The ultimate guide to Málaga, culture capital of southern Spain

Málaga, situated on Spain’s sun-soaked Costa del Sol, is more than just a gateway to the beautiful beaches of southern Spain. This vibrant port city is a blend of ancient history, modern culture, and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. From its bustling waterfront to the charming old town filled with tapas bars and boutique shops, Málaga offers a little bit of everything. Whether you're exploring the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, strolling through the Picasso Museum, or simply soaking up the sun on the city's golden beaches, Málaga is a destination that captures the essence of Andalusia with every turn.

You’ve got the beautiful beaches right next to a buzzing urban centre, so it’s easy to spend your day soaking up the sun and then head into town for some great food and nightlife. The mix of history and modern culture is really refreshing too—one minute you're checking out a centuries-old castle, and the next you're wandering through trendy shops and art galleries. It’s a city that feels vibrant but not overwhelming, which makes it really easy to enjoy.

We saw some incredible sand sculptures down at the beach.

Accomodation

I recommend H10 Croma Málaga, a new hotel in a great location. Read my full review here.

Restaurants

Dynamit, a gorgeous, Swedish owned restaurant, is a great choice for dinner. We loved the food, service and vibe here - read my full review here.

Another great choice is El Pimpi - a Málaga instiution. We had the most delicious jamón and pil pil prawns here.

Málaga hits the perfect balance between coastal relaxation and city excitement. Whether you're into exploring historic sites, enjoying a good meal, or just unwinding by the sea, this city has a bit of everything without ever feeling over the top. It's a place that invites you to enjoy life at your own pace, with plenty to discover but no pressure to rush. If you’re looking for a destination that offers the best of both worlds, Málaga is definitely worth a visit.

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Málaga hits the perfect balance between coastal relaxation and city excitement. Whether you're into exploring historic sites, enjoying a good meal, or just unwinding by the sea, this city has a bit of everything without ever feeling over the top. It's a place that invites you to enjoy life at your own pace, with plenty to discover but no pressure to rush. If you’re looking for a destination that offers the best of both worlds, Málaga is definitely worth a visit.

Have you visited Málaga? Tell me about your experience in the comments!