Autumn is one of the best times to discover Malaga: no summer crowds, mild temperatures and a cultural scene in full swing. It is the perfect season for terraces, seaside walks and day trips around the province. In this guide we tell you what to do in Malaga in autumn, what weather to expect and where to stay if you are coming for several days or weeks.
What is the weather like in Malaga in autumn?
Malaga has a Mediterranean climate and autumn is usually mild. In October there are still T-shirt days and many people still go for a swim; in November temperatures drop, but it is still pleasant to walk in the sun. Rain is scarce and tends to fall on specific days, so pack a light jacket and something for the rain, without giving up life outdoors.
Culture and museums
The historic centre is home to most of the city’s cultural offer, and in autumn you can visit it at a much calmer pace:
- Museo Picasso Málaga, in the painter’s home town.
- Museo Carmen Thyssen, with 19th-century Spanish painting.
- CAC Málaga, the contemporary art centre, in the Soho district.
- Centre Pompidou Málaga, on Muelle Uno, by the port.
- Museo de Málaga, in the Palacio de la Aduana.
- Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and Gibralfaro Castle, with the best views of the city and the bay.
- Malaga Cathedral, known as “La Manquita”.
A good plan: spend the morning at a couple of museums and save the afternoon for a stroll around the port and Muelle Uno at sunset.
Beaches, walks and day trips
The beaches of La Malagueta and Pedregalejo are still lovely outside the high season, perfect for walking along the seafront promenade or having lunch by the sea. If you stay a week or more, you will have time for day trips:
- Ronda, with its Puente Nuevo over the Tajo gorge.
- Nerja and its caves, easy to combine with a visit to Frigiliana.
- Antequera, with its dolmens and the El Torcal nature area.
- Caminito del Rey, one of the most famous hiking routes in Andalusia; in autumn the temperatures are far more comfortable than in summer (book your ticket in advance).
Malaga’s autumn food scene
It is a great season to eat without rushing: sardine espetos at a beach bar, pescaíto frito (fried fish), ajoblanco, porra antequerana and the stalls of the Atarazanas market. For better food at better prices, step away from the most touristy streets and try neighbourhood bars. And don’t leave without ordering coffee the way locals do: a “mitad”, a “sombra” or a “nube”.
Christmas in Malaga: the Calle Larios lights
If your stay runs until the end of November, you will catch the switching-on of the Christmas lights on Calle Larios, one of the best known in Spain. It is a great time to be in the city centre, but it is worth booking your accommodation early.
Why Malaga is a great city for stays of several days
Malaga is best enjoyed at a slow pace. Many visitors choose it in autumn to work remotely for a few weeks, for a work project or simply to live the city like a local. It is well connected by train and plane with Madrid and the rest of Europe, the centre is walkable and the sea is always just a few minutes away.
Where to stay in Malaga in autumn: an apartment beats a hotel
For several days or weeks, an apartment gives you much more freedom than a hotel room. It is like having your own home in Malaga:
- More space: a living room and a bedroom, not just a single room.
- Fully equipped kitchen: shop at the Atarazanas market and cook at your own pace.
- Utilities and wifi included: no extra costs, ideal if you work remotely.
- Live like a local: in neighbourhoods with a life of their own, not just tourist areas.
Be Mate has five buildings in Malaga, so you can choose the area that best fits your plans:
| If you are looking for | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| The heart of the historic centre | apartments in Malaga’s old town (Be Mate Málaga Centro) and apartments next to Malaga Cathedral (Be Mate Málaga Catedral) |
| The city’s most iconic street | apartments on Calle Larios (Be Mate Málaga Larios) |
| A creative district, close to the CAC and the port | apartments in Malaga’s Soho (Be Mate Málaga Soho) |
| Waking up close to the sea | apartments near the beach in Malaga (Be Mate Málaga Playa) |
If you are staying for a month or more, also check out our article on long stays in Malaga.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malaga worth visiting in autumn?
Yes. There are fewer tourists than in summer, the weather is still mild and the cultural and food scene is in full swing.
Can you go to the beach in Malaga in autumn?
Yes, especially in October. The beaches of La Malagueta and Pedregalejo are still pleasant for walking, sunbathing or eating by the sea.
What day trips can you take from Malaga?
Ronda, Nerja, Frigiliana, Antequera and the Caminito del Rey are the most popular, and all can be done in a day.
Where to stay in Malaga for several weeks?
An apartment with a kitchen and utilities included is the most comfortable option. The historic centre, Soho and the beach area are the most convenient.