Spain

Things to do in Malaga

Malaga, Picasso's birthplace, has a museum quarter that includes the Museo Picasso, the Centre Pompidou Malaga and the Carmen Thyssen collection, all within walking distance of the port. Above the centre, the Moorish Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro castle overlook the city beach of La Malagueta, and the city is the hub for Ronda, Nerja and the Caminito del Rey.

  • Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castle visit
  • Museo Picasso Malaga ticket
  • Caminito del Rey guided hike
  • Tapas and sweet wine tour

Experiences in Malaga

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Malaga

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Highlights

  • Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castle visit
  • Museo Picasso Malaga ticket
  • Caminito del Rey guided hike
  • Tapas and sweet wine tour
  • Ronda day trip
  • Sunset boat trip along the coast

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn, from March to June and September to November, are the best months for walking and hiking. July and August are hot and busy on the beaches, and Holy Week brings large processions and full hotels.

Getting around

The historic centre is compact and pedestrian; the metro and city buses cover the outer districts. The C1 commuter train links the airport to Malaga Centro-Alameda in about 15 minutes.

Local tips

  • Caminito del Rey tickets sell out weeks ahead in spring and autumn, and the path is closed on Mondays.
  • The Atarazanas market is closed on Sundays; go in the morning for fried fish at the stalls inside.
  • Order coffee the Malaga way: a 'nube', 'mitad' or 'sombra' tells the barista how much milk you want.

Day trips from Malaga

  • Ronda
  • Caminito del Rey
  • Nerja and Frigiliana
  • Granada
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Malaga?

The most booked experiences in Malaga are Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castle visit, Museo Picasso Malaga ticket, Caminito del Rey guided hike and Tapas and sweet wine tour.

When is the best time to visit Malaga?

Spring and autumn, from March to June and September to November, are the best months for walking and hiking. July and August are hot and busy on the beaches, and Holy Week brings large processions and full hotels.

How do I get around Malaga?

The historic centre is compact and pedestrian; the metro and city buses cover the outer districts. The C1 commuter train links the airport to Malaga Centro-Alameda in about 15 minutes.

Do I need to book tours in Malaga in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Malaga?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Granada89 km awaySeville157 km awayMadrid416 km awayValencia468 km away