ES · Andalusia · 36.72°N 4.42°W

málaga

A hilltop Moorish fortress, Picasso paintings and sardines grilled beside the sea.

Best time
April–June and September–October are warm and sunny, good for sights and swimming. July–August are hot and busy; winter is mild and sunny, among the warmest in Europe, though too cool for the sea.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly with one stop, usually via Istanbul, about 18–20 hours all in, or fly to Madrid and take the fast train (under 3 hours). The airport train reaches the centre in about 15 minutes. Spain is 6 hours behind KL in summer and 7 in winter.
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ES · Andalusiamálaga36.72°N 4.42°Wgowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A hilltop Moorish fortress, Picasso paintings and sardines grilled beside the sea.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMálagaES, Andalusia
KLmálaga
≈ 11,221 km from KL, as the crow flies
Panoramic view of Malaga, Spain. Picture taken from Gibralfaro

Photo: Kiban · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Málaga is more than the airport for the Costa del Sol. Picasso was born here, a Moorish fortress climbs the hill above a Roman theatre, and the beaches start a short walk from the old town.

Makan

  1. Espetos de sardinasSardines on a skewer, grilled over embers in an old boat filled with sand.Map ↗
  2. AjoblancoCold almond-and-garlic soup, often served with grapes.Map ↗
  3. Boquerones fritosFresh anchovies, floured and fried crisp.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. AlcazabaA Moorish fortress of arches, courtyards and fountains, right above the Roman theatre.Map ↗
  2. GibralfaroThe castle at the top of the hill, with walls to walk and the best view over the port and city.Map ↗
  3. Picasso MuseumA big collection of Picasso's work in an old-town palace, a few streets from the house where he was born.Map ↗
  4. PedregalejoAn old fishing quarter by the beach, lined with grills cooking sardines on skewers.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Walk up to Gibralfaro in the morning; the path is steep and has little shade. You can also take the bus up and walk down.
  • Halal is fairly easy, with plenty of Moroccan and kebab places in the city, and the beach grills do fish.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.