What to see in Malaga
Before we get into the specifics of flights to the Costa del Sol or how to get from Malaga Airport to Marbella, we need a daily itinerary. The best way to devise a travel plan is to think about what there is to see in Malaga in 1 day. Breaking things down on a daily basis ensures you get to see as much of the area as possible during your trip. With this in mind, here’s what to see in Malaga on a 3-day trip.
Day 1: relax and recharge after your flight to Malaga
You’ve found the perfect flights to the Costa del Sol and landed at Malaga (AGP) Airport. You’ve looked at where to stay in Malaga and found Salles Hotel Malaga Centro. Everything is set for a short but fun-filled break. It's going to be enjoyable but, at times, full-on. Therefore, it makes sense to take advantage of Marbella's beaches on your first day.
This gives you a chance to unwind after your flight and charge up ready for a few days of exploring. Malaga Airport, often also called Pablo Ruiz Picasso International Airport, is the nearest airport to Marbella. A car journey takes around 40 minutes. Here's how to get from Malaga Airport to Marbella (or from your hotel to Marbella):
Leave Malaga (AGP) Airport via the MA-20 and head towards Torremolinos. Continue until you join the AP-7 into Marbella. That route can get busy at peak times, so you might want to use the N340 toll road.
There's also a shuttle bus that is available from Malaga to Costa del Sol locations, including Marbella. From Malaga Airport, head to the bus terminal and take the bus to Marbella bus station. The trip takes around 35 minutes and costs approximately €8. Or, if you're leaving from your hotel, there's a good chance you can hop on the bus from a stop close by.
A trip to Marbella gives you access to the famous Golden Mile in Puerto Banús. There you can relax on the sandy beaches, sample some seaside cocktails and enjoy a local dish or two before heading back to your hotel, relaxed and ready for day 2.
Day 2: have your fill of fun and food
The second day in Malaga should be when you hit your stride. You’ve chilled out on Marbella's seafront and had a good night’s sleep, so you should be ready to cram in at least two or three tourist attractions. There are plenty of things to do so here's a list of Malaga’s best attractions:
- Montes de Malaga Natural Park
- The Botanical Garden
- Parque de Malaga (the city’s biggest park)
- Malaga Cathedral
- The Roman Theatre of Malaga
- Picasso Museum Malaga (the birthplace of Picasso)
- Centre Pompidou Malaga (contemporary art gallery)
Any of those attractions will give you a taste of Malaga. Once you’ve had your fill, you can refuel at one of the city’s best nightspots. Whether you're in the mood for tapas and drinks, dinner with live music and a stunning view of Parque de Malaga, or somewhere for a good serving of patatas bravas and other regional favourites, you will be spoilt for choice as excellent food and drink is flowing from almost every corner.
Day 3: see the city from above
Alcazaba should be your final port of call. The Alcazaba of Malaga is situated on the slopes of Gibralfaro Mountain. It’s an ancient fortification that provides a glimpse into the city’s past, including the time it was part of the Muslim-ruled Al-Andalus empire.
Once you’ve wandered around the ruins, head down to the beach and El Tintero. Here, waiters leave the kitchen with different dishes. They call out what’s available and you have to beckon them over if you want it. This combination of fresh seafood and theatre is the perfect way to end your final day in Malaga.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Malaga and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about travel to Malaga
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
Different airlines have different policies about minors travelling alone, so it’s best to check their policies before booking. Some airlines offer a chaperone service for an additional fee, though others don’t, so you will need to contact the airline to make any appropriate arrangements.
How can I travel with an assistance dog?
You should contact the airline you want to book tickets with to check their policies and support for assistance animals. If travelling with an assistance dog, it must be trained and secured for taking off and landing. Your pet must also comply with the rules of the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme when you’re flying to Malaga.
How do I find cheap flights to Malaga Airport, so I have flexible policies at Opodo?
You can use the AI-powered search engine at Opodo to find cheap flights to Malaga AGP Airport from London and other locations in the UK. Each search provides real-time flight data and pricing, as well as details on how you can book flexible tickets that allow you to change your flights without any charges.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in my destination city?
Opodo is the smart search engine for cheap flights and hotels in Malaga. You can choose to search for flights and hotels separately or combine the two to get the most cost-effective search results. You can also set up alerts and get notified when hotels in Malaga are offering cheap deals.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
You can travel with hand luggage for a supplement on various low-cost airlines, including Wizz Air UK, Ryanair and easyJet. Rules vary between airlines, so it’s worth checking their policies and weight or size limits before you travel, in case you need to bring any additional luggage.
How can I check in with Opodo?
Opodo not only reduces the cost of travelling to Malaga, but it also makes the process more efficient by directing you to the online check-in pages for each airline. For example, if you’re flying with Wizz Air UK, you can book your ticket on Opodo and use a link in the confirmation email to complete the online check-in within 48 hours of your departure.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from London to Malaga?
Yes, you will need to pay a cancellation fee if you decide not to fly to Malaga from London. There are circumstances when you won’t have to pay but, if you cancel before a set date (usually 72 hours before your flight), you can get a refund minus a service fee. These fees vary depending on the airline.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
Your flight to Malaga will be eligible for compensation if your flight arrived over 3 hours late. You can also claim compensation if the flight was overbooked, and you were denied boarding. Finally, you can get compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before your departure date.
Airport code
AGP
The IATA code for the arrival airport on flights to Malaga is AGP
Most popular airline
Wizz Air UK
Most popular airline with flights to Malaga
High season
August
According to search data from our customers, August is the busiest time to fly to Malaga
Low season
January
According to search data from our customers, January is the least busy time to fly to Malaga
