What is Málaga like?

The perfect blend!

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Málaga offers something deeper, a genuine experience that perfectly blends the old with the new in a way that's both inspiring and utterly charming. From the majestic Alcazaba overlooking the Mediterranean to the vibrant street art of the Soho district, Málaga is a city of contrasts, a place where every corner reveals a new surprise. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, an art lover, or simply someone seeking a slice of that laid-back Spanish lifestyle, Málaga has something to offer.

You know when you visit a place and it just clicks? That's Málaga. It's not just another tourist trap; it's a living, breathing city with a soul. You can literally walk from Roman ruins to a trendy rooftop bar in minutes. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but one that’s also got really good coffee and views.

Let's start with the history, because it's everywhere. The Alcazaba, this magnificent Moorish fortress, is a must-see. The views from the top are breathtaking. You can see the whole city laid out before you, the port and the mountains in the distance. It’s so peaceful wandering through its intricate courtyards and gardens. Just a stone's throw away, you'll find the Roman Theatre. It's amazing how well-preserved it is. And right next door is the Gibralfaro Castle, another hilltop gem with even more stunning panoramic views. Trust us, your camera roll will thank you.

But Málaga isn't just a museum piece. It's got this vibrant, youthful energy that's infectious. The Soho district is a perfect example. Once a rundown area, it's now a hub of street art, independent shops, and cool cafes. You can spend hours just wandering, admiring the murals and soaking up the atmosphere. It felt like walking through an outdoor art gallery, where every corner had something new and exciting to discover.

Let's talk food, because, let's be honest, that's a huge part of any good holiday. Málaga is a foodie paradise. From traditional tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something for everyone. Get lost in the maze of streets in the old town and hop from bar to bar, trying local delicacies like espetos (grilled sardines), porra antequerana (a thick, cold tomato soup), and berenjenas con miel (fried aubergines with honey) or take a visit to Atarazanas Market, a feast for the senses. The vibrant colours, the fragrant smells, the lively spanish chatter – it's an experience in itself.

Don't forget to try tejeringos, a local version of churros, dipped in thick hot chocolate (They weren’t our personal fave but definitely good to try the local treat!)

We also indulged in some helado (ice cream) from one of the many gelaterias. And of course, no trip to Málaga is complete without trying the local sweet wine. It's the perfect way to end a long day of exploring.

There's also some fab rooftop bars and cocktail bars. (Renard Cocktail club is fantastic!) Notable places to eat include La tasquita and Cambara aswell as Desal cafe for a spot of brunch!

Málaga is blessed with miles of beautiful beaches. La Malagueta is the most popular, and it's easy to see why. The golden sand, the clear blue water, and the palm-lined promenade make it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun or if you're looking for something a bit quieter, head east to the beaches of Pedregalejo or El Palo. These charming fishing villages have a more laid-back vibe, and the seafood restaurants along the promenade are said to be fantastic.

Málaga is actually Picasso's birthplace, so art is a big deal here. The Picasso Museum is a good option, even if you're not a huge art fan. Seeing his early works and getting a glimpse into his life is fascinating. The Centre Pompidou Málaga is another highlight, with its colourful cube and impressive collection of contemporary art.

In addition, Malaga is home to several stunning botanical gardens, most notably La Concepción Historical Botanical Garden, which stands as a testament to the city's rich horticultural heritage. These gardens showcase an impressive array of tropical plants, with La Concepción boasting one of Europe's finest and biggest palm tree collections.

As mentioned earlier, what really makes Málaga special is how it seamlessly blends the old and the new. You can be wandering through ancient ruins one minute and sipping a cocktail in a trendy rooftop bar the next. It's a city that respects its history while embracing the future. The regenerated port area, Muelle Uno, is a perfect example. It's a stylish waterfront promenade with shops, restaurants, and a marina. It's a great place to people-watch and enjoy the sunset.

The Malaga city sightseeing cruise proved to be a fantastic way to grasp the city's gorgeous coastline. As we sailed across the calm waters, the skyline unfolded, revealing that blend of ancient landmarks and contemporary structures that define Malaga. The insightful narration provided historical context and fascinating details about the landmarks we passed, making the journey both entertaining and educational. The cruise (with a full onboard bar!) offered a refreshing break from the bustling city streets, allowing us to relax and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. We were particularly impressed by the clear views of La Malagueta beach and the distant mountain ranges.There is also a sightseeing bus which has several routes through the city centre.

Once again, we extend our sincere gracias to the Ayuntamiento de Málaga for their generous gift, which allowed us to experience this memorable and enriching tour.

Málaga just feels… real. It's not a city that's trying too hard to impress. It's confident in its own skin, with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a laid-back charm. It's a place where you can relax, explore, and simply enjoy the moment. If you're looking for a city break that offers a bit of everything, Málaga should be at the top of your list. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

Additional information:

How do I get to Málaga?

Málaga is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 3 hours.

Where should I stay in Málaga?

We stayed in the Tandem Soho Suites and it was really nice with all of the facilities you need and within walking distance to everywhere in Málaga.

As always, booking.com has lots of great places to stay.

Lots of people book package holidays, so all of your accommodation, flights, luggage, and sometimes food and drink is taken care of. If that's what you're looking for, we recommend booking through Jet2Holidays as mentioned above.

If you're trying to travel a little cheaper, sometimes booking everything separately means you can get a better deal.

Do I need a visa to visit Málaga?

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Spain for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.

The rules of entering Europe are changing. Take a read of our handy European travel rules post for more information.

What's the currency in Málaga?

The currency of Spain is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Malaga.

What languages are spoken in Málaga?

The official language of Spain is Spanish, but English is spoken and understood in Málaga. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!

What is the weather like in Málaga?

Málaga is in the South of Spain so it's pretty warm all year around. When we visited in June it was getting up to 40° Celsius. Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season:

Spring: 24°C / 14°C

Summer: 35°C / 19°C

Autumn: 26°C / 14°C

Winter: 16°C / 7°C

Always make sure to check the forecast before your trip so you pack the correct clothing. This is the current weather in Malaga.

We were actually in Malaga whilst they experienced a period of heavy rain and flooding "DANA". We were incredibly impressed with the resilience of all the local people and communities and it did not affect us having a great time at all.