A Guide to a Holiday in Malaga
Malaga is a magnificent city in the South of Spain, in the region of Andalusia.
Offering an array of beautiful beaches, historical sites to behold and a vibrant culture that’s a pleasure to be part of, it’s no surprise Malaga is one of the most popular places to go on holiday. In fact, Spain welcomes a staggering 17 million Brits every year!
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Spanish escape or a luxurious holiday with all your usual creature comforts, if you’ve chosen Malaga as your next holiday destination, here’s a city guide to help you organise your holiday.
When to go to Malaga
The best time to visit Malaga is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).
If you choose to visit during these seasons you’ll still benefit from pleasant weather – (especially compared to the UK!) but you won’t need to contend with the crowds.
That means that enjoying a sangria on the beach or attending one of the local festivals is far easier.
Not to mention hotel prices tend to be much lower when you travel off-season, so you can save money without missing out on any of the main attractions.
If you have children or want to experience the best weather, July and August are the hottest summer months. While this time of year is the dream for beachgoers, it’s also the busiest time to visit.
What to do in Malaga
Whether you like to sit on the beach with a cold cocktail or prefer to explore the historical sites during your holiday, you can do both in Malaga.
Go to a museum
If you enjoy visiting museums, Malaga has plenty. Two of the most popular ones are the Picasso Museum and the Carmen Thyssen Museum, both of which make for a wonderful day out and give you a taste of the city’s rich heritage.
Visit the Alcazabar
The Alcazaba of Malaga, perched on a hillside overlooking the city, is a stunning example of Moorish military architecture from the Islamic period in Spain.
Built in the 11th century during the reign of the Hammudid dynasty, the fortress pays homage to Malaga’s rich history.
When you visit this imposing fortress, you’ll be able to breathe in magnificent views of the city before getting lost in the enclosed gardens, tranquil courtyards and intricate Islamic architecture.
Check out the Roman Theatre of Malaga
If you’re planning to see the Alcazabar, you should take a detour and visit the Roman Theatre as well.
Dating back to the 1st century, at the foot of the Alcazaba, this ancient fortress is a nod to Malaga’s Roman heritage and is open for public tours all year round.
If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a live performance!
Visit the Botanical Gardens
Otherwise known as La Concepción Historical Botanical Gardens, this lush paradise is worth a visit.
Featuring exotic flora from five continents, these gardens showcase an impressive assortment of tropical and subtropical plans. Combined with a romantic-style layout, these gardens offer a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city.
Head to Gibralfaro Castle
Gibralfaro Castle is perched on top of a hill overlooking Malaga, offering panoramic views of the city and the golden coastline.
Created in the 10th century, this castle symbolises Malaga’s medieval history and is a popular spot to explore. If you’re looking to get some scenic holiday snaps for ‘gram, you must go here!
Explore the great outdoors
If you’re feeling up to it, lace up your hiking boots and head to the nearby Montes de Malaga Natural Park.
If you prefer something a little less exhilarating, you can always just rent a set of clubs and book a round of golf at one of the many courses along the stunning coastline.
What to eat
Malaga’s cuisine is delightful. Most restaurants will serve up fresh seafood, traditional tapas and local wine.
Popular dishes include ‘espetos’ (grilled and skewered sardines), ‘gazpacho’ (cold tomato soup), and ‘fritura malagueña’ (a mixed fried fish platter).
It’d be rude not to round off every meal by sampling some sweet wine from the Malaga region, too!
Where to stay
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation in Malaga.
For a more affordable stay, you can choose from a range of local bed and breakfasts in the historic centre.
If you’re partial to a luxury retreat, there are plenty of renowned five-star resorts, too.
How to get to Malaga
The main airport is the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, one of the busiest in Spain.
There are numerous direct flights from the UK to Malaga and you’ll find that getting from the airport to your accommodation is easy.
Once landed you can opt for a Malaga Airport transfer to reach the city with ease and start your holiday immediately.
Final thoughts…
As a city that has so much to offer, it’s no surprise that tourists head to Malaga every year.
With a rich history, a renowned food scene and year-round sunshine, this city caters to every type of traveller. So pack your bags – it’s time to get ready for an unforgettable escape in the heart of the Costa del Sol.
