Malaga from Madrid: The Complete Travel Guide
If you’re visiting Spain, taking a trip to Malaga from Madrid (or wherever you’re based) is a great idea!
Aside from being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso (and home to much of his artwork), Malaga is home to Mediterranean beaches, an ancient fortress and other historic landmarks, and delicious seafood-influenced cuisine!
Key Info on Visiting Malaga from Madrid
- Trains are your best option.
- You can also fly, take the bus, or drive.
- Malaga is a very walkable city, which caters to visitors.
Where to Stay in Malaga
Malaga is worth spending some time in on your trip to Spain! For me, I’d rather spend more time in a city like Malaga or Cordoba, than Madrid.
You can enter your dates on this interactive map to see the availability of rentals and hotels (from the best reputable companies like Booking, Hotels.com, and VRBO). It’s easiest to use on a desktop:
The Best Way to Get to Malaga from Madrid
Personally, I’ll vote for the train. The trains in Spain really do run on time! They’re fast, clean, and reliable.
The next section goes into the train tickets and the high-speed route in detail. First, let me cover your other options.
Drive to Malaga from Madrid
I’ve taken a few road trips through Spain, and it’s definitely always a good choice.
I usually rent cars in Spain (and much of Europe) on Discover Cars. They include the big international car rental companies plus locally-owned options. They do a great job comparing them all together.
➡️ CLICK TO SEARCH: RENTAL CARS IN SPAIN
The drive to Malaga from Madrid will take about 6 hours. The route is 550 kilometers, or about 340 miles.
The perk of driving is being able to pull off the highway if you see a pretty town you’d like to explore along the way, like Cordoba.
The Cheapest Way to get from Madrid to Malaga: The Bus
The bus will save you some money if you’re making the trip down to Malaga from Madrid.
The Alsa bus is about $20 USD each way, but it’ll take around 7 hours, and you might have to change buses in Granada.
You can book tickets directly on the Alsa website.
Fly to Malaga from Madrid
Flights are often less expensive than the train between Madrid and Malaga!
Both Iberia and Air Europa offer daily flights, which take about an hour to get from airport-to-airport.
Booking in advance, you can usually get flights midweek for $60-$80 each way.
The Train to Malaga from Madrid
You’ll be leaving from Madrid’s updated Madrid Atocha Train Station, and arriving at Malaga-Maria Zambrano Station. The train might make a stop along the way, but you won’t have to get out to change trains.
Where to Buy Train Tickets to Malaga
Only recently, I started using Trainline to buy my train tickets. The search process is simple, and provides all of your available times, prices, and car class options.
➡️ CLICK to Book Trains in Spain
Your tickets are emailed and texted to you, with a QR code they’ll scan at the station. It’s never been easier!
The AVE High-Speed Train to Malaga
The AVE trains, operated by Renfe, run along the high-speed rail lines from Madrid to Malaga.
The trip takes between 2 hours, 45 minutes to 3 hours, 15 minutes. (Remember, driving will take around 6 hours).
Plus, there are usually more than a dozen direct trains to Malaga from Madrid each day, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
💡 PRO TIP: Buy your train tickets at least a day in advance! The seats fill up with tourists and domestic travelers.
The Cost of Train Tickets to Malaga
There’s a big range, from about $30 USD to $100 USD. Train ticket prices vary, depending on the day of the week, the time of day, and other factors.
Upgrading to First Class on the Train
An upgrade to the first class car might cost an extra 5 Euros, or an extra 50 Euros. It’s spelled out nicely on Trainline.
Based on my experience, it’s only worth the upgrade if it’s an extra 5 or 10 Euros. The standard class seats have plenty of legroom (even for tall people, like me) and they’re very comfortable.
💡 PRO TIP: Consider picking seats in the “Silent Carriage” to avoid having to listen to cell phone and other conversations (if you’re looking to snooze along the way).
The Best Sites to See in Malaga
Malaga offers a variety of history, culture, cuisine, coastal beauty, and shopping!
As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, consider stopping at the museum dedicated to his work, or taking a guided walking tour of his life in Malaga.
These are some of my favorite sites to see and things to do in Malaga. They’re all walkable to each other, and the train station.
Mercado Centrale de Atrazanes
Malaga’s main market is similar to the chaotic, bustling markets you’ll find in Madrid and other cities in Spain.
Inside, you’ll find a grid layout, lined with butchers, fishmongers, other artisans, and tiny restaurants.
It’s popular with both locals and tourists.
Outside, the market is surrounded by high-top tables, each with a big umbrella to mask the sun. You can buy some tapas inside from one of the vendors, along with a glass of wine, and find a table to enjoy a snack.
Calle Marques de Larios
This is the major shopping boulevard in Malaga, with big-name brand stores. The surrounding streets are full of additional shopping options and cafes.
Malaga’s Cathedral
Officially known in Malaga as “Catedral de la Encarnacion de Malaga,” the cathedral is located right near the market and shopping area.
The cathedral dates back to the 1500s, and is known for its incomplete south tower. Some say construction funding was sent to help the Americans win independence.
You’re welcome to tour the inside on your own, and also check out the nearby museum.
Across the plaza, you’ll find several restaurants with outdoor dining options.
➡️ CLICK TO BOOK: Malaga Cathedral Tour
Museo de Malaga
Down the street from the cathedral, toward Malaga’s port on the sea, you’ll find the city’s main museum.
Museo de Malaga has a collection containing artifacts from the Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, and other periods. The art and exhibitions cover Malaga’s cultural heritage, maritime history, religious traditions, and more.
Teatro Romano de Malaga
Malaga, like many European cities, is home to its own amphitheater from the Roman era.
It’s one of Malaga’s most important archeological sites, believed to date back to the 1st Century BC. It likely held 2,000 people.
It was only discovered (relatively) recently, in the 1950s during a construction dig. After excavation and restoration work, the theater is open to the public.
The theater was used for around 300 years, and built of blocks of travertine from a nearby quarry.
Alcazaba
Above the amphitheater, you’ll find a ticket office, selling admissions to an ancient fortress (Alcazaba) and a nearby castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro). Tickets for both are 5.50 Euros.
Alcazaba sits on a hill overlooking Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea. The Moors built the fortress in the 11th Century for defensive purposes.
Today, you can explore the fortified walls, towers, and beautifully landscaped gardens (my favorite!).
I really enjoy walking through the broad walkways, narrow passages, courtyards, and gardens.
Plus some of the upper decks provide excellent panoramic views of Malaga and the Mediterranean.
Castillo de Gibralfaro
You can buy an entry ticket along with your Alcazaba ticket by the amphitheater, or at the top of the mountain where you enter the remnants of the castle.
If you hike up from Malaga, be prepared: it’s steep, and almost a mile long! Especially in the summer months, be sure to drink plenty of water *before* you walk up, and during.
Gibralfaro, which translates loosely to “Mount of the Lighthouse” was built in the 14th Century as a defensive fortress.
Hiking up will provide sweeping views of Malaga, and once inside you can walk the defensive walls which were built centuries ago to withstand attacks.
You’ll find a bar/cafe up at the top (La Terrazita de Gibralfaro) along with a small food truck near the parking area tour buses use.
The walkway is lined with orange trees. In the spring, their blossoms produce a wonderful smell. The rest of the year, the taller trees will provide some shade to cool off under as you hike up.
Malaga’s Bull-Fighting Ring: Plaza de Toros
The Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta dates back to the 1870s, and holds 14,000 people. It still holds bullfights, in addition to concerts, festivals, and other events.
Playa de la Malagueta
This is Malaga’s main city beach, located close to the city center.
You’ll find a few beachside bars and restaurants, with patio dining to enjoy the views of the Mediterranean while you eat.
🍷 AMAZINGLY… glasses of wine here are only about $4! The same seaside drinks in the US run $20!
If you have time, head further east down the beach to Playa de Pedregalejo, known for its traditional fishermen’s cottages and restaurant serving fresh seafood.
Parque de Malaga
I love walking along the promenade just up from the port, known as the Parque de Malaga. It’s basically a lengthy botanical garden right in the heart of the city!
One Day in Malaga: Day Trip Itinerary
A one-day trip to Malaga from Madrid would be a long day, but it’s still doable if you leave Madrid as early as possible and leave Malaga in the evening.
I’d definitely recommend the train for this option, since you can rest and nap along the route!
Malaga One Day Itinerary: Step by Step
Starting from the Maria Zambrano Train Station in Malaga, here’s my suggestion on how to spend one day in Malaga:
1. Walk to Malaga’s Market (Mercado Centrale de Atarazanes)
- 0.8 mile
- 15-minutes
- Grab a snack and drink
2. Walk to Malaga’s cathedral
- 0.3 mile
- 5-minutes
3. Walk to the Roman amphitheater
- 0.3 mile
- 5-minutes
4. Buy tickets at the amphitheater to Alcazaba & Gilbralfaro
5. Walk up through Alcazaba
6. Walk up to Castillo Gilbralfaro
- This is the long, steep one!
- 0.7 mile
- 30 minutes
7. Walk to Playa de la Malagueta
- 1.5 miles
- 30 minutes (downhill mostly!)
- Enjoy the beach and a seaside snack & drink
8. Walk to Marques de Larios
- 1.3 miles
- 30 minutes
- Shop around
9. Return to the train station
- 1 mile
- 20 minutes
Day Trips from Malaga
Malaga is a city of well over 500,000 people, so there’s plenty to do, and plenty of people working in the tourism industry to help you explore the surrounding area!
Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey, which translates to “King’s Little Pathway,” is a famous hiking trail which runs along the steep walls of a narrow gorge near the villages of Álora and Ardales. Originally built in the early 20th century as a pathway for workers to access a hydroelectric power plant, the Caminito del Rey went through extensive renovations and safety improvements, to open to the public as a tourist attraction in 2015.
➡️ CLICK FOR TOUR: Malaga to Caminito del Rey
Wine Tasting
You can tour vineyards outside Malaga, growing grapes to make Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and more.
➡️ CLICK FOR TOUR: Vineyards Near Malaga
Tapas Tasting Tours
You can find several walking tours, taking you to markets and restaurants where chefs will prepare tastings and drinks.
➡️ CLICK FOR TOUR: Wine & Tapas
Best Time to Visit Malaga
Generally speaking, I think the spring (late March to May) and autumn (late September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the city and its surroundings.
During spring, temperatures are comfortably warm, rainfall is relatively low, and the countryside is in full bloom.
Similarly, autumn brings mild temperatures and smaller crowds compared to the peak summer season.
If you prefer hotter temperatures and don’t mind larger crowds, summer can still be a great time to visit, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach.
The Weather: Madrid vs Malaga
Madrid tends to have more extreme temperatures with colder winters and hotter summers compared to Malaga. Additionally, Madrid experiences less rainfall overall but more temperature variations throughout the year.
Malaga, on the other hand, enjoys milder temperatures year-round, with less temperature variation and more consistent rainfall, particularly in the winter months.
The Weather in Malaga, by Month
- January: Highs around 62°F (17°C), Lows around 47°F (8°C)
- February: Highs around 64°F (18°C), Lows around 48°F (9°C)
- March: Highs around 67°F (19°C), Lows around 50°F (10°C)
- April: Highs around 70°F (21°C), Lows around 54°F (12°C)
- May: Highs around 75°F (24°C), Lows around 58°F (14°C)
- June: Highs around 81°F (27°C), Lows around 64°F (18°C)
- July: Highs around 86°F (30°C), Lows around 68°F (20°C)
- August: Highs around 88°F (31°C), Lows around 69°F (21°C)
- September: Highs around 82°F (28°C), Lows around 66°F (19°C)
- October: Highs around 76°F (24°C), Lows around 61°F (16°C)
- November: Highs around 68°F (20°C), Lows around 54°F (12°C)
- December: Highs around 63°F (17°C), Lows around 49°F (9°C)
Malaga Weather by Season
The coastal weather in Southern Spain varies by season:
Spring (March to May):
- Daily high temperatures range from 65°F to 75°F.
- Springtime in Málaga is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and increasing amounts of sunshine.
- Rainfall averages around 1-2 inches per month.
Summer (June to August):
- Average high temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F.
- Summers are hot and dry in Málaga, with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall.
Autumn (September to November):
- Average high temperatures range from 80°F down to the upper 60s°F by November.
- Rainfall increases gradually, with around 1-2 inches per month.
Winter (December to February):
- Average high temperatures remain in the lower 60s°F.
- Winters in Málaga are mild, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall.
- Rainfall tends to be higher during the winter months, averaging around 2-3 inches per month.
Malaga from Cordoba
It’s even easier to get to Malaga from Cordoba in Southern Spain. The AVE train will take you through the olive groves and rolling hills down to the coast.
The train ride is one hour, and you can catch multiple departures throughout the day.
Again, consider booking your train tickets at least a day in advance, to ensure you get a seat for your desired departure.
FAQs on Trips to Malaga from Madrid
Let’s tackle a few frequently-asked-questions about visiting Malaga from Madrid. Many of these were already answered above.
How far is Malaga from Madrid?
By car, Malaga is 350 miles from Madrid. The drive typically takes 6 hours.
How far is Malaga from Cordoba?
Cordoba is much closer to Malaga than Madrid.
Driving, it’s just over 100 miles from Cordoba to Malaga. The drive (without traffic or construction) is 2 hours.
The train between the cities is just one hour! If you’re staying in Cordoba, a day trip to Malaga is definitely doable and recommended!
Is there a high-speed rail line from Madrid to Malaga?
Yes, the AVE train, operated by Renfe, runs on the high-speed lines between Madrid and Malaga. It reaches up to 280 kilometers per hour.
How long is the train ride from Madrid to Malaga?
The AVE trains take 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes to get to Malaga from Madrid.
How long is the train ride from Malaga to Madrid?
The trains are direct (without a change) but might include a stop along the way.
It’ll take 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes on the AVE train from Malaga up to Madrid.
How much does the train cost to go to Malaga from Madrid?
Prices range, based on the date, time, and class of carriage. You can find them for as low as $30. On the higher end, they’re up beyond $100 each way.
How fast is the train from Madrid to Malaga?
Many of the train cars (or carriages) will have digital speedometers posted. The train speeds typically top out just above 270 kph (or around 170 mph).
What’s the best month to visit Malaga?
For me, I’d say the best months for a visit to Malaga are April and October. That’s based solely on mild weather conditions, which are great for walking around to all the city sites.
Beach-goers will enjoy the hotter summer months!
What is Malaga known for?
Malaga is known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and the home to ancient fortresses and the Mediterranean coastline.
The city, with its own airport and large train station, is also a convenient gateway to explore the wider Andalusian region, including the nearby cities of Granada, Seville, and Cordoba.
Wrap: Is a Trip to Malaga from Madrid Worth It?
Malaga will be a highlight of your trip to Southern Spain! If you’ve been on a road trip, or taking trains around the country, the Mediterranean Sea will be a welcome site!
I admit: Malaga is a larger city than I expected, but it’s very manageable, tourist-friendly, and walkable.
It’s easy for Americans to get to Madrid, since it’s an airline hub. Making a trip down to Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea will make your Spanish holiday even more memorable!
