Málaga

Málaga lies on the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean Sea and it’s one of the most important port cities in Andalusia. The Spanish city is a great starting point for trips to the north coast of Africa, as well as a popular tourist destination.

On Ferryhopper, you can find all the information you need about ferry routes and ferry schedules from the port of Málaga, as well as tips about vacation in the city, to plan your trip with confidence and the cheapest ferry tickets!

Find useful information about the ferry port of Málaga and read about holidays in the city:

• Málaga ferry port
• Vacation in Málaga

The sunny Plaza de la Merced in Málaga

Málaga ferry port

The port of Málaga in southern Spain is the oldest port in the country. The port is beautifully integrated with the city, which means it is visitor-friendly, easily accessible and it offers several entertainment and shopping options.

It has multiple piers, but passenger ferries to Melilla and Tangier normally leave from Terminal 3, which is accessible on foot.

In the port area, you can find different parking options both for long and short stays. There are two underground car parks at Terminal 1 (Muelle Uno).

As for traveler services at Málaga Port, its city location means it is close to supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations, bus and train stations, and hotels.

Good to know: The ferry port of Málaga also serves tourist boats and cruise ships.

Ferries from Málaga port: schedules and tickets

The port of Málaga serves ferry routes to Melilla, the Spanish autonomous city in North Africa. Occasionally, there are ferries from Málaga to the port of Tanger-Med in Morocco as well. The ferry companies that usually operate the ferry crossings from the port of Málaga are Baleària and Trasmediterránea.

Ferry from Málaga to Melilla

The Málaga - Melilla ferry route is available 4-6 days a week throughout the year. During the summer, the ferry crossing to the port of Melilla is more frequent, with around 9 weekly ferry crossings from 2 ferry companies. The duration of the trip is 6 hours and standard tickets start at €64.

Ferry from Málaga to Tangier

Currently, there is no ferry connection from Málaga to Tangier. Normally, when crossings are available, you can catch the ferry to the port of Tanger-Med in Morocco at least once a week. The ferry crossing to Tangier takes an average of 6 hours and tickets are approximately €35.

Tip: Follow updates for the Málaga - Tangier ferry route on Ferryhopper.

View to the beautiful port of Málaga from Gibralfaro

Where is the ferry port in Málaga?

The port of Málaga is in the city center right by the popular Park of Málaga on Paseo del Parque. Normally, all ferries to the northern coast of Africa depart from the city terminal (Muelle Tres).

How to get to Málaga port?

You can easily reach the port of Málaga by public transport (bus, train), as well as by car via the Spanish highway. 

If you're driving to Málaga port, you can take the A-7 Barcelona-Algeciras expressway, the A-45 that connects Málaga to Córdoba or the A-92 highway that takes you across Andalusia.

The airport of Málaga is located 10km from the port of the city and you can get there by train in approximately 45 minutes.

The city ferry terminal in Málaga

Vacation in Málaga

During your holidays in Málaga, you can experience the perfect blend of Andalusian traditions, seaside lifestyle and city break advantages! The port city of southern Spain is a great destination if you’re after family-friendly activities, solo traveler experiences, fun with friends, or a couples getaway.

Sunny, sand-covered beaches like Malagueta, amazing beachfront restaurants, narrow cobbled alleys with off-the-beaten-path bars and taperías, rich traditions and heritage, and a lively nightlife make up the ultimate summer destination.

Whether you want to mingle with locals at one of the open-air markets and roam the old city center quietly at night or you prefer to hang out at loud bars by the beach, you can have it in Málaga.

Explore the top experiences and not-to-be-missed sights in Málaga below.

How to get to Málaga

You can easily get to Málaga by plane, train, bus, ferry, as well as your own car or motorbike. The airport of Málaga is regularly connected with major European airports, airports in North America, as well as the Middle East, particularly during the summer. 

If you’re traveling to Málaga from within Spain, you can get there by train directly from Madrid and more major train hubs in mainland Spain. There are also buses connecting Málaga with the surrounding towns, as well as large Spanish cities.

The impressive cathedral of Málaga

What to do in Málaga

Málaga is a fantastic destination for longer holidays or a weekend break packed with fun activities and lots of delicious food!

Take long walks through the old city center and have some beer and tapas on the go, visit the amazing hilltop castle of Málaga and take amazing panoramic photos of the city, spend a day at the beach drinking cocktails, or enjoy a massage session on your sun lounger!

We also recommend trying fresh grilled fish at one of the chiringuitos in Playas del Palo, visiting Merced square to take your photo with the statue of Pablo Picasso, having a drink at the cute art bar Calle de Bruselas, and go plant-spotting at the Park of Málaga.

Sold yet? Discover more things to see and do in Málaga on your upcoming trip and find the best beaches and attractions!

Beaches in Málaga

The Costa del Sol is known for its magnificent sunny beaches and coastal towns. The city of Málaga and the nearby towns are home to many beaches where you can enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Here are some of our favorite beaches in the province of Málaga:

• Malagueta: The city beach of Málaga is one of the most impressive in the region. Golden sand, blue waters, palm trees, umbrellas, sun loungers, and quite a few chiringuitos promise a perfect day at the beach.
• La Caleta: If you’re a fan of paddleboarding or windsurfing, La Caleta is the perfect city beach for you. It’s right next to Malagueta and it’s a more easy-going beach of equal natural beauty.
• Calahonda: This amazing beach is located a 40-minute drive south of downtown Málaga. It has golden sand, crystal clear waters and moderate swells. It has easy access and parking, and it’s close to several restaurants.
• Campo de Golf: This long coast is situated a 20-minute drive from Málaga towards the town of Torremolinos. The coast is covered with thin white sand and there’s also a clothing-optional part, indicated by a sign on the beach.
• Misericordia: Playa de la Misericordia is located in close proximity to Málaga by car, taxi or bus. The sandy beach is one of the least busy coasts in the region and it is situated at the delta of river Guadalhorce, right below a natural park with lake formations. The beach is also good for surfing.
• Playas del Palo: This is a family-friendly coast with shallow waters and sand, close to the city center. The long beach is divided into various coves created by human-made breakwaters. A local festival normally takes place on the beach on the 16th of July.
• Rincón de la Victoria: The sandy beach of Rincón de la Victoria lies 12km east of the city of Málaga. You can find sun loungers, umbrellas, chiringuitos, and a kids’ playground during peak season.
• Peñón del Cuervo: The small beach is located a 20-minute drive from the city center of Málaga. It has dark sand and it’s divided into 2 coasts by an impressive rock. Many people go hiking and BBQing in the area.

The golden-sand beach of Malagueta in the city center

Sightseeing and activities in Málaga

Málaga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Costa del Sol, as it combines sunny weather and cultural attractions. Walking around the city can be a real pleasure: the city’s architecture, cafes and tapas bars will charm you straight away. 

Málaga is also the birthplace of painter Pablo Picasso, so don’t miss the chance to visit the Picasso Museum. 

Here are some of the top attractions and activities in Málaga according to ferryhoppers:

• Teatro Romano: The Roman theatre of Málaga is located on the slopes of the Alcazaba hill. It is one of the oldest monuments in Málaga and it’s worth visiting both during the day, as well as at night when performances and shows take place.
• Alcazaba: Alcazaba is the palatial fortification of Málaga built in the 11th century CE. The fortress is one of the best preserved in Spain. We definitely recommend exploring the hidden terraces and gardens.
• Gibralfaro Castle: This is a 14th century fortress built on a hill, connected to Alcazaba via an impressive stone wall. It’s one of the best viewing spots in the city.
• Parque de Málaga: The city park of Málaga features lush gardens with fountains and interesting sculptures. It’s in the city center, very close to the port terminals. You can sit on a bench and enjoy a snack or explore the many beautiful plants.
• Torcal de Antequera: This extraordinary nature reserve is in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range, 1 hour from Málaga by car. It is distinguished by its unusual rock formations and beautiful wildflowers.
• La Concepción: The large botanical-historical garden of Málaga features a wide variety of plants. There’s also a museum and many information points if you want to learn more about the flora of the park.
• Mercado de Atarazanas: This is an indoor food market housed in an old Moorish shipyard. The current building dates back to the 19th century and it’s a great site to shop and experience the local lifestyle.
• Picasso Museum: The Picasso Museum of Málaga presents a large collection of Pablo Picasso’s works donated by the painter’s family. It is housed in an amazing building in the neighborhood of La Merced.
• Feria de Málaga: The local festival taking place in August is full of music, dance and street performances. The celebrations extend all over the city and, normally, there are also wandering musicians roaming the streets of the historic city center.

Tip: A 2-minute walk from the Picasso Museum will take you to the tapería El Carpintero, where you can try the delicious albóndigas en salsa de almendras (meatballs with almond sauce).

The awe-inspiring rock formations of Torcal in Málaga

Nightlife in Málaga

Málaga is a lively city with lots of nightlife options! You can find easy-going restaurants and bars, as well as intense dance clubs and underground bars. This makes Málaga one of the top party destinations in Europe!

There are many places to eat and drink in the city center of Málaga, as well as the suburbs. Some of the most popular places for nightlife in Málaga are: Malagueta, Plaza de la Merced, Plaza Mitjana, Plaza Uncibay, and Pedregalejo.

You can also catch flamenco nights, attend live music events and watch concerts at one of the many impressive venues. As you’re roaming the streets at night, don’t forget to look up and spot the famous street art installations of Málaga.

Tip: One of the best nightlife experiences in Málaga is to have a drink at the rooftop bars in the historic city center. Enjoying a refreshing glass of wine or a delicious cocktail with a view to Alcazaba is a must! The 5th floor of the Alcazaba Premium Hostel Málaga is the place to be!

Food in Málaga

What to eat in Málaga? Errr, everything! Try the local cuisine at small seaside restaurants, go fine-dining, join locals at hidden taperías, and go crazy at food markets!

In Málaga, you can try mouth-watering dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and lots of love!

Whether you’re after typical Andalusian dishes, secret local recipes or Spanish all-time-classics, you can try it at one of Málaga’s best restaurants! There are vegetarian, pescatarian and meat options available, so don’t hold back!

Here’s what to try in Málaga:

• Gambas al pil pil: shrimp cooked in olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes
• Migas: breadcrumbs usually cooked with chorizo and eggs
• Albóndigas con salsa de almendras: meatballs cooked in rich almond sauce
• Gazpachuelo malagueño: fish stew with vegetables, mayo and garlic
• Berenjenas fritas con miel de caña: fried eggplants with molasses
• Ajoblanco: bread, almond and garlic soup
• Rabo de toro: bull tail stew with tomato sauce and potatoes
• Grilled fish and seafood (or espeto): sardine skewers
• Gachas malagueñas: milk and bread pudding
• Torta malagueña: almond cake

Málaga Tips

Here are some useful tips about vacation in Málaga to take your trip to the next level:

• Marbella, the famous resort in Spain, is actually quite close to Málaga. You can get there in under 1 hour by car if you want to join the fun.
• Some of the best areas to stay in Málaga are: Soho, Malagueta, Calle Marqués de Larios, and Pedregalejo. Soho is considered the artistic neighborhood of the city!
• Málaga enjoys comparatively warmer weather than most southern European cities. The weather is great to explore and walk around during most of the year. 
• Most people visit Málaga from June to September. The busiest month in Málaga is definitely August, as the big local festival La Feria de Agosto takes place for nine days in a row.
• Many travelers rent bikes to explore the city center and promenade of Málaga. With the notable exception of Gibralfaro, most of the city is quite flat and easy to cycle around.

The stone walls of the Alcazaba fortification in Málaga

Useful information about Málaga

Málaga is a large, modern city with lots of traveler services and visitor amenities, guaranteeing a comfortable stay. In the popular port city, you can enjoy the authentic lifestyle of Andalusia, coupled with big-city advantages.

You will find many shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, museums, and popular attractions in the city center, as well as the nearby towns. You can easily explore downtown Málaga on foot, as most hotels, sites and attractions are 20 minutes apart.

As for accommodation, there are plenty of hotels, villas, hostels, and more affordable or high-end vacation rentals to choose from. Many of the hotels are housed in impressive old buildings, which may not be suitable for people with disabilities, but there are quite a few accessible accommodation options as well.

Regarding hospitals, there are both private and public health services in the city center and the suburbs. Along the Costa del Sol, you will find many hospitals catering to a wide variety of medical needs. Remember to have up-to-date health insurance or get your European Health Insurance Card in advance.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Málaga

Make a note of the following contacts for your trip to Málaga:

• European emergency number: 112
• Málaga bus station: +34952350061
• Málaga train station: +34912320320
• Málaga Port Authority: +34952125000
• Málaga Airport: +3491321100
• Málaga taxi services: +34952040404 / +34690040404
• Regional University Hospital of Málaga: +34951290000

Transportation in Málaga

Getting around Málaga is quite straightforward, particularly if you’re mostly visiting the city center and the urban coast. Distances are short and most attractions are easy to reach.

The area is quite flat, which makes it easier getting around on foot or bike. If you wish to approach more remote places and great beaches in the outskirts, you can do so by car, taxi, train, or bus. 

There are more than 50 bus lines that take passengers all over Málaga and you can also find plenty of taxi ranks around the city.

The train station of Málaga, Estación de Málaga María Zambrano, serves direct train connections to the airport and nearby towns, as well as to Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, and more destinations.

The lively city center of Málaga at night

Where to book ferry tickets online from Málaga

On Ferryhopper, you can book tickets from Málaga to Melilla in just a few clicks. Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from the port of Málaga, check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries for available ferry crossings, compare ferry companies, and book tickets with confidence!