Malaga In Winter: Best Things To Do & Places To See In 2024
Visiting Malaga In Winter This Year & Looking For The Best Things To Do?
The city of Malaga in southern Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Andalucía, and visiting Malaga during the winter is a fantastic option for those looking for a milder city break.
Malaga has a lot of sunny, dry weather at this time of year, making it the perfect getaway destination for a long weekend or longer. You also get many of the best celebrations and festivals during the winter!
There are a lot of awesome activities and places to visit in Malaga throughout each winter and I’ve asked my fellow blogger friend, Mark from MJ Travel Guides, to help with this blog post.
He’ll take you through the 23 best things to do and places to see during the winter months in Malaga and even answer some FAQs towards the end.
What Is Malaga Like In Winter?
Malaga in winter is a brilliant time to visit! The region experiences mild temperatures during the winter months, so it’s an ideal time to escape the often cold, freezing temperatures of other regions in Europe.
Not only will you enjoy the many attractions like you would at any other time of the year but you can join in many of the major celebrations in winter too.
You’ll be able to see some incredible Christmas lights around Malaga in December. Christmas time also brings one of the best markets in Spain to the city and incredible New Year’s Eve parties.
At the beginning of February, Malaga celebrates the week-long carnival – the first major fiesta of the year! This is a chance to dress up and join over 600,000 others in one of Malaga’s biggest celebrations.
Malaga has fewer tourists during the winter time too, so you can expect fewer crowds and queues when visiting the many tourist attractions that the city has to offer.
You can also expect cheap deals in terms of flights and accommodation during this season too.
Malaga In Winter Weather
Malaga has a pleasant average temperature of around 17°C during winter meaning you won’t have to put up with freezing temperatures whilst sightseeing and exploring the city.
The temperature from December to February is even known to reach as high as 22°C and rain is less common than in many other parts of Europe.
You’ll be able to visit many of the major landmarks like you would do at any other time of the year. The mild winter weather just means that you may need to bring a light jacket and jeans and leave the shorts at home for this one!
Don’t be surprised if you see the locals totally wrap up for the cold though!
Best Things To Do In Malaga In Winter
There are so many awesome activities to do and places to visit in and around Malaga during the winter season. So, let’s take a look at what are the best things to do here at this particular time of year:
1. Visit the Alcazaba Fortress
Malaga’s number one tourist spot is the stunning Alcazaba Fortress, which definitely should be at the top of your list of things to do when visiting the city.
The Alcazaba Fortress is rich in history, having been built during Islamic rule in the 11th century, and undergoing several changes and modifications up until the 14th century.
There are beautiful courtyards and gardens to be admired here, and you can climb to the top of the fortress to see some fantastic views of the old quarter of the city.
People generally spend 1-2 hours at the fortress, and you can combine a visit here with a visit to Gibralfaro castle as well.
➡️ Check Out This Tour Of The Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Malaga Cathedral & More!
2. See the Magical Malaga Christmas Lights
Christmas in Malaga is a special time of year, which is just another reason why you should visit during winter. The city really comes to life with its own light show that takes place in Calle Larios, which is the busy shopping high street in Malaga.
The light show display is one of the most beautiful in all of Europe and rivals Madrid’s own Christmas light show. It lasts until after the 6th of January, which is the Three Kings public holiday in Spain.
The light show consists of the ‘16 Golden Angels’ that are suspended alongside 32 columns from one side of Calle Larios to the other. It really is a stunning sight and puts you in a festive mood.
➡️ Check Out This Eco-Friendly Special Christmas Lights Night Tour By Electric Car!
3. Experience the Picasso Museum of Malaga
One of Malaga’s claims to fame is that it is the birthplace of Spain’s most famous artist; Pablo Picasso. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Malaga is home to the Picasso Museum, which features a huge 285 works by Picasso that was donated to the museum by his family.
If you’re a fan of Picasso or an art fan in general then this museum is a must when visiting Malaga. The collection of art is exhibited chronologically, so you can really appreciate the artist’s amazing progression throughout his lifetime.
There is obviously a lot of great art here to take in, so make sure you allocate enough time to fully appreciate everything on show. You should give yourself at least an hour minimum, potentially a whole morning or afternoon depending on how big a Picasso fan you are.
➡️ Picasso Lovers Should Check Out This Private Guided Tour Of The Museum!
4. Mercado Central de Atarazanas
If you’re a foodie then make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to Mercado Central de Atarazanas when in Malaga. This is the city’s traditional food market that is full of local produce, tapas bars and more.
The market is separated into three areas; meat produce, seafood and fresh produce. It is housed in a 19th-century building (the market itself dates back to the 14th century) and features a stunning iron and glass roof structure.
If you plan a visit then make sure you get there early; it opens from 8am and closes around 2-3pm from Monday to Saturday. This is a fantastic place to stroll through and take in the sights, sounds and smells on offer, and to try some of the food on offer of course.
5. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Malaga
If you happen to be in Malaga during the New Year period then you’re in luck; the locals here love to celebrate the New Year in style!
Several unique and perhaps unusual traditions take place in Spain on New Year’s Eve. These include wearing new red underwear for good luck, eating lentils for luck as well, and the 12 Grapes of Midnight; eating 12 grapes for each chime of the clock at midnight for yet more good luck!
There are plenty of bars to visit in Malaga that are open on New Year’s Eve, as well as top-quality restaurants. However, make sure you book up in advance if you want a restaurant table as New Year’s Eve is very popular and busy in Malaga.
A lot of locals bring in the New Year by gathering at Plaza de la Constitución, (Constitution Square), which has a fantastic atmosphere as midnight and the New Year approaches.
6. Go hiking at El Caminito del Rey
There are several fantastic hiking destinations in Spain, such as the popular Camino de Santiago in the north. But in the south, one of the most stunning hikes is very close to Malaga; El Caminito del Rey.
Just over an hour’s drive away from the city (57 kilometres to be exact), this is a unique walkway alongside narrow gorges in El Chorro.
It was once known as one of the world’s most dangerous hikes, but in recent years safety measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of hikers and is now considered to be a safe hike to do.
The entire hike is just over 7 kilometres and takes roughly two hours to complete, perhaps longer if you want to take your time and enjoy some of the amazing sights.
It is possible to book a guided tour here with helmets provided and it is an incredible experience, as long as you don’t suffer from a fear of heights!
➡️ Check Out This Caminito Del Rey Day Tour From Malaga!
7. Take a stroll in Malaga Park
If hiking sounds too ambitious (and tiring) to you, then a less exhausting option is to visit Parque de Malaga, or Malaga Park in the heart of the city.
Dating back to 1897, this is one of the city’s most beautiful parks. It is 33 hectares in length and is full of tropical palm trees, exotic flowers, lush botanical gardens, fountains, monuments and statues.
The green oasis makes the park a perfect place to relax for a while away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
There are several other beautiful parks in Malaga worth visiting too, such as El Retiro Garden, Jardines de Puerto Oscura and Parque del Oeste.
8. Castillo de Gibralfaro
Castillo de Gibralfaro (or Gibralfaro Castle) is right next to the Alcazaba Fortress in Malaga, though the two are considered separate tourist spots with separate entrance fees.
It’s a good idea to combine a visit to both at the same time so you don’t miss out on what both have to offer. The castle is situated on top of the mountain of Gibralfaro and is a Moorish castle that was built back in the 1300s.
It’s an amazing place to appreciate the ancient architecture and take in the stunning views of the old town of Malaga as well as the port area and lovely ocean views.
9. Watch a football match
If you’re a football fanatic then you may want to consider watching a football match while visiting Malaga. Malaga CF is the main football club of the city and they currently play in Spain’s second-tier football division.
There is usually a midseason break at Christmas but the majority of the games are played outside the summer months, making winter an ideal time to catch a game!
The team’s ground; La Rosaleda Estadio is situated roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre and holds a capacity of 30,000 people, ensuring a great atmosphere during a game. Tickets to a game at Malaga CF start at just 15 Euros, which is quite a bargain.
10. Take a Day Trip to Ronda
After a few days in Malaga you may wish to see some more tourist places nearby and one of the best day trips you can take is to the medieval town of Ronda.
Ronda is located 105 kilometres west of Malaga, and you can easily do a road trip or take a bus from Malaga which takes around 1-2 hours. Or why not book a hotel and stay the night to really get the most out of your trip?
Ronda is a really special place; it sits on top of a mountain and offers some stunning views of the local area. It is most famous for its bridge; Puento Nuevo, which was built over a 34-year period and was completed in 1793, spanning a huge chasm.
The bridge is one of the most incredible, impressive sights you’ll see. It’s worth a trip to Ronda just to see the bridge alone, but the town is a delightful place full of great restaurants, breathtaking views and beautiful architecture.
➡️ Check Out This Top-Rated Private Day Trip To Ronda!
11. Jardin Botanico – Historico La Concepcion
Based in the north of the city centre of Malaga is what is considered to be the best persevered sub-tropical landscape garden in all of Europe; the Jardin Botanico. It features a huge collection of over 25,000 plants as well as sculptures, monuments and more.
The gardens really are a special oasis that has over 150 years of history. It is a perfect location to relax and unwind in natural beauty. It’s possible to take a guided tour of the gardens if you want to learn more about all the wonderful fauna on show too.
12. Visit the Teatro Romano in Malaga
The oldest historical site in all of Malaga is its Roman theatre remains; the Teatro Romano. This is a spectacular amphitheatre that seats 220 people and is nowadays used for open-air performances.
It is believed to date back to the 1st century AD during the reign of Augustus and was only discovered as recently as 1951. It’s an impressive site located at the foot of the Alcazaba Fortress and it is amazing to see how it has remained in such good condition.
13. Experience Malaga’s Carnival
Perhaps not very well known to tourists when visiting Malaga is that it actually has its own carnival that takes place annually every February.
The Malaga Carnival is known to be one of the biggest annual events in the city and is a great experience if you happen to be there at the same time.
More than 600,000 visitors take part in the carnival, which is a fun mix of parades, concerts, costume parties, drag queen contests, street food and more.
The carnival dates back to the 16th century and is now seen as an excuse to dress up and have fun!
14. Visit some of Malaga’s Best Museums
As well as the Picasso Museum, Malaga has a plethora of other museums which are worth checking out when visiting the city.
There are over 30 museums in Malaga in total and the city prides itself as being ‘the city of museums’.
The majority of these museums are art museums, but there is a range of alternate museums such as the Flamenco Museum, the Automobile Museum and the Museo de la Imaginación, which is ideal for kids and a perfect way to spend a few hours for families.
15. Take a Food and Wine Tour
When in Malaga it’s important to indulge yourself in the local cuisine, and there’s no better way to do this than going on a food and wine tour!
This is a great way to understand and immerse yourself in the local culinary scene and rich wine heritage.
Most of these food and wine tours last around 3 hours and you get to try several plates of traditional tapas, Iberian ham, local cheeses and several glasses of locally produced wine. This is a must for any foodies when visiting Malaga!
➡️ Check Out This Excellent Wine & Tapas Tour Of Malaga!
16. Visit the Malaga Cathedral
Another iconic and impressive building in Malaga is its cathedral, which is a Roman Catholic Church in the heart of the city’s old town. The building features absolutely stunning Renaissance architecture which is absolutely breathtaking.
You should definitely take the time to visit the interior of the church too, which features beautiful Baroque columns and art. It costs just 8 Euros to enter and is totally worth it.
The cathedral was founded in the 15th century on the site of a former mosque and wasn’t finished until 1782. It is undoubtedly one of the most important and spectacular buildings in the whole of Spain.
17. Relax on the beach Without The Crowds!
With temperatures being so mild in winter, there’s a chance to enjoy the winter sun in Malaga and just relax and unwind on one of the many beaches. Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol after all!
The main beach in Malaga is Playa de la Malagueta, which is the closest beach to the centre of the city and takes around 10-15 minutes to reach from there by foot.
It’s a sandy beach that stretches over a kilometre long and the waters are calm too. Here you can hire beach umbrellas and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes within walking distance.
Pedregalejo Beach is another beautiful beach in Malaga too and often less crowded than Playa de la Malagueta. It’s one of the oldest beach areas in the city and is famous for its top-quality seafood restaurants nearby.
There are plenty of options when it comes to beaches close to Malaga, with several exceptional beaches in Marbella, Nerja and Torremolinos.
18. Hammam Al Andalus
If you’re in need of some relaxation and pampering in Malaga, then there is no better option than to pay a visit to Hammam Al Andalus. This building is home to ancient Arab baths that feature a mix of warm and cold pools, saunas and marble beds.
You can have a massage here amongst the absolutely gorgeous and elegant interior Arab architecture. It’s a luxurious, relaxing place and a must if you feel the need to unwind when in Malaga.
➡️ Check Out This Hammam Al Andalus Baths Experience!
19. Experience a Flamenco Show
Of course, southern Spain is home to Flamenco dancing and when in Malaga it’s possible to attend a flamenco show.
There are several flamenco show locations throughout the city and the shows are a unique opportunity to learn and experience the intense passion and beauty of this very Spanish dance.
Flamenco shows can last up to 3 hours, so plan accordingly and several locations combine the shows with dinner.
Ideally, the more authentic flamenco shows the better, and some of the most authentic shows in the city take place at Restaurant Tipi Tapa, Fuengirola, Tablao Los Amayas and Bienal de Flamenco.
➡️ Check Out This Top-Rated Flamenco Show Here!
20. Hike up to Mirador del Gibralfaro
Some of the best panoramic views of all of Malaga can be found at Mirador del Gibralfaro. This is a scenic hilltop point that you can hike up or it’s possible to reach by bus or car.
The viewpoint is 130 metres high and takes around 30 minutes to reach by foot from the city centre. Be warned that it is quite a steep uphill hike, so only attempt the walk if you’re in good physical condition and make sure to bring a water bottle with you too.
However, the views are breathtaking once you reach the viewpoint; you can see the entire city landscape, harbour and ocean views.
21. Take a Day Trip to Granada
There are many amazing cities worth visiting throughout Spain, whether in the north or south of the country. But one of the most special cities is without a doubt Granada, which is easily reachable from Malaga.
Just an hour and a half away from Malaga by bus, visiting Granada makes for a perfect day trip. Located by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada features some of the most impressive Moorish and Islamic architecture not only in Spain but the entire world too.
The most famous tourist attraction in Granada is definitely the Alhambra Palace and Fortress complex. It is one of the most incredible, beautiful historical sites you’ll ever visit and a must when in Granada.
You can spend several hours at Alhambra admiring the stunning buildings on show, just make sure you book your ticket way in advance as it’s a hugely popular tourist site, even during the winter months.
➡️ Check Out This Alhambra Palace Day Trip From Malaga
22. Visit Malaga’s Harbour area
Malaga has its own harbour area, with a port and marina bay which is very popular with tourists. The port actually dates back to the Phoenicians in 1000 BC and was a trading port in the Roman era, so it’s another example of ancient history in the city.
Nowadays it’s a very trendy, upmarket area of the city, with many museums close by, fashionable shops and fantastic seafood restaurants worth visiting.
23. See the Centre Pompidou in Malaga
And finally, if you fancy seeing some contemporary art in Malaga then you should pay a visit to the Centre Pompidou. This is a collection of modern art exhibitions that is divided into five different sections.
There is some fascinating artwork on show here from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is a calm, peaceful place which is a nice way to spend a couple of quiet, cultured hours in the city.
FAQs: Malaga In Winter
Still not sure if visiting Malaga in winter is a good idea or not? Let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting at this time of year:
Is Malaga Warm In The Winter?
Although it’s possible to visit year-round, Malaga isn’t exactly warm during the winter season but it does experience mild temperatures, with the average temperature being around 17 degrees Celsius, whilst also boasting more hours of sun than if you were to visit Barcelona or Valencia.
If you’re travelling here from northern Europe then this is considered very warm for this time of year, so it’s all relative. Keep in mind that temperatures drop considerably in Malaga during the nighttime in winter, so you need to bring appropriate clothing.
What Is The Coldest Month In Malaga?
January is considered to be the coldest month in Malaga, with temperatures ranging anywhere between 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. This is still considerably mild compared to the rest of Europe which experiences temperatures in the single digits and even below zero.
Temperatures in the other winter months in Malaga are quite similar, with December and February averaging around 17 degrees Celsius.
What To Wear In Malaga In Winter?
As mentioned previously, temperatures do tend to drop considerably during the nighttime in winter in Malaga. So, it’s important to bring the right type of clothing for the evening time to ensure you stay warm.
I would recommend taking with you several layers of clothing, as well as a decent jacket, scarf and gloves. Remember, it won’t be freezing temperatures in Malaga but it’s best to be on the safe side.
A comfortable pair of hiking boots is a good idea too if you plan on trekking some of the popular scenic routes in and around Malaga.
Does It Snow In Malaga?
No, it very rarely snows in Malaga, so you really don’t have to worry about this when visiting the city during the winter months. The last time it actually snowed in Malaga was way back in 1954!
There can sometimes be extreme weather in the region, however, such as thunderstorms and rainy periods. In fact, November is on record as being the rainiest month in Malaga where it can rain for several days in a row.
So, if you do plan on visiting Malaga during November then it may be a good idea to bring with you some waterproof clothing, especially a waterproof jacket and boots.
Wrapping Up: Malaga In Winter
So that’s everything you need to know about visiting Malaga during the winter as well as all the fantastic things to do and places to visit.
Malaga is a fascinating cultural city steeped in rich history, packed with diverse museums, historical sites and warm hospitality from its locals.
Whether you’re in the mood to see some of Picasso’s art, learn about Roman history or go on a culinary tour, you’re never short of options in Malaga.
As well as being able to see all the major tourist attractions in winter time, you’re guaranteed decent weather as well as some brilliant events such as the Christmas light show in Calle Larios and the Malaga Carnival in February.
Now you know what to expect when visiting Malaga in winter, there’s no excuse not to visit!
