A (very) long weekend in Malaga on the horizon because next Monday and Tuesday are bank holidays in Spain. Wondering what to do while you’re here? Here are our top 10 tips for what to do over the 4 day-holiday in Malaga.
Check the weather in Malaga
As you’d expect from a city where the sun shines on over 320 days a year, the weekend forecast is good. Look forward to warm sunshine with mid-day temperatures at around 19 degrees. Perfect for the beach to soak up some welcome winter rays – it’s warm enough for shorts and t-shirt, but probably only the brave will be going in for a dip.
And if you do get a spot of rain, keep calm because when there’s wet weather in Malaga there’s plenty to do.
Best Malaga Views
Start your weekend in Malaga by getting a perspective of the city from up high. For the best views, head for the Gibralfaro Castle. If you’re feeling energetic, walk up the zigzag route – tough but rewarding and there are plenty of viewing points to catch your breath on the way. Can’t face the climb but still want the views? Hop on the 35 bus in the Avenida de Andalucía (buses stop near the bridge, opposite the Corte Inglés and leave roughly every 45 mins from 11am on Saturday and Sunday).
DISCOVER MORE THINGS TO DO IN MALAGA
360 degree Malaga
For a slightly different view of the city, take a ride on the ferris wheel in the Port. The wheel turns all day so you can pick your moment to take a turn. We recommend when the sun’s setting (between 5.30 and 6.30pm) for the best light.
Markets in Malaga
Malaga has plenty of markets that are perfect for browsing and finding that great present to take home. Whether you’re looking for typical Malaga produce, arts and crafts or just fancy spending a morning looking at some market stalls, there’s something for you in Malaga.
Malaga Art Exhibitions
4 days in Malaga leave plenty of opportunities to take in some of the city’s great art exhibitions. All the art museums in Malaga are open during the 4 days. And don’t forget that entry is free on Sunday afternoons after 4pm.
Va-va-voom in Malaga
Make your way to Malaga Car Museum for a chance to hear some of the vintage cars in action. On Sunday 6 at 12.30pm it’s start-up time for these classic cars and on Tuesday 8 at 12.30pm, you can watch some of them drive round the museum.
Shopping in Malaga
Expect shops to be closed on Sunday at the weekend in Malaga but open on Monday and Tuesday. Make the most of this opportunity to get your Christmas shopping started – and with the great choice of shops in Malaga, you’ll probably get it finished! Read our blog post on the best 10 places for shopping in Malaga.
Food in Malaga
Malaga produce is famous throughout Spain and its best products – olive oil, wine, goat’s cheese and produce, tropical fruit, almonds… – are being showcased throughout the weekend at the Malagueta Bullring. Stalls are open throughout the long weekend from noon to 9pm. Worth popping along to try and buy.
Christmas Lights in Malaga
One of the highlights this weekend in Malaga are the Christmas lights. Those in Calle Larios are particularly spectacular, but check out those along the Paseo del Parque and in Plaza de la Marina as well as in the smaller streets in the city centre. Lights go on every evening at 6.30pm. Read more about Christmas in Malaga.
Relax during the long weekend in Malaga
Expect crowds over this long weekend in Malaga and don’t be surprised if you have to queue a while for attractions. But there are plenty of ways to get away from the masses and relax in a spot of peace and quiet. Here are some suggestions:
English Cemetery – a short walk from the Pompidou Centre, this is one of the quietest places in town. Open 10am-2pm (closed Monday).
Hammam Al-Andalus – treat yourself to a massage and relaxing soak at this lovely venue on Plaza de los Mártires. You need to book and we recommend doing so well in advance to be sure of your spot in the baths. Find out more.
Guadalhorce Nature Reserve – sandwiched between the airport and the city, the surprisingly peaceful spot offers an unspoilt (and usually deserted) beach, river walks and the chance to see some amazing bird life. Get there by bike or take the No 5 bus from the Alameda Principal and get off in Guadalmar.
