How to plan your holiday in Malaga

Are you all hyped up for a hot girl summer holiday, enjoying a cold drink while getting that perfect tan? Let’s turn your dreams into reality as we offer you the best destination for your summer holiday.

So head to open your trip planner and mark Malaga in red capitals!

Transportation

One of the great things about Malaga is that it’s easily accessible on foot. Don’t get fooled like us into buying a bus card you wouldn’t use in the end. No judging if you decide to commute by bus of course…but why would you give up the strolls in the old city centre, fighting over a table with other terrace enthusiasts or generally the cute hidden streets and churches that you discover behind every corner.

The only time you might use a bus or the underground is to get to the airport. Then we recommend buying a ticket in advance at any of the Tobacco shops in the town. And if your impatience is rising at the same speed as the temperature in the morning, trust us, you do not want to be stuck in the queue for the underground tickets at the airport, so you just tap in your contactless card at the gate straight behind the ticket machine. Not many tourists know that they don’t need a physical ticket but you do now.

A bit of culture

Being in Malaga is not just about lovely beaches which we will talk about later anyway. There are plenty of culturally significant places you can visit when you are all sunburnt and tired of just having a lazy beach time. So let’s talk about the places that are worth seeing.

If you’re ready to swap the sand between your toes from Malagueta beach for a bit of stone and history with the views worth seeing by millions of people, make your way to Alcazaba, Malaga’s old Moorish fortress sitting proudly above the city.

You can walk there straight from the old city centre. It’s an easy climb and honestly, part of the unforgettable charm. The entrance ticket is under €5, and if you’re a student, it gets even cheaper and is worth the price. You can either buy your ticket there or book one online on the official website.

Right below the castle, you’ll stumble upon the Roman Theatre, (which you can enter for free) casually chilling there since the 1st century BC, so yes, it’s older than your grandma’s grandma.

But don’t stop there. If your legs aren’t giving up just yet, keep going uphill to reach the ruins of Castillo de Gibralfaro. The trail is steep but stunning. Think panoramic views of the city and the sea whose beauty will make your cheeks wet from tears. This castle was once used to defend the Alcazaba from attacks, so you’re walking through centuries of battles and royal drama. Perfect mix of challenging cardio, history, and unforgettable scenery.

Just giving you a heads up, you should bring a big bottle of water with you as you will definitely need one. But don’t worry if you run out of the liquids, you can expect local salesmen selling water on top of Castillo de Gibralfaro.

A MUST day trip to Nerja

When you are in Malaga, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the small town Nerja. Especially if your inner beach babe is craving some Pinterest-worthy pictures.

It is located only 1 1-hour drive from Malaga and you can either rent a car or go by bus. If you decide on a bus trip to Nerja, we recommend buying a ticket beforehand as it is quite a popular destination and you might not be able to get on the bus.

Be ready for stunning sea views, crystal clear water, secret coves and small streets that will definitely lead directly to your heart. The cliffs will make you feel like you’re starring in your travel blog.

The first stop is Playa de Burriana, the main beach, which has soft golden sand, cute restaurants, and kayak rentals for when you’re feeling sporty (or just want that cool GoPro footage). But if you’re more of a hidden-gem hunter, march to Playa de Maro, a little paradise surrounded by cliffs that is perfect for snorkelling or simply floating on the surface like a mermaid goddess.

Now we hope you’re ready for the cherry on the top. Balcón de Europa.

This dramatic viewpoint is perched high above the sea, with whitewashed buildings behind you and endless blue ahead. Trust us, it’s the kind of spot where you’ll suddenly start contemplating your entire life and then take 50 photos from slightly different angles. Come for the views, stay for the ice cream, and if you’re lucky, maybe catch a live guitarist setting the sunset mood or setting dinner vibes.

So yeah, Nerja is your postcard-perfect day out. Bring water, sunscreen, and bring someone who doesn’t mind being your personal photographer, because frankly, you’ll need one. Not only in Nerja, but also in Malaga!

In the next article, we’ll recommend the best restaurants and bars, so hold your hat, book a flight ticket and get prepared