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Málaga is seen as the principal entry point to Andalusia’s Costa del Sol. With its well-connected airport and convenient proximity to Marbella, Estepona, Sotogrande, Ronda and many other southern gems, it’s easy to overlook Malaga itself. But the town benefits from a compelling history and having many, many places to eat and have a good time.
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More than a beach town: What makes Malaga special
A city with over 3,000 years of history
Although a lot of towns in southern Spain have a great history, Málaga was a very important place with over three millennia of occupation. It was founded by Phoenicians and expanded by Romans, and had a Moorish centre before the Reconquista. In other words, it’s incredibly varied, with the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and Gibralfaro Castle all being tangible testaments to these civilizational layers, accessible within the city core.
A vibrant local life — not just for tourists
Beyond the monuments (and there are many), Málaga has a uniquely Andalusian rhythm to it, and this is best seen through its markets like Mercado Central de Atarazanas and the many shops that run down the high streets (they’re not empty like in many British towns). Though the city is walkable, you can better engage with the local markets by going to other neighborhoods. Flexible transport like a car hire Malaga airport is the smoothest way to go about this.
Safe, walkable, and full of charm
Málaga’s historic center is certainly walkable and has many pedestrianised zones, making it very safe too. The marble-paved streets are a joy to stroll across after dinner, as are the plazas to grab one last drink. This urban area isn’t just superimposed; it respects the old architecture and works alongside it to create a modern, walkable city, and the green spaces like Parque de Málaga really show this.
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Year-round sunshine and the perfect climate
Mild winters and warm, breezy summers
Málaga has a relatively subtropical Mediterranean climate, but what’s most impressive is the 320 days of sunshine it gets each year, meaning it’s essentially always pleasant (or near enough). Winters are mild and great for tough hikes – average daytime temperatures rarely go below 17°C. It’s a great getaway during the North European winters, and even in summers, there are often coastal breezes to offset the high temperatures.
Ideal for both relaxing and exploring on foot
The climate makes it enjoyable to do a range of outdoor pursuits, be it al fresco dining and beachside relaxation or just going about daily urban life. There are many national parks to visit, which a car will be useful for, but you want to spend lots of time walking around and stumbling, by accident, on local cafes and museums.
Food, culture, and nightlife: The real Malaga experience
Tapas bars, rooftop cocktails, and flamenco vibes
Málaga’s gastronomic scene is centered mostly around Andalusian tapas tradition, meaning there is both affordable yet extensive variety. But, tapas isn’t just about the food, it’s a social dining experience too. Local seafood specialities like espetos de sardinas need to be tried, along with catching the tablaos, which are traditional flamenco performances.
Friendly locals and an easy-going lifestyle
The resident Malagueños are generally affable and proud of their civic heritage. This means that the best way to interact with them is to ask them about the place they live in. Generally, the atmosphere is unhurried and very family-centric.
Music, festivals, and street life all year round
The city has a pretty jam-packed calendar due to the embracing societal traditions. August Feria is a street affair, while solemn Semana Santa is a religious Easter week. Street performances can sometimes spring up, but it’s worth seeing the Museo Picasso Málaga and the Centre Pompidou Málaga.
Day trips and the power of location
Visit Ronda, Nerja, or Granada in a day
Málaga’s position means that there are endless day outs to be had. Ronda’s dramatic gorge is popular, and the historic Puente Nuevo is nearby. Nerja has some mind-blowing prehistoric caves, where there are sometimes even performances inside.
A great base to explore the Costa del Sol and inland Andalusia
Beyond the main attractions, Málaga is also a great hub for exploring the south. It’s not too far from Gibraltar and the many tennis academies in Sotogrande, while Costa del Sol generally has many great beach towns like Marbella and Estepona. What’s great about taking your time is that you’ll stumble across whitewashed villages you never knew existed!
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For U.S. travelers: why Malaga is a smart European pick
Smaller crowds and better prices than Madrid or Barcelona
Compared to Madrid and Barcelona, Málaga is a little bit calmer and affordable. This can translate to better value in accommodation, leading to more nights out and money to spend on the equally more affordable food. Tipping is less expected than in the U.S., though still appreciated.
Direct access to beaches, mountains, and unique culture
For U.S. travellers, Málaga paints a great picture of European culture. It has the Mediterranean sea, but with influences from Medieval and Gothic eras and the Renaissance. Costa del Sol also has influences from Morocco too, as it’s very close by, but equally has its own Andalusian culture too, which comes out in the food and customs.
Easy flight connections via major European hubs
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is a hugely important gateway. It’s well-integrated into European aviation networks, making a connecting flight from London, Amsterdam or Paris very easy.
Final Tip: travel freely by renting a car at Malaga airport
To fully immerse oneself into what Malaga and its surrounding areas have to offer means getting around with a car. This is even more true during summer months when temperatures are high and, while walking around town is still pleasant, you cannot exert yourself too far.
Providers like CarGest mean that you can have a small (to fit through small, local roads), air-conditioned car that is readily available at the airport. Fitted with navigation, it’s possible to immediately find the big attractions and national parks, even without your own cellular data plan.
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