Blue Valley Car Hire

Guide to Malaga

The city of Malaga is often overlooked by visitors to the Costa del Sol, but is fantastic destination for a weekend break, especially outside the peak visitor months of July and August when prices for accommodation will be cheaper.

Despite being a typically Spanish bustling city, Malaga city centre is only a 10-15 minute walk from the Playa de la Malagueta Blue Flag beach. Malaga also has a wonderfully preserved old town, museums, tapas bars, fresh fish restaurants, a daily market (except Sundays), botanical gardens, a castle and a large pedestrian shopping area.

Malaga Climate

Malaga average max/min temperatures

Malaga is located in the province of Andalucia which covers the entire southern region of Spain from the Portuguese border in the west, to the drier, almost desert-like Almeria in the east.

Malaga enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate, with temperatures moderated by the mediterranean sea, and being protected by the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the north. The climate along the coast is 2 or 3 degrees warmer in winter than inland, whereas in summer it is a little cooler. The climate around Malaga is the warmest in Europe in winter which makes the Costa del Sol coastline a popular destination all year round. In the winter the daytime maximum temperature typically ranges from 14-20 degrees Celsius, with many clear sunny days.


Getting There

Malaga Airport in the Costa del Sol is served by most of the low cost airlines including RyanAir and EasyJet. It is located less than 10km from the center of Malaga. There is a regular train and bus service from the airport to Malaga city centre. In the quieter months (October to March) it is often possible to pick up a return flight for a weekend for a very reasonable price.

Malaga City

The city of Malaga was built by the Romans, but much of the architecture is influenced by the Moors. Many holidaymakers will not see more of Malaga than the airport. Malaga itself offers many attractions for visitors and is worth a visit. Here are a few recommendations:

Many visitors who pass through Malaga are unaware that the artist Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, and his museum attracts visitors from all around the world. If you enjoy wandering cobbled streets and getting a feel of the real essence of where you are staying head for Malaga old town. The maze of little streets bursting with exquisite bistros and shops are fantastic to browse around and right at the centre you will suddenly come upon the magnificent Malaga Cathedral. Built between the years of 1528 and 1782, the interior has a both Baroque and Renaissance influences and is one of the finest Cathedrals in Southern Spain.

The restaurants of Malaga are renowned throughout Spain, and the Old Town of Malaga has some of the best tapas bars in Spain. Traditionally in Spain tapas was given away free to Spaniards with their drinks, but nowadays tapas generates alot of additional revenue. Tapas dishes typically have a price range between 2€ and 5€, so it is easy to run up a bill quickly if you try a little of everything. Visit TripAdvisor for some recommendations Malaga Tapas Bars. For something a little different try the freshly cooked paella sold at the Malaga beach bars and restaurants.

When the sun goes down, Malaga's nightlife comes to life. The beach bars that are open throughout the day become clubs after dark and the golden sand becomes their dance floor. The list of bars and endless, and the wild party nights at the premier clubs are legendary.

Places to Visit in Malaga

    El Pimpis Bar in Malaga
  • Picasso Museum (Malaga is the birthplace of the artist Picasso)

  • Bodega Bar El Pimpi - wonderful traditional Spanish bar in the Old Town

  • Finca de la Concepcion - Malaga botanical gardens just to the north of the city

  • Atarazanas Market - Typical Spanish bustling food market selling a range of fresh local produce

  • Malaga Old Town - a maze of cobbled streets with shops, bars, restaurants and the famous Malaga Cathedral at the centre

  • Malaga CF - La Liga football at the La Rosaledaa short distance from Malaga city centre

  • Gibralfaro Castle - 14th century Moorish Castle with spectacular views over the sea and Old Town

    Gibralfaro Castle is set on a hill above the Old town area of Malaga, and offers spectacular views over the city of Malaga.

    It is possible to walk up to the castle (but it is a steep climb at times and the castle is around 130m above sea level). Alternatively there is a regular bus service. Alcazaba Fortress Malaga

    Admission is around 2€, and there is a small museum and a cafe within the castle grounds where you can enjoy the stunning views of Malaga town including the harbour, coastline and Malaga bull ring.

    Set in the grounds below the castle is the Alcazaba - an ancient Muslim fortress which was built in the 11th century by the Moors (built before Gibralfaro which overlooks it). The Alcazaba in Malaga is the best preserved Alcazabars in Spain. It is possible to wander around the Alcazaba for free on your way up to, or down from Gibralfaro Castle.

    See the Wiki Travel Guide to Malaga for a comprehensive guide to the city.

For more information on places to visit in and around Malaga please see our Malaga Information page.

Wherever you are travelling in Spain, Blue Valley Car Hire offer low cost car hire in Malaga Spain and throughout Andalucia.

Malaga Rental Accommodation

For a villas in the Malaga area there are a good selection at Marbella Villa Rentals and at Holiday Rental Malaga who have over 4000 properties across Spain for rent directly from their owners.

Malaga/Costa del Sol Information - Useful Links

Below are some useful Malaga information websites:

SOL Spain On Line - SOL Spain On Line is provides information on Spain tourism, hotels and travel.