Malaga City Breaks

Spanish culture on the coast

The vibrant port city of Malaga puts the soul into the Costa del Sol. With more than 30 museums and a thriving art district, Soho – not to mention Malaga being the birthplace of Picasso – it’s one of Andalucia’s most exciting cultural hubs. It also has an incredibly rich history, with centuries-old castles and glorious cathedrals dotted in and around the city. Its location on the gorgeous coast of southern Spain means that Malaga city breaks offer fantastic beaches. With 15 honey-hued sandy stretches to choose from, there are beaches to suit all types of traveller, from couples and families to groups of friends

Explore Malaga’s nightlife

Once the sun sets, you can swap beach-hopping for bar-hopping – Malaga fizzes with energy and has excellent nightlife. Foodies will feel like they’ve died and gone to gastro-heaven, as city breaks to Malaga are delicious affairs.

Malaga’s restaurants & dining options

Dining options are plentiful, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to rustic seafood shacks. It’s the kind of place you can enjoy top-notch tapas with an ocean view one side, and a Moorish palace on the other.

Hiking around Malaga

If you can drag yourself away from the beaches and bars, there’s scope for adventure, too – a hike along the Chillar River to the cave of Nerja offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. For an intriguing city break with surprises around every corner, Malaga is hard to beat.

Explore our map of Malaga City

Your Malaga questions, answered

Where’s the nightlife?

If you’re looking to party, the best place to head is the pedestrianised old town, especially around Plaza de la Constitucion and Plaza de la Merced.

Is Malaga good for a city break?

Malaga holidays offer you a combination of the classic city break – with plenty of cultural and historic attractions and good food – and a beach holiday. In recent years, Malaga City has changed from being purely a beach destination to a popular spot for city breaks. During the day, you can explore palaces, cathedrals, and museums, perhaps fitting in a couple of hours on the beach. At night there’s a wealth of cultural events year-round, as well as plenty of places to eat and drink.

Is it family friendly?

Malaga holidays are ideal for families thanks to the beautiful beaches and shallow waters. There are also plenty of child-friendly attractions like the Roman amphitheatre and Gibralfaro Castle.

Does Malaga have beaches near the city?

Malaga City is close to many different beaches. The nearest is just a 10-minute walk from the centre, or you can hop on a bus or taxi out to the suburbs along the coast where there are dozens of beaches from lively to quiet. Most of the beaches close to Malaga City are sandy, although some of the smaller, less-popular ones are shingle. There are plenty of areas safe for swimming or paddling. It’s also a popular area for water sports, and you’ll find sailing clubs along the coast.

When should I visit?

All year round – spring is balmy, summer is hot and sunny, autumn is warm, and temperatures remain pleasant during winter when the sights are less crowded.

What food is Malaga famous for?

Malaga has a variety of famous dishes that use local produce like olive oil, freshly caught fish, tomatoes, and almonds. Gazpachuelo Malagueno is one of the city’s signature dishes, a soup made up of fish, potatoes, mayonnaise, and wine vinegar. It used to be made by poor fishermen but is now served in restaurants across Malaga. Also, look out for Plato de los Montes de Malaga – a dish of the mountains of Malaga – typically made from black sausage, fried potatoes and a fried egg.

Is Malaga City worth visiting?

There’s plenty in Malaga City worth seeing, so it’s certainly worth a day trip if not longer. Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Spain. The old town has cobbled streets and plenty of historic charm. There are attractions to visit, from the Roman Amphitheatre to Moorish Citadels. The city centre is packed with places to shop, eat, and relax. You’re also just minutes from urban beaches and in a good position to explore the Andalusian coast.

What is the city of Malaga known for?

Malaga is famous as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and there is a museum dedicated to the artist. One of its most famous sites is El Teatro Romano, a Roman amphitheatre that has been turned into a performance space for open-air plays and concerts. Malaga is also known for its natural beauty, from its long sandy beaches to mountain scenery, as well as its Mediterranean climate, which means there’s nearly year-round sunshine. You may have heard of the Malaguena, possibly the best-known flamenco dance style.

How many days do you need in Malaga?

Malaga City is compact so, if you just want a short city break and to see the main attractions, you can do so in two or three days. It’s worth looking at longer Malaga holidays if you want some time to relax on the beach, as you can visit not only the local beaches but those further down the coast. A longer break also lets you enjoy hiking, day trips to other Andalusian towns and more time to enjoy the year-round cultural events.

Best things to do Beaches

Puerto de Malaga
Malaga’s port is a few minutes outside the city centre, and is well worth a visit for its great restaurants, charming harbour and relaxed atmosphere.
Alcazaba
One of Malaga’s most famed landmarks, this palatial 11th-century fortification at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill is the best-preserved Moorish fortress in the country.
Catedral de Malaga
The building of this majestic cathedral – renowned for its 40-metre dome — began in the 16th century and continued for 200 years. The results are astonishing.