10 reasons you should take a spring holiday in Malaga

One of the brightest seasons is just round the corner and we think spring is the most beautiful time of year in Malaga. But don’t just take our word for it – book yourself a short break in the city. Here are 10 reasons why you won’t be disappointed with your spring holiday in Malaga.

1. Spring is the best time of year

There’s no doubt about it – over 320 days of sunshine a year make Malaga an exceptional destination any time but there’s something about spring that’s extra special. Whether it’s those balmy temperatures, the riot of spring flowers, the longer days just perfect for tapas on an outside terrace and leisurely strolls along the beach… Spring is undoubtedly a perfect time for a holiday in Malaga.

2. Great weather for a spring holiday in Malaga

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: the weather in Malaga comes into its own during spring. It’s not too hot yet – think warm days when the temperature sits around 25 degrees – and it’s almost always sunny. And we mean almost always. You might get a bit of rain, but it never lasts for long.

3. Events with a capital E

Springs heralds some great events in Malaga:

The season kicks off this year with Easter Week (10-17 April this year) – a week-long pageantry of solemn parades. Read our FAQs about Easter Week in Malaga with a guide to the processions. If you’re on holiday in Malaga during this week, try to see at least one of the processions – they definitely rank among the most unusual things to do in Malaga.

Before Easter in 2020 in the Malaga spring events calendar is the Malaga Film Festival . In its 26th edition this year, the festival showcases the Spanish film industry. Most of the films shown are in Spanish but even if you don’t speak the language, there’s a great atmosphere in town – red carpet along Calle Larios and lots of activities in Plaza de la Constitución – and keep your eyes peeled for famous Spanish film stars including local Antonio Banderas. See Malaga on film 10-19March.

Foodies are in for the treat during a spring holiday in Malaga because it’s the Malaga Gastronomy Festival. Held in May/June, this is (literally) a feast of Malaga cuisine. Lots of workshops about bread, chocolate, cocktails; show cooking by the best local chefs; films and debates about food; guest appearances by the province’s Michelin stars; and of course, mountains of food. Look out for the stalls on Plaza de la Marina throughout the event.

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4. Spring holidays in Malaga are blooming marvellous

We’re not talking fields of tulips here or carpets of daffodils and bluebells, but we are talking seeing (and smelling) some gorgeous spring flowers such as:

Orange blossom

The intoxicating scent of orange blossom is one of the sure signs of spring in Andalucia and Malaga is no exception. There are lots of orange trees in Malaga city centre and as you walk round you’ll keep catching the fragrance. The best places to get the scent?

• Calle Alcazabilla – there are lots of orange trees round here.
• The Alcazar Fortress – sniff it in as you walk around the gardens in this historic monument in Malaga.
• Cathedral gardens – almost wall-to-wall orange trees here so the fragrance is particularly strong.
• Muelle Uno – two lines of orange trees sit in front of the Chapel on Muelle Uno so catch the scent as you walk past.

Wisteria

One of the best things to do in Malaga in spring is to make your way to La Concepción Botanical Gardens and feast your eyes (and nose) on the giant wisteria that blooms magnificently over the arbour near the house.

Roses

You need to wait till May or June for the best blooms, but it’s definitely worth the wait. The Pedro Luis Alonso gardens (opposite the Paseo del Parque and to the east of City Hall) are almost entirely planted with roses including some prize blooms.

5. Spring into the new season with some great art

There are great exhibitions at art museums in Malaga all year round, but there are some particularly good ones on this spring. 

Take your pick from:

CAC –  Varied exhibitions including works by the German artist Friedrich Kunath plus the permanent collection and Neighbours where there’s a bit of everything.

Carmen Thyssen Museum -as well as the permanent exhibition with some very spring-like pictures in the Impressionist section, new temporary exhibitions showcase photos from New York and Buenos Aires in the 1930s

Picasso Museum – The most-visited museum in Andalucia including several works by Picasso that have never been seen in public before.

Russian Museum – Russian-themed exhibitions plus a space-age collection .

Pompidou Centre – Permanent collection with lots and lots of amazing art and installations. 

Did you know? Art museums in Malaga offer free entry on Sundays after 5pm

6. Longer days on a spring holiday in Malaga

Once the clocks go back at the end of March, the days suddenly get so much longer. And this with the balmy weather makes for perfect terrace tapas and cocktails on 1 of the many roof terraces. The longer days mean many venues change their opening times too so you’ve got until 8pm to enjoy many of the monuments and museums in Malaga.

7. Surpringly cheap

Not a spring thing – just a year-round advantage. Your money stretches a long way when you’re on holiday in Malaga. And you don’t necessarily have to go super budget to keep your spending low – did you know that a cocktail on the roof terrace of top hotels in Malaga costs around €8? Or that lunch for 2 on the beach in El Palo (think sardines, salad, drinks and paella) can cost as little as €30?

And if you are on a budget, read our tips for cheap things to do in Malaga.

8. Nesting time

Springs signals nesting time and a wealth of birds make their way to the Guadalhorce nature reserve where you can spot flamingos, herons, ospreys and a whole range of other waterbirds. Get here on the No 5 bus from the Alameda Principal and get off at stop 1013, and make your way to the river. Cross over the pedestrian bridge and head for one of the hides. You won’t be disappointed. Read our guide to birdwatching in Malaga.

Read our guide to birdwatching in Malaga.

9. Beaches without the crowds

You won’t quite be alone on the beaches in Malaga in spring, but you’ll have plenty of room for your towel. And it’ll be easy to get a table at one of the beach bars for lunch too. Both the main city beaches in Malaga – La Misericordia (west end) and La Malagueta (east end) have the Q for Quality seal and are easy to reach from the city centre.

If you’re looking for something a bit less urban, head for the beach near the Guadalhorce River – get the No 40 bus to Sacaba beach and walk along the sand until you reach the river. Or hire a bike and cycle east along the seafront to El Peñón del Cuervo beach.

10. Just because!

And our last reason has nothing to do with spring – Malaga makes such as great city-break location it’s worth coming any time of year. And once you’ve been on one holiday to Malaga, you’ll be back for more.

BUT… don’t forget to browse our website before you arrive for the best recommendations on what to do and see in the city, plus lots of recommendations for where to stay and eat.