Is Malaga Worth Visiting? (8 Reasons We Love Malaga)

Situated on the Costa del Sol, the Spanish city of Malaga is often overlooked in favour of more well-known cities such as Barcelona and Madrid.

However, Malaga is a fantastic Spanish city that’s well worth visiting for a couple of nights. Having spent some time there myself, I’m already looking at going back within the next 12 months.

This city has it all; history, culture, fantastic food, great transport links, a variety of accommodation options and a beach – what’s not to love?

Reasons To Visit Malaga

Having spent several nights in Malaga recently, here are just some of the reasons I recommend visiting.

1. The History

Malaga is a city steeped in rich history stretching back to 770 BC. Over multiple centuries, the city has been shaped and transformed by a series of rulers – from the Romans to the Visigoths, the Byzantines, and the Moors.

Each of these still leaves a mark on the city’s legacy and culture today and can be seen in some of the most popular attractions here such as;

• Alcazaba
• Roman Theater
• Malaga Cathedral
• Castillo de Gibralfaro
• Picasso Museum
• Atarazanas Market
• Palacio de Aduana (Customs Palace)

2. Walkable

Malaga is incredibly easy to navigate. Getting from the airport to the city centre can be done by public transport in less than 30 minutes and at a cost of less than €2 per person. Once you’ve arrived in Malaga you’ll find that the city is very compact and easily walkable, and with something new on every corner, there’s always something to see.

If you struggle with mobility or want to maximise your time in Malaga then consider investing in a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus. This bus stop has two routes, a red route and a green route each calling at different locations within the city including;

• Centre Pompidou Malaga
• Playa de La Malagueta
• Castillo de Gibralfaro
• Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga
• Mirador del Gibralfaro
• Museo Picasso Malaga

3. Affordability

Being the central hub of the Costa del Sol, Malaga boasts an extensive range of accommodation and public transport options which make it perfect for those travelling on a budget. Some of my favourite affordable hotels in the city include;

• Ibis Malaga Centro Ciudad
• Villa Guadalupe
• Casual del Mar Málaga

Alternatively, if you’re looking to enjoy a little bit of luxury you’ll also find it here in Malaga with several luxury five-star hotels complete with beach access, private spas, fitness centres and swimming pools as well as a number of Michelin star restaurants.

4. Beach City

The city of Malaga has several beautiful beaches for you to enjoy during your visit. Some of our personal favourites include;

• La Malagueta
• Playa de Pedregalejo
• Playa de El Palo

5. Accessibility / Onward Travel

Known by many as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga is an affordable jumping-off point to other towns, cities and regions not just within mainland Spain but also into Europe too with frequent international flights, trains and buses readily available at relatively affordable prices. Some of our favourite Spanish towns & cities to visit from Malaga include;

• Granada
• Nerja
• Seville
• Marbella

Meanwhile, some of the best and most affordable countries to travel to from Malaga include;

• France
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Morocco

6. Festivals

Malaga is renowned for its vibrant festivals that see the city come alive with colourful processions, dancing, and live music. Some of the best festivals in Malaga include;

7. Climate

Malaga benefits from a subtropical-Mediterranean climate, resulting in one of the warmest winters in Europe. Average summer temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F), while in winter, it rarely falls below 17°C (63°F). This warm and sunny climate makes Malaga a perfect destination for beach-goers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

8. Nightlife

Malaga’s nightlife is varied and exciting. From traditional Flamenco shows and tapas bars in the historic quarter to modern clubs and rooftop bars along the Malagueta beachfront, there is something for everyone. The city is also home to numerous music and dance festivals, offering a diverse range of nightlife experiences.

Best Time To Visit Malaga

The best time to visit Malaga really depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. In the Springtime (from March until May) the weather is generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). The city is less crowded than in summer, and as a result, accommodation prices are often cheaper.

Meanwhile, Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season. During these times you’ll find average temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). The beaches are buzzing, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy water sports.

Autumn / fall (September to November) is much like the springtime with cooling temperatures that make the city perfect for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Meanwhile in the winter months (December to February) you’ll still find relatively warm temperatures rarely dropping below 17°C (63°F).

Where To Stay In Malaga

The historical centre is the heart of Malaga and where you’ll find most of the city’s major landmarks including the Malaga Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and Alcazaba alongside several restaurants, bars, and shops.

Unsurprisingly with so much to see and do in close proximity, the Malaga Centro (the historical centre) is where we recommend staying during your trip to Malaga – especially if you’re only visiting the city for a short space of time and are as a result looking to maximise your time here. Thankfully, there’s a range of accommodation options available in Malaga’s historical centre, from luxury five-star hotels to budget hotels.