MALAGA, SPAIN
Málaga is a municipality of Spain and the capital of the province of Málaga, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. With a population of 592,346 in 2024, it is the 2nd-largest city in Andalusia and the 6th-largest in the country. It lies in Southern Iberia on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) of the Mediterranean, primarily on the left bank of the Guadalhorce. The urban core originally developed in the space between the Gibralfaro Hill and the Guadalmedina. Throughout Malaga's history, its privileged geographic situation has attracted travellers, merchants, settlers and warriors who have left their mark on what is now a cosmopolitan, universal, open, relaxed and hospitable city.
TRANSPORT INFO
How to get to Malaga
Air
Málaga airport (AGP) is in the southeast of the capital, in the Churriana district.
To go from the airport to the city centre, there is the local train line C-1 from the airport to the city centre. It´s a direct train, and the journey takes only 12 minutes. The nearest stop to the city centre is Centro Alameda, and a standard ticket is 1,80 €.
There is also the bus line A or « Aeropuerto Exprés ». The main bus stops downtown are: Maria Zambrano train station, bus station, Avda. Andalucía and Alameda Principal. Journey time by bus is approximately 27 minutes to the city centre. A standard ticket is 4 €.
Getting around in Malaga
Taxi
Taxis in Málaga are abundant and operate with a meter. The total amount due must be displayed on the meter, and a receipt can be requested. Most taxis also have an electronic payment terminal, allowing you to pay by credit card.
Car
Málaga offers numerous car hire agencies. However, traffic and parking can be challenging in the city centre, especially during high season.
Bus
The municipal company EMT Málaga manages the bus network, which covers the city with more than 50 lines. Buses are an accessible and economical option to get around both the city centre and the outskirts. A single bus ticket is 1,40€.
Metro
With two main lines, the metro connects key points of the city such as María Zambrano train station, the Clinical Hospital, and the Sports Palace. It is a quick way to avoid traffic, especially during peak hours. The price of a single ticket goes from 1,35€ to 1,65€ depending on the distance.
Commuter train (Cercanías Renfe)
The C1 line connects Málaga city centre with nearby towns such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola. It is an excellent option for exploring the coast and enjoying the beaches outside the urban centre. These transport options are well integrated, allowing you to easily move around and combine different modes to reach your destination efficiently. A single ticket costs between 1,80€ and 3,60€ depending on the destination.
Bicycle
The city also has numerous bike lanes and rental services. The MálagaBici has stopped working, but the city of Málaga aims to replace it with a new service in 2026. In the meantime, there are many private renters, such as Malaga Bike. A bicycle is ideal for exploring the seafront and parks.
Practical tips – Need to know
Language: Spanish
Currency: EUR Euro
Time zone: GMT + 1
Country code: + 34
Voltage: 230 V
Electrical socket: Type F (Schuko)
Tourist Contacts:
+34 951 92 60 10
Internet Resources:
General emergency number: 112
Explore city centre
Alcazaba de Málaga
The Alcazaba of Málaga is a fortress-palace of the Muslim rulers of the city, situated on a hill on the slope of Mount Gibralfaro. It was built in the 11th century on the ruins of another Roman stronghold. It consisted of 110 main towers and some smaller ones. The Tower of Homage stands out. Its main feature is the three concentric walls that surround it, giving it a highly secure military character compared to other similar constructions in Muslim Spain. Opening hours: Mon-Sun & public holiday 9 am- 18:00. Ticket price: 3,50 € (Combined visit Alcazaba-Gibralfaro: 5,50 €).
Castillo de Gibralfaro
As a lookout post, Gibralfaro Castle can be considered linked to the origins of Malaga as a human settlement. It must have existed before Roman domination, but it was the Arabs who gave it the structure of a fortress. The mountain was called "Jabal-Faruk" (lighthouse mountain), from which its current name is said to come. In the first half of the fourteenth century, Yusuf Y built the castle and other outbuildings. The Catholic Monarchs designated the Castle of Gibralfaro for the coat of arms they gave to the city in 1494. Opening hours: From April 1st, 2026, to October 31st, 2026: Mon-Sun: 9 am-8 pm. From November 1st, 2026, to March 31st, 2027: Mon-Sun: 9am-6pm
Catedral de Málaga
Catedral de Málaga construction, following plans by Diego de Siloé, covers the period from the middle of the sixteenth century to the end of the eighteenth century, the date on which, by royal order, the stoppage of the works was ordered. The Cathedral of Malaga perfectly combines various architectural styles: Gothic in its floor plan, Renaissance in its elevation and chancel, and Baroque in its main façade and in the decoration of its roofs. Among his works of art, the Choir Stalls, by Pedro de Mena, stand out. Opening hours: From March 30th, 2026, to May 30th, 2026: Mon-Fri: 10:30 am-7:30 pm, Saturday: 10:30 am-6 pm. Sun & Bank Holiday: 2 pm-6 pm
Museo Picasso Málaga
The Picasso Museum Malaga responds to the artist's wish that his work be present in the city of Malaga, where he was born in 1881. The 233 works in the Museo Picasso Málaga Collection encompass Picasso's revolutionary innovations, as well as the wide variety of styles, materials and techniques that he mastered. From his early academic studies to his personal vision of classicism, from the superimposed planes of Cubism to his research with ceramics, from his interpretation of the great masters to the latest paintings of the seventies. Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 10 am–6 pm
Museo del Vidrio y Cristal de Málaga
The Museum of Glass and Crystal of Malaga is located in a preserved 18th-century house, offering a glimpse into the city’s historic domestic architecture. Its collection includes glass, crystal, paintings, furniture, and decorative objects that reflect European everyday life from ancient times to the modern era. Visits are guided and available in Spanish, English, French, and Italian. Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 11 am-7 pm
