Flights to Malaga

Travellers often pass through Malaga on their way to a Costa del Sol resort, but this city holds its own as a holiday destination. Book flights from the UK to Malaga with Airinme.com. 

Malaga boasts year-round warmth, mesmerising Moorish architecture and world-class museums, with electric nightlife to boot. Famous for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, visitors from all over the world flock to the Picasso Museum and the artist's birthplace. It's a great holiday destination for foodies too, as every corner is filled with the smells of delectable grilled seafood and the fragrance of sweet Malaga wine. Discover the joys of Malaga when you book a city break with Airinme.com today. 

Things to do in Malaga 

1.    Malaga is renowned the world over as the birthplace of the great artist, Pablo Picasso. See Museo Casa Natal (the "Birthplace Museum") at Plaza de la Merced and visit the acclaimed Museo Picasso, which opened in 2003.

2.    Alcazaba is Malaga's most famous historic landmark. This huge fortress was built by Moorish rulers in the 11th century to protect the city from invasion and is one of the most impressive of its kind in Spain.

3.    The Roman Theatre next to Alcazaba is even older, dating back to the first century BC. Some of its ruins were used to build the neighbouring fortress and restoration work is ongoing.

4.    Gibralfaro is a hill that overlooks Malaga. The Moorish castle that sits here offers visitors exceptional views across the city and the Mediterranean Sea, so it's well worth a visit with your camera in tow.

5.    The captivating Malaga Cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque and is one of the city's most prized buildings. Constructed between 1528 and 1782, it's an enticing blend of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque influences.

6.    With over 2000 plant species and diverse birdlife, the Botanic Gardens is an oasis of serenity for visitors in Malaga. It's a huge place so plan your visit ahead of time by picking one of its many routes.

7.    Want to grab a quick spot of sunbathing in the city? Playa de La Malagueta – also known as Malaga Beach – is a popular beach near the city, with many cafés and restaurants nearby.

8.    The Picasso Museum might be the most famous, but it's by no means the only museum in the city. Don't miss Museo Carmen Thyssen and Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Malaga for two first-rate art collections in Malaga.

9.    Malaga is famous for its sweet wine, which can be sampled in bars and restaurants across the city. Take a Malaga wine tour to find out more about this delightful local tipple.

10.  Had enough of Malaga? Take a day trip to one of the fascinating cities nearby, like Granada (home to the impressive Alhambra palace), Seville, Cordoba or Jerez, which is known for its sherry.

Shopping in Malaga

No trip to the Costa del Sol is complete without a day's shopping in Malaga, which boasts a variety of local markets and high-end designer boutiques. 

Calle Marqués de Larios

Malaga's central shopping street, this pedestrianised walkway is the epitome of chic. You'll find major global retailers here, as well as an excellent range of shops selling fashionable Spanish-made shoes. Don't forget to explore the surrounding lanes for hidden gems. 

Atarazanas Central Market

Immerse yourself in Malaga's main market, a bustling hub of activity that dates back to 14th century Moorish rule. It's a great place to buy fresh local food and drink at reasonable prices, especially if you're staying in self-catered accommodation. 

Eating in Malaga

Malaga boasts some of the best restaurants in the Costa del Sol and puts its own local spin on famous Spanish dishes. 

Fried fish

Malagueños have a huge appetite for seafood, and their favourite way to eat it is deep-fried. Look out for boquerones (anchovies fried in olive oil) and fritura malagueña (mixed fried seafood, usually including sardines, red mullet and cuttlefish). 

Cold soups

Cold soups may sound odd to the British ear but they're the ideal way to cool off in the Malaga heat. Try ajoblanco (white almond and garlic soup, topped with grapes) and the classic gazpacho (a tomato, garlic, stale bread and vegetable soup garnished with hard-boiled egg). 

El Tintero

El Tintero is one of Malaga's most famous beach restaurants and the ideal place to taste delicious seafood on your first visit to the city. 

Insider's Tips 

Call 112, the Pan-European Emergency Number, if you need the police, ambulance or fire brigade. 

Malaga is a compact city and it's easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. There are now several bike lanes around the city and the historic centre and harbour are out of bounds for motor vehicles, so cycling is relatively safe. 

Want to pack another continent into your trip? Take a day trip from Malaga to Tangier in Morocco, which is just across the Mediterranean Sea. 

Getting from Malaga Airport 

By train

An underground train service connects T3 at Malaga Airport with Malaga city centre in around 12 minutes. You can also take the train to nearby Costa del Sol resorts, including Torremolinos and Fuengirola. 

By bus

The A Express Line bus takes travellers from the airport to the city centre in 15 minutes. There are additional buses to popular tourist areas, including Benalmádena and Torremolinos. 

Taxis, car hire and airport transfers

There is a taxi rank outside the arrivals hall at T3. If you're planning to drive in the Costa del Sol, there are several car rental desks at Malaga Airport. Private airport transfers can also be arranged between the airport and your accommodation. 

See Malaga Airport for more information on transport.