Málaga event weekends: what to do between sessions
Costa del Sol's capital: Picasso's birthplace, a Moorish fortress above the port and city beaches, with Granada and Ronda close by.
Events we cover in Málaga
11 Dec 2026*Málaga Marathon
Málaga, SpainMarathon8 Jun 2030World Cup 2030 in Málaga
Málaga, SpainWorld Cup 2030
Málaga, SpainMarathon8 Jun 2030World Cup 2030 in Málaga
Málaga, SpainWorld Cup 2030
Arriving
Málaga airport (AGP) is 8 km from the centre: 12 minutes by Cercanías C1 train to María Zambrano and Centro-Alameda, or bus A. Taxis cost about 20 to 25 euros.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Soho and El Perchel | Street art district near the station. |
| Mid-range | Historic centre | Walk to the Alcazaba, the cathedral and the port. |
| Splurge | Malagueta beach | Seafront hotels by the bullring. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hotel Ibis Malaga Centro
- Mid-range: Hotel Molina Lario
- Splurge: Gran Hotel Miramar
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Bioparc Fuengirola zoo.
- Selwo Marina and Tivoli World in Benalmádena.
Rainy-day backups
- Picasso Museum.
- Centre Pompidou Málaga.
- Carmen Thyssen Museum.
Free things to do
- Walk Muelle Uno port promenade.
- Malagueta beach.
- Free Sunday afternoons at the Picasso Museum.
Getting around
- Cercanías trains run along the coast to Torremolinos and Fuengirola.
- La Rosaleda stadium is a 20-minute walk from the centre.
- Uber, Cabify and Free Now work in Spanish cities. Taxis are metered and reasonable.
- Renfe high-speed AVE and Ouigo/Iryo trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, Valencia and Zaragoza. Book early for event weekends.