Malaga Travel Guide
A splendid old-world ambience pervades the vibrant city of Malaga, which is the gateway to Spain's gorgeous Costa del Sol region. Local yellow-sand beaches are a must for sun chasers; wandering the marvellous historic centre and dining at fabulous tapas restaurants are par for the course in the place that gifted Picasso to the world.
Like most Andalusian cities, the holiday retreat of Malaga has Moorish roots and its illustrious past has left an imprint on the historic centre, particularly around the fortress of La Alcazaba. Dating from 1065, it's now an archaeological museum. The destination's rich heritage also shows through the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque structures spread throughout its streets.
Of course, Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the city features several galleries displaying his work. Most notable is the 16th-century Museum of Fine Arts, which lies alongside the cathedral. Picasso's birthplace in Plaza Merced is open to the public and showcases his life and works. Malaga's famous botanical garden is situated on the Calle Alameda and dates from the days when the area was a popular winter holiday resort for the rich and famous.
Naturally the stunning golden beaches and warm blue waters are a big draw for the many holidaymakers who descend on this Spanish city. Watersports such as scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, and kite surfing abound, and the more adventurous visitors can take short daytrips to the beautiful beaches of Nerja or Motril.
For those who can pull themselves away from the beaches, this part of Spain has been playfully dubbed the 'Costa del Golf' due to its 39 golf courses. Year-round sunny weather and low course fees make a round or two a great option.
Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and has the requisite high-quality nightlife. Venues include nightclubs, tapas bars and traditional flamenco performances. Some of the best bars and clubs can be found around Plaza del Merced and Plaza Uncibay, while the areas of Malagueta and Pedragalejo have lively beach bars in summer.
Things to do in Malaga
Getting Around
Malaga is serviced by a comprehensive bus system, and has a limited metro and train system. The rail, however, is only really useful for travelling between Malaga and other cities and towns. A quicker way to get around is hiring Malaga's famous bike taxis, or regular taxis, though this can become expensive. Renting a car is a popular option, especially for travellers wishing to take excursions to other parts of the Costa del Sol. There are also several companies offering bicycle hire. Taxis are easily hailed on the streets, but central Malaga is quite compact and easy to walk around while sightseeing. Uber and Bolt operate in the city as well.
Malaga Climate and Weather
Malaga enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with sunny, hot summer weather, and mild winters, making it a great holiday destination year-round. The coastline receives more than 320 days of sunshine a year.
Summer temperatures reach an average high of 86ºF (30ºC), and the winter temperatures seldom drop below 50ºF (10ºC) on the coast. Rainfall is sporadic and mostly limited to the winter months, with the majority falling in November and December; the rain usually comes in the form of intermittent, light showers that give way quickly to sun and blue skies.
The temperature of the ocean seldom falls below 68ºF (20ºC), so swimming is almost always a possibility and is enjoyed in spring and autumn as well as summer. Summer, between June and August, when the heat is tempered by frequent sea breezes, is by far the most popular time to visit Malaga. Spring, especially late April and May, when temperatures average between 73ºF and 80ºF (23ºC and 27ºC), is also a glorious time to visit.
Spain travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.
Money
Spain's official currency is the euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In established restaurants, tips of about 10 percent are expected. Drivers of metered taxis expect small tips and it's customary to tip about 5 to 10 percent for most services, including guides.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Medical facilities are good but comprehensive travel insurance is always advised. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries that provides emergency health care for EU travellers on the same terms as Spanish nationals. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should take any medication they require along with them, in its original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed.
Safety
Most visits to Spain are trouble-free except for occasional street crime. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is most common in larger cities, particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends, and especially on public transport and in tourist areas. Thieves may work alone or in groups; visitors should be wary of strangers who offer or ask for help of any kind, or inform them of a stain on their clothes, as these are often ways of providing a distraction for accomplices. There are also scams involving letters for outstanding traffic fines or Spanish lottery winnings. Travellers can avoid incidents if they exercise all the normal precautions.
Local customs
Smoking in public places is banned and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, non-smoking areas of bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children. Drinking alcohol in the streets of Madrid and the streets of the Canary and Balearic Islands is illegal.
Doing business
The business culture in Spain is slowly shifting but, for now, it's entrenched in tradition and it can take some time for foreigners to gain a foothold in the Spanish working world. It's important never to undermine authority as hierarchy is central to Spain's business world. Managers tend to make decisions without considering input from their colleagues.
A strong emphasis is placed on social status, character attributes, and personal pride. Success is often hinged upon being well-dressed, honourable, and dignified, while also exhibiting great social skills. Business meetings are generally conducted face-to-face and can go on for long periods, as Spaniards prefer long deliberations in order to avoid uncertainty in corporate dealings. Business meetings in Spain tend to tread a fine line between personal and formal.
Conducting business in Spain can entail navigation through a lot of red tape and bureaucracy. Spanish is the language of business, but some of the larger multinationals conduct meetings in both English and Spanish. Business hours are often quite varied, but generally open by 9am and close in the mid-evening with a two-hour lunch break during the early afternoon.
Business attire is quite conservative with men wearing dark or linen suits, shirts and silk ties. Women should wear modest dresses or tailored suits. Brand names or labels attract affirmation from colleagues and associates.
After the conclusion of successful negotiations, gifts are appropriate. Gifts should be of high quality and, when receiving a gift, it should be opened in front of the giver. Business cards are important and should be bilingual. Meetings are best scheduled for mid-morning, and establishing a formal yet personable environment is important before beginning. Meetings often occur over lunches and dinners.
Duty free
Travellers from EU countries are allowed the following items duty free: 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg tobacco; 110 litres beer; 90 litres wine; and 10 litres spirit. Travellers from non-EU countries may have 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits, 4 litres wine, and 16 litres beer.
Communications
The international access code for Spain is +34. WiFi is widely available; travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, allowing the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EU nationals must hold a return or onward ticket, all necessary documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Spain. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
United States citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
British citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Canadian citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Australian citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
South African citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is required.
Irish nationals require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary.
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Useful contacts
Spanish Tourist Office, Madrid: www.spain.info.
112 (General).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Spanish Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 452 0100.
Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 0207 235 5555.
Spanish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 747 2252.
Spanish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 02 6273 3555.
Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 012 460 0123 (ext. 116/117).
Spanish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 01 283 9900.
Spanish Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 04 802 5665.
Embassies / consulates in Spain
United States Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 587 2200.
British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 714 6300.
Canadian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 382 8400.
Australian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 353 6600.
South African Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 3780.
Irish Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 4093.
New Zealand Embassy, Madrid: +34 915 230 226.