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 Malaga might not be as popular as other Spanish cities, but a quick visit to the birthplace of Pablo Picasso is enough to win any visitor's heart. With a great mix of ancient history and modern culture, nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, and several kilometres of beach, it's quite easy to see why Malaga has been described as 'Paradise City'.

Malaga, Spain cityscape at the Cathedral, City Hall and Alcazaba citadel of Malaga. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

The City

As you explore Malaga, the city's rich heritage unfolds before your eyes, dating back to its founding in 900 B.C. and shaped by the influences of Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs.

The legacy of Malaga's most famous inhabitant, Pablo Picasso, permeates throughout the city. His life and work remain prevalent, and the people of Malaga take immense pride in their esteemed son. A significant cultural milestone occurred in 2003 with the opening of the Museo Picasso, which has contributed to the city's flourishing artistic scene.

Within close proximity to the museum lies a treasure trove of historical sites, including the Roman theatre, an Arab castle, and a bullfighting ring. On the other side of the Old Town, CAC showcases international contemporary art, while the adjacent Plaza Episcopal frequently hosts high-quality exhibitions. Meanwhile, near the Cathedral, Teatro Cervantes offers a diverse array of concerts, dances and musicals, ensuring there's always something captivating to experience in this vibrant city.

Cathedral Square and the episcopal palace in Malaga, Spain Kiko Jimenez/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

Dive into Malaga's rich history by visiting the ancient Alcazaba fortress and the Roman Theatre. Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Picasso Museum. Take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Promenade of Pablo Ruiz Picasso. Indulge in delicious local cuisine at the bustling Mercado Central de Atarazanas or sip on refreshing drinks at the lively bars in Plaza de la Merced. With its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and a blend of history and modernity, Malaga promises a memorable experience for all.

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Picasso Museum

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Alcazaba

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Port of Malaga

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Malaga's Beaches

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Centre Pompidou Malaga

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Iglesia de los Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula

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Feria de Agosto

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Playa de las Acacias

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El Caminito del Rey Hike

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Wine Museum

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Montes de Malaga Natural Park

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Museum of Glass & Crystal

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Hammam Al Ándalus — Arab Baths

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Colección del Museo Ruso

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Malaga Cathedral

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Botanical Garden

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Contemporary Art Centre of Malaga (CAC)

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Roman Theatre

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Malaga Park

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Plaza de la Marina

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Bike Tours

Tapas, Padron peppers, Deep fried pointed peppers, seafood and pork paella, Costa del Sol, Malaga Province, Andalucia, Spain, Western Europe Arena Photo UK/Shutterstock.com

Dining

In Malaga, you won't find that many restaurants sporting white tablecloths. The city is full of informal taverns bustling with people and an extensive selection of tapas. Here, they generally eat a lot of fish and shellfish at the so-called 'chiringuitos' along the beach and the Paseo Marítimo in Pedregalejo.

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El Chinitas

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Sergio Megias Gastrobar

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Restaurant Vino Mio

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El Jardín 1887

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Al-Yamal

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La Cepa

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Taj Tandoori y Vegano

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Asako

Queso de Cabra salad Alexander Krasnyanskiy/Shutterstock.com

Cafés

In Malaga, you won't find an abundance of trendy, international-style cafés, but there are a few authentic ones, along with cosy teashops boasting Arab-inspired atmospheres. And let's not forget the traditional 'churrerías', where you can savour churros dipped in creamy, hot chocolate.

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Dimas Mira e Hijos

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Casa Aranda

Malaga, Spain cityscape at the Cathedral, City Hall and Alcazaba citadel of Malaga. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

Just like other Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Granada, Malaga and the Costa del Sol are also famous for their vibrant nightlife. And just like the rest of Spain, the inhabitants of Malaga enjoy partying until the early hours of the morning.

In the centre of town, it's not difficult to find a bar with music and people chatting — there are many in close proximity to each other. If you're looking for a proper nightclub, you should go to Puerto Marina in Benalmádena.

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El Pimpi

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Antigua Casa de Guardia

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Taberna Famenca Amargo

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Lo Güeno Mesón

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Velvet Club Málaga

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La Biblioteca

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MalaFama

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Bambu

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Bubbles Club

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La Campana

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ZZ Pub

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Morrissey's Irish Pub

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Sala Gold

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Shopping

Calle Larios and Calle Nueva form the bustling heart of the city's shopping district. Additionally, shopping malls like Muelle Uno provide a modern shopping experience, while Mercado Atarazanas delights food enthusiasts with its fresh produce and local delicacies.

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Calle Larios & Calle Nueva

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Centro Comercial Larios Centro

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El Corte Inglés

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Mercado Central de Atarazanas

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Ultramarinos Zoilo

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Plaza Mayor

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Muelle Uno

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Vialia Centro Comercial

people are walking on a promenade surrounded by marina in the port of malaga in spain. pavel dudek/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Málaga Airport (AGP)

Málaga Airport, officially known as Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), is situated approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre. For convenient transportation to the centre of Malaga, the A Express line bus offers a direct route with 10 stops along the way, taking about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Buses run every 15-25 minutes until midnight, with additional services at 12:45 am, 2 am, and 5:05 am. Alternatively, travellers can opt for the Cercanias train from the airport's train station, which connects to Malaga city centre in about 12 minutes. Trains operate from 6:44 am until 12:54 am, running every 20-35 minutes based on the time of day. Taxis are also available outside the airport.

Address: Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa del Sol, Avenida del Comandante García Morato, Málaga

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Phone: +34 91 321 10 00

Website: www.aena.es/es/malaga-costa-del-sol.html

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Passport/Visa

Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

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Best Time to Visit

Malaga enjoys a pleasant climate nearly all year round, with mild winters and summers that can get relatively hot in July and August. The best time to visit the city is during spring, when temperatures are most comfortable, or the summer months for a beach-focused vacation.

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Public Transport

In Malaga, public transportation primarily comprises buses, although Metro Malaga has extended to the city centre and offers some alternative stops. Walking is still the best way to see Malaga's attractions. For those looking to explore the coastal areas, the Cercanías trains offer easy access to nearby towns and beaches.

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Website: www.emtmalaga.es

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Taxi

Taxis are booked via Taxi en Malaga, but it is just as easy to hail one on the street. Alternatively, you can go to one of the city’s taxi ranks or opt for an Uber.

Taxi en Malaga: +34 640 22 43 81

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Website: www.taxienmalaga.com

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Post

Stamps can be found in tobacconists bearing the sign 'Tabacos'. You can find a post office (Correos) by looking for its yellow facade.

Address: Oficina de Correos, Calle Santa Lucía, 7, Malaga

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Phone: +34 952 60 98 93

Website: www.correos.es/es/es/particulares

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Pharmacy

Most pharmacies are open from 10 am to 8:30 pm with a siesta break from 1:30 pm to 5 pm. Pharmacy Caffarena is one of the pharmacies that are open 24 hours a day.

Address: Farmacia Caffarena, Alameda Principal, 2, Malaga

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Phone: +34 952 21 28 58

Website: www.farmaciacaffarena.net

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Electricity

220 Volt/50Hz

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Telephone

Country code: +34
Area code: 952

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