If you're looking for sunshine on tap, gorge beaches and scenery so lush you'll think you've stepped into a postcard, then Malaga is your gal.

Destination Highlights

• 🎭 Festivals & Flamenco – Málaga comes alive with colourful festivals year-round, from Semana Santa processions to the Feria de Agosto.

• 🌊 Beach Meets City – This rare combo means you can go from museum to mojito on the sand in minutes.

• 🌿 Urban Greenery – With lush botanical gardens and palm-lined parks, there’s plenty of shady spots to chill.

Fun Facts About Málaga 😎

• 🐒 Gibraltar Day-Trippers – Málaga’s a great base for a day trip to Gibraltar—yes, including those cheeky wild monkeys!

• 🏖️ Best Beach Vibes – Playa de la Malagueta is the city’s sandy hotspot, ideal for beach bums and bar hoppers alike.

• 🍺 Bargain Beers – A pint in Málaga will only set you back around €2.50—now that’s what we call refreshingly affordable!

Getting around on your Malaga holidays

• 🚶 On Foot – the historic centre is mostly pedestrianised, so you can wander from tapas bar to boutique without battling traffic.

• 🚌 Bus – EMT buses are frequent and affordable, with tickets starting at around €1.30. There’s even a night service if you're out late.

• 🚇 Metro – two handy metro lines connect the city’s outskirts to the centre, with air-con (praise be) and speedy stops.

• 🚆 Cercanías Train – perfect for popping to the airport or nearby beach towns like Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

• 🚖 Taxi – easy to hail and reasonably priced, with meters running and apps like Pidetaxi for added ease.

• 🚴 E-Bikes & Scooters – ideal for sunny-day cruising along the seafront, with rental spots all over town.

What are the best beaches to visit on your holidays to Malaga

It's not a jolly without a dash of sun, sea and sand, and we know that better than anyone, so we had to make sure we gave you the lowdown on the best sandy spots to chuck a towel down. Málaga’s coastline is dotted with sandy gems for every kind of beach holiday:

• Playa de la Malagueta – central, lively, and lined with beach bars—perfect for first-timers and people-watchers.

• Playa de Pedregalejo – Boho vibes, calm waters, and fab seafood joints make this a hit with laidback locals.

• Playa del Palo – family-friendly and full of charm, this former fishing village beach is top for chilled-out vibes.

• Playa de la Misericordia – wide, peaceful and ideal for long walks, jogging, or just escaping the crowds.

• Playa de la Caleta – tucked away near the centre, it’s quieter than Malagueta and a fave for couples.

• Playa de Guadalmar – Málaga’s only officially naturist beach - yep, you read that right... something to keep in mind perhaps...

• Playa del Campo de Golf – next to a golf course and close to the airport, this one’s big with sporty types.

What are the top hotels for your Malaga holidays 2025?

Choosing the right hotel is almost as important as the duty free chocolate run, so it's only right that we give you a head start, we've got hotels to suit every kinda holiday from a Summer holiday with the fam, to a five star holiday with your boo thing. Sneak a peak at some of our faves:

• Barcelo Malaga - a four-star stylish hotel with a rooftop pool so you can enjoy a refreshing dip and a sunbathing session with stunning city views.

• Malaga Centro - this four-star fiesta features traditional interiors, a rooftop pool and a central location – a perfect base for exploring the city.

• Atarazanas Malaga Boutique - looking for cheap holidays on a budget? This is your bag, the hotel offers simple yet comfortable accommodation with an on-site café and Wi-Fi access.

• Vincci Seleccion Posada Del Patio - if you're on the hunt for a luxury holiday vibe then this sleek, modern hotel has your name written all over it, featuring a rooftop pool and gourmet on-site dining.

• MS Maestranza Hotel - only 200m from the beachfront. Nuff said. But, we will say more... with bars and restaurants within walking distance and an on-site spa, this is a fantastic choice for those seeking a city break by the beach in Malaga.

Malaga holidays travel guide

For Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Museo Alborania – dive into the wonders of the Med at this interactive maritime museum right by Málaga’s port. Kids can “captain” a ship, get hands-on with sea life exhibits, and learn about ocean conservation - all in a super fun, splashy setting, perfect for a family holiday.

• Crocodile Park Torremolinos – just a short hop from the city, this reptile haven is packed with toothy residents. Watch feeding time (if you dare), learn the difference between crocs and gators, and meet 'Big Daddy'—one of Europe’s largest crocodiles.

• Parque de Málaga – this tropical park is a lush escape in the heart of the city. Palm-lined paths, playgrounds, and plenty of pigeons to chase make it a perfect (and free!) break from the beach.

For Couples 💖

• Hammam Al Ándalus Málaga – slip into serenity with a session at this Arabian-style spa. Think candlelit arches, warm marble pools, and steamy scents. Add a relaxing massage, and you’ve got a peak outing for your couple’s holiday.

• Mirador de Gibralfaro – hike up just before sunset and you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the port and city rooftops - ideal for a romantic photo op (or a sneaky proposal?).

• Pedregalejo Dinner Date – this beachfront neighbourhood oozes charm, with rows of seafood restaurants and twinkly lights. Share a grilled fish platter, sip a cold wine, and enjoy waves lapping just steps away.

For Groups 🎉

• Soho Street Art Stroll – kick off your group holiday in Málaga’s edgy art district where massive murals cover entire buildings. Grab a coffee, snap some pics, and vibe out before hitting the bars.

• Port of Málaga Party Boats – rent a private boat or hop on a party cruise for DJ beats, sea breezes, and maybe even a cheeky swim. It’s like clubbing - just wetter.

• Atarazanas Market Crawl – grab your mates and graze your way through Málaga’s central market. Local cheeses, olives, jamón, and bargain wines await. Perfect for a DIY tasting sesh on the go.

For Foodies 🥘

• El Pimpi – this legendary bodega-bar is a Málaga must. Settle into a courtyard under the vines, order a plate of local Iberian ham, and soak up the old-school atmosphere. Bonus: celebs love it here too.

• Mercado de Salamanca – a lesser-known gem with fewer crowds and just as much flavour. Pick up everything from spicy chorizo to sweet figs, then enjoy your haul at the nearby park.

• Paella Workshop – fancy donning an apron? Join a local cooking class and master the art of making authentic paella (with or without seafood), along with sangria to sip while you stir.