The weather in Malaga is usually sunny and warm, but not always. Every so often it’s wet meaning all those outdoor activities are rained off. But not to worry – there are plenty of things to do in Malaga when the sun isn’t shining and you need your umbrella. Here’s our guide to how to make the most of the city in the rain.
Make it a museum day
Malaga supposedly has the most museums per square kilometre of any city in Europe. So, when it’s too wet to be outside, take advantage of the 30-odd museums in Malaga. Take your pick from:
Art Museums – all showcase world-class art in their permanent displays and most have interesting temporary exhibitions going on too. Read our guided tours of the Pompidou Centre and Russian Museum.
Historical Museums – Discover Malaga’s past at the Municipal Museum (Plaza de General Torrijos), marvel at the glass exhibits at the Glass Museum and check out some vintage models in both cars and clothes at the Malaga Car Museum.
Malaga Culture Museums – take a tour of the local wine industry at the Malaga Wine Museum or enjoy a look at customs and traditions from bygone Malaga at the Museum of Arts and Customs.
Suitable for Children – the Music Museum and the Museo de Alborania make perfect museums for children in Malaga. Both are very hands-on with lots to touch and explore. If your children are arty, check out the activities for kids at the Pompidou Centre and Picasso Museum. Read more about things to do with children in Malaga.
READ THE MALAGA MUSEUM GUIDE
But it’s a Monday…
Museums and monuments in Spain have the habit of closing on Mondays and Malaga is no exception, but the Pompidou Centre and Picasso Museum both open on Mondays. So there’s no excuse not to get your dose of amazing art on a rainy Monday!
Shop till you drop
If you don’t fancy popping in and out of the rain at the shops in the city centre, shop in the dry at these shopping centres in Malaga:
- El Corte Inglés – Spain’s flagship department store on the west side of the river has 7 floors in the main building. Treat yourself to some gourmet produce in the Gourmet Experience on the top floor.
- Malaga Plaza – located behind El Corte Inglés, this modern shopping centre is home to lots of smaller shops plus the large FNAC store with a good selection of music, books and technology.
- Centro Larios – between El Corte Inglés and the mainline train station, the 2 floors here are home to all main fashion brands, the Irish Dunnes Stores and Primark (be prepared for the crowds here).
- Vialia – within the mainline train station, this shopping centre offers lots of fashion stores and shoe shops, and a good choice of restaurants and bars. There’s also a supervised children’s play area.
Visit Atarazanas Market
Atarazanas Market, located just north of the Alameda Principal is huge and under cover. So, when it’s raining in Malaga make a beeline for the fresh food market. Take your time browsing the main sections, try before you buy and stock up on some goodies for lunch or to take home as a souvenir.
Atarazanas Market opens Monday to Saturday 9am to 3pm.
Take in a movie
The Albeniz Cinema on Calle Alcazabilla shows films in their original version and there’s usually a good choice of classics and latest releases. All films are shown in their original language with Spanish subtitles so this is a good chance to see a film in English. Afternoon showings start around 4pm. Tickets can be bought on the door. See what’s on here.
Enjoy some chocolate and churros
Perhaps the ultimate comfort food, chocolate and churros are also perfect for a rainy day. Our guide lists our favourite spots to try this delicious combo – check them out and pick yours!
Sunny weather on the horizon
The good news is that wet weather in Malaga isn’t the end of the world and the great choice of rainy day activities means you can still make the most of your holiday in the city. And the even better news is that it never rains for long and it’s very likely that the next day (or even the next hour) the sun will be shining again! Find out how likely it is to rain in Malaga.
