I’ve been visiting Malaga for years, and let me tell you, yes, it is! But why is Malaga worth visiting? The beaches? The food? Or maybe the locals? My friends always ask me why I keep coming to Andalucìa and specifically Malaga, and this is what I’ll share in this post about the big question “Is Malaga worth visiting?” today. You see, there’s not only one reason to visit Malaga but a lot of them! Planning a trip to southern Spain? You’ll love everything about Malaga, let me tell you why here below!
This guest post was written by Archaree from Tricks and Trips.
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Is Malaga Wort Visiting? 7 Reasons to Visit Malaga
No matter what you love to do best on holiday, whether it’s lying on the beach, learning about history, or romping around in the countryside, Malaga has something for you, and I don’t say it lightly. Here are seven of the top reasons why you should visit Malaga right now:
Rich History and Culture
Malaga is steeped in history and culture and is said to be one of the oldest cities in the world. This is reflected in the many historical spots in town when you visit Malaga for a day or more, including the former home of renowned painter Pablo Picasso, the Javier Roman Gallery, and the Alcazaba, Malaga’s fortress.
There is also a stunning baroque cathedral to check out, a Roman amphitheater, and the Cultural Center of Malaga, among so much more. With so much history bubbling throughout the city, you’ll love to soak it all up, and it doesn’t matter if you prefer wandering around museums or walking outdoors and admiring the old architecture.
Oh, and if you hold an EU passport, make sure to visit the Malaga Museum, as the entrance is free for us (if you’re from outside Europe, it’s only 1.50 euros per person, which is still a bargain).
Stunning Beaches
A trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without beaches. There’s no way around it, Malaga has some of the best beaches in the country. This includes of course the most popular beach, La Malagueta. It is not only the closest beach to the old town of Malaga, but it has a stunning promenade filled with nice cafes and shops, so there are plenty of amenities nearby. You can also rent sun beds and umbrellas here, and that’s simply the perfect place to camp out all day and work on your tan.
And if you’re more into an active beach day, Malaga has one for you too. Playa de los Álamos is a surfing haven, with everything you would need for a day out in Malaga. If you are looking for a quieter option for the whole family to enjoy, Guadalmar Beach is a beautiful option and it’s arguably the best in the whole of Andalucia for families. It’s a little away from the city center, near the airport, but that means you won’t see many crowds of tourists, which is probably the best feature compared to La Malagueta.
What to say, if you like beaches, Malaga will quickly steal your heart!
Food and Drinks
Malaga is the perfect destination for foodies, especially those who like traditional Spanish dishes, like tapas, and high-quality, sweet wine. Food in Malaga has a lot of influences, but particular ones include the sea: seafood is very popular and very tasty, especially when incorporated into traditional Spanish tapas dishes.
Of course, if you want to try something new, I recommend Espetos, a traditional dish made up of skewered fish grilled over a flame, usually sardines but you can try other seafood fish such as octopus, squid, or whole white fish.
I personally love Salmorejo, a rich tomato soup served with breadcrumbs, Spanish ham, and eggs, and that makes the perfect appetizer. A word of caution, it can be quite heavy depending on the restaurant. Another must-try is Gambas Pil Pil, fresh shrimp cooked in olive oil and garlic and served with bread. This only will make you want to go back to Malaga once you’re home!
Last but not least, you can’t give a glass of wine a miss when you visit either – Malaga is the largest producer of wine in Southern Spain, producing sweet, fortified wine that you can enjoy at traditional wine bars all around the city.
Fun Nightlife
Malaga has nightlife to suit all preferences – from nightclubs, bars, and all-night parties to more relaxed tapas bars, taverns, and premium rooftop bars. If you want the active and wild type of nightlife when you visit, you need to be in the city center, especially Plaza la Merced and Plaza de Uncibay. You’ll find clubs and bars down almost every street down here that are open until the early hours of the morning.
Looking for more of a beach party scene? Head to La Malagueta where there are tapas restaurants, rooftop bars, and beach bars offering music, drinking, and dancing all throughout the night.
My personal favorite is La Terraza Molina Lario, right near the city center yet within walking distance from the Centre Pompidou and the Paseo Del Parque. Great cocktails, reasonable prices, and nice service. What’s not to love?
For a relaxed evening with entertainment, visit one of the best tapas bars or taverns in the city, like La Tranca, which is just perfect for enjoying a chilled-out drink with some live Spanish music.
Explore Malaga in 2 Days ☀️
Short on time but want to see the best of Malaga? Check out my 2-Day Malaga Itinerary for a perfect mix of culture, history, and delicious food. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this guide has everything you need for an unforgettable trip!
Art and Museums
Most people think that Malaga is only about beaches and food. Don’t get me wrong, these are definitely excellent points, but there are incredible museums to see too.
Home to the infamous Pablo Picasso, you can pay a visit to his house museum, the Contemporary Art Centre, and many more galleries, including the Jorge Rando Museum which is devoted to another famous painter, Jorge Rando, and his work.
The Pompidou Centre is another famous cultural spot in Malaga, and it’s not far from the Muelle Uno shopping mall, so you can enjoy both at once. Located in a building called The Cube, it is full of paintings, sculptures, and performances that are on loan from the Pompidou in Paris. The exhibitions run regularly, but there are also temporary ones, and you never know what you are in for!
These are just a few of the several incredible galleries and museums that the city has to offer. No matter where your interests lie, or the age of those you are traveling with, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Year-Round Sunshine
Malaga is located on the south coast of Spain, and you can therefore expect a very warm climate, even during the winter months. It’s for this reason that it remains a favorite travel destination for Brits and Scandinavians (and everyone else, of course).
With highs of 17 degrees Celsius in January, it has some of the warmest winters of any other European city during those months. If you’re planning a trip away from the cold, rainy, gray weather, Malaga is definitely worth visiting.
It’s worth noting that year-round sunshine and warm temperatures are nice to have, but please remember that it gets very hot in the summer, sometimes too hot. It’s not uncommon to have 40 degrees Celsius in July and August, so that could be a deal breaker for you. Plan accordingly.
Plenty of Day Trip Options
Malaga is fun and stunning, period. But, you don’t want to plan a trip to this part of Spain without seeing other places, especially the white villages. It has excellent transport links, including buses and trains, making lots of places easily accessible. That is if you don’t want to join a day tour, which I recommend because it’s just all so convenient.
Some of the places I recommend checking out from Malaga include:
- Marbella
- Granada
- Gibraltar
- Nerja
- Take the Caminito Del Rey hike
- Antequera
- Ronda
You can reach all these places in Malaga by train or bus, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg (I highly, highly recommend taking a day trip to Ronda, so check this itinerary!). It is a great way to see other places whilst you are on holiday, knowing you can be back in Malaga again by the evening!
FAQs About Malaga
Despite being a famous destination, it might be your first time in Malaga, so let’s answer some questions you might have if that’s your case.
What is the Best Time to Visit Malaga?
The best time to visit Malaga is from March to May or September to November. The weather is warm without being unbearably hot, and that’s perfect for exploring the city or taking a beach session. The summer months can get crowded and really hot, while winter, though mild, isn’t ideal to go to the beach unless you enjoy cold-ish water.
How Long to Spend in Malaga?
I recommend staying three to four days in Malaga. You’ll have enough time to visit popular attractions like the Alcazaba (Malaga’s fortress), the Picasso Museum, and the Cathedral while still enjoying the beaches and local food. If you like to take it slowly, add an extra day for a side trip to nearby towns like Ronda or Nerja. A weekend works for a quick visit, but more time means fewer missed spots.
Is Malaga Safe?
Yes, Malaga is a safe city overall. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, just like anywhere else in the world, but it’s rare if you’re cautious with your belongings. The city has a friendly vibe, and walking around even at night feels comfortable in most neighborhoods, even as a solo female traveler. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid isolated spots late at night, just in case.
Is Malaga Expensive?
Malaga is affordable compared to other cities like Madrid or Barcelona. You’ll find all types of accommodation no matter your budget, and food is very affordable, especially if you try local tapas bars. Expect to pay around 10 euros or so per person and leave the restaurant full.
Public transportation and attractions are also easy on your wallet. However, high-end restaurants or beach clubs can stretch your budget. If you plan carefully, it’s easy to enjoy Malaga without breaking the bank.
Where to Stay in Malaga?
For the best experience, stay in the historic center. You’ll be near attractions like the Alcazaba, Malaga Cathedral, and plenty of restaurants. The Soho district has a trendy vibe with art galleries and stylish cafes, which might be to your liking, and it’s near the center anyway, so that’s a solid alternative.
If you prefer the beach, consider staying in La Malagueta, just a short walk from the city center. And lastly, if you travel on a budget, you’ll find your happiness in El Perchel, which has nice homestays and cheap hotels.
Final Words on the Question “Is Malaga Worth Visiting?”
This was everything you needed to know if you’re unsure if Malaga is worth visiting. Let me tell you, this will easily be the trip you’ll remember for years, and you’ll want to come back for more, I’m sure. Thank you for reading until the end and I hope this guide helped make a decision. If you have any questions, feel free to comment here below and I’ll get back to you soon!
Don’t forget to save this post for your Malaga trip!
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