Is Malaga Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit It! 

Malaga sits on the Mediterranean coastline in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. It’s often overlooked by tourists in favor of neighboring Costa del Sol, but I think it’s one of the best cities to spend a vacation.

The city has so much to discover from museums and ancient amphitheaters to local markets and beautiful beaches. So is Malaga worth visiting? Yes it is! The weather is sunny and pleasant for most of the year and it’s culture and nightlife is first-class. If you’re planning to visit Spain, let me show you some of the reasons why you should pop Malaga onto your itinerary!

Trust me, if you have been asking everyone ‘Is Madrid worth visiting?’ and haven’t found all the answers yet, then the following points will probably prompt you to book your ticket ASAP!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.

Is Malaga Worth Visiting? – 10 Things You Should Know

Is Malaga worth visiting? It is a popular question that people ask when they are planning their itinerary through Spain. Honestly there are a lot of things to love about the city. Here are 10 reasons why you will love it!

1. Beautiful Weather All Year Round 

I love basking in the sunshine and in Malaga there are dozens of sun-drenched beaches to choose from. I find the best time to visit is between May and October as these months are ideal for swimming, watersports and dining in a promenade restaurant at sunset.

There are also lots of lively festivals held in the city during these times. The weather sizzles in July and August with highs of 30°C/86°F, but it still remains bearable, thanks to the breeze from the Mediterranean Sea. 

Visiting Malaga between November and April is also pleasant. Firstly, it’s cheaper and the temperature rarely drops below 16°C/60°F even in January! These times are perfect for exploring museums, shopping in local markets and even taking trips to Mijas, Gibraltar or Marbella.

Some of the best city festivals also take place, including Three Kings in January, Malaga Carnival in February and Semana Santa in April.

So is Malaga worth visiting? It is for the amazing weather. You won’t be disappointed.

2. A Deep Dive into Art and History 

For a history buff and art nerd like me, Malaga is a dream destination. In the past, Malaga – a port city, was often visited by maritime explorers. The city’s strategic position, close to the entrance of the Mediterranean at the Straits of Gibraltar, made it a prized location for incomers. 

The Phoenicians arrived in 12th century BCE, then the Romans, who left their mark with open-air amphitheaters. The Visigoths and Moors added to the architecture centuries later with hilltop Gibralfaro Castle and Malaga Alcazaba. 

In the years following the Christian takeover from the Moors in 1487, Renaissance style Malaga Cathedral was built along with museums and markets. But perhaps one of the most famous attractions established in recent years is the Picasso Museum.

The father of Cubism, Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and his heritage is celebrated in the museum close to his former home featuring over 200 of his finest works. 

So to answer your question… Is Malaga worth visiting? It is if you are a art and history lover!

3. Beaches and Waterfront Activities

Is Malaga worth visiting? It is if you love the sun, sand and sea!

In my book, there’s no better way to spend a leisurely day than soaking up the sun on a beach of golden sand. Many tourists pass Malaga by in favor of the Costa del Sol, but they’re missing out. The city has dozens of beautiful palm-lined beaches and calm waters for swimming and watersports.

I like relaxing on Playa de la Malagueta outside of peak season (when it’s busiest). It’s just a short stroll from the city center near the port. Here, you can watch fishermen bringing in their daily catch over cafe con leche in a chiringuito (local beach bar). There’s also a fun inflatable water park, watersports and play area nearby for little ones. 

La Caleta beach is great for hiring out pedal boats and Playa Guadalhorce offers hiking trails and a nature reserve next to the river mouth. Playa Pedregalejo is known for its lively bars and restaurants and El Palo Beach for snorkeling, scuba and watersports. 

Interestingly enough Malaga is also a cruise port. So it is popular as a stop for people who are sailing through.

4. Mouth-Watering Cuisine

Where do you find the best food in Malaga? I mean it does have some the tastiest tapas in Andalucia and the food is just delicious! I would personally start at the fabulous Ataranzanas Market for a true taste of the city’s culinary prowess. The market vendors sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to artisan breads, seafood and more. There are laid-back tapas bars where you can sample the food within the covered market too! 

Malaga’s old town has some great tapas bars where I recommend trying the gambas pil-pil (shrimp in chilli and garlic-infused oil), tortilla Español and freshly grilled sardines. 

For a special occasion head for Doña Ines for upscale, traditional Spanish gastronomy, or pop into La Tranca, a Vermouth bar serving speciality empanadas with any filling you can dream up. Don’t forget to sample the chocolate truffle mousse ice cream at Casa Mira Andres Perez and to check out the city’s oldest wine bar, Antigua Casa de Guardia, to drink with locals.

5. Family-Friendly Attractions 

One thing I love about Spain is that Malaguenos (locals from Malaga) like to spend time with their families. You’ll often see groups together soaking up the sunshine on beaches or participating in outdoor sports and activities. 

There are lots of enjoyable family-friendly activities in and around the city which include AquaMijas, a thrilling waterpark, a short drive or bus ride away in Fuengirola. It’s a fun day out with white-knuckle waterslides, lazy rivers, wave pools and restaurants. 

Take a day trip to El Chorro Lakes for a picnic and hiking, or drive the kids to the Smurf village of Juzcar. The buildings are all painted bright blue with smurf statues, playgrounds and memorabilia all around. 

Animal lovers can spend a few hours at El Refugio del Burrito donkey sanctuary and families interested in discovering new plant species can visit Malaga’s La Concepcion Botanical Gardens, a haven for exotic trees and flowers.

6. Malaga’s Shopping Districts 

Let’s talk shopping – one of my favorite pastimes! Malaga has it all – modern malls, thriving markets and even outlet centers selling discount designer goods! 

One of your first stops should be Calle Larios in Malaga’s old town. It’s the city’s main shopping street with well-known high street stores, plus there are lots of cafes and restaurants for when your credit card needs a break!

You can browse designer Spanish fashions at trendy Muello Uno by the water’s edge or head to Designer Discount Malaga near the airport for knock-down designer clothing and accessories.

One of my favorite city markets is Mercado Central de Ataranzas – it’s the perfect spot for artisinal breads, cheeses, fruit and picnic produce. For a more local vibe, Mercado de Salamanca sells a range of interesting local products. 

Things to buy in Malaga include Picasso memorabilia, ceramics and locally produced bottles of Andalusian extra virgin olive oil.

Is Malaga worth visiting? Definitely! Especially if you love shopping.

7. Vibrant Nightlife of Malaga 

I love a good night out, and in Malaga, the nightlife can be as laid-back or lively as you want it to be. The city has tapas trails, wineries, chiringuitos (beach bars) and even buzzing EDM clubs for dancing.

Some of my favorite places are in the historic center around tree lined plazas. Begin your evening at La Bote in Mitjana Square or head for a charming bodega near Malaga Cathedral. The areas of La Malagueta, El Palo and Pedregalejo are great for authentic wine and tapas bars.

I love Malaga’s quirky themed bars too. Sala Premier in downtown is cinema-themed with decor that harks back to Hollywood’s Golden Age. Liceo Club is set in a two-storey house and Teatro Club has live flamenco, cabaret and poetry readings. For dancing until dawn, head to the popular Velvet Club or neon-lit Sala Gold.

8. Malaga’s Architectural Wonders 

The walls of the Gibralfaro castle is one of the many historic attractions. Is Malaga worth visiting? For the history it is!

Malaga is filled with historic and modern architectural treasures. One of my favorite places to visit is El Teatro Romano, an expansive open-air amphitheater located next to the Moorish Alcazaba (also interesting). If you’re visiting Malaga in summer, the theater hosts dazzling summer music concerts and performances. 

For the best views, climb or drive to Gibralfaro Castle on the hillside. It’s a fortress built by the Moors to deter invaders approaching from the Mediterranean Sea. Also, don’t leave the city without climbing the 200 steps to Malaga Cathedral’s rooftop and checking out the museum and gardens. 

If you were wondering if Malaga has anything modern. It does! This city is not just about centuries-old history, its urban landscape boasts a ton of contemporary cultural centers and museums.

The Picasso Museum near his birthplace at Plaza de la Mercad showcases over 200 of the artists works and Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga has highlights from Spanish artists Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida and Julio Romero de Torres. 

9. Passionate World of Flamenco 

Is Malaga worth visiting? If you love music then the answer is yes!

I always try to catch a flamenco performance when in Spain. There’s something magical about the guitar music, the soulful singing and brightly coloured flouncy dresses that bring this unique, passionate culture to life. 

The city hosts a fantastic Flamenco Festival in mid-July featuring Spain’s finest dancers and guitarists, but you may wish to see a performance at other times too. You can learn all about the art and passion at Peña Juan Breva Flamenco Museum with collections of guitars, dresses and posters. If you time your visit well, you can also see a show. 

Near Teatro Cervantes, Restaurante Vino Mio also puts on an authentic flamenco show every evening. Sip wine, dine and watch the men expertly plucking guitar strings as woman clap, tap, dance and clack their castanets together. It’s an experience that makes you feel like you’re truly in the heart of Spain.

Is Malaga worth visiting? When it comes to flamenco, there are few places better than Malaga.

10. Festivals and Events 

Malaga’s vibrant festivals take place throughout the year. Families line the streets to watch the Three Kings Parade in early January, and in February, music, dancing, parades and street food stalls ensue at Malaga Carnival. 

At Easter, the city takes on a more religious tone during Holy Week (Semana Santa). Local masses take place in churches and Malaga Cathedral, and there are processions through the streets – often lead by Antonio Banderas who was born here.

In the month of June, locals and tourists can savor traditional Andalusian flavors at Malaga Gastronomy Festival and participate in Noche de San Juan – with grilled sardines, fireworks and bonfires on the beach. 

However, the biggest city festival occurs in August – Malaga Feria. It celebrates local traditions and culture attracting around two million visitors every year. This festival features everything from flamenco, sherry tastings and street food to markets, fairgrounds and live music!

Is Malaga Worth Visiting? – Choose The Right Time To Visit

Is Malaga worth visiting? I suggest thinking about when you travel there because it will play a huge role in the experience you have in the city. Now if you’ve been thinking about traveling to the city but don’t know the best time to visit Malaga, I’ll share some tips here.

Unless I’m traveling specifically to the Flamenco Festival in July or Malaga Feria in August, I like to swap the sizzling heat for slightly cooler weather. The beaches and cultural attractions are less crowded in May, June and from mid-September to late October with temperatures still warm enough for swimming in the sea. All attractions (and waterparks) are open making these months ideal for family travel.

So yes… Is Malaga worth visiting? I mean who could say no to all of these attractions and the gorgeous weather during this season?

In the months of November through to April, temperatures rarely fall below 16°C/60°F making this a great time to explore Malaga, and Andalusia as a whole. You’ll need a jacket or jumper for the evenings, but you’ll benefit from fewer queues at museums and historical sites and you can take in some incredible festivals. 

You can also enjoy trips to the Andalusian White Villages, Seville, Granada or even venture to Morocco for the day! You may be walking along the beach rather than sunbathing or swimming, but the pros far outweigh the cons with super cheap accommodations, flights and less tourists!

So you see… Is Malaga worth visiting? The answer is yes especially if you choose the right time of the year to travel there!

Is Malaga Worth Visiting? Budget-Friendly Options

Malaga is high on the list of the cheapest place to live in Spain. The city’s warm weather, sun-soaked beaches, historic architecture and fabulous dining and cultural scene is often compared to Barcelona’s, although the prices are a lot cheaper. Plus there are some cool hotels in Malaga.

If you plan to stay a while, it’s possible to rent a nice one bedroom apartment in the city or in neighboring Torremolinos and Fuengirola for less than €800 euros per month, that’s around $850. Grocery prices are cheaper too, especially if you shop like a local in the markets. 

For lunch, find fixed price menus. Many restaurants offer substantial two course meals for around €10-15 ($11-16). In the evenings, head for traditional bodegas for cheaper prices. In some local places you can still get a beer for a euro and in an authentic tapas restaurant, you can order several dishes for around €10/$11.

It’s easy to walk, cycle or hop aboard public transport in Malaga to get around. The latter costs around €30 euros for a months subscription. Also, many of the attractions in Malaga are free, from the beaches to some museums and galleries, making this a cheap city to stay in for a while.

Is Malaga worth visiting? You can see that the city is s vibrant with loads of festivals occurring throughout the year. The weather is great and there are loads of things to do both indoors and in the awesome outdoors. From man made marvels to breathtaking landscapes, Malaga has it all.

Plus the food is awesome. Accommodation is cheap and there’s the beach which is awesome.

So yes! If some asks ‘ Is Malaga is worth visiting? ‘ The answer should be a resounding yes! It should be on everyone’s bucket list if that are traveling through the south of Spain.

Other Articles That You May Find Interesting

• A Freaking Awesome 2 days In Madrid Itinerary
• A Guide To The Beaches In Nerja
• Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The Nerja Caves
• Free Things To Do In Barcelona For Your Budget Trip
• Barcelona Quotes And Captions That Will Give You Wanderlust
• Madrid Quotes And Captions That You Should Bookmark For Instagram