10 things to do in Malaga in April

April heralds the start of warm weather proper and the city is a heady mix of sunshine, orange blossom and spring flowers. Depending on the year, April also means Easter in Malaga, but this is just one of the activities. Read on for our pick of suggestions – experiences, events and unusual spots – that, when combined, provide lots of inspiration for things to do in Malaga in April.

Experience Easter

One of the biggest events in Malaga of the year, Holy Week (Semana Santa) usually falls in April. The week of processions offers a unique insight into religious customs and traditions in southern Spain, well worth catching if you’re on holiday in the city. See our dedicated guide below for full details and tips on how to make the best of Easter in Malaga.

Try torrijas

Malaga doesn’t do chocolate eggs and bunnies for Easter. Instead, locals enjoy typical sweets and cakes such as torrijas. You’ll see these sticky delights in all bakery windows around Easter. The slices of bread are soaked in egg, milk and sugar, then deep-fried and coated in sugar or honey. Definitely best eaten with a knife and fork.

Taste Malaga wine

The next in our suggestions of things to do in Malaga in April also involves local produce. This time, it’s local wine. Traditionally, Malaga wine is sweet – one of the best places to try the different degrees of sweetness is at Casa de Guardia on the Alameda Principal – but the recent revival of grape growing means that Malaga wine now comes red, white and fizzy. Most good restaurants stock a selection of local vinos – try a glass or 2.

Gaze at (a lot of) glass

Our museum choice for April is the Glass Museum, tucked away to the north of the old quarter. The collection includes 3,000 objects in glass through the ages – vases, bowls, glasses, stained glass windows… all housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion. Visits are by guided tour only (English available). Find the museum on Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre 2, open Tuesday to Sunday.

Wonder at the wisteria

The first half of April is wisteria time. Malaga boasts several fine examples with the best in bloom at the Botanical Gardens where the purple blooms cover the large pergola. But you can also enjoy the mauve sight and scent in the Alcazaba, on the walk up to the Gibralfaro viewing platform and in several parks in Malaga. Inhale deeply and enjoy!

Get your 5 a day

No list of things to do in Malaga in April would be complete without some shopping and this month we’ve gone for food. The start of spring sees the best of fresh local produce in Malaga markets – think asparagus, tomatoes, cucumber, medlar fruits and strawberries at their best. Towards the end of the month, you’ll also find the first summer fruits like peaches and nectarines.

Walk and discover architecture

Mostly flat and very compact, Malaga makes a great city for walking. Our recommendation for April is to make it the month you discover the architectural gems by the Strachan family. Between them, they were responsible for some of the finest buildings in the city centre – discover them here.

Be at the beach

Dedicated locals visit the beach all year round, but April sees the start of the beach season proper and the Mediterranean is starting to warm up. Most of the beach bars and restaurants have their loungers and parasols ready – expect to pay from €8 a day for 2 people. Don’t forget plenty of sun cream – it might not be hot, but the sun is strong in spring and it’s easy to get burnt. For a guide on which beach in Malaga to visit, see below.

Take an April day trip 

Malaga is the capital of a beautiful province in an equally beautiful region so it makes sense to include a suggestion for a day trip outside the city. For April, we recommend visiting the stunning white town of Ronda with its spectacular gorge location. The journey is particularly attractive at this time of year when the countryside is a carpet of green and spring flowers.

If you fancy exploring the rest of the province on a longer trip, check out our sister website, Costa del Sol Road Trips. On it, you’ll find themed 7-day road trips for you, your people, your interests and in your time.

View from the Alcazaba walkway

Our last idea for things to do in Malaga in April is to discover the Alcazaba walkway. Follow the signs between the Roman Theatre and Albeniz Cinema on Calle Alcazabilla and walk up the steps to the outer walls of the Alcazaba fortress. Views of the Theatre and the city skyline are simply stunning. And best of all, you’ll probably have it all to yourself!

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