Andalusia is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. A city break to Málaga is now almost as popular with travellers as a trip to Seville or Barcelona.
Málaga is a provincial capital in Andalusia. The city was founded by the Phoenicians around the 8th century BC. They built the settlement “Malaka” near today’s Alcazaba.
In the course of the city’s history, the Romans, the Vandals, the Byzantines and changing Arab rulers, among others, ruled in the city and each left traces of their culture, which can still be seen in the cityscape today. From 1487, the Reyes catholicos (the Catholic Monarchs) ruled. The city’s impressive cathedral, for example, dates from their reign.
Holidaymakers interested in culture will find many interesting places in the city. For example, the only Centre Pompidue outside France is located here and Pablo Picasso was born in the port city. There is a museum dedicated to him. Don’t forget to visit the Alcazaba, which sits high above the city, on a city break to Málaga.
Sights in Málaga
The old town of Málaga invites you to stroll through pedestrian zones with numerous shops and restaurants. But it is also worthwhile to stroll a little through the smaller side streets.
A holiday in Málaga not only offers the opportunity to visit the city, but also to spend time on the beach. The most beautiful beach in Málaga, Playa La Malagueta, is very centrally located.
If you want to enjoy a view over Málaga, you will find very different viewpoints in Málaga. How about a relaxing break with a view from a rooftop bar or rather from the roof of the cathedral?
Almost every visitor to the Andalusian city of Málaga is drawn to the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress and palace complex located above the old town.
One of the sights of Málaga is the Castillo de Gibralfaro. The ruins of the castle are located high above the old town.
In the heart of Málaga is the imposing and beautiful Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación - the Cathedral of Málaga. The church is one of the most important sights of the city.
A tour of Malaga's old town also takes you to the hill where the Alcazaba is located. Here, at the foot of the hill, is the Roman Theatre of Málaga, a building that you would not expect to find in the city.
Málaga Tips
In search of a good craft beer in Málaga, we came across the local microbrewery La Fábrica de Cruzcampo in Soho. A place that beer lovers should visit.
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Travel information for Málaga
Arrival
By plane
Málaga has the largest international airport in Andalusia. Numerous scheduled and charter flights arrive here from home and abroad.
From the airport, which is a few kilometres outside the city centre, it is very easy to get to the city by train. There are only a few ticket machines at the entrance to the station and there are waiting times. If you download the RENFE app beforehand, it is very easy to buy your tickets online.
By train
Malaga has a large, fairly central railway station, Estación Málaga María Zambrano. It is the terminus of the high-speed line coming from Córdoba. There are several daily connections to Seville, Barcelona and Madrid. It takes less than an hour to get from Málaga to the Córdoba branch.
If you want to travel from Málaga to Ronda by train, you should be aware that the connection is only offered once a day, and not every day. Travelling by bus is more advisable here.
By bus
The central bus station Estación de Autobuses is located right next to the main railway station in Málaga. From here, numerous buses from different providers travel daily to the surrounding area and further afield.
By car
The AP-7 toll road runs along the coast and also passes Málaga. If you want to travel toll-free, you can take the A7 motorway.
To the north, the A-45 and A-46 motorways lead towards Córdoba.
By boat
Málaga has a fairly large port. Here you will also find the cruise terminal, which is popular with many operators.
Another jetty is used for the ferry service to Melilla.
On the way in…
By car
There are only a few parking spaces within the city. It makes sense to look for a parking space in a multi-storey car park. At the Alcazaba, for example, there is a multi-storey car park that costs around €2 per hour.
By public transport
City buses run approximately from 6:45am-2pm. At night, only some routes are served by city buses.
Tickets can be bought on the bus if necessary. Otherwise, the main bus station for city buses is located almost directly at the harbour (Alameda Principal bus station). You can also buy tickets there.
Málaga also has a metro. So far, this consists of two lines. The junction of both lines is located directly in front of the main station.
On foot
On a city trip to Málaga, you can easily discover most of the sights on foot.