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You should know Málaga is a sunny Andalusian city with beaches, historic sites, tapas culture, and easy transport links—plan for warm weather, casual etiquette, and a mix of walking and public transit.
Visa / Entry Requirements
- EU/Schengen citizens: travel with national ID; no visa.
- US, Canada, Australia, UK, and many countries: visa-free for short stays (Schengen area rules, typically up to 90 days in 180 days).
- Non-visa-exempt travelers: apply for a Schengen visa before travel.
- Passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen; check your country’s rules and Spain consulate site for updates.
Best Time to Visit
- High season: June–September — hot (30°C+), lively beaches and festivals.
- Shoulder seasons: April–June and September–October — best balance of good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices.
- Low season: November–March — mild winters, quieter city, lower rates; some tourist hours reduced.
Safety Tips
- Málaga is generally safe for tourists. Common issues: pickpocketing in crowded spots (historic center, buses, trains).
- Keep valuables secure, use a money belt or front pocket, and be cautious at night in less busy neighborhoods.
- Emergency number: 112.
Local Customs & Etiquette
- Greeting: a light handshake; among friends or informal settings, two kisses on the cheeks (right then left).
- Mealtimes: lunch ~14:00, dinner often after 21:00; tapas culture means sharing plates is common.
- Dress: casual; smart-casual for nicer restaurants. Respectful attire when visiting religious sites.
Currency & Payments
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Cards accepted widely (VISA, MasterCard); smaller shops/markets/cafés may prefer cash.
- ATMs widely available; notify bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
Transportation
- Airport: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is 8 km from city center — taxi (~20–30 min), Aeropuerto metro line (Line C1) connects to city, buses and car rental available.
- Within city: compact center is very walkable.
- Public transit: buses (EMT Málaga) and metro (covers city + suburbs). Buy single tickets or reloadable cards.
- Trains: Cercanías (local trains) connect to Torremolinos, Fuengirola, and regional destinations; long-distance trains (AVE/Media Distancia) connect to Madrid, Seville, Córdoba.
- Driving: narrow streets and limited parking in old town; consider parking outside center and walking.
Must-Know Tips & Local Insights
- Language: Spanish; English commonly spoken in tourist areas but learning basic phrases helps.
- Tapas & food: try espetos (sardines), pescaíto frito, gazpacho, and local sweet wine (Malaga or Moscatel). Restaurant service can be relaxed; tipping 5–10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Museums: Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou Málaga, Carmen Thyssen; buy tickets ahead in high season.
- Beaches: La Malagueta is central; consider nearby Costa del Sol towns (Nerja, Marbella) for variety.
- Siesta culture: some small shops may close midday (typically early afternoon).
- Day trips: Ronda, Caminito del Rey, Granada (Alhambra), Nerja — book popular excursions in advance.
- Sixty-second packing tip: sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, light layers for cooler evenings.
Practical Advice
- Money: carry some euros for markets and small vendors.
- Connectivity: local SIM or eSIM options at airport or online; many cafés offer Wi‑Fi.
- Health: bring prescription meds with original labels; pharmacies (farmacia) display a green cross and many open limited hours.
- Accessibility: central areas have cobblestones and some steep streets; check accessibility at sites if needed.
Enjoy Málaga’s blend of sun, culture, and cuisine—plan around weather and museum schedules, use public transit, and savor the tapas.