Visit Malaga with easyJet this Summer
One of the oldest cities in the world, cosmopolitan Malaga is now home to a thriving arts and cultural scene with stunning architecture, fascinating museums and plenty of hot new restaurants to tempt travellers
History buffs will love the ancient Roman Theatre and the many courtyards and gardens of Alcazaba, the Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century, but the best place to gain a greater understanding of this sun-drenched city is from the medieval ramparts of the Castillo de Gibralfaro. Perched high above the sunbaked streets, panoramic views take in the sea, swathes of sand, the busy port and the the Gothic cathedral, in Malaga's old town, which dominates the skyline.
Back down on ground level, the Botanical Historical Garden La Concepción is one of Spain’s largest and most important gardens. Created in the 19th century by the Marquis and Marchioness of Casa Loring who collected plants from all over the world, the garden is a tranquil oasis in the busy city, and is home to more than 55,000 rare plants. Of the 30 museums here, two are dedicated to Picasso who was born here, and others not to miss include the Pompidou Centre, a sister to its Parisian counterpart and home to modern and contemporary art, and the Carmen Thyssen Museum, dedicated to Andalusian art and Spanish paintings.
It’s true Malaga has undergone something of a recent transformation, and nowhere more so than in Soho. This once run-down neighbourhood near the waterfront is now a chic and vibrant hub, its streets lined with contemporary art galleries, cutting-edge boutiques and innovative restaurants. Soho’s Saturday market is where you’ll find local artisans showing off their latest creations.
Foodies should take a trip to Mercado de Atarazanas for a sensory overload. Once a shipyard, it’s where you’ll find food stalls selling the freshest fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables, as well as local cheeses from the highly coveted stalls which are handed down through generations. Discover specialities from the orange nispero, the cherimoyas custard apples, and tiny San Juan pears to winter’s mora purple carrots. This local produce is showcased in Malaga’s eight Michelin-starred restaurants but also in the busy neighbourhood bars and authentic tapas restaurants across the city.
The year-round sunshine here has made Malaga a real hot spot for many visitors, drawn by the charm of the city and its sandy beaches. Enjoy the local delicacy esparto, skewers of sardines grilled over glowing olive wood, served beachside, then watch the sunset at the Baños del Carmen before moving on to the Antigua Casa de Guardia where the old-school barmen enthusiastically ring a bell every time they receive a tip. In a city known for rooftop drinking, the San Juan Terraza at the Hotel Málaga is a favourite with locals, and Molina Lario’s Las Terrazzo has panoramic views of the harbour and cathedral. Celebrity hunters should eat at El Pimpi, a Malaga institution partly owned by Antonio Banderas, where the labyrinth of rooms are great for people watching. For Michelin stars try Kaleja in the city’s Jewish quarter or Jose Carlos Garcia’s eponymous restaurant.
Stay in the 18th century Palacio Solecia, a former merchant’s palace in the historic city centre. Lovingly restored and retaining plenty of Moorish influences it boasts a beautiful internal courtyard, a new rooftop bar and pool and 68 stunning bedrooms. Amongst the grand old houses of the El Limone district, the boutique Hotel Castillo Santa Catalina is a 1930s villa built on the site of a hilltop fortress. Pretty plasterwork and Moorish arches combine with contemporary interiors and the courtyard restaurant mean there’s no need to venture out. Prefer a bit of independence? Le Mar Sol Suite 1871 Plaza Uncibay has La Malagueta and La Caleta beaches on its doorstep. The recently renovated, spacious apartment has two bedrooms and bathrooms and is a perfect location for popping in to Malaga’s Old Town.
Fly to Malaga twice weekly with easyJet this summer.
Get 10% off parking at Newcastle Airport with the code ‘LNorth10’
The easyJet BIG Orange Sale means you can get up to 20% off selected flights, for travel before 14th December 2025. All you need to do is book before 11pm on 4th February 2025. Ts&Cs apply.*
Save up to £400 per booking with code JANSALE. Save £400 (min spend £4,000), save £300 min spend (£3,000), save £150 (min spend £1,500), save £100, (min spend £800) or save £50 (min spend £400). Spend/saving amount is per booking based on the total holiday price and the code must be applied on the ‘extras’ page of easyJet.com/holidays or via your local travel agent.
*Offer: Up to 20% off flights
Travel dates: Between 06.01.25 - 14.12.25
Terms and conditions: Up to 20% off selected flights. Travel between 06.01.25 - 14.12.25. Book by 11pm 04.02.25. T&Cs apply.
Promo code valid for new bookings made between 8am on 23/12/24 and 11pm 04/2/25 for holidays completed by 31/10/26. See Offer Conditions on easyJet website for full T&Cs. easyJet holidays Ltd (ABTA Y6633) is ATOL protected (11694).
