14 Things Not to Do in Malaga (Top Tips by a Local)
“What shouldn’t I do in Malaga?” It’s a frequently asked question in my and other travellers’ communities.
As a conscious traveller who cares about the local cultures, I understand, and, in fact, I’m glad you asked this question.
I love my hometown and the fact that travellers come from their countries to explore it, sometimes from the other side of the world, which amazes me. I’m passionate about welcoming travellers to Malaga and showing them the city where I grew up.
Nevertheless, it’s sad to see that some travellers don’t really respect our culture or city. I know many don’t because they aren’t aware of the local problems or cultural etiquette.
In other cases, I feel that travellers miss out on a few things, so I want to cover them too.
Some tips might sound common sense, but others don’t, so I encourage you to stick around.
I’m sure you’ll learn something new at the end of this article, especially if it’s your first visit to Malaga.
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Things not to do in Malaga
1. Don’t only spend a few hours in Malaga
Cruises in Malaga are in the boom era. The number of travellers starting their trip in Malaga Port or stopping in Malaga for a few hours is insane.
You might not come by cruise but by plane, and Malaga is your short stop on your Andalusian trip.
Well, in any case, you miss out on many things when you come to Malaga for a few hours.
Since most sights are in the old town and within walking distance, it’s possible to see many main attractions, such as Malaga Cathedral and the Alcazaba.
However, I totally recommend spending at least two days so you don’t rush to visit the attractions, plus it’ll give you more time to discover lesser-known spots.
If you didn’t know, Malaga has over 40 museums, ranging from music to arts and fashion, so there are plenty of things to do and see.
I’ve also heard many travellers who only landed in Malaga; they only saw the airport.
2. Don’t waste water
One of the main things that attract travellers to visit Malaga and the rest of the Costa del Sol is the weather. I mean, who doesn’t love the sunshine?
We enjoy over 320 days of sunshine, few clouds, and little rain. The mild winter weather is gorgeous, and I’m not surprised why travellers from the UK, the Netherlands, or Nordic countries come at that time of year.
I love the weather, and I totally understand those who want to escape the cold and rainy weather since I also spend some time in the UK.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t rain much in Malaga all year round, and summers are extremely dry, so councils have had to implement measures and rules to fight against drought.
For example, they restrict the water supply to each household and accommodation, stop the water from flowing in fountains and showers on the beach, etc.
This is a big issue that you might encounter problems with depending on your accommodation, but even if you don’t, be mindful of the water usage.
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3. Don’t expect locals to speak English to you
I think this one is pretty obvious! When you travel to someone else’s country, you can expect everyone to speak to you in English.
I don’t mind speaking English when travellers come to Malaga; my partner is from the UK, and we talk in English all the time, and I’m used to it.
People in the hospitality sector will know how to communicate with you in English, maybe not at a proficiency level, but enough to discuss what to do in Malaga or what to order at the restaurant.
However, many locals, including family members, don’t know how to speak English, but I know they’ll try to communicate with you somehow (gestures, hands, etc.).
I know most travellers don’t expect locals to understand English, but the problem is that some will get upset and disrespect locals because they don’t know what they are saying.
4. Don’t leave Malaga without trying the cuisine (and wines!)
Malaga isn’t known for its cuisine as much as other Spanish destinations like San Sebastian in Northern Spain, but it’s worth trying.
The most famous dish in Malaga is espetos, grilled sardines with coarse sea salt and a splash of lemon. These sardines are flavourful, meaty, and so good.
But if you aren’t into fish, we have meat dishes like oxtail and lamb. And if you’re vegetarian, you shouldn’t leave Malaga without tasting dishes such as ajoblanco, an almond cold soup topped with green grapes.
The truth is that Malaga cuisine is very diverse, and you’ll also find other popular Andalusian dishes like chickpeas with spinach and typical Spanish dishes like patatas bravas and croquetas.
By the way, do you love wine? If so, you’ll be utterly surprised by the wine produced in Malaga. We have many varieties, and the best way to taste some without leaving the city is by visiting La Antigua Casa del Guardia.
However, I recommend doing a wine tour in Ronda and La Axarquia, two of the most important wine regions in Malaga.
I actually did this wine tour in Mijas from Malaga and loved discovering a small local winery.
5. Don’t order coffee and hot drinks from big chains
I don’t drink coffee, but we have many types and different names for them, like cafe con leche (coffee with milk), un cortado (coffee with a dash of milk), and the list goes on.
It’s worth ordering coffee from a local cafe because you support independent business owners, have a more authentic experience, and save money.
Even if you don’t drink coffee, like me, more and more cafes in Spain are offering other less-popular hot drinks, such as chai latte and matcha latte, which I absolutely love.
6. Don’t go on horse and donkey rides
Unfortunately, horse and donkey rides still happen in Malaga and its surroundings. If you care about animal welfare, don’t participate in these activities. There are many other ways to discover places, like an eco tuk-tuk.
The number of protests in Mijas Pueblo has considerably increased. If you’ve never heard of this village in Malaga, it’s one of the most beautiful and visited in the area. But it’s popular for its donkey rides.
These donkey rides date from many years ago, as they helped transport many of the town’s items. You can see the importance of donkeys by simply checking out the statue outside the tourism office.
Nowadays, it’s a tourist trap, which isn’t great for donkeys either. Instead of going on a donkey ride, take a tuk-tuk tour or explore it on foot, which is my preferred choice.
7. Don’t go party before 10 pm
Are you a partygoer? You must know that Spanish parties start late; when I say late, it’s later than in most European countries.
I know the UK very well, and you can start drinking and going to the clubs as early as you want. There’s no time.
However, you won’t see Spanish clubs with an atmosphere until 11 onwards, even later in the summer months.
Another important thing to know is that alcohol measurement isn’t a thing. When you order a cocktail, the waiter will pour the alcohol directly into your glass.
This is completely different in other countries like the UK, where it’s measured. So you’ll probably get drunk way earlier than when you drink in your country.
8. Don’t miss the Pueblos Blancos in Malaga
Pueblos Blancos refer to the traditional whitewashed towns and villages in Andalusia. Most are between Malaga and Cadiz, and believe me, they’re worth visiting.
Don’t expect many attractions, but you’ll be surprised by these little towns’ beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
Hilly and cobblestone streets, charming squares with fountains, flower pots hanging down balconies and indie shops selling local products.
Exploring these towns is one of my favourite things to do on weekends in autumn and spring. Each has something unique, and most are on the mountainside, so you’re always rewarded with stunning views.
Mijas Pueblo, Frigiliana, Comares, and Parauta are a few of my preferred towns.
If you plan to visit Malaga for a day or two, stay in the city and explore it further, but if you come for longer, I highly recommend adding one of these towns to your itinerary.
9. Don’t go to La Palmilla neighbourhood
Malaga is a safe destination, and you won’t probably encounter any problems during your holiday.
However, it’s always good to keep an eye on your belongings because pickpocketing in popular areas like Calle Larios and around the main attractions is possible.
Most neighbourhoods are secure and good to explore, but Malaga, as it happens in any city around the world, also has not-so-good areas that even we, locals, would avoid.
For example, La Palma/Palmilla, which is known for its street fights and drugs. You won’t probably end there because it isn’t in a touristy area, but it’s worth mentioning.
El Perchel and La Trinidad are neighbourhoods very close to the old town, and they’re mainly okay to walk in them, but I would avoid walking some of their sketchy streets at night.
10. Don’t forget your suncream
You need sun cream not only in summer but also outside the summer months. Malaga and the rest of the Costa del Sol are sunny places with mild temperatures year-round.
I know of people who got sunburnt in Malaga in December. You might think the sun isn’t as strong, but it is. And yes, it’s possible to get sunburn from sitting on an outdoor terrace for even an hour to enjoy a meal.
This is why you should pack your suncream regardless of the time of the year, especially if you have very light skin.
11. Don’t drive in the city centre
Is it worth renting a car in Malaga? My answer is that it depends. If you only plan to visit Malaga City, don’t rent a car; you don’t need it.
Malaga is well-connected with the airport and other nearby towns by bus, short-distance trains and underground.
Driving in the city centre is a bit chaotic, especially because of the constant road work. Also, Malaga City Council has taken measures to reduce emissions, and only authorised vehicles can drive in certain areas of the centre.
In addition, it’s challenging to find a spot to park your car, and you’ll likely have to pay for a private car park, which isn’t cheap.
So, when would I advise you to rent a car in Malaga? When you plan to travel off the beaten track or visit other Andalusian cities, a car will give you lots of freedom and flexibility.
12. Don’t plan to go shopping between 2 pm and 5 pm
Many shops close between 2 and 5 pm because it’s lunchtime, and some people have a short nap (siesta) after lunch. Therefore, plan to go shopping outside these times.
Big supermarkets like Carrefour and Mercadona stay open from morning to evening without breaks, but most independent shops don’t.
13. Don’t walk in the city without a T-shirt (even if it’s too hot!)
Not only is it disrespectful to some, but you can get a fine for walking without a T-shirt in the city. The penalties range from 300 to 700 euros in Malaga.
Equally, you can’t walk around the city centre wearing only your swimwear.
When visiting churches and cathedrals, also consider what you’re wearing to pay respect to the place and people. They might not allow you in if you’re wearing very revealing or little clothes.
14. Don’t order paella
Many travellers make the common mistake of ordering paella in Malaga. I love paella, and you probably do too, but I think other delicious traditional dishes are worth trying and will cost less.
I’ve struggled to find a good restaurant in my hometown serving authentic paella, so I prefer to cook it at home and order something else. Many places overcharge for paella, and the worst thing is that you’ll be disappointed by the flavours.
Paella originated in Valencia, and Valencia and Alicante are the two cities where I would definitely order paella. However, while I’m in the South, I would pick other options, such as fried fish, meatballs in tomato sauce or salmorejo.
Conclusion on things you shouldn’t do in Malaga
Some things apply to other locations in Spain, but if we focus on Malaga, remember to spend enough time in the city, try the local dishes, and be mindful of the water and activities you might engage in, like donkey riding.
Are there any other things I’m missing? If so, let me know in the comments below!
If you want more advice on travelling to Malaga, join my Facebook group, which is the perfect place to ask questions and connect with me and other travellers.
Enjoy your time in my hometown!
Cristina x
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Things to do before visiting Málaga, Southern Spain
- Book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Are you looking for the best hotels in Malaga? Take a look at this guide.
- Check out tours and activities in Malaga with Get Your Guide.
- Book a free walking tour in Malaga with GuruWalk.
- Travelling around Costa del Sol? Check and compare car rentals with Discover Cars.
- Buy travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
