Hotels in Málaga

Málaga is one of those cities with the ability to take you back in time. Start walking and, within just a few hundred metres, you’ll find yourself jumping from century to century. Don’t believe us? On Calle Alcazabilla, the Roman Theatre stands at the foot of the Alcazaba, the Muslim palace-fortress climbing up the slopes of Gibralfaro. Higher still, the castle of the same name, built in the 14th century, has stood watch over the city ever since. Also nearby are the Cathedral (16th-18th centuries) and the Museum of Málaga, housed in the Palacio de la Aduana (19th century), where evidence of this journey through time comes together under one roof. 

Málaga is still full of life when the museums close. The Teatro Cervantes and Teatro Echegaray offer music, theatre, dance and opera throughout the year, as well as special programmes and festivals such as the International Jazz Festival or Terral. Then, when you think there can’t possibly be more, the historic centre invites you to carry on the night among terraces and bars dotted around its small squares. And we’d only ask you to leave the centre for concert venues such as París 15 or La Trinchera: they’re the places to go in the city if you’re looking for live performances by Spanish and international bands. 

Along the seafront, we suggest a purely indulgent plan: walk beside the shore, choose a terrace and order whatever the catch of the day has brought in. Grilled sardine skewers, fried baby squid, grilled prawns… The Mediterranean decides the menu. And of course, make sure you leave room for gazpachuelo, ajoblanco and the fresh produce at Atarazanas Market, where you’ll see that quality, local sourcing and seasonality rule the day. One essential stop: take a photo of its monumental entrance, a reminder of the old Nasrid shipyards on which it was built. 

Málaga has excellent connections with both national and international destinations. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is around 20 minutes by car or approximately 10 minutes by Cercanías commuter train from the city centre. María Zambrano station offers AVE high-speed and Media Distancia train services connecting Málaga with the rest of Spain. By road, the A-7 and AP-7 run along the Andalusian coast, while the AP-46 and A-45 head north. Once you’re in the city, the historic centre is easy to explore on foot, but if you prefer public transport, Málaga has two metro lines and an extensive network of city buses, as well as taxis and ride-hailing services.