Malaga is one of Spain’s most established tourist towns, so you could be forgiven for expecting many hotels, restaurants, and service providers to be on the lookout for unsuspecting visitors to overcharge. No need to worry: As with any popular location, if you avoid the obvious tourist traps and use some of our tips, you can enjoy a wonderful holiday in Malaga without feeling fleeced.
Budget Beds
In general, the further from the city you are willing to stay, the cheaper the room, but remember to factor in the cost of bus and taxi fares before making a booking. Pay less for a perfectly central location with the Larios, on the corner of the pedestrianised shopping street Calle Marqués de Larios and the Plaza de Constitución. The majority of museums and sights are a just a short stroll away, and the area is teeming with tapas bars.
Casa de la Mercedes is a charming 18th-century town house just a short distance from the Plaza de la Merced (where Picasso was born).
Cheap Eats
Tapeo De Cervantes in the Centro Historico is one of the city’s most popular restaurants, but it still manages to offer an affordable menu. Try the grilled tuna with cauliflower purée, or, for confirmed carnivores, sample one of the best steaks in Spain. Right on the beach at El Palo you’ll find
El Tintero, a large restaurant that offers a huge variety of reasonably priced seafood. In lieu of menus, waiters come out and shout out their wares, so be prepared for plenty of noise and a great atmosphere. One of the most authentic (and cheapest!) ways to enjoy Malagueño cuisine is to go for tapas. Many bars will serve you a cold beer and a serving of tapas for only a few euro. Specialities include ensalada Malagueño (a salad of salted cod with oranges) and boquerones en vinagre (cured anchovies).
Sights For Less
Picasso was born in Malaga, so if you have even an inkling of interest in art, you really should visit the
Picasso Museum. With a recently expanded collection, the museum now offers 233 works of art. Malaga’s most famous landmarks are the the
Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. Wander through the fragrant eucalyptus groves and beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the best views in the entire city. Entrance is free on Sunday afternoons to both the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle.
It’s hard to avoid beaches if you come to Malaga, and now matter how limited your budget is, you won’t have to because they’re free. Choose from Playa de Las Acacias, Playa de la Malagueta and Playa de la Misericordia, all of which are bordered by playgrounds, restaurants, and beach bars. Drive about 15 minutes out of Malaga to Pedregalejo, and you’ll find some of the area’s best beaches. An ancient fishing
barrio, it practically glitters with coves and beaches, all offering plenty of fun for all the family.
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