Spain

Malaga

Discover Malaga with EF

Life in Malaga revolves around the Mediterranean coastline, but beyond the golden shores is a city shaped by elegant Andalucían architecture and ancient ruins. The vibe in this city is what you’d expect from a southern Spanish city; lively, boisterous and brimming with charm. EF’s activities coordinators are on site to introduce you to the best of the Costa del Sol’s capital.

Sightseeing & Culture

Dig your feet in the sand at the local beach, just a 5 minute walk from EF’s classrooms. Wander among the architecture of the city’s backstreets and explore the hill-side Moorish architecture of Gibralfaro and Alcazaba. Tour the home where Pablo Picasso was born before seeing some of his most-renowned works in the Picasso Museum. Marvel at the stunning Malaga Cathedral, built on the former Grand Mosque. Witness the pageantry at a bullfight at Malaga’s historic bullring and tour the ancient Roman Theater, dating back some 2,000 years.

Shopping

The pedestrian Old Town is lined with small independent boutiques, highlighted by the glitzy storefronts of the slick Calle Larios. The Plaza Mayor is a modern shopping mall specializing in brand-name stores.

Sports & Outdoors

Spend afternoons lounging on the golden sand of La Malagueta beach, a short walk from the city center. Wander around the world-renowned La Conception Botanical Garden. Scuba dive in the Mediterranean’s crystal blue waters or take a lesson in sailing, windsurfing or waterskiing. Head into the surrounding hills for some of the region’s best hiking trails and rock climbing.

Excursions

Go beyond city limits on the weekends to explore the proud capital of Madrid, hip coastal city of Barcelona and Moorish architecture of Granada. You’ll also have the chance to visit Tarifa, on the Strait of Gibraltar, and glimpse North African culture on a trip to Morocco.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Sample authentic tapas at a sidewalk café on the elegant Plaza de la Merced and see a live flamenco dance performance at the Teatro Cervantes. Watch newly-released Spanish films at the annual Malaga Film Festival. On most nights, you can meander through the winding city streets and let the nightlife unfold before you, as bar crowds spill into city squares.

Events in Malaga

Feast of St John
Jun 2012 (annual)

Throughout the different neighbourhoods of Málaga, spectacular goings-on celebrate the Feast of St John (San Juan). The festival reaches a climax at midnight on 23 June, when large cloth figures known as júas are set on fire.

Virgen del Carmen
16 Jul 2011 - 16 Jul 2012 (annual)

Malaga's fishing district pays homage to the Virgen del Carmen - her image is carried on a dais around the neighbourhood then placed on a flower-covered boat. Traditional song and dance accompanies the fleet as it then sails down the coast.

Feria de Málaga
Aug 2012 (annual)

During the Feria de Málaga, the city buzzes with colour and life. All the locals join in the revelry and the streets fill with traditional costume, live music, flamenco and food stalls dishing up typical Andalusian cuisine.

Nuestra Señora de la Victoria Pilgrimage
Sep 2012 (annual)

Every year the Nuestra Señora de la Victoria Pilgrimage in Málaga sees devotees travel on horseback or in richly decorated carts to the saint's sanctuary. On arrival a Mass is said, accompanied by a floral offering and typical Malaga folk music.

Verdiales Festival
Dec 2012 (annual)

Verdiales is a lively flamenco style born in the olive-growing region of Malaga. Malaga's major Verdiales Festival takes place in the city's Puerto de la Torre district and coincides with the Day of the Innocents, Spain's answer to April Fools'.

Parade of the Three Wise Men
Jan 2013 (annual)

The traditional Parade of the Three Wise Men is held in Malaga's town centre. Kings Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar lead a colourful parade and hundreds of children gather to catch the sweets and toys that they scatter from their floats.

Malaga Carnival
Feb 2013 (annual)

During the run-up to Lent, Málaga fills with colour for its annual Carnival. Costumed parades take to the streets, featuring murga street bands, masked revellers, dancers and choruses. The celebrations reach a peak during the main procession on Carnival Sunday.

Semana Santa in Málaga
Apr 2013 (annual)

Semana Santa is one of Southern Spain's most famous religious celebrations. In Malaga, a series of richly decorated processions takes place, depicting the different stages of the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross.

Feast of St John
Jun 2013 (annual)

Throughout the different neighbourhoods of Málaga, spectacular goings-on celebrate the Feast of St John (San Juan). The festival reaches a climax at midnight on 23 June, when large cloth figures known as júas are set on fire.

Virgen del Carmen
Jul 2012 - Jul 2013 (annual)

Malaga's fishing district pays homage to the Virgen del Carmen - her image is carried on a dais around the neighbourhood then placed on a flower-covered boat. Traditional song and dance accompanies the fleet as it then sails down the coast.

Feria de Málaga
Aug 2013 (annual)

During the Feria de Málaga, the city buzzes with colour and life. All the locals join in the revelry and the streets fill with traditional costume, live music, flamenco and food stalls dishing up typical Andalusian cuisine.

Nuestra Señora de la Victoria Pilgrimage
Sep 2013 (annual)

Every year the Nuestra Señora de la Victoria Pilgrimage in Málaga sees devotees travel on horseback or in richly decorated carts to the saint's sanctuary. On arrival a Mass is said, accompanied by a floral offering and typical Malaga folk music.

Verdiales Festival
Dec 2013 (annual)

Verdiales is a lively flamenco style born in the olive-growing region of Malaga. Malaga's major Verdiales Festival takes place in the city's Puerto de la Torre district and coincides with the Day of the Innocents, Spain's answer to April Fools'.

Parade of the Three Wise Men
Jan 2014 (annual)

The traditional Parade of the Three Wise Men is held in Malaga's town centre. Kings Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar lead a colourful parade and hundreds of children gather to catch the sweets and toys that they scatter from their floats.

Malaga Carnival
Feb 2014 (annual)

During the run-up to Lent, Málaga fills with colour for its annual Carnival. Costumed parades take to the streets, featuring murga street bands, masked revellers, dancers and choruses. The celebrations reach a peak during the main procession on Carnival Sunday.

Semana Santa in Málaga
Apr 2014 (annual)

Semana Santa is one of Southern Spain's most famous religious celebrations. In Malaga, a series of richly decorated processions takes place, depicting the different stages of the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross.

Virgen del Carmen
Jul 2013 - Jul 2014 (annual)

Malaga's fishing district pays homage to the Virgen del Carmen - her image is carried on a dais around the neighbourhood then placed on a flower-covered boat. Traditional song and dance accompanies the fleet as it then sails down the coast.