts a collection of more than 233 paintings that will leave you breathless. The entrance is free on Sundays from 16:00 up to 19:00. If you want to know more about Malaga’s most renowned artist you can visit his birthplace which is located in Plaza de la Merced.

4.  Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle also free on Sundays

The most popular monuments of Malaga are the Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro. The Alcazaba fortress palace dates back to the 10th century and it is the best-preserved Alcazaba in Spain. There you can visit the beautiful patios and admire the Arabic architecture.

Gibralfaro Castle sits on top of a mountain surrounded by high defense walls that you can walk around and offers the most amazing view of the city. Some people say that you can even see Africa from the top. Entrance to both the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro castle is free after 14:00 on Sundays.

5. Malaga Cathedral and Churches: a vast heritage for free!

If you want a deeper look at the art culture of Malaga you have to visit the Cathedral which is located in the historic center of the city. “La Manquita” (The One-Armed Lady) as they call her is an impressive building with Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements.

After a long period of constriction the Cathedral was never finished, lacking one of the main towers and that justifies her name. In order to enjoy a completely different view of the city center, you can visit the roof of that spectacular building.

The entrance is free on Sundays from 14:00 to 18:00. If you are in the mood to explore more you can also visit Sagrado Corazón, which is the church where Picasso was baptized, or the church of Santos Martíres.

6. “Paseo del Parque” of Malaga: a tropical paradise

Park of Malaga is located right in the center of the city, between the Port of Malaga, Cervantes Avenue, the Alameda Principal, and the Malagueta neighborhood. Although its name is Park of Malaga, it is also known as Paseo del Parque or Parque de la Alameda.

The park has been configured as one of the most important public gardens in Europe in terms of exotic flora. It’s an ideal place to unwind on a sunny afternoon and perhaps enjoy a picnic. It’s an on-a-budget activity that’s really worth it!

7. Malaga’s Harbour: Muelle Uno, lots of fun for free

The harbor of Malaga is one the oldest in the world counting more than 3 thousand years. Today, it’s a wonderful marvel of modern architecture—and completely free to explore.

Walking around that area you can see all the kinds of ships docking as well as another famous symbol of this city. “La Farola” of Malaga is the only lighthouse in Spain, except Tenerife, that has a feminine name. If you like sunsets the harbor is one of the best spots to watch it.

8. Best Malaga Beaches: all year round choice

Last but not least of our top 10 things to do for free in Malaga, is the beach. Malaga has 300 days of sun every year, so walking around or even swimming is always a good idea for your bucket list. The colorful beach of Malagueta is the closest beach to the city center and the easiest to reach.

 Don’t worry if you are not a fan of swimming: you can just relax under the palm trees and enjoy the sun. In case you are willing to explore more of the Mediterranean coast and you are willing to rent a bike you can also visit the beach in El Palo or Peñor de Cuervo beach. On these two beaches, you will find more locals so you can discover another side of the Andalusian way of living.

9. Malaga viewpoints: amazing views of the bay for free

• Gibralfaro Viewpoint is everything you want in an epic view of Malaga. The castle itself is a historic landmark dating back to the 14th century and was built to house troops and protect the Alcazaba.  It takes a while to get up there, but it’s definitely worth it.

Check our Sunset and Hightlights’ Tour if you want to discover the history and stories of my beloved Malaga with the best views of the city! Click HERE to book your guided walking tour up to Gibralfaro viewpoint

• “Falcon” Viewpoint is located near the southern entrance of the Parque del Morlaco. Its peculiar name “Falcón” comes from the young people of the zone who said that one of the houses located near the viewpoint is very similar to the house of the Falcon Crest series. The best way to access this hidden viewpoint is the area of ​​the Baños del Carmen.

10. Malaga Botanic Garden: another free activity on Sunday

In case you want to know better the fauna of Costa del Sol you can probably visit the Botanic Garden. On Sundays, from 3.30 pm to 9 pm, you have a great chance to enjoy an impressive amount of different species of plants and flowers.

Malaga’s botanic garden is renowned as the tropical and subtropical garden of Europe. Originally it was a recreational estate for a family of the high class of the city from the middle of the 19th century until 1990 when it became a public park

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Those were our top 10 things to do for free in Malaga. We hope our proposals will help you explore almost every part of the beautiful city of Malaga. So don’t think twice, pack your things and get ready for the best trip of your life!

In case you are interested in having some more interactive activities you can always visit our experiences section and check out what we offer! 😁

Summer is the most popular season to visit Malaga. However, early fall is just as good! Go to Malaga in September and enjoy good weather, fewer tourist crowds and better prices. Read the article to find all the reasons why September is the best month to visit Malaga.

Let’s start with your trip to Malaga from the airport. My tip is to use Welcome Pickups airport transfer service. High-quality service at a reasonable price! Check the details below.

1. Malaga in September: Perfect weather conditions

September is still hot enough for going to the beach but every evening, you’ll enjoy some fresh breeze. If hot weather is challenging for you, then traveling in September to Malaga will be the best option since the high summer temperatures decrease and we get a nice average temperature of 28°C during the day and 19°C at night. And only one day of rain!

2. Fewer crowds

Most summer destinations estimate dwindling crowds once Labor Day passes. This can be an added incentive for a getaway in September, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and much less traffic. September helps visitors avoid some of the most exhausting elements of your summer Andalusia trip: crowds and heat!

3. Better hotel and apartment deals!

Luxury resorts often advertise the most significant discounts at the end of summer and into early fall. When September comes, we start the ‘medium-low season,’ so you can find some amazing deals.

To make it easier for you, here you go, some advice and discounts to book your accommodation, car rental, and activities for your last summer break! 🙂

DISCOUNTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TRIP

✈️ Find the cheapest flights, train or bus tickets here.

🛏️ Get up to 15% discount on your hotel by booking here.

🏛️ Book the best tours and activities here.

🚗 Compare and rent a car at the best price here or hire your transfer here.

📖 Get your Spain travel guide here.

💚 Book your travel insurance here.

4. Discounts on travel gear

If you are extending your summer vacation into September, you will find out that it is also a fantastic month for potential savings on any leftover summer goods and fashion. Stock up on discounted beach goods, sunscreen, and seasonal clothes.

5. Best sea temperature

The Mediterranean Sea waters are not as hot as you can imagine, especially at the beginning of the summer. Even though most travelers don’t choose September for beach vacations, it is in September when you will find the perfect sea temperature. After so many sunny days, the sea is much warmer in September than in July!

It’s not too late to enjoy the salty, fresh air while jumping through the waves. Ideal for working up an appetite for those delicious “espetos” (typical Malaga’s grilled sardines) cooked on the fire at almost every beach bar or “chiringuito”.

6. Outstanding evenings 

After a day out, relaxing on the sofa is always a nice idea, but even better when it’s cool enough to snuggle up. You will find the September evening breeze to be a relief. It is still warm enough to eat outside and take a sunset stroll, but cool enough to sleep comfortably.

7. Malaga in September: Events, Events & More Events…

Wondering if all summer events will be over? No! There are plenty of things to do in Malaga in September. Here we list for you some of the amazing events that will take place along the Costa del Sol in September:

• International Culture Festival Torrox
  • When: From 31 August to 3 September
  • Where: Avenida del Faro, Torrox
• Harvest Festival Manilva
  • Where: Manilva
  • When: from 31 August to 1 September
• Mijas Pueblo Fair
  • Where: Mijas Pueblo
  • When: 6 to 11 September
• Festival Luna Mora Guaro
  • Where: Guaro
  • When: 6 and 7 September
• Embrujo Andalusí Carratraca
  • When: From September 6 to 8
  • Where: Carratraca
• Pasarela Larios / Fashion Week Malaga
  • Where: Larios Street, Malaga
  • When: 13 and 14 September, 8:30 pm
• San Miguel Pilgrimage Torremolinos
  • When: Pilgrimage September 22, 10 am to 4 pm. The Fair takes place during the following week.
  • Where: The pilgrimage passes through the streets of Torremolinos to Pinares de Los Manantiales and from there to Ermita de San Miguel.
• San Miguel Fair Torremolinos
  • When: 25 to 29 September
  • Where: City center and fairgrounds
• World Tourism Day in Malaga
  • Where: In the Monuments and Museums of Málaga
  • When: 27 September

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Come to Malaga in September and You will enjoy the best time of the year in Malaga and Andalucia! Also, you can join our tours!

Check out all the experiences we offer: Traditional tapas and wine tours, authentic gypsy flamenco shows, private city tours, hiking to the best Sunset, photoshoots, drawing lessons and many more!

Join us! We are looking forward to showing you everything we know about Malaga and our wonderful Andalucia 🙂

Looking for what to do in Malaga in 2 days? Great! Then you are in right place! We are sharing with you here the perfect route to see the best of Malaga in only two days. Culture, gastronomy, parks, natural spaces, beaches, shops, holidays… although it’s difficult to summarize everything Malaga has to offer in a 2-day itinerary, here you will find different plans with the main things to do, see and great tips to make the most out of your stay in the capital of Costa del Sol:

Malaga in 2 days: what to do, see and eat on a weekend!

With more than 3000 years of history, Malaga is one of the most internationally renowned cultural destinations. We have created a self-guided tour of the city in which you will find what to do, the best things to see, and the restaurants you cannot miss. With the following 2 days in Malaga itinerary you will admire the monumental heritage that Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs have left us, discover the most relevant museums, try the exquisite and varied gastronomy in the bars or find a nice beach to relax. Let’s start!

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Malaga in 2 days – Day 1: Old Town, museums and history!

We start our 2 days in Malaga tour at the emblematic Calle Larios, an important shopping area of Malaga with the most exclusive shops that is located next to Plaza de la Constitución: the heart of the city´s old quarter. From there we head west, along calle Compañía where we find the Palace of Villalón (16th century). Which is home to the Carmen Thyssen Museum Malaga, the first stop on our route.

1. Morning in Calle Larios, Carmen Thyssen Museum and a nice breakfast.

This museum was inaugurated in March 2011. Has a permanent collection of more than 200 works by 19th-century Spanish artists, centered especially around Andalusian painting and which makes up the most complete collection in Spain.
Here we find works by such great artists as Valeriano Domínguez-Becquer, Eugenio Lucas Velázquez, Julio Romero de Torres and Joaquín Sorolla, among others. In addition, the museum counts on a careful program of temporary exhibitions of undoubted artistic interest. It is definitely worth a visit.

Returning to plaza de la Constitución, we can take time out to have a rest and enjoy a good Malaga breakfast. Nice coffee with churros or a toasted sandwich will go down well.
But please note it is important to know how to order a coffee in Malaga, because depending on the amount of coffee served, each has a different name. For example, a “café mitad” is half coffee and half milk and a “sombra” is three quarters milk and one quarter coffee. Furthermore, more coffee than milk is a “largo” and there are up to nine different ways to order a coffee. But there is no need to worry, the friendly waiters will help us to learn this typical custom of Malaga.

2. Malaga’s Cathedral and Episcopal Palace.

Following our “Malaga in 2 days” itinerary and heading east from Plaza de la Constitución we take calle Santa María, which brings us directly to the Cathedral and its Museum. Although work on the Cathedral started during the Gothic period (16th century) with the old mosque of the Arabian city, the current building is of Renaissance style and is still unfinished. Funds ran out in 1782 and so work was stopped, leaving the south tower unbuilt. This led to it being given the popular nickname of “The One-Armed Lady”. In front of the Cathedral are the plaza del Obispo and the Episcopal Palace (1762), which is a beautiful example of the baroque architecture of Malaga.

3. Visit the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba

We go around the Cathedral along the last stretch of calle Santa María, where we can contemplate the majestic Elizabethan facade of the Sagrario (side chapel). Then we continue to calle Císter, and come out onto the Palacio de la Aduana (1826), the location of Malaga’s Museum that keeps the provincial collections of Archaeology and Fine Arts. In this amazing museum, we can find more than 15,000 archaeology pieces and more than 2,000 titles of Fine Arts, amongst them is one of the best collections of Spanish paintings from the XIX century.

Next to it, and at the entrance to calle Alcazabilla, we come across our next stop: The Alcazaba which, together with the Castle of Gibralfaro and the Roman Theatre, form the city´s most important archeological collection.

The Alcazaba, built between the 11th and 14th centuries, was the palace-fortress of the Muslim governers. It is built upon the remains of an older Phoenician fortress on the side of the mount of Gibralfaro, in a privileged position above the city. The grounds house an interesting exhibition room where ceramic materials of 11th to 15th century Muslim Malaga are on display.

This palace is connected to the Castle of Gibralfaro by a steep mountain pathway. Public transport is available in order to offer easy access to the fortress. We shall visit it later on.

Malaga’s Roman Theatre, situated at the foot of the Alcazaba, was built in the 1st century B.C., it was in use until the 3rd century A.D. After its restoration, the Roman Theatre of Malaga is used once more as a scenic space.

4. Lunchtime! Malaga’s wine, tapas and fish.

And now it´s time to take a break and try the varied, rich local and international cuisine in one of the many establishments which are to be found in the old quarter of Malaga. Fried fish, white garlic and almond soup, Malaga salad, potato and fish soup with vinegar…
And all accompanied by the delicious wines which Spain produces.

If you want to discover more about Malaga’s food culture, its wines and local’s favourite bars and taverns, join our Malaga Traditional Wine and Tapas Tour! You won’t regret!

5. Picasso in Malaga? Impossible to miss!

We continue along our Malaga in 2 days route filled with things to do and see through calle Alcazabilla, reaching plaza de la Merced. There we find the Picasso statue right in front of the Picasso Foundation. Birthplace Museum. And the Picasso tour starts! The collection is located inside a 19th-century building, where the artist was born and lived for the first few years of his life. Many original works of Pablo Ruíz Picasso are on display, both in the permanent collection and also on loan. We can also find ceramics, engravings, illustrated books and personal possessions of the painter and his family.

From plaza de la Merced, we walk onto calle Granada, at the entrance of which the church of Santiago is found and where Picasso was christened. Of a Moorish Gothic style, building was started in 1487 and it is one of the oldest in the city. Its architectural beauty is enhanced by its artistic richness and value befitting the home of some of the most important brotherhoods who take part in the processions of the Holy Week of Malaga.

At some 200 metres from the church, and on the left, we arrive at the narrow calle San Agustín where the Palace of Buenavista home of the Picasso Museum Malaga is found. This is a 16th-century Renaissance-style building, with Moorish artisan details and a lovely watchtower, which has been extended with other constructions to house the collections of the Picasso Museum Malaga.

Opened in 2003, the museum displays 233 works by the Malaga artist, including paintings, sketches, sculptures, engravings and ceramics, which form part of the permanent collection, along with interesting temporary exhibitions.

6. Malaga in 2 days itinerary: Sunset at Gibralfaro Castle

We take up our journey again and travel to our next stop: the Castle of Gibralfaro. On the way, we walk down calle Larios again, which will be bustling with people shopping. Something that, undoubtedly, we will have observed during our travels, and that we have taken advantage of to make a few purchases in some of the excellent shops found there.

Now in the Plaza de la Marina, we go to the start of the paseo del Parque and head East to the bus stop of the number 35 bus which will take us to the Castle of Gibralfaro. Abderramán III made a fortress from the existing ruins at the top of the mountain, among them those of a Phoenician lighthouse and that is why the Arabs called it “Yabal Faruh” (mount of the lighthouse).

Later on, in 1340, the Nazarí King Yusuf I, extended the grounds and built a castle. In the visitors center, located in the old powder keg of the fortress, there is an exhibition that displays elements of everyday military life in the castle, throughout its history.

Furthermore, we can enjoy the impressive views over the city and bay of Malaga, where we can see all the places which we have visited and those which we will visit next.

But if you really want to get the most of this hike and want to have a local tour that can tell you everything you need to know for your perfect holiday in Malaga, join our Malaga Highlights and Sunset Tour!

7. Malaga’s Bullfighting Ring (Plaza de Toros)

With that view in mind, we catch the bus which will take us back into town and where we get off at the bus stop in front of the plaza de Toros La Malagueta. From there you can also have a look inside the “Museo del Patrimonio Municipal” (The Municipal Heritage Museum), which exhibits the pieces of artistic and historical nature of the municipal heritage and has free entry.

8. Time for some evening fun: Malaga’s New Port “Muelle 1”

Our next stopping point is found just in front of us. We cross the paseo del Parque and enter the paseo de la Farola (Lighthouse) which comes out onto the landmark which gives it its name: La Farola (1817), the symbol par excellence of the city of Malaga.

From the Lighthouse we can enjoy further spectacular views of the Port of Malaga and of the city, to whose old quarter we return by passing through Muelle 1, which contains a shopping and leisure center, where we can take advantage of the exclusive establishments to do a spot of shopping and take some drinks in the bars and restaurants next to the sea.

Between Muelles 1 y 2 we can visit the Centre Pompidou Málaga. It is the first international branch of the prestigious Parisian art gallery. It is located in the building known as El Cubo (The Cube) and it offers a permanent exhibition of a selection of the impressive collection of the Pompidou Centre in Paris, 20th and 21st centuries.This centre includes big names such as: Francis Bacon, Georg Baselitz, Constantin Brâncuși, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Giorgio de Chirico, Tàpies, Picasso.

We continue on through Muelle 2, transformed into a boulevard named The Palm Grove of Surprises. A pleasant area to walk and relax which brings us back to the old quarter, where we can enjoy a night out in Malaga before returning to the hotel filled with unique experiences and eager to see more.

Malaga in 2 days – Day 2: Local traditions, food and relax

1. Plaza de la Merced and Teatro Cervantes

There’s still much to see in the city and much to learn about the life and customs of its citizens. Let´s make the most of the second day to explore traditional Malaga in-depth and visit some of its interesting museums.

This time we will set off from plaza de la Merced. Thats where Picasso was born, passing along calle Gómez Pallete before reaching the Teatro Cervantes, built in 1870 by Jerónimo Cuervo.Declared a National Artistic Historical Monument, the density and assortment of activities performed here sets it apart: symphonies, plays, comedies, operas, ballets, jazz, flamenco and rock concerts, musicals and all kinds of shows. It is also the showcase for the Spanish Film Festival in Malaga.

2. Atarazanas Market: fresh products from Malaga

We go back on ourselves, crossing the Plaza de Arriola to visit the Atarazanas market. So-called because it occupies the site which belonged to the Nazari atarazanas (shipyards), and where the original main door is still retained. It has always been said that if you want to know a city well, the first place to visit is its market. The beauty of the facilities and the contemplation of the magnificent products which we have seen in the market has awakened our appetite.

If you are a foodie, you cannot miss our Atarazanas market tour, where you will try the best local delicacies and discover Malaga’s rich gastronomy

3. Malaga in 2 days itinerary: Tapas and Wine in Calle Carreteria

Following the list of things to do in Malaga in two days, we now come out onto Calle Carretería. Here you will find the best local taverns in town, some of them still unknown to tourists. After some nice tapas and wine. If you are still curious about Malaga’s wine, you can continue your self-guided tour until you reach the Wine Museum of Malaga. There, you will learn all the secrets of this famous wine production and after having tasted the different varieties, you can even get some bottles of the one you liked the most!

4. Pedregalejo: time to have a “espeto” (grilled sardines) and finally relax!

But if you are looking for a relaxing lunch break on the beach, then you can visit the Pedregalejo area. You can easily get to Paseo Marítimo de Pedregalejo by bike or by bus and, once there, enjoy the magnificent cuisine in one of the numerous chiringuitos (beach bars) in the neighborhood. A perfect end to our 2-day stay in this wonderful and luminous city of Malaga.

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We hope you like the proposed itinerary for 2 days in Malaga, which is practically the one that Malaga’s Official Tourism Office recommends. If you have new ideas to add or just want to share how was your visit to Malaga, leave a comment!