Is Malaga worth visiting? Everything you need to know before visiting the Spanish city

Are you planning a trip to Spain and wondering is Malaga worth visiting? In this guide I go through absolutely everything you need to know before you go. Plus I also answer all the important questions like is Malaga safe, and is Malaga expensive to help you decide if you should visit.

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Some background

Before I get to answering the question is Malaga worth visiting, here is a little bit of background.

Malaga is located on the southern coast of Spain. It’s famous for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. It is also a very historic city, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in western Europe.

On top of this if you are a sun lover Malaga is definitely the place to be. There are on average 300 days of sunshine a year in Malaga. So it is perfect if you want to go to enjoy the 14km of coast and 16 beaches that the city boasts.

If you are also wondering is Barcelona worth visiting, here is a handy guide.

Is Malaga expensive?

I didn’t find Malaga to be a hugely expensive city, so for this reason I would recommend budgeting between €80 -€100 per person per day. This will cover you for things like transport, food, drinks, and tourist attractions.

I found food to be quite cheap, especially when you order things like tapas dishes. On average you will probably spend around €40 on food, plus a little more for drinks, especially alcohol.

In terms of accommodation the price will largely depend on the time of year that you visit. For example the summer months are peak tourist season, and therefore costs for board tend to be higher. I visited in July, and ended up paying around €100 per night for a one bedroom, 4 star, self catered apartment. Hotels tend to be a little pricer, so you may want to budget around €150 per night for something higher end.

Do I need cash in Malaga?

In my experience you don’t need to carry cash with you when visiting Malaga. I paid on card for most things including, public transport, food and drink, and taxis. I always think it is wise to carry a few Euros around with you just in case, but honestly I didn’t need to use these at all.

What language do they speak in Malaga?

Spanish is the official language in Malaga. For those fluent in the language, you might notice that people from Malaga speak with a distinctive accent which tends to be a bit softer than their northern Spanish counterparts.

English is also widely spoken in Malaga. It is a very touristy city, and the majority of people speak English. That being said it is always good to brush up on your basic Spanish words.

Is Malaga easy to get to?

Malaga is a popular tourist destination, and a great gateway to the rest of Southern Spain. For that reason it is a very easy city to get to. From the UK for instance you will find daily flights into Malaga from various airlines such as EasyJet, RyanAir, and Jet2.

How long should I spend in Malaga?

Malaga is a city that often gets overlooked. A lot of people tend to travel through it as they go on to different destinations in the south of Spain or even to visit influencer hotspots like Marbella. But Malaga does have a lot to offer itself, and is a beautiful place to visit on it’s own.

I would recommend a good 3-4 days to see the main sites in Malaga. This also gives you time to do some bar hopping and ample time to relax around the pool, and enjoy the beach. You can do it in 2 days quite honestly, but anything less than that would be a rush. And anything longer than 4 days might be a bit too much, unless you are planning lots of day trips.

Is Malaga safe?

I travelled to Malaga as a solo female and found it to be incredibly safe. It’s a very touristy city, particularly around the old town, and for this reason it is incredibly busy with people around at all hours. Of course incidents do occur, though the vast majority of these are petty crimes like pickpocketing. As with any European city have your wits about you, and you should generally be fine.

Is Malaga worth visiting compared to other Spanish cities?

I kind of get the impression that a lot of people use Malaga as a base for other Spanish hotspots like Marbella or Seville. But personally I think if you get the chance you should definitely explore Malaga. The old town is pretty compact and most of the sites are close together, so you only really need a few days. It’s touristy, but not as overcrowded as places like Barcelona.

Can I use public transport in Malaga?

Public transport in Malaga is pretty easy to navigate, but as I mentioned above it is a really compact city so chances are you won’t necessarily need to use it. In fact during my trip, I really only used the train to get from the airport to the old town. I kind of made the mistake of trying to work out how to buy a ticket at one of the machines at the airport, and got incredibly confused. But you can skip that and just scan your credit or debit card before entering the station and again when leaving.

What is there to do in Malaga

Before deciding if Malaga is worth visiting you are probably interested to know what there is to do. Here are some of the top things that I recommend doing in the Spanish city.

Explore the historical centre

Malaga’s historical centre, is not to be missed. This is where you will experience the real charm and character of the city. It’s mostly pedestrianised as well, which is a good thing because you will be distracted looking up at all the architecture.

This is where you will find some of the best restaurants and charming bars. My favourite thing here was just sitting in some tiny hole in the wall bars and people watching.

Visit the beach

Let’s be honest, it’s not a trip to Spain without a visit to the beach. Malaga has some nice beaches where you can sit and relax or go for a dip. If you are wanting a beach holiday though, I would definitely recommend getting our of Malaga and going somewhere like Fuengirola. It’s actually only around 45 minutes to get here by train, and it is a lot nicer for chilling by the beach and sipping cocktails then Malaga itself.

Malaga Cathedral

One of my favourite sights in Malaga is the Cathedral. It’s referred to as the one armed lady, which is essentially a nod to the fact that one of its towers is unfinished. It’s a Catholic Cathedral with Renaissance style architecture.

Parque de Malaga

Connecting the beaches to the old town, Parque de Malaga is a lovely little walk you can do whilst exploring the city. Filled with lots of fountains, shaded areas, and park benches, it’s a nice little break from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town.

Picasso Museum

If you are going to do one museum in Malaga, let it be the Picasso Museum. Malaga is actually where the famous artist was born. Here you can learn all about his life, as well as getting to see a showcase of his work.

It’s worth noting every time I passed the museum, the lines were ridiculous. So my advice is to get in early and beat the queues.

You can also purchase advanced tickets here.

Centre Pompidou

Art lovers should visit the Centre Pompidou, which is a modern and contemporary gallery. Even the outside is a work of art. You will know you are in the right place when you see the colourful glass cube, near the port.

You can purchase tickets online here.

Roman Theatre of Malaga

Located at the base of the Alcazaba you will find the Roman Theatre of Malaga. It was only discovered in the early 50’s but it dates all the way back to the 1st Century. It’s worth a visit as you make your way to the Alcazaba so make sure you stop by.

Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is one of the best preserved remains of the Muslim period in Spain. It was once a residence of the Muslim leaders as well as a fortification for the city. Located just above the Roman Theatre, the Alcazaba is somewhere you will not want to miss. Not only is the architecture incredible, but the gardens offer a nice tranquil break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Gibralfaro Castle

The Gibralfaro Castle, is certainly hard to miss when visiting Malaga. Perched on a hill above the city, it’s architectural beauty dominates the city below it. Admittedly the walk to the castle is not easy. And I would highly recommend you wear decent shoes, and bring a bottle of water with you. The good news though is, that the views going up to the castle are awe inspiring, so you will have ample opportunity to stop and admire your surroundings.

Exploring the castle grounds is well worth it. Not only do you get to experience some fantastic city views, but you can walk around the castle walls, and explore the green areas inside.

Is Malaga worth visiting for solo travellers?

I visited Malaga as a solo traveller and honestly loved it. I never felt unsafe, and there was a lot to see and do. You should definitely base yourself in the Old Town if you are travelling solo. This is where most of the action is, and lots of food and drink spots.

Is Malaga worth visiting for couples?

Malaga is a great city if you are travelling with your significant other. The cobbled streets in the old town have an air of romance. There are also lots of romantic restaurants and bars that you can explore.

Is Malaga worth visiting for foodies?

If you love food, like me, you will love Malaga. I mostly stayed around the Old Town and it was fantastic. The restaurant choices are endless, with lots of authentic tapas style restaurants. Unsurprisingly, due to its location by the sea, Malaga is famous for its seafood dishes. Prawns, sardines, and fried fish platters are very common.

The city has some great tapas restaurants, and I would recommend trying a couple of dishes in a few different restaurants to make an evening of it.

Is Malaga worth visiting for history buffs?

If you are wondering is Malaga worth visiting for history buffs, the answer is yes. The city has such a rich history. This is evident from it’s Roman ruins to it’s Arab architecture. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, and has been under the rule of several different groups. If you love your history Malaga is the place to go.

Is Malaga worth visiting in the summer?

Malaga is a great place to visit and the summer months can be peak tourist season. However it is important to note that Malaga can get incredibly hot. July and August can be incredibly uncomfortable with high humidity, and scorching summer days. Temperatures can range between 20-31 degrees Celsius. Although it can get much warmer particularly in August. Just make sure you are prepared for the intense heat if you do visit at this time of year.

Is Malaga worth visiting in the winter?

Malaga is a decent winter destination because the weather is mild and there are still plenty of things to see and do. Temperatures range between 8- 18 degrees Celsius, which quite frankly differs greatly to the majority of Europe. If you want some winter sun, Malaga is definitely the place to get it. That isn’t to say it won’t rain, but it is less likely than other parts of the continent.

What to pack when visiting Malaga?

If you are wondering what to pack when visiting Malaga here are some of my top suggestions:

• A hat and sunglasses to shade yourself from the sun
• Decent walking shoes as there are cobbled streets
• Layered but light clothing to protect you from the sun
• Suncream and lots of it!
• Swimwear

What should I know before visiting Malaga?

Here are some of my top tips, and things you should know before visiting Malaga.

• Some of the museums are free on Sunday afternoons – this includes the popular Picasso Museum, so save some money and plan your trip accordingly.
• Siestas are a real thing and you will find a lot of shops and small businesses closed between 2pm-5pm.
• Lunch and dinners are eaten quite late in Spain. Lunch can often be between 2-3pm and dinner between 8-10pm.
• Summer is peak season in Malaga – but it does get hot so dress appropriately.

So is Malaga worth visiting?

Hopefully you have made it through this article and have realised that Malaga really is a city that is worth visiting. With around 300 days of sunshine each year, great food, beautiful beaches, and fascinating history, Malaga really is the place to be. It’s especially great for a short trip if you want to get a taste of Spain.

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Happy Travels!