Malaga Travel Guide: Beaches, Paella & Picasso
Malaga offers the quintessential Spanish beachside getaway, combining some of the best things about the nation: great beaches, sunny weather, superb food and affordable prices.
It's little wonder the population of the city swells in summer months as people across Europe come to enjoy the Costa del Sol and its laid-back lifestyle.
In this Malaga travel guide you’ll discover where to stay, what to eat and what to do in Malaga…
What is the weather like in Malaga?
300 days of sunshine a year
Thanks to its geography - hemmed in by mountains - Malaga is warm nearly all year round, with 300 days of sunshine.
Even in winter months the water is warm enough for swimming. Indeed, Malaga enjoys one of the warmest winters in Europe, averaging 17 degrees between December and February.
Little wonder, then, that so many Brits enjoy Malaga city breaks and holidays each year.
Capital of tapas?
Many Spanish towns and cities like to think they have the best tapas - and Malaga is no different.
You can enjoy a beer and a plate of tapas for two or three euros, and do so while sitting in a sunny 'plaza' in this beautiful historic city.
Classic tapas dishes include:
Tortilla patata
The classic potato omelette made with olive oil. Traditionally it's made of only potatoes, onions and egg (ideal for vegetarians)- but there are many variations with ingredients like spinach, cheese and meat.
Patatas bravas
Another deliciously filling snack is patatas bravas. Fried potatoes in a spicy tomato-based sauce - and veggie-friendly, too.
Croquetas de Jamón
Ham and bechamel sauce coated with egg and breadcrumbs and then deep fried.
Food obsession?
Food is central to Spanish life - and you’ll doubtless be sampling the nation’s mouth watering cuisine from dawn till dusk. Indeed, there are numerous meal times to consider, including breakfast #1, breakfast #2, lunch, merienda (mid-afternoon snack), aperitif, and dinner.
Note that Spaniards eat dinner rather later than Brits - anytime between 9pm and 11pm!
While there are many things to do in Malaga, eating the local cuisine arguably trumps them all.
Where are the best places to visit in Malaga for food and drink?
Restaurants with a view in Malaga: Pedregalejo
The Pedregalejo neighbourhood was once composed of fisherman's houses that stood by the Mediterranean. Today, most have been converted into seafood restaurants which attract diners all through the week.
It's a buzzing place to enjoy fabulous Spanish cuisine - including the famous paella - and wonderful sea views.
Barbecued sardines
For a cheap but delicious snack, try barbecued sardines - a local specialty.
Along the coast you'll find Spaniards skewering the silvery sardines on sticks and smoking them in rotating wood-fired barbecues (often old rowing boats). They are rotated so the smoke can be directed towards the fish.
A filling snack for just a few euros, served with lemon juice and salt.
Many of these seafood barbecues also smoke squid (or 'pulpo' in Spanish).
Atarazanas Market
If you're self-catering or simply want to see how the locals buy their food, then head to Atarazanas Market - where many Malagans get their meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.
Tips for choosing fresh fish
If you're planning to try your hand at some Spanish seafood dishes, be sure you buy fresh fish.
Black eyes and red gills suggest the fish has been freshly caught.
Casa Aranda for churros
If you've visited Spain before, chances are you'll have tried the mouthwatering 'churros' - strips of deep-fried dough served with a rich chocolate sauce. Malaga's best-known 'churreros' are found in Casa Aranda, which has been in business for more than a century. Despite its fame, you can enjoy a plate of Casa Aranda churros for just a few euros.
Bar El Pimpi - sweet wine and flamenco
Arguably Malaga's most famous bar, El Pimpi is frequented by celebrities and is co-owned by Antonio Banderas - originally from Malaga.
Once again, even though it is famous, you can enjoy a glass of sweet wine called Muscatel for a couple of euros, and gaze at photos of the many actors and singers who have visited. It’s definitely one of the most enjoyable things to do in Malaga.
Things to do in Malaga, Spain
Malaga offers a host of things to do - for families, couples and solo travellers.
From ancient ruins to ground-breaking art to fun waterpark rides - there’s something for every taste.
Malaga's Roman theatre & Muslim fortress
Malaga has been invaded by many different groups - including Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims and Christians. Evidence of their visits is all around, but none more impressive than Calle Alcazabilla, where you can enjoy the beautifully preserved Roman Theatre with the Musilim fortress above it.
Picasso's birthplace
Art lovers may enjoy visiting the building Picasso was born in, which is also - as you might expect - a museum.
‘Casa Natal Picasso’ is devoted to the man who invented Cubism and pioneered collage.
It features a permanent collection of the artist’s work.
More art and culture…
With over 30 art galleries and museums, Malaga is the cultural heart of Andalusia.
Highlights include Centro de Arte Comtemporáneo Malaga (with works by Damien Hirsts and Thomas Ruff); Museo de Belles Artes, with 2,000 works of fine art and 15,000 archaeological artefacts; and the Pompidou Centre (linked to the one in Paris), featuring works by Francis Bacon, Marc Chagall and, naturally, Pablo Picasso!
Nightlife and shopping at Calle Larios
Malaga's principal shopping street and party area is a must-visit - whether or not you're planning to party into the early hours.
Many bars are located on Calle Larios’ side streets. Calle Larios is never quiet.
Constitution Square and Incarnation Cathedral
In the centre of the old town is the city's main 'plaza' - Constitution Square. Many nights of partying begin in this picturesque square.
A few minute's walk from here you'll find the fabulous Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga (Incarnation Cathedral), a Renaissance masterpiece. Locals have nicknamed it the 'one-armed lady' due to its solitary off-centre bell tower.
The adjacent plaza is perfect for a morning coffee or an afternoon ‘cerveza’ (beer) and tapas.
Malaga beach life
Malaga and its surrounds are blessed with a host of superb beaches.
The nearest and most convenient beach is Malagueta, but this can get overcrowded in summer.
For peace and quiet head to Playa de la Misericordia - popular among locals.
Malaga water parks
The Malaga area is home to a number of well reviewed waterparks - each offering plenty of family-friendly fun. Aquavelis Water Park and Holiday World Beach Club are two of the best known.
Money-saving tip: pack your own lunch and avoid the rather high food prices.
Some parks sell 'fast track' tickets if you don't like queuing.
What places are there to visit near Malaga?
Granada
Granada, about 130km away from Malaga, can be reached by train in around two hours.
Granada is famous for its vast Moorish fortress, the Alhambra, alongside a number of superb museums.
Ideal for a day trip or as a multi-day destination in its own right.
Marbella
Marbella is an hour southwest of Malaga by train, is largely inhabited by the super rich these days - as evidenced by the many gleaming white yachts in the marina.
But Marbella is not all about ‘bling’ - it has a pretty Old Town and the bay itself is rather magnificent.
Where are the best places to stay in Malaga?
There's something for every budget in Malaga. Here's a selection of hotels and hostels for different pockets.
Palacio Solecio - £200
Comprising Two old 'palacios' (mansions) Palacio Solecio has maintained the buildings' original charm with wrought-iron balconies and marble columns.
Chic contemporary updates have been tastefully applied.
You'll also find an Andalusian-inspired restaurant complete with cocktail bar.
http://www.palaciosolecio.com/
Hotel Malaga Picasso - £80
This smart mid-range option is located by Guadalmar Beach and boasts an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and pretty gardens.
Rooms open out onto the pool and gardens.
https://hotelmalagapicasso.com/
The Urban Jungle Rooftop Hostel - £19
If you're on a tight budget you can still stay in the heart of the city.
Malaga is home to many hostels, but The Urban Jungle Rooftop Hostel is a great choice.
From here key attractions such as Calle Larios and the Roman Theatre are just a few minutes' walk.
https://urbanjunglehostel.com/