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Looking for Flights to Malaga?
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Flights to Malaga: Escape to the Costa del Sol
One of the most popular vacation destinations in Spain, Malaga is one of the Costa del Sol's true gems. As the second-largest city in Andalusia, Malaga is absolutely packed with sights and activities and offers a wide range of seaside resorts.
In fact, while it's a great option for a quick city break, it's easy to linger, especially when you factor in all the top-notch day trip opportunities. And it happens to be a solid match for all sorts of trips, from rowdy group trips to fun-filled family vacations.
Find cheap Malaga hotels and flights to Malaga right here, and get ready to jet off to experience the best that the Costa del Sol has to offer.
Malaga vacation rentals, tips and advice
Heading to Malaga for the first time? Or perhaps you've stayed at Malaga vacation rentals before but are looking for a different experience? We've rounded up all the best Malaga vacation rentals, tips and advice you might need before heading out to the Costa del Sol.
Malaga at a glance
Flight duration (from New York): 7 hours 45 minutes
Madrid to Malaga flight duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Main airport: Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Population: 580,000
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro (€)
Socket types: Types C and F (adapter required)
Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
When is the best time to visit Malaga?
Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, Malaga could feasibly be visited across the entire year, depending on what type of vacation you're looking for. For example, if you're there for the sights, you could opt for a Malaga city break or a winter vacation.
However, most people book Madrid to Malaga flights for vacations due to its proximity to beaches and the coast. Temperatures peak in the summer months, making the months of June, July and August the hottest and the most popular due to school summer vacations!
We'd recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn for cheaper prices and fewer crowds. The weather will still be warm or mild, and the sea temperature will be pleasant, too. The exception to this is the long Easter weekend, which is always popular and in demand!
Getting cheap flights to Malaga
Malaga, a popular destination on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is easily accessible from a variety of US airports with connecting flights through major European hubs such as London, Paris, or Madrid. From there, you can catch direct flights to Malaga from budget carriers, such as easyJet and Ryanair.
For travelers flying from the US, it’s common to have a layover in one of these European cities before reaching Malaga, with some airlines offering seasonal direct flights from major US cities to Malaga during the summer months. When you land at Malaga Airport, there are a number of options to get you to the city center. While you could opt for a private taxi, hopping on the C-1 train line is the most inexpensive and convenient way to get to the city center. You could also choose to take the Airport Express Bus.
Getting around Malaga
If you're located centrally, you should be able to see the city's major attractions by walking. If you'd like to explore more extensively or perhaps visit other destinations along the Costa del Sol, Malaga has a number of excellent public transport options.
While you could still opt for car hire or taxis, American visitors usually make use of Malaga's metro, local trains and buses. Consisting of two lines, tickets on the metro cost $2, while you can catch buses for $1.50. The main bus station is called Paseo de los Tilos. For both local and inter-city trains, prices will differ but Malaga's main train station is called Estacion de Malaga Maria Zambrano.
The best areas to stay in Malaga
Whether you've been to Malaga before or if it's your first time there, it's never easy trying to find the absolute best area to stay for your needs. We're here to help with that!
Check out our recommendations for where you should stay during your Malaga vacation.
Malaga for first-time visitors
When it comes to visiting a vacation destination for the first time, we almost always have the same advice: stay central. And this is certainly the case for Malaga. Many first-time American tourists choose to base themselves in Malaga's Centro Historico area. Malaga's Old Town, the Centro Historico area, is particularly popular for city breaks and romantic getaways.
Not only does the Centro Historico area contain Malaga's main attractions, but you'll also find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants here. The drawbacks are that this area can be quite expensive, crowded and touristy.
If you want to be closer to the beach while still staying pretty central, it doesn't get better than La Malagueta. Home to a spacious beach of the same name, this neighborhood is within walking distance of Centro Historico but, importantly, has a seaside vibe and easy access to beach activities.
Malaga for families
If you and your family are in Malaga for a shorter break, we'd also advise staying centrally in either Centro Historico or La Malagueta. This will ensure that you'll spend more time sightseeing than having to commute while also having easy access to pharmacies, restaurants and shops.
If you're in Malaga for a longer stay, families love staying in the Pedregalejo and El Palo neighborhoods. Both of these are further out from the city, but they feel peaceful and are known for their seaside vibes, playgrounds and lovely beaches.
Malaga for nightlife
If you're planning to visit Malaga and want to incorporate its nightlife into your accommodation decision-making, then add Soho and La Merced to your list. Soho is considered to be Malaga's trendiest neighborhood, while La Merced has plenty of late-night venues and bars.
The best things to do in Malaga
Mostly known as a beach vacation destination, there's actually plenty to do in Malaga that doesn't involve sand or sea. We've rounded up some must-see and must-do activities in Malaga, as well as some of the most popular day trips from the city.
Top things to do in Malaga
Marvel at the Alcazaba de Málaga
Check out the ruins of Malaga's Roman theatre
Pay your respects at 'La Manquita'
Go shopping at Calle Marques de Larios
Find out more about the artist at the Picasso Malaga Museum
Do some people watching at Plaza de La Merced
Take a stroll in La Concepcion Jardín Botanico
Hop on a tapas tour
See Gibralfaro Castle
The best day trips from Malaga
If you have a little more time on your hands and want to discover more of Spain, there are so many good options for day trips from Malaga. One such day-trip option is Cordoba, which is home to a Roman-era bridge and the Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.
You could also visit Granada, another destination that's world-famous for its Moorish landmarks, namely the Alhambra; it's considered to be one of the best examples of Moorish architecture in the world.
For some truly spectacular scenery, head to Ronda. One of the few cities that are split into two by a geographic feature, the El Tajo de Ronda is a gorge that can be crossed using the stunning Puente Nuevo bridge. It's so famous that it's considered to be one of Spain's most photographed sites.
Malaga vacation FAQs
Q: Do you need a visa to visit Malaga?
A: No. You can travel to Malaga without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Always stay up to date with the latest entry requirements.
Q: Is Malaga considered a safe vacation destination?
A: Yes, Malaga is generally considered to be a safe vacation destination. But, as with all popular destinations, there are instances of petty crime, especially in crowded areas. Always remain vigilant of your surroundings and avoid dark, unlit locations.
Q: Is Malaga a good destination for a beach vacation?
A: Absolutely, yes! There are a number of beaches close by, like Playa la Malagueta and Playas del Palo, as well as other popular beaches all along the Costa del Sol.
Q: Which dishes should I try in Malaga?
A: Seafood is fresh and popular; don't miss out on the chance to try grilled sardines or anchovies. For something sweet, try Tarta Malaguena, a local almond cake.
Q: Is English widely spoken in Malaga?
A: Yes, English will be spoken at major tourist attractions and hotels. However, this won't always be the case, so it may be handy to know a few key phrases and questions in Spanish if you're exploring the area extensively.
Q: Is Malaga accessible for American tourists with disabilities?
A: Major tourist attractions and hotels will offer facilities like lifts and ramps. At Playa la Malagueta, you'll find ramps as well as beach-friendly wheelchairs. If you're unsure of available facilities at a particular venue, it's always best to get in touch with them directly.
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