Malaga is probably the most beautiful Spanish city I’ve ever visited. Today I want to tell you how easy and pretty cheap it is to stay in Malaga!
In this article, I’ll explain which are the best areas to stay in Malaga and I’ll show you some options to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you want to spend little and are looking for a simple hostel, or looking for a view or an unforgettable experience! 🙂
What are the best areas to stay in Malaga?
Let’s start right away with a map of the area to understand the most convenient areas to stay in Malaga to be close to the center and all the main points of interest.
There are basically two options for staying in Malaga: in the historic center (or its immediate surroundings) or along Malagueta beach or Pedregalejo beach: let’s take a closer look.
Staying in the center of Malaga
The red area on the map marks Malaga’s historic center, an area where you can find yourself in the real heart of the city and have a unique experience both at day and night simply by stepping out of your accommodation’s door.
Malaga’s historic center impressed me for several reasons: it’s simply beautiful, well-kept, always full of life from morning till late at night, and walking around it at any hour always gives a feeling of safety. Lots of young people also travel through Malaga, especially concentrated around the hostels and in the main squares or near the evening spots at night.
I recommend staying in Malaga’s historic center to anyone who doesn’t have a car, as it could be difficult to park; besides, accommodation costs aren’t prohibitive, so why not? 🙂
The yellow area marks the areas adjacent to the center, which allow you to reach it on foot in no more than 10 minutes: it’s worth staying in Malaga in this area if you find interesting deals or if you need to get around by car; traffic will still be quite heavy, but at least you’ll be able to drive, unlike in much of the historic center.
Malaga by the sea: Malagueta or Pedregalejo
The other option is to stay in Malaga facing the sea. I’ll say right away that even if your hotel is in the historic center, you certainly won’t be far from the sea, quite the opposite.
In fact, from the center of Malaga, you can reach the sea in about fifteen minutes simply by crossing the main avenue south of the center, then crossing an impressive garden with palm trees and trees from all over the world, to finally arrive at the beautiful port promenade on one side, and Malagueta beach on the other.
But if you really don’t want to walk and your dream is a beachfront hotel, then you can find several hotels and apartments to stay in Malaga within the green area on the map.
Then, if Malagueta gets boring after a few days and you want a change, by going about 4 kilometers along the bike and pedestrian path eastward, you can reach the Pedregalejo area:Â a small neighborhood that on one side seems enchanted and desolate, while on the parallel promenade, bars, impromptu parties, grilled sardine stands, and of course the sea, abound along 4 small crescent-shaped beaches:
Hostels in Malaga
There are many really cheap hostels and guesthouses for those traveling on a limited budget or who love making new friends from all over the world. If you want to stay in Malaga in this type of accommodation, you’ll find many especially in the historic center and around Plaza de La Merced. Here are a few recommended ones:
- Feel Hostels City Center – in the center : as the name suggests, it’s literally in the center of Malaga, on one of the liveliest squares (especially at night) and it’s popular with young people from all over the world. It’s easy to meet groups of people and go for a walk or grab a drink in the places just outside the main gate. If you don’t like the nighttime buzz from the square, it might not be for you 🙂
- The Urban Jungle Hostel – in the center : a short walk from the previous one, another really cheap hostel in the historic center
- Oasis Backpackers Hostel Malaga – in the center : another very popular hostel with great prices.
Hotels in Malaga
If what you’re looking for is a comfortable hotel, there’s good news; whether you’re a couple or a group, you won’t have to spend that much. Here are some budget-friendly or luxury options, all with free cancellation:
- Malaga Premium Hotel – in the center : 3-star hotel on a pedestrian street in the center with rooms for up to 4 people.
- Hotel Ibis Malaga centro ciudad – around the center : if you’re loyal to chains, you might prefer the Ibis in Malaga. A short walk from the center, just across the bridge over the Guadalmedina river.
- Room Mate Larios Hotel – in the center : 4-star hotel on Calle Larios, the most famous avenue in the center of Malaga, a small “rambla” with shops and life even in the evening.
- Madeinterranea Suites Deluxe – in the center : deluxe rooms for couples in the historic center.
- Petit Palace Plaza – in the center : adjacent to Calle Larios, accommodation in a twentieth-century building for groups of up to 4 people.
- Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano – in the center : hotel located opposite the ancient Roman theater.
- Gran Hotel Miramar Malaga – near the sea : 5-star luxury beachfront hotel occupying a twentieth-century building with lounges, seasonal pool, and wellness center.
Apartments in Malaga
Perhaps more than in other cities, Malaga also has no shortage of apartments for short stays, definitely great for saving money if you’re in large groups. I’ll just give you a few examples:
- Apartamento la Malagueta – near the sea : apartment for groups of up to 4 people, near the beach.
- LiveMalaga Apartments – near the sea : apartments near the sea for 2 people.
- Gran Apartamento Centro Historico – in the center : luxury apartment of 174 square meters with a sauna in a 19th-century building, can accommodate up to 9 people.
Staying at the Castle
And finally, a gem for an unforgettable experience at a reasonably accessible price: the Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro.
Located on top of Gibralfaro hill, right opposite the castle, this beautiful 4-star property boasts a complete bird’s-eye view towards the sea and over almost the entire city. The hotel has a terrace and a solarium, and the price is really competitive!
And the flight?
Do a search in the box below, which compares all possible flights to Malaga showing the cheapest or the fastest one! My advice is to always also look for flights departing from an airport a bit further from home; you might discover much cheaper and direct non-stop flights!
Finally… if you don’t feel like taking public transport to and from the airport or if you’re in large groups, take a look at the price of transfer services from WelcomePickups or TaxiLeader!Â
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