10 things to do in Malaga in August

When it comes to weather, August weighs heavy in Malaga and hot, sticky days tend to be the general tonic. But don’t let the humidity and the relentless sunshine put you off because there are still lots of great reasons to come to the city. In our latest month-by-month round-up, we suggest the top things to do in Malaga in August including the city’s biggest event, cool experiences and activities. Read on and then book your stay!

All the fun of the fair

Billed as southern Spain’s biggest summer party, the annual Fair is one of the busiest events in Malaga. It runs for 7 days (dates for 2023 are 12-19 August) with celebrations during the day in the city centre and in the evening and right through the night at the fairground.

Free concerts take place at different locations as well as horse and carriage parades, sporting events and lots of dancing and drinking.

For full details about this huge Malaga event in August, check out our dedicated guide to Malaga Fair.

Celebrate August with a (big) bang

Malaga Fair always starts with a big firework display at midnight (this year it will be at midnight on Friday 11 August). Fireworks go off for around 15 minutes and make one of the best displays you’ll see in Spain. If you’re in the city, don’t miss them and check out our post on the best places to see the Malaga Fair Fireworks.

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Feast on ice cream

Forget the industrial cornettos and lollies and go for a cornet or tub of some delicious homemade stuff instead. If ice cream isn’t your thing, most ice cream parlours also sell refreshing granizados (flavoured crushed ice, usually in several flavours) and horchata, a smooth drink made from chufa nuts.

For where to buy the best ice cream in Malaga, check out our recommendations.

Take a stroll in the shade

We’re not adding a walking tour suggestion to our list of things to do in Malaga in August – it’s just too hot! But it makes a great month to explore the Paseo del Parque, mostly in the shade. Take a stroll from the Plaza de la Marina to Plaza de General Torrijos taking in all the sights along the way. Look out for some fine trees and shrubs – not for nothing is the park a mini-botanical garden, tiled squares, fountains and statues.

Have the best day at the beach

Like the locals, you’ll be heading for the Malaga beaches in August. To make sure your day on the sands is as perfect as possible, check out our top 10 tips for a great day at the beach in Malaga.

See some great art and architecture

Our museum suggestion for things to do in Malaga in August goes west to La Termica Cultural Centre. The 19th-century building is well worth a tour in itself – don’t miss the hydraulic tiled floors, stained glass windows and patios. And it also hosts regular art exhibitions, with the accent of photography, usually with free entry.

To find out what’s on at La Termica, check out our monthly round-up of events in Malaga.

Shop for the Fair

When at Malaga Fair, do as the locals do and get dressed up for the occasion. Treat yourself to a flamenco dress (also a great Malaga souvenir) and all the accessories.

There are several great shops ranging from budget outfits to designer couture in the city centre around Calle San Juan. The Cudeca Cancer Hospice charity shops (Calle Compañía and Plaza de la Merced) sell second-hand flamenco dresses at knock-down prices. ¡Olé!

Go east

Nerja features as our recommendation for a day trip from Malaga in August. This pretty town, just a short bus journey from Malaga has an exceptional location perched on cliffs above the Mediterranean.

Stroll along the Balcón de Europa promenade (views in the picture above), explore the side streets, visit the famous Nerja Caves and then have a paella on one of the beaches.

Enjoy some open-air entertainment

The balmy summer evenings are great for enjoying concerts in the open air. Malaga has several venues offering free entertainment on August evenings including regular concerts and open-air cinema at the Eduardo Ocón Auditorium on the Paseo del Parque.

Concerts also take place on Plaza de la Constitución and Muelle Uno. See our monthly what’s on in Malaga for details.

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Check out the thrones

Our last suggestion for things to do in Malaga in August stays indoors in the cool. Visit the Martires Church on Plaza de los Martires, recently restored to perfection. Inside, you’ll see examples of the thrones paraded in the Easter processions in Malaga.

This church houses the largest of them all – the Last Supper – as well as several other Virgin and Christ figures. Don’t miss the ornate ceiling and the elaborate altar. Open Monday to Saturday mornings.

Enjoy Malaga in August!