Málaga: The Best Tips & Information for Your Trip

A trip to Málaga, the second-largest city in Andalusia, is coming up, and you have no idea what to expect?

In this post, we’ll share valuable tips and helpful information to ensure you’re well-prepared.
Discover the culinary highlights awaiting you on the stunning Costa del Sol (English: Sun Coast), learn how to get around the city efficiently, find out where to stay, and much more.

1. THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MÁLAGA

Málaga is an attractive destination all year round, so the ideal time to visit depends on your personal preferences.
The high season runs from May to September, when temperatures are highest, averaging between 26°C and 31°C.
These months are perfect for combining city exploration with a beach vacation.

If you prefer milder weather, consider visiting between October and April, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 23°C.
This period is also the off-season, which often means lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.

We visited Málaga in February and were more than happy with the pleasant daytime temperatures of around 23°C.

2. IDEAL LENGTH OF STAY

How long you should stay in Málaga also depends on your personal interests. However, Málaga and its surroundings offer so much that a weekend alone may not be enough.
To fully enjoy the main attractions, beaches, and surrounding areas, plan for at least two to four days or more. If you focus only on the city, one to two days may be sufficient.

We spent two and a half days in Málaga and another two and a half exploring the surroundings.
For us, this was the perfect amount of time to relax, visit key sites, and explore the area at a comfortable pace.

3. FOOD & DRINK

In Andalusia, cooking and eating are celebrated with great passion. Sharing meals with family and friends is simply a way of life here.
The proximity to the sea heavily influences Málaga's cuisine, meaning fish and seafood can be found on nearly every restaurant menu.
In so-called marisquerías (seafood restaurants), dishes are often exclusively prepared from the sea's bounty.

But don’t worry, even if you don’t eat fish, there are plenty of tapas bars that offer vegetarian options. Classics include Pimientos de Padrón (green peppers fried in oil and sprinkled with salt), Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish potato omelet), and Patatas Bravas (crispy potato cubes served with a spicy sauce).

Particularly noteworthy are the delicious marinated olives, often sourced from the nearby village of Álora, as well as the famous Iberian Serrano ham.
These delicacies are typically served as appetizers or snacks alongside aperitifs and are an integral part of Andalusian cuisine.

Typical desserts in Málaga include crispy churros (fried dough rings), pestiños (a sweet, fried pastry), and buñuelos de viento (light and airy fritters with various fillings).
These treats are often enjoyed alongside a refreshing cerveza (beer) or wine, with sangria, the fruity wine cocktail, also being a popular choice.

Keep in mind that dining hours may differ from those in your home country: lunch typically begins after 1:00 pm, and dinner is usually served between 8:00 and 9:00 pm.
Most restaurants open around 7:30 pm.

Our restaurant tip: We especially loved the breakfast at Brunchit, located in the heart of the old town.

4. GETTING AROUND IN MÁLAGA

The best way to explore Málaga is on foot, especially in the city center. Alternatively, you can take one of the Hop-on/Hop-off buses, which offer an audio guide and stop at all the major sites. The red line connects the city’s main attractions, while the green line takes you to the Botanical Garden, Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción on the city’s outskirts.
Tickets for these tours are available online.

If you want to venture beyond the city center, public buses are an affordable option. A single ticket costs $1.40 and can be purchased from machines or the bus driver.

For a sportier option, consider renting a bike from one of the many bike rentals around the city. You can ride along the coastal promenades to nearby towns.
E-scooters are another convenient choice for getting around and can be rented through apps like Yego or Bolt.

5. HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Málaga has a wide variety of accommodation options, including hotels, vacation rentals, apartments, hostels, and private rooms.
You’ll find plenty of choices on popular booking platforms like booking.com.

We were very pleased with our stay at Chinitas Urban Apartments in the city center. The location was ideal for sightseeing, with quick access to all major attractions.
If you’re looking for a central accommodation, we highly recommend Chinitas Urban Apartments.

6. GETTING TO MÁLAGA

Málaga-Costa del Sol International Airport (AGP) is one of Spain's busiest airports, offering direct flights from cities worldwide.
Airlines like Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair, and many others provide regular connections. Platforms like skyscanner.com can help you compare flights and find the best options for your trip.

Flight times vary depending on your departure location. For example, flights from most European cities typically take around 2.5 to 3 hours, while longer journeys from other continents may require layovers and take 8 to 12 hours.

Upon arrival at Andalusia’s largest airport, you have several options for reaching the city or your accommodation:

• The C1 commuter train takes about 15 minutes to the city center for around $1.80. Tickets are available at the train station’s vending machines.
• The Express Bus Line A also reaches the city center in about 15 minutes for $3, with tickets available directly from the driver.
• For a more comfortable option, you can take an Uber or taxi. A ride to the city center costs between $12 and $20, depending on your destination.

7. ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YOUR STAY IN MÁLAGA

• Comfortable shoes are essential: Since you’ll likely be walking a lot, be sure to pack comfortable and sturdy footwear for a relaxing stroll around Málaga.
• Parking in Málaga: If you’re driving, avoid the Old Town, which has many pedestrian-only areas and limited parking. Instead, park on the city’s outskirts or in a parking garage.
  Note that parking garages can cost around $20 per day; the further out you park, the cheaper it will be.
• Buy tickets online in advance: If you already know which attractions you want to visit, consider purchasing tickets online. Some sites offer timed tickets to manage visitor numbers.
  While this limits flexibility, it allows you to plan visits more efficiently and avoid long queues.
• For more tips and sights around Málaga, check out our guides on “Málaga – 12 Attractions for Your Trip to the Costa del Sol” and “Málaga's Surroundings: 5 Must-Visit Destinations You Shouldn't Miss”.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com‍
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com‍
• Discover the best accommodations‍
• The best Travel Guides for Málaga
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Málaga

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.