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Discover the real Málaga
Costa del Sol · Andalusia · Spain

Discover the real Málaga

Sun-soaked beaches, Moorish fortresses, world-class museums and the best tapas in Andalusia — curated by locals who actually live here.

300+
days of sunshine
160+
handpicked spots
15
min from the airport

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Local recommendations

Six things we’d tell a friend visiting for the first time.

Recommendations based on the real experiences of visitors arriving in Málaga every day.

Eat on local time

Lunch is the main meal (2–4pm) and dinner rarely starts before 9pm. Restaurants that serve at 6pm are usually tourist traps — wait, and eat far better.

Order the espeto

Sardines skewered and grilled over driftwood on the beach are the single most “Málaga” thing you can eat. Best at the chiringuitos of Pedregalejo and El Palo.

Tap to pay everywhere

Contactless cards work on buses, trains and almost all bars. You rarely need cash, and tipping is optional — just round up.

Start early in summer

In July and August, do the Alcazaba and beaches before 11am, take a long lunch and siesta, then head out again in the cooler evening.

Walk, don’t drive

The centre is compact and pedestrianised. Skip the rental car unless you’re doing rural day trips — parking in the centre is a headache.

Go free on Sundays

The Alcazaba is free on Sunday afternoons and the Picasso Museum opens its doors free for the last two hours. Plan your culture around it.

Map

Explore the map

Every spot we love, pinned in one place.

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Themed maps

Themed maps

Curated maps for the things you really came for.

FAQ

Real questions from tourists

The things first-timers actually ask, answered honestly.

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For a glamorous beach-and-shopping day, yes — Marbella has lovely sandy beaches, a pretty old town and the yacht-lined Puerto Banús. But for a first trip we’d base ourselves in Málaga (more to do, better value, closer to the airport) and treat Marbella as an optional day trip.

Costa del Sol · Andalusia · Spain

Plan your trip