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Málaga, Costa del Sol

Things to Do in Málaga — Local Insider Guide by CostaExcursions

We live and guide here, so this is the shortlist we actually send to friends: where to eat, which monuments deserve the hour, the beaches worth the walk and the viewpoints best at sunset. Every entry opens with directions and our own note on why we love it.

Where to eat in Málaga

From century-old tapas houses in the old town to the beach chiringuitos where sardines are still grilled on the espeto, these are the tables we book for our own guests.

Best bars and tapas stops

Sweet Málaga wine straight from the barrel, vermouth on a marble counter, rooftop terraces facing the cathedral — a short crawl through our favourite rounds.

Historic Málaga: monuments and museums

Two thousand years of city in a walkable centre: Roman theatre, Moorish fortresses and the cathedral locals nicknamed La Manquita.

Secret viewpoints over the bay

The best free thing to do in Málaga is climb a little. These are the terraces and miradores where the whole coast opens up, and the best hour to arrive.

City beaches worth your towel

Málaga's coastline runs from busy Malagueta to the fishing-village sand of Pedregalejo — here's which stretch suits which kind of day.

Activities and days out

Markets, gardens, boat trips and walks — things to do in Málaga when you want more than a museum queue.

Shopping like a local

Olive oil, ceramics, espadrilles and sweet wine: independent shops where the souvenirs are actually worth carrying home.

Planning your days

Málaga's centre is compact and flat, so most of this guide is walkable in a morning and an evening. Save the fortresses for early, keep the beach for the hottest hours, and let the tapas crawl start after 8pm like it does for locals. Heading west along the coast? Our Marbella favourites are in the same guide.