A Málaga Travel Guide: A Perfect Getaway in Spain

Time for another adventure!

We moved to Portugal partially so we could hop around Europe without selling a kidney. Málaga had been sitting on our “affordable and interesting” list for a while, so when friends invited us on a road trip, we packed snacks and hit the highway.

Where is Málaga?

Málaga sits on the southern coast of Spain in the Andalucia region, famous for sun, seafood, and centuries of layered history. It’s also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, which explains why there’s Roman, Moorish, Renaissance and modern architecture all tangled together.

I hadn’t heard much about Málaga beforehand, so I did a little digging and quickly realized there was way more to do than expected. Cue excitement!

How to Get to Málaga from Portugal

From Tavira, the drive to Málaga is just under 4 hours. For reference, that’s the Portugal version of driving from Vegas to LA but with significantly less stress and fewer questionable billboards. The only mildly chaotic part was navigating Sevilla traffic. I’ve driven Sevilla a handful of times and the relationship is… complicated. Our friends rented a comfortable car, I volunteered as tribute for the entire drive, which was a super smooth drive.

Where We Stayed

We booked an apartment through Booking.com near the city center that came with:
• 2 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Clean space
• Easy walking distance to major sights

The only weird moment was getting in mild trouble for talking on the balcony for five minutes after quiet hours. Apparently “quiet” meant “silent monk mode”.

What We Did in Málaga

Most people know Málaga for its beaches, but it’s much more than a towel-and-sangria situation. We only had a few days, so instead of trying to do everything, we picked a handful of experiences and actually never touched the beach at all.

The food and drinks:  

Gluten-free travelers, Málaga is your friend. I always check the Find Me Gluten Free app before traveling and Málaga was stacked with options. I narrowed it down and still bounced between tacos, sushi, ice cream, pastries and plenty of drinks.

Here is my full, Málaga food guide with all the restaurants (they deserve their own spotlight), but highlights included gluten-free cinnamon rolls and the cutest ice cream cones

Sightseeing and Museums

Málaga has around 40 museums. Forty. That’s borderline academic peer pressure. The most famous is the Picasso Museum, since Picasso was born in Málaga. Fun fact: there are actually two museums, one at his birth home in Plaza de Merced where there’s also a statue of him hanging out on a bench.

We didn’t end up doing Picasso because we prioritized:
• The Wine Museum
• OXO Video Game Museum
• Málaga Cathedral
• The Alcazaba.

 

Walking Around the City

One of my favorite parts of the trip was simply wandering. The city has a lively, creative energy and feels easy to explore without an agenda. While we were there, the town was prepping for Corpus Christi so there were parades and a craft market. There was also tons of street art, which I am a sucker for. On my Instagram I have a reel that shows all the street art I saw. 

Shopping in Málaga

There were some really cool shops in Málaga too. 

A couple of my favorites were: 

• Celyan Málaga– A store with traditional Flamenco fans and hair clips, and they also made custom hats
• La Botica de los Perfumes– A place where you can create your own custom perfume. There were hundreds of scents available and a bottle only cost about €12
• Druni Perfumerias– A huge makeup store but it had flowers and decor all over the ceiling, it was really beautiful
• Some really cool t-shirt stores
• A really large comic book store with a bunch of nerd stuff

Travel Tips for Visiting Málaga

• Best time to visit: Spring and early fall have warm weather without summer crowds. August is peak heat season, so prepare to melt slightly.

• Getting around: The city center is walkable. For longer distances, buses are cheap and taxis/ride apps are reliable. Renting a bike is also fun near the port.

• Book museums ahead: The Alcazaba and museums can have lines on weekends. Grab tickets online to save time and reduce sidewalk rage.

• Tapas culture: Many restaurants serve smaller portions which makes it easy to try lots of dishes. Don’t be shy about ordering one at a time.

• Gluten-free friendliness: Málaga is surprisingly good for gluten-free dining. Always double check about shared fryers if you’re celiac.

• Stay near the center: The Historic Center, Soho, and La Malagueta put you within walking distance of most attractions.

• Beach towels: If you do head to the beach, bring your own towel. Renting chairs is an option but can add up fast.

• Sun protection: The sun here is enthusiastic. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and water are non-negotiable, especially in summer.

• Day trips: Málaga makes a great base for exploring nearby places like Ronda, Marbella, or Nerja if you have an extra day.

• Siesta hours are real: Some shops close mid-afternoon. Use the time to eat, nap, or pretend to be a civilized person who naps.

• Cash helps: Cards are accepted almost everywhere but having a little cash is useful for markets or small cafés.

• Local festivals: Andalucía loves celebrations. Check event calendars because festivals, parades, and markets randomly happen and are always worth seeing.

Other Sites to Check Out

• Picasso Museum and Casa Natal Picasso for art lovers and anyone curious about Picasso’s early life.
• Gibralfaro Castle for panoramic city views and a solid leg workout.
• Muelle Uno a waterfront shopping and dining area with views of the port and the lighthouse.
• Pompidou Centre Málaga the colorful glass cube museum with rotating modern art exhibits.
• Mercado Central de Atarazanas a lively food market with fresh produce, fish, meats, and local snacks.
• Soho District for murals, galleries, thrift shops, and street art.
• Roman Theatre an ancient open-air theatre at the foot of the Alcazaba.
• La Malagueta Beach for sun, sangria, and people-watching if you have extra time.
• Automobile and Fashion Museum surprisingly cool mix of vintage cars and haute couture.
• Botanical Garden La Concepción tropical vibes, shade, and a peaceful escape from the city heat.

Final Thoughts

Málaga surprised me in the best way. It felt vibrant and busy without being overwhelming, packed with culture and incredible food, and priced in a way that doesn’t make you regret your life choices. We stayed 4 nights but could have easily added a couple more days.

If you’re heading to Spain and want a city that blends history, art, food, nightlife and warm seaside energy, I’d absolutely recommend adding Málaga to your itinerary.

Thank you for reading! You can follow me on Instagram to see more about my trip to Málaga as well as my daily life as an expat living in Portugal. 💙