MarbsLifestyle.com

Out favorite citytrip, Malaga

Málaga stands out as our go-to retreat from Marbella, perfect for those seeking a weekend in the sunshine or a delightful day excursion. The city pulsates with a distinct energy, offering everything you could desire for a memorable escape. On every corner, Málaga boasts inviting restaurants where you can enjoy tasty dishes at reasonable prices. Whether you're planning a leisurely weekend away or a quick trip, Málaga is equipped to enchant you with its vibrant atmosphere and affordable culinary scene.

When planning a trip to Málaga, consider avoiding the sweltering summer months. With over 300 sunny days a year, this vibrant city offers a delightful escape during the cooler seasons. Imagine wandering through enchanting streets adorned with festive lights at Christmas—an experience not to be missed! Our blog is your ultimate guide to Málaga, packed with essential tips on its rich history, mild climate, and must-see attractions. Whether you're interested in renting a bike to explore the city, discovering the best hotels and restaurants, hiking scenic trails, or indulging in some retail therapy, we've got you covered. Dive into our comprehensive articles and plan your perfect Málaga getaway.

Table of contents
marbslifestyle The beautiful city of Malaga
The beautiful city of Malaga

About the City

Málaga, Spain's sixth largest city and a bustling hub in the southern region, isn't just about sun-drenched beaches and a warm climate. This coastal gem is also one of the world's oldest cities, originally founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC as 'Malaka'—a name inspired by their salt fish trade at the local harbor.

Today, Málaga is a dynamic urban hotspot and a leading European tourist destination, celebrated for its deep historical roots. It balances a rich tapestry of ancient history with a vibrant, youthful spirit. The city's nightlife is quintessentially Spanish, with an array of bars and clubs that attract both tourists and locals alike. Its culinary scene is equally diverse, spanning rustic fish shacks in bustling markets to quaint tapas bars and elegant Michelin-starred restaurants.

Visit Málaga to indulge in exquisite tapas and local wines, and enrich your experience with tours of historical sites that trace back to the 1st century. Málaga continuously evolves, yet it remains true to its profound historical legacy, offering a unique blend of the old and the new.

The beautiful city of Malaga

About the Climate

As a city by the Mediterranean, Málaga enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. The summers are long, hot, and dry, while the winters are mild. The city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it the perfect destination for a sunny beach vacation.

Weather Data Source: Malaga weather today hourly

The Spring season lasts from March to May and offers increasing hours of sunshine and gradually warm weather. Summer lasts from June to August, and the heat might be unbearable: beware of “El Terral”, a warm wind that blows during the night in this city. The humidity is higher, as is the temperature, although, fortunately, the sea water will be cooler, but the days and nights can be extremely hot. 

The Autumn season lasts from September to November and is hot and sunny. December to February is Winter, but there's an average of five hours of sunshine daily. January is the coldest month, characterized by low temperatures and cold, humid sea winds.

About the Culture

Málaga, a city on Spain's coast, is rich in cultural history and boasts some of the world’s oldest architectural structures.

Cathedral

Málaga Cathedral, a stunning testament to architectural prowess, began its construction in the 14th century and was completed over a span of 254 years, from 1528 to 1782. This majestic structure showcases a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles.

The cathedral's exterior is adorned with grand arches and stone reliefs depicting various saints, framed by elegant columnar pilasters. Notably, the northern tower reaches a height of 84 meters, yet its counterpart, the southern tower, remains unbuilt. A historical plaque reveals that the intended funds for this tower were redirected to support America's fight for independence.

A unique aspect of Málaga Cathedral is its single tower, which has affectionately earned it the nickname "la Manquita," meaning "the little one-armed woman," among the locals. This distinctive feature adds to the cathedral's charm and historical intrigue.

marbslifestyle The Cathedral of Malaga
The Cathedral of Malaga

Castillo de Gibralfaro

The Castillo de Gibralfaro stands as Málaga's second historic fortress, a towering structure that traces its origins back to the 10th century and was expanded in the 14th century.

Originally constructed by Moorish rulers, this hilltop fortress was designed to shield the city from invaders and served dual purposes as a lighthouse guiding ships into Málaga harbor. The castle features eight towers, lush gardens, a café, and a small museum, providing visitors with breathtaking views of Málaga and its port.

This castle was the site of a crucial siege in 1487, a three-month long standoff during which the Catholic Monarchs forced the Moors to capitulate due to starvation, an event that significantly altered the course of Spanish history.

Strolling by the Castillo de Gibralfaro offers a feast for the senses. Enjoy the stunning vistas over the city and harbor, especially as the sun sets, creating magical scenes that promise to be the highlight of your day.

marbslifestyle Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga
Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga

La Concepción

La Concepción, nestled across 55 hectares, is a magnificent botanical garden in Málaga, originating from the 17th century. Established in 1850 by the Marquises of Casa Loring, the garden quickly evolved into a central hub of social and cultural activity in Málaga.

This English-style garden boasts an expansive collection of over 25,000 plant species, including a rich variety of tropical and subtropical flora from around the world. The Historic Garden, which forms the oldest part of La Concepción, spans 3.5 hectares and features a stunning array of elements such as streams, waterfalls, greenhouses, and fountains, along with 3,000 different plant species.

In 1990, the Málaga City Council took ownership of the garden to ensure its preservation and to support ongoing research and educational efforts, solidifying its role as a vital cultural and ecological asset.

marbslifestyle La Concepción in Malaga
La Concepción in Malaga

La Alcazaba

La Alcazaba, a grand Moorish palace and fortress in Málaga, dates back to the 8th century. This iconic historical landmark served as a residence for Moorish royalty and later for the Catholic monarchs. Originally constructed in the 8th century, the palace was fortified over five centuries, culminating in a robust fortress that safeguarded its royal inhabitants until its capture by the Catholic monarchs in 1487.

marbslifestyle La Alcazaba in Malaga
La Alcazaba in Malaga

The structure features an outer and inner citadel, each encircled by formidable walls. The external area showcases a lush garden adorned with vines, vibrant bougainvillea, and fragrant citrus trees, alongside exquisite Moorish gateways and fountains crafted using ancient Roman columns. Within the inner walls lies the palace itself, encompassing a majestic residence framed by three pristine courtyard gardens.

Adjacent to this historic complex is the Roman Theater, known locally as Teatro Romano de Málaga, the city’s oldest monument, established by Caesar Augustus in the 1st century. Utilized for 300 years, the theater's materials were repurposed by the Moors for building La Alcazaba. Rediscovered in 1951, the theater still retains several tiers of its original spectator seating and is accessible to the public, except on Mondays.

marbslifestyle The Roman Theater in Malaga
The Roman Theater in Malaga

Easter in Málaga

celebrated as Holy Week, is marked by vibrant, week-long festivities. The city comes alive with lengthy Easter parades, organized by local brotherhoods, featuring massive thrones (Tronos) carried by over 200 participants. These processions, accompanied by the scents of incense and fresh flowers, and the sounds of singing and cheering, create an unforgettable atmosphere that defines the Easter celebration in Málaga.

Christmas in Málaga

The Christmas season triggers a series of colorful celebrations that take over the entire city. The festivities kick off on 25th November and run until 5th January. The city's Christmas lights are the hallmark of Christmas in Málaga. Hundreds of people throng Larios Street, waiting for them to turn on to commence the festive period.

Every street corner in Málaga is characterized by wickerwork figures, Christmas trees, and boatloads of poinsettias joining the spectacular Nativity scenes dotting the landscape. Captivating lights, daily musical performances, and Christmas markets take over the streets. Delightful street squares invite people to sample traditional sweets, including turron, Marzipan, mantecados, and borrchuelos.

Museo de Málaga

The Museo de Málaga, housed in the grand Palacio de la Aduana, showcases extensive collections inherited from the former Provincial Museum of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum. Spanning 18,000 square meters, the museum is organized into eight distinct rooms.

marbslifestyle Museo de Malaga
Museo de Malaga

he museum primarily features archaeological artifacts, with over 15,000 items displayed across the first five rooms. Highlights of the collection include significant pieces like Thoracata, Busto Femenino, and prehistoric relics such as a Neanderthal jawbone named Neandertal. The fine arts section boasts a collection of over 2,000 works, located in the remaining three rooms, which includes early artworks from renowned 16th and 17th-century artists.

Additionally, the museum displays notable works from celebrated Spanish painters such as Pablo Picasso, Enrique Simonet, Franz Marc, and Leon Bonnat, capturing the rich artistic heritage of Spain.

Museo Picasso Málaga

Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Pablo Picasso at the Museo Casa Natal, the birthplace and now museum dedicated to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Located in the heart of Málaga, this historic site not only celebrates Picasso's profound impact on modern art but also offers an intimate glimpse into his early life. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of his works, personal artifacts, and exhibitions that provide deeper insights into his creative journey. The museum serves as a vibrant cultural center, connecting visitors with the artistic spirit and innovation that Picasso is revered for worldwide. A visit to the Museo Casa Natal is not just a tour, but a journey through the genesis of a genius.

marbslifestyle Museo Picasso Málaga
Museo Picasso Málaga

Centre Pompidou Málaga

Opened on March 28, 2015, in Málaga, the first "Provisional Centre Pompidou" resides in "El Cubo," a cultural beacon set in the city's scenic port. This branch of the iconic Centre Pompidou in Paris brings a curated selection from its renowned collection, featuring 20th and 21st-century art across various mediums—photography, design, architecture, and video. Alongside permanent displays, the center stages several thematic exhibitions annually and hosts dynamic multidisciplinary programs, catering especially to young audiences. Dive into the vibrant world of contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou Málaga, a gateway to cultural enrichment and artistic discovery.

marbslifestyle Centre Pompidou Málaga
Centre Pompidou Málaga

Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga

Discover the rich tapestry of Spanish art at the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, where a blend of Andalusian tradition and 19th-century elegance awaits. Nestled in the historic Palacio de Villalón, the museum showcases an exquisite collection that includes works by prominent Spanish painters like Sorolla and Zuloaga, encapsulating scenes from romantic landscapes to everyday life. The museum's permanent collection is complemented by various temporary exhibitions that provide a deeper understanding of different artistic movements and periods. With guided tours available in several languages and educational programs designed to engage and inspire, the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga offers a cultural journey that is not just about viewing art but experiencing it. Whether you're a long-time art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the museum invites you to explore its galleries and perhaps discover a new perspective on Spanish art.

Discover the City

Málaga city is teeming with delightful attractions, and running through these can easily take an entire day. Renting a bike or a segway can help you maximize your time and savour every moment. But don’t forget to have a walk by its streets, because there’s always something to surprise you.

Rent a Bike

Málaga, celebrated for its bike-friendly atmosphere along the Costa del Sol, features an extensive network of vivid cycling tracks and numerous bike parking zones. The city's terrain is predominantly flat, making it ideal for biking. Renting a bike is a convenient way to explore the diverse areas of Málaga—from its bustling city ends to the serene seafront and the natural beauty of the Gudalhorce River Reserve.

Whether you opt for a standard, racing, or electric bike, services like Cyclemalaga.com provide excellent rental options with the convenience of bespoke delivery. Additionally, many local hotels offer bike rental services.

Bike Tours

Participating in a bike tour is an excellent method to discover Málaga's rich tapestry of historical, architectural, and cultural landmarks while engaging in physical activity.

These tours cater to all skill levels, ensuring a relaxed pace that accommodates even novice riders. It's not only a chance to see the city's main attractions but also a great way to connect with other travelers.

Rent a Step

For a quick and effortless way to navigate Málaga's scenic routes, consider renting an e-scooter. These devices are accessible across the city center and require no special permits or age restrictions. Simply download the relevant app to locate and unlock a scooter.

Typical rental services like Bird, Voi Link, Lime, and Dott offer rates between €0.15 to €0.20 per minute. After exploring, you can easily park the scooter in a designated area, end your rental, and make a payment through the app.

City Tour with a Guide

Signing up for a guided city tour in Málaga is an effective way to experience its most famous sites without the need to plan your journey. These tours are designed to showcase the top attractions seamlessly, providing insights into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

These options offer convenient and enjoyable ways to explore Málaga, ensuring visitors can experience the city's charm and beauty comfortably and efficiently.

Theater and Alcazaba

Enhance your experience by joining a tapas and wine tour. Discover the finest wine cellars and taverns in Málaga, where you can indulge in authentic, homemade tapas.

Travel to Málaga

Getting to Málaga is straightforward whether you're coming from another country or a nearby town. The city's airport is conveniently located close to the coast, allowing for direct flights. Additionally, traveling from close villages can be easily managed through car rentals or taxis.

Málaga Airport

Málaga airport is conveniently located six kilometers from the city and is the 4th largest airport in Spain. It's just off the N-340 and the new AP-7 toll road running to Estepona.

The full-service airport accommodates international flights from various countries as a gateway to one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. The airport is readily accessible by car, train, taxi, and bus.

Car Rental

For unmatched convenience in navigating Málaga, consider renting a car. Local car rental services provide a wide range of options, catering to both short-term and long-term needs, ensuring that vehicles are available whenever they are needed.

Taxi

Málaga has a well-developed taxi system to help visitors get around the city and its environs. You can choose between traditional taxi cabs, Uber or Bolt.

Taxis are a convenient way to get around Málaga, especially during peak hours when the trains are fully booked and crowded. The skillful taxi drivers are highly skilled in negotiating traffic gridlock. They will get you to your destination in comfort and style.

Málaga Fresh Food Markets

Malaguenos love their food and readily whip up a delicious spread in their kitchens. Unsurprisingly, the city boasts some of the finest fresh food markets on the Costa del Sol. Traders in these markets sell everything from the finest organic produce to the freshest fish and seafood in Andalusia. Fittingly, these markets are great for grocery shopping, sightseeing, or grabbing tasty tapas and cold beer.

marbslifestyle People inside the famous Atarazanas Market.
People inside the famous Atarazanas Market.

Located in the heart of Málaga, the Mercado de Atarazanas offers much more than fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish. This central market is also a historical building with a rich past that contributes to its charm. The main façade features an original Arab archway that stands out as a significant remnant of Islamic architecture in the city. It is also a vibrant social and cultural meeting point where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the lively atmosphere, sample local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the daily life of Málaga.

Mercardo de la Merced, in the heart of Málaga's old town, Mercado de la Merced is known as a vibrant market, offering a variety of local foods, goods, and cultural experiences. It is popular among both locals and tourists for its authentic local shopping and dining options.

marbslifestyle Malaga offers multiple fresh food markets
Malaga offers multiple fresh food markets

The Mercado de Salamanca is renowned as the city's top destination for fresh produce, featuring an exceptional selection of meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables. This bustling market is characterized by its vibrant and somewhat chaotic atmosphere, where animated vendors energetically promote their goods.

Mercado El Carmen is renowned for its outstanding seafood and fish offerings, surrounded by trendy tapas bars that add to its lively ambience.

Restaurants

Málaga's culinary scene runs from family-run restaurants serving tasty local specialties to tapas joints, Michelin-star restaurants, and everything in between.

Tapas Bar

Eating tapas is an art, and Málaga has some of the best tapas joints in the Costa del Sol to help you polish this art form. Meson Mariano, La Recova, Uvedoble, El Tapeo de Cervantes, and Marisqueria Casa Vicente will take you on an unforgettable tapas experience.

Lunch

Lunch is a special meal time for the Spaniards. After a sumptuous lunch, with time allowing, most Malaguenas will take a three-hour siesta during the hot summer months. Start with some tapas before ordering your main meal for the best experience when grabbing lunch in Málaga.

With its Spanish tapas, fused Latin American specialties, and freshly-made fruit cocktails, Andino Gastrobar is an excellent lunch place in the heart of Málaga. Casaamigos is the perfect lunch spot for hearty meals with friends—it's right there in the name. Savor appetizers, meat, and fish dishes with a curious spin on the large outdoor terrace.

Restaurante Picasso is a meat lovers' haven and offers sumptuous meat dishes from across the globe. You can polish your meal with a round of chupitos or house wine to aid digestion.

Dinner

Dinner is an elaborate affair in Málaga, and the average Malagueno will have dinner between 9 and 11 pm. Since the seaside city has a robust dining-out culture, you have plenty of dining options.

The choice ranges from delightful tapas joints to fine dining in high-end and upscale restaurants.

Beluga: Chef Dante combines ingenuity, prime ingredients, and elaborate plating techniques to create sumptuous, mouthwatering dishes. The restaurant serves delightful savory Mediterranean dishes with a hint of contemporary flavors. It's famous for its delicious rice dishes, seafood, fresh fish, lovely ambiance, and friendly staff.

Ta-kumi: The Japanese restaurant serves wonderfully cooked salmon sashimi, nigiri, and eel. The chefs combine the best of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine to deliver an exotic gastronomic experience.

Cavala: Cavala combines flavor blends, creativity, and artful presentation to deliver an exceptional dining experience. A thoughtful starter menu allows you to sample the menu offerings before placing your order.

La Taberna by mike Palmer: The rustic taberna is found within an equestrian club and serves an updated traditional Spanish cuisine cooked to perfection. They carry an extensive wine list, and their taters and beef steaks will leave you craving more.

Palodu: The intimate, minimalist restaurant uses high-quality ingredients to deliver a delicious feast bursting with flavor and creativity.

Candado golf: The restaurant delivers a fine dining experience, and the menu features more than 20 rice dishes, including paella and fish soup with lobster. The beautiful views heighten the dining experience while giving it an intimate feel.

Drinks

Málaga's overly warm weather will make you create a tall cooling drink after spending a while outdoors. Naturally, the seaside city doesn't disappoint and delivers a range of drinks that cut across the board.

You have a variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices and non-alcoholic punches for the young ones.

The alcoholic thoroughfare covers the entire spectrum, from locally made wines to high-end wines, champagne, and signature cocktails.

Talented baristas offer up to nine different flavors to start your day on a high note. Tinto de Verano, part sprite and red wine poured on ice, will keep you cool anytime.

Be sure to try the Málaga sweet wine, renowned for its sweet liqueur flavor, and the Sangria, which delivers the best combo of wine and fresh fruits.

Michelin Star Restaurants

Málaga is home to two Michelin Star restaurants and 1 bibigroumant restaurant that will take you on a spellbinding gastronomic adventure. A bibigroumant restaurant delivers a Michelin Star dining experience minus the high price tag.

La Cosmo: La Cosmo is a Málaga’s only bibigroumant restaurant and delivers the best bang for your vacation bucks. Chef Dani Carnero combines fluid cooking concepts to deliver authentic Spanish cuisine and revive maritime-inspired flavors that will send your tastebuds into overdrive.

Kaleja: Chef Dani Carnero uses a wood fired-grill to add a subtle smoke aroma, creating a uniquely delicious cuisine that will leave your tastebuds tingling. Two tasting menus—Gran Menu Memoria and Memoria—let you sample the colorful dishes oozing robust flavors so you can make a perfect choice.

José Carlos García: Chef Jose Carlos Garcia takes you on a culinary adventure that combines impressive technical skills with fresh, local produce to showcase authentic malagueno flavors. Pick between two exclusive tasting menus and dine with style while overlooking the Mediterranean.

Visit the Beaches Restaurants

You'll find the best beach restaurants in Pedregalejo, Málaga's oldest fishing neighborhood. These rows of restaurants offer the freshest fish and seafood on the Costa de Sol. The thoroughfare includes shellfish, clams, mussels, prawns, crayfish, and langoustines.

Taking a taxi is the best option when visiting the beaches in Málaga. Parking spaces are hard to come by and you’d want to waste precious time driving around looking for one.

Grab a seat and watch the skilled cooks grill salted sardines over the open fire, or boil your seafood with water and a slice of lemon. Enjoy some hot and cold tapas and a glass of wine while you wait on your sumptuous order. The best beach restaurants in Málaga include Maricuchi, El Caleno, Hermanos Munoz, El Lirio, and El Cabra.

Restaurante El Caleno stands a cut above the rest with a thoroughfare spread across Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. The spacious outdoor seating offers splendid sea views as you sample their delicious offerings. You're in for a mouthwatering treat from perfectly fried fish to gambas a la plancha, coquinas to roasted red pepper salad.

The EL Balneario on the historic La Banos del Carmen beach is a hit in Málaga's social scene. It boasts an exquisite wine, beverage, and cocktail menu. The gentle breeze, the sunny rays, and the sound of the sea complements any perfectly chilled drink in your glass.

Parque Balneario, just 30 meters from the beach, is a nice place to watch the sunset. Grab your favorite cocktail, watch the golden rays, and social with the locals who frequent the posh beachfront restaurant.

Beach Clubs

Málaga's beach clubs cut across the board to provide a personalized experience to varying tastes and preferences. Some clubs offer a vibrant party scene with booming music and top DJs all day by the beach. Others provide a high-end beach experience with a delicious thoroughfare and flowing sumptuous cocktails.

Max Beach Club on the Riviera del sol combines spectacular ocean views, world-class cuisine, flowing drinks, and the best music to create vibrant party scene.

You'll love the Kokun Ocean Club if you love partying by the sea. Grab a hammock or a beach chair and pulsate to the best music by the top DJs, and you might rub shoulders with a world-famous movie star.

Other beach clubs with superb beach views and lively ambiance during the day you will find near Marbella, such as La Plaga Casanis, NOSSO Summer Club, Siroko Beach, Ocean club, and Nikki Beach.

Where to Stay in Málaga

Málaga strikes the delicate balance between the glamorous Mediterranean and relaxed southern lifestyle.

The city comprises various neighborhoods, and some are specially rehabilitated to accommodate the needs of visiting tourists. Picking the right community during your Málaga visit can enhance your holiday experience.

Calle Larios, Centro, Maria Zambrano, Cuidad Jardin, Pedregalejo, La Malagueta, and El Palo are the best places to stay in Málaga.

They'll keep you need the sandy beaches while offering a bevy of attractions and amenities. The accommodations range from cozy Bed & Breakfasts to boutique hotels to 5-star hotels.

Hotels

Málaga offers a scintillating selection of luxury hotels that cater to eclectic tastes. Whether you're taking a solo trip or vacationing with toddlers, teens, parents, or even grandparents, there's a cozy hotel for you.

Checking into 4-star-rated hotels such as Vincci Larios Diez, Soho Boutique Equitativa, or Palacio Solecio guarantees an excellent beach holiday.

You can also ramp up the luxury by checking into a 5-star hotel, including Only You, Vincci Seleccion, and Gran Hotel Miramar.

B&B

Bed & Breakfast inns are the perfect holiday accommodation if you wish to escape the tourist hordes. The small, locally-owned establishments offer unparalleled opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.

They create a homely environment where you can interact with the owners and learn about the culture while enjoying the local cuisine.

Besides the tasty, homemade breakfast, B&B proprietors are a treasure trove of information. They'll direct you to the best attractions, offer helpful advice, or organize scheduled activities.

They can recommend the best restaurants, clubs, and beaches and help you maximize every moment of your beach vacation.

Villa Antumalal is a hidden gem on the hills overlooking the city with sweeping sea views and mouthwatering dishes.

La Casa Azul, Casa la Alegria, and Casa Eden lend an authentic Spanish feel to your stay in Málaga.

Hiking Routes

Málaga's strategic location provides a limitless choice of outdoor activities during your vacation. Besides the beautiful sandy beaches and the glassy sea, Málaga's diverse landscape offers plenty of hiking terrain.

Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned pro, or hiking with the kids, the expansive Andalusian landscape has something for you. The most popular hiking routes in Málaga include:

  1. La Rahige
  2. Mt Gribalfaro
  3. Sendero Torrijos
  4. Parque del Morlaco
  5. Mount San Antón
  6. Pico del Cielo, Alhama
  7. Guadalhorce Footbridge, Málaga
  8. Roman Theatre, Acinipo
  9. Wolf’s Glen, Torremolinos
  10. El Torcal, Antquera

Caminito del Rey

Caminito del Rey is a one-of-a-kind suspended aerial passage that will have you walking a natural cliff face. The spectacular 7.7-kilometer path is your chance to walk on a death-defying walkway without endangering your life.

It will have you trekking over a suspended walkway, hanging over 100 meters on a steep cliff face. The hike takes you through a spectacular gorge by the river Guadalhorce, whose walls tower over 700 meters high.

The walk may send your heart pounding, but the view will leave you speechless. Once taunted as the most dangerous path in the world, it has since been restored to its former glory.

Walking down this one-way path is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget.
Caminito del Rey is an incredible engineering feat dating back to the early 20th century. It was built to connect the Gaitanejo and El Choro waterfalls and providers maintenance workers with faster access to the Conde de Gaudalhorce dam.

King Alfonso XIII officially commissioned the walkway in 1921 by walking the entire path. The feat cemented Caminito del Rey – Spanish for "the King's little walk. You can only walk down this walkway for safety purposes.

The hike begins at the town of Ardales, terminates in Alora, and takes 3 to 4 hours. A shuttle service runs between Alora and Ardales, making the return leg easy and comfortable.

Caminito del Rey: A Spectacular Walk

Caminito del Rey: A Spectacular Walk

Adventures

Most spectacular walk near Málaga If you like a hike and want to see something special, we recommend you definitely book the Caminito del Rey tour. Be on time because the tickets are sold out quickly online. We definitely booked this tour right away. Caminito del Rey, also known as the King’s Little Path, is […]

Shopping

Málaga is the ultimate shoppers' paradise as the shopping outlets range from artisanal markets to high-end malls brimming with brands such as Zara, . Thera are a few big department stores in Málaga like:Larios Centro and El Cort Ingles.

If you are looking for the famous designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès or Dior then you need to visit Puerto Banús.

The luxury marina is part of the affluent places along the Costa del Sol, including the Golden Mile and Marbella. Puerto Banus hosts the largest Corte Ingles department store in the entire country.

Whether you're looking to spruce up your wardrobe or your entire house with high-end furniture and electronics, El Corte Ingles Puerto Banús puts everything within reach. If you love designer anything—shoes, perfume, bags, belts, dresses, jewelry—you'll find your favorite designer brand here.

Nightlife (Clubbing)

Málaga is a city that doesn't sleep, so you're guaranteed a thriving nightlife during your stay in this vibrant port town.

Málaga delivers a wild nightlife with an upscale vibe thanks to its diverse selection of high-end nightclubs.

Like most of southern Spain, Málaga has a unique and characteristic nightlife. Málaga clubbing scene usually comes alive after midnight. Revelers often kick off the night out by pre-drinking at home and then heading out to the trendy tapas bars, taverns, and wine cellars.

Come midnight, and it's time to hit the nightclubs for a wild night out. The most exclusive nightclubs in Málaga deliver a lush, beautiful ambiance, hip crowds, great music, and flowing drinks.

International DJs will keep you dancing all night as you sip on world-famous drinks and cocktails.

With its characteristic boat-shaped bar and crowd capacity of 1800, Pacha Costa del Sol is among the best and biggest nightclubs in Málaga.

Enjoy a fancy cocktail while listing to deep house and lounge music.

Bubbles is an excellent nightclub if you prefer chill and laid-back music. The playlist spans Spanish and international music, R&B, salsa, and live music. Every Wednesday is a salsa night to let you show off your refined moves.

Velvet is a vibrant nightclub perched between Picasso and Thyssen museums. It doubles as a concert hall and offers live music.

Head to the Siempre Asi, a trendy Latino nightclub in the center of Málaga, and dance the night away. The fancy cocktails will have you dancing and grooving to the upbeat music all night.

Other popular nightclubs in Málaga include Sala Gold, Project 13, Kritikal Crew, and Malafama.

Spa

Health, wellness, and a chance to disconnect and revitalize are the primary drivers of taking a beach holiday. Málaga, with its deep Moorish roots, provides a world-class spa experience to help you safeguard your health and wellness.

The spas in Málaga range from spas and wellness centers to unique Arab and Turkish baths. Book a session, have a wholesome experience and pamper your body, mind, and spirit.

Each session is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to maximize your beach vacation.

Málaga's indulgent spa experience includes steam rooms, saunas, hydrotherapy pools, and more. These offerings work together, creating an exotic beauty and purification ritual that speaks to your soul and revitalizes your body and mind.

Treat yourself to a massage session—Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu, Thai, and more—and have a professional masseuse knead the knots and pains away.

Stop by Hamman Al Andalus and reap the purification benefits of ancient Arabs baths. The bathhouse offers a series of five baths with different water temperatures, relaxation rooms, steam rooms, and different types of massages.

El Hamman Open Space & Spa combines the best Hamman concepts and conventional spa treatments for a wholesome experience.

Palacete de Málaga offers private spa rooms, heated swimming pools, a sauna, sequential showers, and beauty treatment rooms.

The Gran Hotel Miramar boasts an exclusive one-of-a-kind luxury spa and a wellness center for your sensory well-being.

The two-story center features heated pools, hammams, a Finnish sauna, sensation showers, and ice fountains.

Other exotic offerings include Turkish baths, hot stone rooms, and private saunas.

Golf Courses

Gentle sea breezes, 300 days of sunshine, warm weather, and spectacular views make Málaga an ideal golfing holiday destination.

But that's not all—the seaside city is home to the best golfing course on the Costa del Sol.

The golf courses range from no-frills to world-class golf courses in exclusive members' clubs.

Whether you're a seasoned pro, a golfing enthusiast, or a beginner, you'll find a golf course that suits your needs in Málaga.

El Candado is a family-friendly 9-hole golf course to the East of Málaga City. The member's club offers teeing lessons to beginners, and you can enroll your little ones in the kid's academy.

Guadalhorce Club de Golf is one of the grandest golf courses in Málaga. The famous Miguel Angel Jimenez, an honorary club member, redesigned the greens of this 18-hole course.

It also features a 9-hole par-3 course and a practice course with a putting green, two tee lines, and a putting area.

Parador del Golf is an 18-hole golf course with an open and level terrain broken up by several lakes.

It sits on the shores of the Mediterranean and boasts a golf academy to help you learn the game or improve your swing.

The Torrequebrada Golf course offers 18 holes and is fondly known as the golf's Picasso.

Jose Gancedo designed the course to include lakes, subtropical plants, sweeping ocean views, and holes that push your golfing skills to the limit.
Other popular golf courses in Málaga include Lauro, Anoreta, Baviera, and Alhaurin.

Rent a Yacht

Walking on the sandy beaches in Málaga gives you a taste of the Mediterranean, but hiring a yacht lets you experience the sea firsthand. Rent a yacht in Marbella, sail beyond the horizon, and enjoy what the glassy sea offers.

Málaga has many yachts and other boats to help you take to the open waters in luxury and style. Yachts come in various shapes, makes, sizes, and models to suit your sailing needs.

You can hire a small yacht with friends and families and have the time of your life in the open sea.

You can also band together with other vacationers and hire a luxury yacht for the day. Drop an anchor in the high seas and order a boat service from a beach resort on the Costa del Sol.

Most luxury resorts offer boat services covering foods and drinks to revelers partying in the Mediterranean.

If you prefer something more relaxed, you can hire a private luxury sailing yacht and enjoy an idyllic time at sea.

A sailing yacht can hold up to 12 people and is manned by a professional skipper. Gather your friends and family, chart a route and duration and have a blast in the sea.