The ultimate hotel guide on the best accommodations and places to stay in Malaga
Malaga embodies a combination of all benefits — a resort, an important port, cultural, economic and financial center of Andalusia. A direct flight from many cities makes Malaga very attractive for tourists from all over the world. Malaga is an ancient city with a rich history and many interesting sights. At every step, you can find a church with luxurious decoration, as well as two beautiful fortresses on the hill — Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. Malaga has many museums and pleasant parks, including an ancient botanical garden.
The life that runs through the city where Picasso was born will definitely surprise Malaga travelers. Walking through the historic center of the city among friendly people is extremely pleasant.
You can easily find the city's cathedral, built on the same site where the mosque stood during the Spanish-Muslim rule in the city, close to the Picasso Museum. It is located in a secluded street with cobblestone pavement, inside the Bellavista Palace. A stone's throw from here, in the Plaza de la Merced, the house in which Picasso was born has been converted into the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation.
It would not be a bad idea to travel aimlessly, but if you're a person who likes to organize, you could use some of our recommended routes. The first one starts from Larios Monument and then heads towards Paseo del Parque, the Palacio de la Aduana, the Town Hall, and the famous bullring, the arena that inspired Pablo Picasso. To complete the second of the routes proposed here, we will have to return to Larios Monument that we already know from the first tour. From there, and now walking towards the cathedral, you will find the Palacio del Obispado and Pasaje de Chinitas. The old Roman theater and Alcazaba will be just a stone's throw away.
If you want to immerse yourself in the lives of the people and the places you visit, you will have to head to Calle Larios, the place where Malaga residents express much of their social life. Here you can watch the locals walking around, doing their shopping, and waiting for their tapas in one of the traditional taverns in the area. Then, at the end of the street, the timeless Plaza de la Merced with its restaurants and cafes awaits you.
Best Hotels in Malaga, Spain
We have different options for your best experience in the city, depending on your travel purpose and budget.
For an upscale experience, try booking one of our luxury deals:
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Villa Padierna Thermas de Carratraca
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Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar
We recommend these top 5-star hotels:
Our mid-scale recommendations include these top 4-star hotels:
To enjoy your trip in a 3-star property, check these great options:
If you want to save your money, have a look at these hotels:
Boutique Hotels in Malaga
These boutique hotels in Malaga are highly rated by couples: La Casa Azul B&B + Apartments, Suites Del Pintor and Molina Lario.
Molina Lario, Mariposa Hotel Malaga and Room Mate Larios are also some of our popular deals in Malaga.
These options are perfect for traveling with kids:
If you're planning to swim during your stay, book one of our best hotels with pools:
Best Malaga Beach Hotels
Within the boundaries of Malaga (Andalusia, Spain) there are many official and several wild beaches that invariably attract crowds of townspeople and visitors from spring to late autumn. Access to the beaches is free. Playgrounds, rent of sun loungers, umbrellas, equipment for water sports, showers, toilets are available on site.
To stay near a beach in Malaga, choose one of your popular properties:
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Vincci Málaga
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Parador de Málaga Golf
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Vincci Málaga
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Sol Principe
If you're on a budget trip, these options near a beach are suitable for your stay:
To stay in a stylish hotel close to the beach, check these recommended accommodations:
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Vincci Selección Aleysa, Hotel Boutique & Spa
Where to stay near Malaga airport
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, more often referred to as simply Malaga Airport (Aeropuerto de Malaga - Costa del Sol) is a major international airport serving domestic and international flights, both regular and seasonal.
For travelers looking for a stay close to the airport, there are many hotels available to fit their needs. You will easily get to Malaga airport by bus or Suburban train from the city center.
Hotels in Malaga Close To The Airport
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Pardor de Málaga Goalf
Malaga neighborhoods
To get a good idea of the city and its culture, it is recommended to visit the main areas of Malaga. These are the most interesting:
La Malagueta, located between the port and the beach with the same name. Its aesthetics, accessibility, and museums, such as the Pompidou or Thyssen, have made it fashionable.
On Mount Gibralfaro, you can visit the Gibralfaro Castle and observation deck, surrounded by nature, offering beautiful views of the city.
La Merced area is located nearby, full of culture, restaurants, with Picasso's house and Cervantes theater to discover.
La Victoria is home to some of the most important historic sites such as the Basilica and the Royal Sanctuary of Victoria.
The Historic Center is without a doubt one of the main attractions of the city. It is close to the beaches, ideal for your stay close to everything. Here you can find the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum, as well as Malaga Park and the Atarazanas Market.
If you're a fan of authentic urban art and graffiti, you will certainly like Lagunillas and Soho. Previously somewhat abandoned, it now features a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and hostels.
Choose a hotel in the historic center of Malaga to have the city's most representative sights close at hand. Choose the La Merced area to be close to the Picasso Museum, the famous Calle Larios street or the Cathedral of the Incarnation. You can also book a hotel near Malagueta Beach if you want direct access to Gibralfaro Castle and its observation deck, as well as of course its magnificent city beach, so close to the very center of the city.
How to get around Malaga
Malaga, as a cosmopolitan city, is well connected and offers excellent public transport such as the city bus.
Walking is a good option in this city because once you are in the historic center, you can walk to all the attractions. If you don't have your own car and want to get around without depending on someone else, the best option is to rent a car.
Hotels in Malaga old town and City center
Malaga's old town is the historical center and heart of the city. It is very compact and can be easily explored on foot in one day. However, despite its small size, it is here that most of the historical architectural monuments and sights of the city are concentrated.
The streets of Malaga's historic center are inherently narrow and impressive. Here you can find old historical buildings, museums and churches, as well as small squares with cafes and restaurants, shops and boutiques, salons and banks, nightclubs and souvenir shops.
For the best experience in Malaga city center, check these hotels:
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Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
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Mariposa Hotel Malaga
The most popular 4-star hotels in Malaga old town are:
All-inclusive in Malaga
All-inclusive hotels in Malaga are the ideal solution for vacationers who value their time. You do not need to leave the hotel - three meals a day will be included in the price. Typically, meals are served buffet-style, allowing guests to choose the diet that suits them.
Traditionally, all-inclusive hotels have the status of 4 or 5 stars and offer a wide range of additional services: swimming pool, water park, spa treatments, entertainment for children.
The best accommodation for Spa Holidays
Malaga is the ideal destination for a luxury spa break, thanks to the country's excellent climate and beautiful beaches, as well as modern and luxurious hotels and resorts.
If you want a little break from your daily life, a spa getaway is exactly what you need. Luxury spa hotels are the perfect destination for a luxury, a romantic or a beach getaway with extra pampering treatments. Our selection of the best spa hotels in Malaga includes Malaga's leading 5-star hotels. Open our selection below or contact us for more information.
The best spa resorts that we offer:
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Ilunion Málaga
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Estival Torrequebrada
Luxury Spa Resorts for your ideal getaway:
Villa Padierna Thermas de Carratraca
Gran Hotel Miramar GL
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort
Marbella Club Hotel – Golf Resort & Spa
Climate in Malaga
Malaga has a Mediterranean climate with pleasant sunny days and mild nights. This city with an average temperature of 18.5 ° C is an ideal place to visit at any time of the year.