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Málaga port with modern buildings, green vegetation in the foreground.
Málaga port with modern buildings, green vegetation in the foreground.

Málaga

Published: 03 August 2023, 15:15

Sunny Paradise in Andalusia

The city in the southern Spain boasts an incredible 320 days of sunshine a year. Beautiful Málaga is located in the middle of the enclosed plain of the same name, surrounded by mountains and the Mediterranean coast. The port city is characterised by different cultures, and it has retained its cosmopolitan, relaxed and hospitable character to the present day.

In addition to numerous historical sites, such as the Moorish fortress Alcazaba and the Teatro Romano, Málaga is also one of Spain’s most important centres of art and culture as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso: the city has an abundance of important museums, galleries and events. Furthermore, with its location between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, Málaga is the perfect starting point for trips to the coast and the mountains.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 579,000
  • Official language: Spanish
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Ten Málaga highlights

Ancient Alcazaba fortress of sandstone with towers and palm trees in front.
The 11th century Moorish fortress Alcazaba is, together with the Teatro Romano, the landmark of Málaga and is located in the middle of the Old Town. © dziewul/stock.adobe.com
Baroque cathedral with tall tower and ornate façade in sunlight.
The magnificent Gothic cathedral Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación is the most prominent building in Málaga’s Old Town. © Alena Stalmashonak/stock.adobe.com
Bronze statue of Picasso on a bench in front of a historic building.
Tracing the footsteps of Pablo Picasso: the famous painter was born in Málaga. There is a museum and numerous places in the city dedicated to him, like this statue. © OliverFoerstner/stock.adobe.com
Gibralfaro Castle with crenellated walls and sea visible in the background.
The 14th century Gibralfaro Castle towers high above the city and offers spectacular views. © Leonid Andronov/stock.adobe.com
Lively square with palm trees, benches, and surrounding historic buildings.
The Plaza de la Merced is a popular meeting place; in addition to a market, there are numerous cafés, bars and restaurants take a break in. © Roel/stock.adobe.com
Colorful glass pavilion of Centre Pompidou Málaga at the sunny harbor.
The spin-off of the famous Parisian museum Centre Pompidou showcases modern and contemporary art exhibitions. © Andrei Nekrassov/stock.adobe.com
Palm trees and thatched sunshades on a sunny stretch of beach.
The popular Malagueta city beach offers golden sand and crystal-clear waters – ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. © Valery Bareta/stock.adobe.com
Modern harbor promenade with white columns, palm trees, and pedestrians.
The chic harbour promenade is ideal for a walk along the waterfront with shops, restaurants and bars. © Brad Pict/stock.adobe.com
Historic market hall with colorful arched window and neo-Gothic façade.
The beautiful indoor market Mercado Central de Atarazanas has fresh food, local delicacies and lively goings-on. © WH_Pics/stock.adobe.com
Walkway in Paseo del Parque with lush greenery and palm trees.
Paseo del Parque is a green lung in the middle of the city. Lush gardens and small lakes are the perfect place to take a stroll and relax. © Bernadett/stock.adobe.com

From Málaga to Andalusia and the Costa del Sol

Málaga is not only an interesting city break destination, it also offers an abundance of possibilities as a starting point for excursions to the Costa del Sol and the surrounding mountains. From here, you can explore coastal resorts such as Nerja, Marbella or Torremolinos, and go hiking through the beautiful landscapes of Andalusia and the impressive mountains.

The most beautiful excursions from Málaga

White houses on cliffs above a deep gorge in Ronda.
On the steep slope: the spectacularly situated town of Ronda, divided by a gorge, is about 1.5 hours from Málaga. © Sina Ettmer/stock.adobe.com
Coastal town of Nerja with white houses and view of the Mediterranean.
The pretty coastal town of Nerja is just under an hour away. Here you can visit the caves of Nerja and swim on one of the beautiful sandy beaches. © Horváth Botond/stock.adobe.com
Narrow hiking path along a cliff above a deep gorge at Caminito del Rey.
A royal pathway: the breathtaking Caminito del Rey hiking trail, about an hour from Málaga, offers spectacular views and an unforgettable adventure. © JCMorenoR/stock.adobe.com
Alhambra with palace walls and towers set against green hills in Granada.
The Orient up close: Granada and its world-famous Moorish fortress Alhambra can be reached in just under 1.5 hours from Málaga. © Taiga/stock.adobe.com
Marbella marina with white buildings and boats in clear water.
A taste of luxury: the exclusive holiday resort of Marbella on the Costa del Sol is where the rich, the beautiful and the very rich like to go on holiday. © Creative Cat Studio/stock.adobe.com

Málaga from BER

Aircraft shortly before touching down on the runway

easyJet

Eurowings

Ryanair

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)

Five travel tips for …

  1. An absolute must in Málaga: visit the Picasso Museum 
  2. Take a look at some contemporary art at Centre Pompidou Málaga
  3. Marvel at the impressive collection of 19th and 20th century Spanish artists in the Carmen Thyssen Museum
  4. Go on a mobile journey through time at the Automobile Museum
  5. Discover historical artefacts and art at the Museum of Málaga 

  1. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from Gibralfaro Castle
  2. Hike up Monte de San Anton and look over the Bay of Málaga
  3. Look down on the Old Town from the walls of the Alcazaba fortress
  4. Enjoy the view with a drink in the roof top bar at Hotel Málaga Palacio
  5. Take a look over the Old Town from the roof of the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación

  1. Watch the hustle and bustle on the Plaza de la Merced
  2. Discover small shops and pretty bars on the Plaza de la Constitución
  3. Walk from the Plaza de la Marina through the harbour district
  4. Enjoy the picturesque setting of the Plaza del Obispo
  5. Explore street art, hip boutiques and trendy bars around the small Plaza de la Mercedita

Picture source title: © KikoStock/stock.adobe.com 

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