Málaga Practical Travel Guide
Málaga is an easy and comfortable city to visit, especially for travelers 50+. The airport is close to the center, public transport is simple, taxis are reliable and the historic center is very walkable. This guide explains how to arrive, get around, park, rent a car and move confidently around the city.
If you are looking for ideas on what to see and do, monuments, museums and history, please read our companion article: Best Things to Do in Málaga – Cultural & Historical Guide. This page focuses on practical information only.
1. Arriving in Málaga
1.1 Málaga Airport (AGP)
Málaga Airport (AGP) is the main airport for the Costa del Sol and is very close to the city. It is located about 8–10 km from the center and usually takes 10–20 minutes to reach the city by train, taxi or car.
Official airport information: Málaga Airport (AGP)
1.2 How to get from the airport to the city center
Train (Cercanías C1)
- Fastest and cheapest option.
- Runs approximately every 20 minutes.
- Journey time to Málaga Centro Alameda: about 10–12 minutes.
- Tickets around €2.30 per person.
Taxi
- Available 24/7 just outside arrivals.
- Journey time: 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Typical cost: €20–25 to the city center.
Ride-hailing (Cabify / Uber / Bolt)
- Available via mobile apps.
- Prices similar to taxis or slightly lower, usually €18–25.
- Good option if you prefer paying by card in the app.
Airport Bus
- Airport Express bus connects the airport with the city.
- Useful if you stay near the port or bus station.
- Tickets around €4.
2. Getting Around Málaga Without a Car
Málaga’s historic center is compact, flat and very walkable, which makes it ideal for travelers 50+ who prefer slow, comfortable sightseeing.
Walking
- Most main sights (Cathedral, Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Picasso Museum) are within 5–15 minutes of each other.
- Pavements are generally in good condition.
- There are many benches and cafés to rest.
City Buses
- Extensive network reaching all districts of Málaga.
- Single ticket around €1.40.
- Rechargeable cards available at kiosks for frequent use.
Metro
- Useful mainly for some residential areas, not essential for tourists staying in the center.
- Modern and accessible, with lifts at stations.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
- Easy to find at taxi ranks and via Cabify / Uber / Bolt.
- Affordable for short city trips.
- Good option at night or for travelers with reduced mobility.
Tourist Bus (Hop-on Hop-off)
- Useful if you prefer not to walk too much or want an overview of the city.
- Includes audio guide and stops near main attractions.
3. Renting a Car in Málaga
You do not need a car to explore the historic center, but a car is helpful if you plan day trips to Nerja, Frigiliana, Ronda, Marbella or Caminito del Rey.
3.1 Where to rent a car
At Málaga Airport (AGP):
- On-site companies: Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise and others.
- Convenient if you plan to drive directly from the airport.
Off-airport companies:
- Local firms with shuttle buses from the airport, often cheaper.
- Examples include MalagaCar, Wiber and others.
3.2 What kind of car to rent?
- For Malaga city and nearby coastal towns: a compact car is usually enough.
- For mountains and villages: a small automatic SUV is comfortable, especially for drivers used to automatic cars.
- If you are not used to narrow streets, avoid very large vehicles.
3.3 Practical rental tips
- Check the fuel policy (full-full is usually best).
- Take photos of the car when you pick it up and when you return it.
- Consider full insurance if you are not comfortable with Spanish road rules or narrow streets.
4. Driving in Málaga: What to Expect
Driving into the center can be confusing if you do not know the city. Many streets are one-way, some areas are restricted to residents, and the historic center is not designed for cars.
Things to keep in mind
- The historic center around Calle Larios, the Cathedral and Picasso Museum is mainly pedestrian.
- GPS sometimes directs drivers into restricted zones; always watch for traffic signs.
- Roundabouts are common and can be busy at peak hours.
- Speed limits in the city are low (often 30–50 km/h) and cameras are used.
Areas to avoid with a car
- Very narrow streets in the old town.
- Streets immediately around the Cathedral and Plaza de la Constitución.
- Historic lanes around the old Jewish quarter.
5. Parking in Málaga
Street parking in the center is limited and often regulated with time restrictions. For visitors, the easiest option is to use underground car parks.
Recommended parking garages in the city center
Parking Cervantes
- Close to the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and Teatro Cervantes.
- Good starting point for exploring the historic center on foot.
- Google Maps: Parking Cervantes Málaga
Parking Tejón y Rodríguez
- Very central, convenient for Calle Larios, Picasso Museum and shopping streets.
- Google Maps: Parking Tejón y Rodríguez
Parking Plaza de la Marina
- Excellent for the port area, Muelle Uno, and the lower part of the historic center.
- Near the main tourist office.
- Google Maps: Parking Plaza de la Marina
Parking Muelle Uno
- Perfect for visiting the port, the lighthouse, Centre Pompidou Málaga and the seaside promenade.
- Good option if you want to combine parking with a walk by the sea.
- Google Maps: Parking Muelle Uno
Prices in these garages are usually around €2.50–3.50 per hour, with daily maximums often around €18–25.
6. Public Toilets in Málaga
Public toilets are not very visible in the historic center, but there are several reliable options for visitors.
Muelle Uno
- Modern toilets located along the marina and shopping area.
- Easy access when you walk along the port.
- Google Maps: Muelle Uno
Tourist Office on Plaza de la Marina
- Has a toilet for visitors (sometimes a small queue).
- Very central location next to the port and main bus stops.
- Google Maps: Plaza de la Marina Tourist Office
El Corte Inglés (Department Store)
- Large department store with toilets inside.
- Useful stop if you are shopping or walking from the train station towards the center.
- Google Maps: El Corte Inglés Avenida de Andalucía
Centre Pompidou Málaga
- Toilets available inside the museum building.
- Located at the port, in the glass cube building.
- Google Maps: Centre Pompidou Málaga
CAC Málaga (Contemporary Art Centre)
- Toilets available inside the museum.
- Located near the river, a short walk from the historic center.
- Google Maps: CAC Málaga
7. Safety in Málaga
Málaga is considered one of the safest cities in Spain, especially in the central and tourist areas.
- Walking in the historic center at night is generally safe.
- Violent crime is very rare in tourist areas.
- The main risk is opportunistic pickpocketing in crowds.
Basic tips:
- Keep bags closed and in front of you in busy streets and on public transport.
- Avoid leaving phones or wallets on café tables close to the street.
8. Money and Payments
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and taxis.
- Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work almost everywhere.
- There are many ATMs in the center.
- Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated (around 5–10% in restaurants for good service).
9. Accessibility and Comfort for Travelers 50+
Málaga is very comfortable for older travelers and those who prefer a slower pace.
- The historic center is mostly flat and pedestrian.
- There are many benches and outdoor seating areas.
- Museums and shopping centers are generally accessible with lifts.
Specific notes:
- Cathedral: access with minimal stairs, rooftop visit involves some steps but is manageable for most visitors.
- Alcazaba: some slopes and stairs; take your time and use the benches and viewpoints.
- Gibralfaro Castle: take a taxi to the top to avoid the steep uphill walk, then explore at your own pace.
10. Best Time to Visit Málaga
- Spring (March–June): pleasant temperatures, good for walking and sightseeing.
- Autumn (September–November): warm days, fewer crowds, ideal for culture-focused trips.
- Winter (December–February): mild climate (around 15–20°C), good for museums and long stays.
- Summer (July–August): hot, better for beach holidays than intensive sightseeing.
11. Where to Stay in Málaga
Choosing the right area can make your stay even more comfortable. If you want quiet surroundings, beautiful views and easy access to the historic center, our modern apartment is an excellent option.
Modern Apartment in Málaga with Rooftop Pool
Located on Paseo de Martiricos, with panoramic views of the city center, mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The building has a rooftop pool and modern facilities, and the historic center is about a 10-minute walk away.
