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Málaga harbour and cathedral viewed from the Gibralfaro

Spain

Málaga travel guide

Year-round sunshine, Picasso’s birthplace and a lively Costa del Sol city beach.

2h 45m from the UK4 nights idealOctober–MayWinter sun

At a glance

Airport
AGP
Budget tier
budget
Best month
May
Family
Friendly
01

Why visit Málaga?

Málaga has transformed into one of Spain’s most appealing city breaks, with excellent museums, a Moorish Alcazaba and a revitalised port. With some of the mildest winters in mainland Europe, it is a dependable winter-sun escape from the UK.

Last reviewed

02

How to get there

Málaga's main airport is AGP. Typical flight times from the UK are around 3 hours.

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03

Where to stay in Málaga

First-time visitors

Centro Histórico

Walk to museums, tapas bars and the cathedral.

Budget-conscious travellers

Soho

Street-art district close to the port.

Families

La Malagueta

Beachfront stays a short walk from the centre.

04

Things to do in Málaga

  1. 01

    Attractions

    Alcazaba & Gibralfaro

    Moorish fortress and hilltop castle with views over the bay.

  2. 02

    Museums

    Picasso Museum Málaga

    Over 200 works in a 16th-century palace.

  3. 03

    Local experiences

    Caminito del Rey

    Spectacular gorge walkway; tickets sell out early.

  4. 04

    Beaches

    La Malagueta beach

    City beach with chiringuitos serving grilled sardines.

05

Travel budget

Indicative ranges per person, reviewed October 2026. Editorial ranges from FlyAwayFinds research; prices vary by season and availability.

Accommodation
£55–£170
Per night
Food
£25–£50
Per day
Local transport
£3–£8
Per day
Activities
£20–£70
Per trip
Airport transfers
£2–£30
Each way
Budget tier
budget
Editorial rating
06

Best time to visit

Bars show our editorial suitability rating. Temperatures are long-term monthly averages.

Jan

13°

Feb

13°

Mar

15°

Apr

17°

May

20°

Jun

24°

Jul

26°

Aug

27°

Sep

24°

Oct

20°

Nov

16°

Dec

13°

Best monthGreatFine
07

Suggested itinerary

Plan

One day

  1. 1Alcazaba
  2. 2Picasso Museum
  3. 3Sunset on La Malagueta

Plan

Two days

  1. 1Day 1: Historic centre and museums
  2. 2Day 2: Gibralfaro, port and beach

Plan

Three days

  1. 1Day 1: Historic centre
  2. 2Day 2: Caminito del Rey
  3. 3Day 3: Beach and Soho
08

Travel tips

Local transport
The centre is compact; the cercanías train runs along the coast.
Paying for things
Cards are widely accepted.
Airport transfers
The C1 train connects the airport with Málaga Centro-Alameda in around 12 minutes.
Entry requirements
UK travellers must meet Schengen entry rules. Check official guidance before travelling.
Safety
Summer temperatures can be very high; stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for Spain before you travel.

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FAQ

Málaga FAQs

  • Málaga has some of the mildest winters in mainland Europe, with daytime highs often in the high teens Celsius.

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