Book your flight to Málaga with Icelandair

Introduction to Malaga

Welcome to sunny Malaga, the hub of Spain's Costa del Sol. That name translates to 'Sun Coast', so yes, you're in for primo weather and endless beaches. Throw in super seafood, tasty tapas, and some fine artistic pedigree, and you have a dream vacation spot!

Icelandair has added Malaga to its network: from September 6, we fly once or twice a week to Malaga from Iceland and North America. Book now for your chance to explore this sunny, sociable Andalusian city. Before you discover the sandy strands and fishy fare of the Costa del Sol, how about cooling down in Reykjavík and discovering Iceland's black beaches? When you book a flight to Malaga with Icelandair you can add a stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare.

Exploring the Costa del Sol

You might be surprised to learn that Malaga is Spain's sixth-largest city, with a population around 600,000. It also has a history spanning about 2800 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. It’s the main hub of the Costa del Sol, a sunny stretch that was once a series of small fishing settlements but today is a hot-spot tourist destination.

The Costa del Sol stretches from La Línea de la Concepción in the west (which lies just north of Gibraltar) to Nerja in the east, spanning around 150km (90 miles) of coastline. Popular coastal towns include Estepona, Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, and Nerja. As well as beaches, the region overflows with golf courses, marinas, and family-oriented theme parks. Inland are the renowned white villages of Andalusia to explore.

Attractions in Malaga

You can easily alternate beaches with sightseeing here. Chief among the sights is Museo Picasso, honoring the artist who was born in Malaga in 1881 and became a superstar of the art world. You can visit his birthplace at Plaza de la Merced 15, and explore art further at Museo Carmen Thyssen or the local outpost of Paris’ Centre Pompidou.

The hillside Alcazaba is another Malaga magnet. It’s a palace-fortress dating from the 11th-century Moorish period, with evocative arches, courtyards, and fountains. It’s considered one of the most beautiful alcazabas in Spain (the word comes from Arabic ‘al-qasbah’, meaning urban fortress). The city’s grand cathedral dates from the 16th century, while the Santiago Church is Malaga's oldest, from 1490. Need some modernity? Visit the cool neighborhood of Soho, full of murals and street art.

Activities in Malaga

Did someone say beaches? Along its coast, Malaga offers holidaymakers a wide choice: the most popular beaches are La Malagueta, La Misericordia, El Palo, and Pedregalejo. La Malagueta is the closest beach to the old town center, easily reached on foot. The 10-minute walk along the sea promenade is dotted with restaurants and beach bars. El Palo is a fun option – both the beach and the surrounding area (a traditional fishermen’s neighborhood) are worth your time.

Malaga is also a gateway to the acclaimed beaches of the wider Costa del Sol. A favorite destination for both visitors and locals is Nerja, about an hour east of Malaga. The town is a treat, with its cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, and the sandy beaches and secluded coves are huge drawcards. Be sure to snap a pic at the Balcón de Europa lookout.

Dining in Malaga

Your tastebuds are in for a treat in Malaga. First up, breakfast: the pitufo is a breadroll filled with olive oil and tomato, ham and cheese, or various other combos. Zurrapa (pork spread) is a uniquely Andalusian option. You’re on the coast, so seafood shines. Countless beach bars (known as chiringuitos) specialize in fried fish and skewered sardines, plus traditional dishes such as ajoblanco (like a white gazpacho), and boquerones (anchovies) in vinegar. The fertile surrounding land delivers flavorful delights, so you can savor regional wines, olives, sausages, cheeses, and fresh fruits.

Malaga dessert classics include borrachuelos, a crunchy dough covered in sugar or honey and filled with jam. Tortas locas (literally ‘crazy cakes’) are two halves of puff pastry filled with custard, topped by orange glaze and a cherry.

Shopping in Malaga

Stop by Mercado Atarazanas, Malaga’s market hall, for both the cool architecture and delicious produce on display. The stained-glass windows add a refined touch! Elegant, pedestrianized Calle Marqués de Larios (or simply Calle Larios) is Malaga’s premier shopping strip, home to designer stores and retail giants. Calle Compañía and Calle Nueva are also worth seeking out.

Plaza Mayor is a large open-air shopping mall just outside Malaga, close to the airport. It’s a go-to destination for global retail brands. Another mall for the address book is Designer Outlet Malaga (near Plaza Mayor), a great place to shop for luxury brands without breaking the bank.

Looking for the perfect souvenirs from your trip? You can’t go wrong with local produce (olive oil, wine, muscatel raisins), Andalusian ceramics, or a cool Picasso poster.

Getting around the city

Busy Malaga–Costa del Sol Airport is the main international airport serving the Costa del Sol. You’ll find it 8km (5 miles) southwest of Malaga. Frequent buses and trains connect the airport with the center of Malaga. The train also runs to Torremolinos and Fuengirola to the west, while buses can take you direct to Marbella, Estepona, and Nerja.

Within Malaga there’s an underground train network: two lines connect the center of town to the western area and the university. There's an extensive bus network too. Malaga's central bus station, next to the María Zambrano train station and the underground station, makes it easy to get around. Taxis and rideshares are popular, and bike rental is a good option for local trips.

Travel beyond Malaga

You might be happy to stay put, enjoying Costa del Sol's beaches and bars, but if you’re tempted to go exploring you’ve got top-notch options. The magical Moorish thrills of Granada and Córdoba are less than two hours from Malaga; be sure to book ahead to visit the stunning Alhambra. The town of Ronda is another option, spectacularly perched above a gorge with iconic bridges.

To the east of Malaga is the Axarquía region, home to whitewashed mountain villages and fertile valleys. Slow travel is key here, especially with the narrow winding roads. If you’re feeling active, the hiking and cycling trails of the Montes de Malaga Natural Park are just 5km (3 miles) north of the city; the park is considered the green lungs of Malaga. For something different, two hours southwest of Malaga is the British enclave of Gibraltar.