Malaga is the largest city on the Spanish Costa Del Sol and the capital of Malagaprovince, which is part of the beautiful region of AndalusiaThe city is a delightful metropolis where many cultures thrive, and the range of offerings is large and varied.
During the crisis years, the city has undergone a spectacular transformation, and now boasts a newly built port area with restaurants and exclusive shops; wide, clean and delicious avenues, a noted spin-off museum to the Centre Pompidou, and much more. Our agent who first moved to Malaga over 20 years ago says that he has always loved the city, but that it is now the biggest gem on Costa del Sol. Many agree. Rough Guide named the city the “second best city in the world to visit”. The city is also, from 2020 onwards, named capital of Smart Tourism (along with Gothenburg!) by the European Commission. This is thanks to Malaga exemplary focus on: sustainability, accessibility (also for older individuals and those with special needs), creativity, heritage and culture, and digitalization with the aim of simplifying life for both visitors and locals.
Most things point to Malaga being at the beginning of a new era of greatness. The architectural beautification of the city was the spark; the street art, the restaurant scene, the shopping and the frenetic partying are the fuel. According to a 2019 EU study, the city has the 9th best quality of life in the Eurozone, leading the domestic Spanish league ahead of Madrid. The study weighed in on aspects such as infrastructure, integration, working conditions, the environment, green spaces and cleanliness.
Not only did the Spanish Prime Minister recently declare Malaga “the city of the future.” The New York Times recently wrote again about how Malaga is the fastest-rising cultural star in Europe. It all started with the acclaimed mayor, Francisco de la Torre, opening the Picasso Museum in 2003. The mayor also tells the New York Times that “We have big plans for the city, and more will follow on from the work we have already done.” The following week, a group of Arab businessmen revealed that they will build a spectacular skyscraper with a casino and luxury hotel in the new port area of Malaga. Read our great article about investing in Spain.
Nightlife Malaga
Malaga is the most populous and international city in Costa del Sol enriched with lots of restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world. The nightlife is an experience in itself with bars and discos and pubs and guys and gals dancing around until dawn. The popular tapas bars are crowded with Flamenco shows and clubs with “modern” music.
In Malaga people usually don't go out and party until midnight, so don't be alarmed if it seems deserted when you go out at night in "Swedish time". The Spanish start their partying late and finish in the early hours of the morning. If you like partying and speed, Easter week is the best time of year to visit Malaga, when the streets are filled with processions, food and revelers.
Antonio Banderas' newly opened theater, Soho Theatre Caixabank in the historic quarters, has attracted a lot of attention as it quickly became a star on the European musical scene.
Another great time to visit the city is Malaga Feria, the second week of August, when young and old party for ten days and nights. The dancing in colorful Flamenco costumes never seems to end as they celebrate the recapture of Malaga from the Catholic Monarchs (read more below).
Attractions Malaga
There are several beaches in Malaga where you can enjoy the pleasant climate of the Costa del Sol.
The pride of the city is Picasso Museum which was inaugurated in 2003. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and still permeates much of the city's folk soul.
The house where he was born in 1881 is called Picasso's Birthplace and is located on Plaza de la Merced 15 Málaga.
Previously mentioned Pompidou Center opened in March 2015 and was a world first. The museum boasts, among other things, art by Picasso (located at the new harbor which is an attraction in itself
Mijas is a cozy little village in the mountains southwest of Malaga towards MarbellaThe view of the Mediterranean from Mijas is a pure delight for tree-damaged and winter-weary Swedish eyes. Mijas also boasts a beautiful bullring.
The 16th-century Catedral de La Encarnación in the old town is a must-see on your visit to Malaga.
The city is considered one of the very best cities for shopping throughout the country, and here you can buy most things at cheaper prices than at home in Sweden. The range varies from budget to impressive flagship stores for the largest fashion and design houses. Visit the new, super modern shopping center in the harbor, Pier One. The range of clothes, shoes, jewellery, home design and more stands out. Don't miss the Zoco market held at Muelle uno on the second Sunday of every month. Over a hundred stalls sell everything from organic food to children's and vintage clothing.
The best tapas restaurant in town according to locals and us, excellent Orrelana Restaurant, C/ Moreno Monroy, 3. The sweaty waiters, reminiscent of one of the city's local heroes, Antonio Banderas, barely speak a word of English. It's crowded and you'll probably have to stand and eat at the counter. The cash register and other furnishings are worn and dirty, but the food is divine! It doesn't get more authentic than this.
If you want to discover more of Malaga's rich food culture, we recommend, for example: Food Sherpas who arranges highly appreciated wine and food walks in the city.
Football fans can watch top football as FC Malaga plays in the top division in Spain. Tickets here are also much cheaper than in Barcelona, for example.
Don't miss the view from Gibralfaro, but make sure to take a taxi up as it's a long walk.
From 2023, the largest planetarium in all of Europe will open at Plaza Mayor, between Torremolinos and Malaga.
Accommodation in Malaga
Although retro tourism has taken aim at Malaga (the Swedish travel companies woke up in earnest last year when Costa del Sol broke an all-time record in the number of tourists. The cheap prices and fantastic infrastructure attract travelers from all over the world), it still pays to book separate flights and hotels.
If you want to book a hotel, budget or luxury, the best player is, as usual, Hotels.com. You can find their wide range of hotels here (the nicest is the historic center).
Malaga's history
Due to its strategic location by the sea, Malaga has attracted several prominent cultures throughout history and consequently has a rich variety of architectural treasures and cultural traditions.
The first people to settle in Malagaarea were probably the Phoenicians in the 9th century, almost 3,000 years ago. Then the Greeks settled in the area, whose settlement was destroyed by Carthage.
In 218, the area was incorporated into the Roman Empire, which contributed to an economic and cultural boom. Amphitheaters and aqueducts, among other things, still remain as monuments to the Roman expansion.
In 743 the Arabs invaded the area and their rule lasted for almost 800 years, leaving a deep mark on the culture. Perhaps the greatest remaining symbol of Arab rule is the mighty Gibralfaro Castle.
In 1487, the Catholic kings defeated the Moors and Malaga has since belonged to the Spanish. Since this period, the city has had its ups and downs and the 19th century in particular was a very difficult period, but from around the end of the 19th century and the second half of the 20th century, the city has had very good economic growth, with the tourism sector as the main economic driver. The city was in such a strong phase of renewal that not even the crisis that hit in 2008 could stop it.
Public Transport Connections and Weather
The transportation system is excellent and construction is underway on a subway, which has largely already been inaugurated.
Malaga's train connections are excellent. For example, you can get to Madrid in just 2 and a half hours on a hypermodern train (for example, it only takes 70 minutes to Granada) that makes the X2000 seem like an old steam train.
The motorways are very modern and easily take you to cities like Ronda and Granada. The famous cliff Gibraltar is also definitely worth a day trip.
MalagaInternational Airport is the largest airport in the area. It has flights from most airports around Europe several times a week. It is not particularly difficult to get a last-minute ticket to the city (however, the base prices are very high during most times of the year). Tips for cheap flights to, among other places, Malaga.
Weather in Malaga
Malaga has a very pleasant climate, just like the rest of Costa Del Sol . The weather is slightly above 30 degrees during the summer months and rarely below 10 degrees during the short winter. The weather is most unreliable from mid-November to early March, although of course there can be a lot of really nice days even during this period.
The average temperature for Malaga is 18.5 degrees and the number of hours of sunshine per is around 3000.
The popular small town Nerja (the perfect choice for those looking for a seaside resort near Malaga, and the city has long since overtaken the old Swedish favorites Fuengirola and Torremolinos) which is located east of Malaga however, strangely enough, due to the mountains, is 3 degrees warmer on average during the winter, and the city is also slightly cooler during the height of summer.
Please leave a comment further down the page and enrich this guide with tips about your hidden gem in Malaga.
If an accident occurs – important telephone numbers
- The Swedish Consulate is located in Malaga, more precisely at Calle Córdoba 6. Opening hours are normally 10-13. Telephone number for the consulate: +34 952 604 383
- Embassy of Sweden in Madrid +34 917 02 20 00
- If you are involved in a crime, it is best to visit the Malaga police station (see map below). It is located at the tourist office in Plaza de la Marina. Address: Pl. de la Marina, 1, 29015 Málaga, Spain. They have English-speaking police officers. Opening hours 09:00-19:00.
- Emergency number in Spain is the same as in Sweden: 112.
- If you need to contact the police by phone, call 091.
- Swedish Church in Fuengirola is still active. Even though so many people may not turn to them when they encounter problems, it is still good to know that they have a hotline: +34 675 945 929.
The housing market in Malaga
Historically, we have not received many inquiries from Swedes who want to live in or near central Malaga. However, this is changing rapidly as the city becomes an increasingly popular international destination. The new epithet for the city is even “The Gateway to the Mediterranean”. Investing in, for example, a renovation project in central Malaga can mean a real cut later on. Prices are around €170,000 for an apartment with 1-2 bedrooms in the historic/central areas.
The project that is mainly recommended is this close to the beach listing (Térmica) next to the exclusive “Malaga Towers”:
An area that is highly recommended is the beautiful area Lemon trees (where many of our Swedish clients also prefer to buy after having inspected Malaga for a period). In Limonar you will find, among other things, one of the city's most popular beaches. The area is also known for its gastronomic focus. From here you can walk along the beach to the new, international marina. The area is therefore also very interesting for investors who want to buy an apartment with the aim of renting it out and later selling it more expensively. Read more about Rincon and affordable apartments for sale in the area.
Also read our big overview article with new development in Malagaprovince, from east to west.
Our head realtor has lived in central Malagafor a long time, but now lives in Rincon (one of the more popular suburbs). He has a good grasp of the area, both in terms of regular homes and commercial listing and has long established a network with developers and banks in the city. Write to info@spanskafastigheter.se and tell us what you are looking for and we will get back to you.
Read also:
Our article about buying a house in, for example Malaga
About renting a house or apartment (including long-term rentals for example students or gainfully employed people who will live in Malaga for a year or longer).
Are you looking for houses in need of renovation in Malagaarea? Read this article about renovation project that are recommended.
Short video guide Malaga:
