Twenty years ago Málaga was the place you landed before heading to a resort. Now it is a destination in its own right: a pedestrian centre full of tapas bars, the Picasso Museum and a branch of the Pompidou, a renovated port, and city beaches a short walk from the cathedral.
It has also become one of Spain’s most popular cities for international remote workers and tech companies, which has pushed rents up quickly.
Climate: One of the mildest winters in mainland Europe (around 17 °C by day in January), hot but breezy summers, about 300 sunny days a year.
Visiting Málaga
How long: 2 to 3 days
Don’t miss
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castle
- Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou Málaga
- Calle Larios and the cathedral
- Atarazanas market
- La Malagueta and Pedregalejo beaches
- Day trips to Ronda, Nerja and the Caminito del Rey
What to eat
- Espetos (sardines grilled on skewers at the beach)
- Porra antequerana
- Fried anchovies (boquerones)
- Sweet Málaga wine
Tip: The Caminito del Rey walkway sells out weeks ahead in spring and autumn: book on the official site.
Plan a visit
Things to do in Málaga Where to stay
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A perfect first day
- Morning: climb to the Alcazaba and on to Gibralfaro castle for the view over the port.
- Afternoon: the Picasso Museum, then lunch in the old town around Calle Larios.
- Evening: walk the Muelle Uno waterfront and finish with seafood in El Palo or Pedregalejo.
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For museums, bars and walking.
For street art and a younger feel.
For the city beach.
More of Málaga
Fiestas
Living in Málaga
Best for: Remote workers, families and retirees who want city life, beaches and easy flights home.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Beautiful but busy and full of tourist flats.
Upmarket, near the beach and the centre.
Former fishing villages east of the centre: relaxed, beachside, popular with families.
Newer flats near the university, good value, further from the sea.
Street art, cafés, close to the port.
Pros
- Excellent winter weather
- Airport with flights all over Europe
- Growing international job market
- Beach and city in one
Cons
- Rents rose fast after 2020
- Crowded centre in summer and cruise days
- Housing shortage
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
Get your personal paperwork list for visas, NIE, padrón and more.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Málaga?
2 to 3 days is enough for the main sights: alcazaba and gibralfaro castle, picasso museum and the centre pompidou málaga, calle larios and the cathedral. The Caminito del Rey walkway sells out weeks ahead in spring and autumn: book on the official site.
Is Málaga expensive to live in?
On our scale it is high (€€€). Rents are above the Spanish average.
How do I get to Málaga?
By air: Málaga (AGP), 12 minutes by train. By rail: AVE to Madrid in about 2h40.
Have you been to Málaga?
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