Malaga is a glittering treasure of beauty that crowns the already natural beauty of the Costa del Sol, southern Spain. Embraced by two rivers, a few hundred kilometers from Gibraltar and the Atlantic coast, it offers Mediterranean sandy beaches and ancient art to tourists who come here in search of relaxation and authentic “vida española”. A tourist destination that is now historic and almost overused, it is always worth coming to see it in person.
Best period to visit Malaga
If you want to enjoy Malaga with the best weather – especially for long walks – book your stay in June or September. Summer months are too hot and humid, which makes any tourist tour terribly tiring! Late spring and early autumn, instead, keep the temperature mild warm and make sure cool breezes stop humidity from “suffocating” visitors.
Travel documents
Malaga is in Spain, and Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement Area. This means all tourists coming from other Schengen nations can travel free and only show ID paper. If you belong to non-Schengen nations, instead, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Malaga
Light clothing, such as short trousers, short skirts, t-shirts, vests in cotton or linen are the first things we recommend to put in the luggage. Make sure you also bring comfortable shoes, flip-flops, hats, sunglasses and of course any device for taking photos or videos. Useless to say … you must put in the bag also bathing suits and scuba equipment!
Never forget sunscreen creams and your devices’ rechargers.
You can also include jackets, in case you go out for a dinner (it often gets cooler at night), and some elegant clothing if you want to attend particular evening events such as concerts, theatre or guided tours to museums and churches.
How to get to Malaga
The best and fastest way to reach Malaga is by airplane, landing directly at the local airport. Malaga airport (AGP) is very well connected to the city centre and the surrounding region. If you are already in Spain, you can reach Malaga thanks to direct train services and inter-regional buses that connect the city with Madrid, Barcelona and other important centres. Those who are willing and able to drive on foreign roads can also reach Malaga via Spanish motorways, perhaps driving along the coastal roads that ensure breathtaking views. Many cruise ships dock at the port of Malaga.
How to move through Malaga
Malaga is a modern and liveable city. A large and well-organized network of public buses allows you to move around the neighborhoods quickly and comfortably. There is no shortage of private transport services and taxis, for those who like to ensure convenience and comfort by paying a little more money. For tourists there are also tailor-made solutions, such as tourist buses – which follow the monumental routes – and organized tours. Malaga has a small and human-sized historic center that can be explored in a short time, even on foot or by bicycle.
What to see
Malaga’s history stretches back over 2,800 years, intertwining Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish influences that have shaped its unique architectural tapestry. The historic “old quarters” still keep alive the spirit of the past!
Just imagine admiring the Alcazaba, an 11th-century fortress, proudly perching upon a hill, offering panoramic views and a peek into Islamic architecture. Nearby, the ruins of the Roman Theatre and the soaring Renaissance cathedral, affectionately dubbed ‘La Manquita’ due to its unfinished second tower, tell the tales of bygone epochs. Also visit the Castillo de Gibralfaro, Vidrio Museum, Ataranzas Market. No visit to Malaga is complete without exploring its prestigious art scene. The Picasso Museum houses an extensive collection of the artist’s masterpieces, while the Centre Pompidou Malaga showcases modern works that will intrigue the contemporary art aficionado. The city’s streets themselves are a canvas, adorned with striking street art, especially in the trendy Soho district.
You can also make your base at Malaga and tour Andalusia and its orient-style beauties all around: Gibraltar, Adra, Torremolinos, Puerto Banus, Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmadena and many others…
What to do and NOT to do in Malaga
If you come to Malaga you absolutely must enjoy the lovely local beaches and take some tour of the ancient artistic monuments. You should enjoy this city at “slow pace”, maybe strolling around in the evening or taking a bike ride in the afternoons.
At Malaga, you better never: book your dinner at a seafront restaurant (very very expensive and not always high quality); carry too much cash money with you, beacuse robbers and pickpockets – especially at night – are everywhere; walk alone, or in couple, through La Palma neighbourhood, Trinidad or Via Cruz Verde. You better avoid Calle Vendeja… unless you come to Malaga to just enjoy some sex entertainment!