The province of Malaga is situated in southern Spain, a province renowned for its sunshine and pleasant weather (see our Malaga map). Every year, more tourists choose to visit Spain, and Malaga is often a favourite destination. We will explore the province’s main tourist attractions.
The flag of Malaga, a symbol of the province.
Malaga is one of the eight provinces in Andalusia, located on the Mediterranean coast between Seville and Granada, two other highly visited destinations in southern Spain. This makes it an ideal starting point for your holiday. With a rich history founded by the Phoenicians, and shaped by the Romans and Arabs, Malaga boasts a legacy of incalculable value that has endured through the centuries.
Malaga Weather: Sunshine Nearly All Year Round
The climate in Malaga is sunny and mild, with over 300 sunny days a year. The best months to visit Malaga for sun and sea are July and August, though many tourists now prefer May, June, or September, as these months are less hot but warm enough to enjoy the wonderful beaches and are far less crowded.
The iconic Malaga bullring.
The average temperature is 23°C, with peaks of up to 40°C during the high season.
Malaga has one of Spain’s most significant ports, serving as an arrival point for thousands of tourists cruising the Mediterranean.
About Malaga: Economic and Tourist Hub
Malaga is the city with the highest economic activity in Andalusia, with tourism as its primary source of income. Recent infrastructure improvements aim to attract more visitors, including enhancements to the airport and the communications network, such as roads and high-speed trains at the modernised Maria Zambrano railway station.
Malaga has a thriving fishing industry, with a port hosting over 500 boats that catch fresh anchovies, mackerel, sole, and hake, among many other species.
The combination of tourism and fishing makes Malaga the perfect place to enjoy exquisite fish and seafood dishes.
For shopping enthusiasts, Malaga has seen a significant increase in large shopping centres in recent years. Notable examples include IKEA for furniture and home decor, Decathlon for sports equipment, and MediaMarkt or Worten for electronics and appliances, among many others.
Malaga Attractions: A Wealth of History and Culture
The city of Malaga has a history that extends beyond the Roman Empire. Human presence since prehistoric times has made Malaga a destination rich in tourist attractions, with museums showcasing archaeological treasures. Visit our Malaga pictures to learn more about touring the city and to view some of its images.
Cosmopolitan Atmosphere and Friendly Locals
Besides its tourist attractions, Malaga’s ideal climate attracts many expatriates, making it common to find Irish, British, or Dutch pubs where languages other than Spanish are spoken. To experience the vibrant social scene, explore the pubs and clubs in Malaga, offering a variety of nightlife options for all tastes.
The majestic Malaga Cathedral.
The locals, known as “Malagueños”, are generally cheerful and outgoing, enjoying weekends out dancing or socialising. Two internationally renowned Malagueños are Antonio Banderas and Pablo Ruiz Picasso.
In addition to its pleasant weather and welcoming locals, Malaga offers numerous tourist attractions, including stunning beaches, a cuisine rich in Mediterranean flavours, museums, and historic buildings like the Cathedral and the Alcazaba.
If you visit in August, you’ll enjoy the vibrant Malaga Fair.
Malaga Airport: Gateway to Andalusia
Malaga Airport has been expanded with a new runway to accommodate the high volume of international flights. It offers a large car park, access to taxis, buses, and trains, or the option to hire a car at Malaga Airport. Check our prices to find the vehicle that best suits your needs.
Departures area at Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport.
Malaga Airport is centrally located for destinations like Granada, Almeria, or Seville, making it a key entry point for tourists exploring Andalusia. For more details on its history and services, visit our Malaga Airport section.
Sports and Activities: Adventure on the Costa del Sol
As a coastal city, Malaga offers a wide range of water sports, such as jet ski hire, water-skiing, pedalo rentals, water attractions, water parks, and beach volleyball.
The province is also home to well-known sports teams, including the Unicaja Malaga basketball team and Malaga C.F. football team.
Beyond these, you can explore trekking routes in Malaga’s natural parks, play golf on the Costa del Sol, or stroll through one of Malaga’s marinas.
During national or local holidays, most businesses in Malaga close. The province observes religious bank holidays rooted in its Christian conquest during the Middle Ages, as well as celebrations of pagan origin.
Here is a selection of key bank holidays:
1 January – New Year’s Day
6 January – Epiphany
28 February – Andalusia Day
Variable date in March or April – Maundy Thursday
Variable date in March or April – Good Friday
1 May – Labour Day
Night of 23–24 June – San Juan Night
15 August – Assumption of the Virgin
19 August – Incorporation of Malaga into the Castilian Crown, celebrated with the Malaga Fair
8 September – Our Lady of Victory
12 October – National Day of Spain
1 November – All Saints’ Day
6 December – Constitution Day
8 December – Immaculate Conception
25 December – Christmas Day
Other Celebrations
The Malaga Fair is held at a large fairground on the city’s outskirts, offering rides for all ages, fast food stalls, and huts offering traditional Andalusian cuisine and music, from flamenco to modern dance tunes, depending on the venue.
The San Juan Night features bonfires along the coast, with pagan traditions like burning small notes or swimming in the sea at midnight.
University of Malaga: A Centre of Knowledge
The University of Malaga is divided into two campuses: the older “El Ejido” (the original university) and the newer, larger “Teatinos” (where most faculties are now located). It currently hosts over 35,000 students and 2,000 teachers, with an average of 16 students per teacher. More information is available at www.uma.es (the official University of Malaga website).
Malaga Port and Muelle Uno: Maritime Tradition and Leisure in the Heart of the City
Malaga Port, with a history stretching back centuries, is one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Far from being just a point for goods to enter and leave, it has transformed into a vibrant space for leisure and culture, perfectly integrated with city life.
Views of Muelle Uno and Malaga Port.
At the heart of this dynamism is Muelle Uno, a space that has revitalised the port area. Here, visitors can enjoy an exquisite gastronomic offering at its numerous restaurants, explore exclusive shops, and stroll through an unparalleled setting with views of the sea and the city. Its proximity to emblematic monuments like the Alcazaba and the Centre Pompidou makes it the ideal place to combine leisure with cultural discovery. Muelle Uno isn't just a port; it's a meeting point where Malaga's maritime tradition merges with modernity.
If you enjoy exploring the province’s interior, with its narrow streets of Arab origin and the typical white villages of Andalusia, you must not miss visiting the villages of Malaga. In the right-hand menu, you can find a list of villages with further information on each.
A visit to Malaga’s villages means enjoying their stunning natural surroundings and excellent cuisine, featuring traditional local dishes. Most villages host their own celebrations, such as the village of Guaro with its “Moorish Moon” (Luna Mora) festival.
Information about Malaga: Contact and General Details
Malaga enjoys over 300 sunny days a year. July and August are ideal for beachgoers, but May, June, and September offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making them excellent times to explore the city and its surroundings.
What type of cuisine can I find in Malaga?
Malaga’s cuisine is rooted in the Mediterranean diet, with a strong emphasis on fresh fish. You can enjoy delicious “espetos” (grilled sardines), “fritura malagueña” (fried fish), gazpacho, ajoblanco, and a wide variety of tapas and local wines.
What are the main tourist attractions in Malaga city?
In Malaga city, don’t miss the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre, the Malaga Cathedral (“La Manquita”), the Picasso Museum Malaga, the Centre Pompidou Malaga, Muelle Uno, and the beaches of La Malagueta. Calle Larios is perfect for shopping and strolling. Check our guide for details on Malaga’s top attractions.
Is it easy to explore Malaga without a car?
Yes, Malaga city has a reliable public transport network, including buses and a metro line. The airport is connected to the city centre and other Costa del Sol locations via commuter trains. For exploring the province and its white villages, a car hire can be very useful.
What is the best month to visit Malaga?
The best time to visit Malaga really depends on what you're looking for. If you're after sun and beaches, the summer months (June to September) are ideal, though they can be very hot and busy. For milder weather and fewer crowds, spring (April and May) and autumn (October) are excellent choices. You can find more details in our article: Best time to travel to Malaga.
