Escape to a cityscape of gardens, beaches, and bygone times
Carve out time for this cultural gem in Spain's Costa del Sol region. Animado (lively) Malaga is a really old place. It's a magical mix of modern glitz and age-old wonders, and high-rise hotels among ancient Roman and Moorish structures. Golden beaches surround the bustling Port of Malaga, which dates back to 600 B.C. The abstract master Pablo Picasso was born here, giving Malaga a claim to artistic fame. You'll always get a grande taste of Spanish culture, whether your Malaga vacation rental is on the beach or in the historic city center.
Let the abstract art attract you and the history astound you
When you're not basking on 1 of the beaches, try some rides at Tivoli World, a theme park with thrills, shows, and illuminated gardens. And then the rest is history, literally. You've got the Alcazaba, an impressive 11th-century fortress overlooking the city. And while you're there, enjoy the fountain-filled gardens and the 1st-century Roman amphitheater. Malaga Cathedral, also a museum, has ornate baroque architecture. Museo Picasso is a must, featuring 200 works by the master of artistic abstraction in a restored 16th-century palace. Finally, Jardin Botanico-Historico La Concepcion, is a 1800s garden with gorgeous tropical flowers from 5 continents.
From fiestas to siestas, there's mucho to see and do
What can't you do in this thoroughly walkable city? Stroll along the Paseo del Parque, a harborside promenade with cafes, bars, and shops, plus a park with statues and fountains. After a day of admiring ancient buildings and abstract art, satisfy your stomach with some gazpacho, pescaito frito (fried fish), and sweet Malaga wine. And no matter what beach is your bag, you'll find it here. Caleta Beach has mini-gyms while Malagueta Beach has a playground. Get ready to party because Malagans love their fiestas: there's a Spanish culture fest in August and the Holy Week Festival during Easter.
Sea breezes help you beat the heat in Costa del Sol
They don't call it the Coast of the Sun for nothing. With Malaga vacation rentals, you can sightsee under sunny skies almost all year-round, sprinkled with some refreshing but occasional November rains. The beaches are swarmed in the summer, when the Mediterranean waters are warm, the weather is hot, and the sea breezes are cool. And winters are warm too, with average temps in the 60s. Many travelers come here during Easter for the Holy Week festival, and Malaga Fair, with flamenco dancing and bullfighting, makes August a hot time to visit, too.
You'll go gaga for the magnificent coast of Malaga
No matter where your Malaga vacation rental is, chances are you'll have a pretty sweet view of its epic skyline. It sits on Spain's southern coast, bordered by the Montes de Malaga mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea. This densely populated urban city has more than 1 million people living in the area. But there's plenty of room for nature too, which you can admire at 1 of the botanical gardens, or Montes de Malaga Natural Park. The park has miles of trails, soaring pines, and waterfalls, as well as hundreds of wildlife species like lizards, boars, and eagles.
Transportation options to and around Málaga
Fly into Malaga Airport (AGP), the closest airport, located 4.9 mi (7.9 km) from the city center.
If you prefer train travel, make your way to Málaga María Zambrano Station or Malaga (YJM-Malaga Train Station) and explore the city from there. You can see more of Málaga by jumping on the metro at La Marina Station, Guadalmedina Station or La Malagueta Station.