Málaga in winter: 7 places that’ll make you want to come back for more
While Málaga might conjure up images of sun-soaked beaches and summer crowds, the city takes on a whole new personality in the winter. The pace slows down, the air is cooler (but still warm enough when the sun is out), and Málaga’s historic streets and hidden corners take on a different, more intimate feel. It almost goes without saying that the big tourist spots like the Cathedral or the Picasso Museum are well worth a visit (even more so in the off season), but as we’re all about getting you to experience the places that many overlook, our Málaga recommendations will be a little less obvious. Enjoy…
7 Places you must experience in Málaga
1 | Alcazaba at Sunrise / Hike Mount Gibralfaro
The Alcazaba (Credit: DMR)
Start your day with a gentle wander through the Alcazaba, Málaga’s Moorish fortress. In winter, the soft morning light casts a golden hue over the ancient walls, and you can meander through the courtyards and gardens without the usual rush of summer tourists. Take your time to enjoy the views over the city and the port, and feel the history of this 11th-century marvel.
If you’re up for something a little more challenging, head up the hill to Gibralfaro Castle. The cooler winter temperatures make the hike much more doable and enjoyable, and once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with even better views of Málaga’s coastline and the distant mountains. The effort is definitely worth it, especially with the winter sun sparkling on the Mediterranean.
Entry is €3.50 for either the Alcazaba or Gibralfaro, or you can get a combined ticket for €5.50
2 | Café con Churros at Casa Aranda
Churros at Casa Aranda (Credit: Jun CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mornings in Málaga wouldn’t be complete without churros dipped in hot chocolate. Casa Aranda, a local favourite, is the perfect spot to enjoy this winter indulgence. Grab a seat, order a coffee, and watch the world go by as locals pop in for their daily churro fix. There’s no better way to start a crisp winter day than with this sweet, warm treat.
€1.95 for a hot chocolate and €0.60 for a churro
3 | Explore Soho’s Street Art
Some of the street art in the Soho neighbourhood (Credit: txmx2 CC BY-ND-NC 2.0)
Winter is a wonderful time to explore Málaga’s trendy Soho district. This area has transformed into a creative hub, with vibrant street art decorating many of the buildings. Take a slow stroll through the streets to admire murals from local and international artists, or pop into one of the galleries or concept stores dotted around the area. With the winter light casting a gentle glow, it’s also a photographer’s dream.
4 | Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda (Car and Fashion Museum)
Stunning collection of classic cars and period fashion (Credit: DMR)
A museum that combines vintage cars and high fashion? It may sound unlikely, but this unique museum, housed in a former tobacco factory, brings together two worlds in spectacular style – with one of the best collection in the world of classic cars and vintage dresses. Winter is the ideal time to visit as the cooler weather makes exploring the 90-plus classic cars and designer fashion exhibits all the more enjoyable. It’s an unexpected but delightful way to spend a winter afternoon.
Entry is €6.00, buy a ticket online for a specific time slot
5 | Stop at a chiringuito for grilled sardines in El Palo
Typical of the region - grilled sardines grilled on an open fire (Credit: Canva)
For a more authentic Málaga experience, take a leisurely walk through El Palo, a charming fishing neighbourhood on the eastern edge of the city. In winter, this area feels even more local and relaxed, offering a real taste of traditional Andalusian life. Stroll along the promenade, watch fishermen at work, and stop by one of the small beachfront chiringuitos for grilled sardines (espeto de sardinas) cooked over an open fire. El Palo is the perfect place to soak up the laid-back, seaside vibe and enjoy a quiet escape from the busier parts of the city. You can grab a taxi or a scooter or a bus to get you out to El Palo, and then meander back to the city along the waterfront. Heaven.
6 | Relax at Hammam Al Ándalus
After a day of exploring, there’s no better way to unwind than with a visit to the Hammam Al Ándalus, an Arab-style bathhouse. The contrast of the cool winter air and the steamy baths creates a wonderfully relaxing experience. With its atmospheric lighting, traditional architecture, and the option to indulge in a massage, it’s the perfect winter retreat to warm your body and soul.
Prices for access to the Arab Baths plus a massage start at €60
7 | Tapas and Wine at La Tranca
La Tranca tapas bar (Credit: Welovecostadelso.esCC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Many will point you to El Pimpi for tapas, but if you want to avoid the tourist buzz, head to La Tranca. This lively, vintage-inspired tapas bar is all about the local experience. With old Spanish vinyl records adorning the walls and a menu packed with Andalusian favourites like empanadas and fried eggplant with honey, it’s the perfect spot for an authentic evening. Order a glass of local wine or vermouth and soak up the friendly, buzzing atmosphere.
Your Málaga Challenge: Walk the Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey (Credit: Viajes con flow, CC BY-SA 4.0)
For every city we feature, we like to set a challenge for the more adventurous traveller. And this challenge is not for the faint hearted! One of Spain’s most thrilling hikes, Caminito del Rey is a narrow, suspended walkway that runs along the walls of a steep gorge, with breathtaking views of the El Chorro canyon. It’s an exhilarating experience, especially in winter when the weather is cooler and the crowds are thinner. The walk is safe but will definitely get your heart racing! This unique adventure will take you out of your comfort zone and give you an unforgettable experience. The start of the Caminito is just under an hour’s drive from Málaga city. If you don’t have your own car, then the best is to book a tour via Get Your Guide or Viator.
Difficulty level: 3/3 (one of the tougher challenges, especially if, like me, you’re not good with heights)
Travel essentials: getting around Málaga
Málaga’s historic centre is compact and perfect for exploring on foot. If you’re planning to venture further, the city’s public transport network is pretty good, with buses covering most areas. There are fast trains to and from Madrid (via Cordoba) and if you’re flying in, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is around a 20-minute drive from the centre, and you can easily catch a taxi or the train into town. If you’re looking to explore the surrounding areas like Caminito del Rey, renting a car can be handy, but organised tours are also a great option if you don’t want to drive.
Why winter is a great time to visit Málaga
Málaga’s mild winter temperatures, hovering around 16-20°C, make it an ideal time to explore without the sweltering summer heat. Between December and March, you get on average around 5 hours of sunshine a day. Not bad for Europe. Plus, you’ll find fewer tourists, meaning you can enjoy the city’s charms in a much more relaxed way. So, make the most of it and enjoy the sunrises, the cozy churros mornings and quieter museum visits, and see Málaga in a new light.
And beyond Málaga, there are a few other great destinations in Andalusia that are perfect in autumn or winter. Try Seville, Cadiz or the Costa de la Luz.
Do let us know (on Instagram) if you travel to Malaga, what you think of our recommendations and do share any places you have found that you think are worth a mention.
