Malaga - flights to the Costa del Sol
Malaga is a modern city in Spain that offers exceptional entertainment, flavourful cuisine, stunning white beaches and a unique skyline. It has a vibrant atmosphere and is a bustling port city offering stunning views of Spain's Costa de Sol and the gorgeous blue sea.
As well as being a great holiday destination in its own right, the coastal towns and villages on the Costa del Sol as well as cities in Andalucia have plenty to offer visitors on a short as well as extended break. The Museo Picasso and Museo Casa Natal de Picasso celebrate Picasso who was born in the city and is worth visiting. Also see the Museo Carmen Thyssen and Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC) for modern art.
Famous historic buildings include the Cathedral in the old town centre and the Alcazaba.
Low cost flights are available on the route Gatwick-Malaga as well as Stansted-Malaga and Luton to Malaga.
When is the best time for a Costa del Sol holiday?
Malaga and the coast has a moderate climate and the best time to visit is from April to October, peak season being July and August as the weather is the hottest, but this can make the beaches overcrowded. The city holds a 9-day party with fireworks called the Feria de Malaga in August. The weather can be unpredictable between December and January, although The Holy Week Processions from the 6th January is a nice sight to enjoy. Towns and villages around near Malaga will all have their own festivities and saint's days which are usually celebrated with great aplomb, so with a bit of luck you can experience a fantastic party.
Important information before you travel
Malaga is one hour ahead of London. It is a very popular and thriving city, so streets can be busy and parking spaces hard to find. It is recommended to book your rental car well in advance. Knowing Spanish can also come in very useful, but most people speak English.
Most restaurants offer a cheap three course meal at midday with prices ranging from around 6 euros upwards. Both restaurants and shop prices are around 50% cheaper than in London, and it is important to note that there is a siesta from 2pm to 5pm when all shops will be closed.
How do you get from Malaga airport to the Costa del Sol?
A train line will take visitors from Malaga airport to many towns on the Costa del Sol: the "Cercanías" C1 train Málaga-Fuengirola stops in 13 popular holiday resorts along the coast towards the south: e.g. in Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. Marbella and Estepona, as well as other major cities in Andalucia such as Granada and Sevilla, are all served by Avanza buses directly from the airport. Tickets are available online or at the airport. Fares to Marbella range from between 6 and 8 euros.
Malaga airport is also within easy reach of central Malaga. Public transport takes around 15 minutes and a bus fare will cost around 3 euro for a single ticket, however, you can purchase a rechargeable multi trip card from Estancos. The train fare will cost just under 2 euro. Taxis are faster but more expressive, costing around 20 euro for the trip into town. Fares will be higher on weekends and holidays, as well as after 10 pm.
All major sights in the city of Malaga are accessible by foot. On average a hotel in the city will cost you around 50 euros per night, while budget accommodation can range from 15 euro upward. It is also important to note that alcohol and driving laws in Spain are stricter than in the UK, with 0.05% (0,25 mg/l) the legal limit, so make sure to arrange transport if you plan to enjoy a night on the town.
