7 Best Towns Near Malaga Airport
Are you looking for towns near Malaga Airport?
Luckily, the airport is a short distance from great towns, especially on the coast.
Whether you plan to visit Malaga for a day or a bit longer but want to stay close to the airport, you have great options.
I’m a frequent traveller from Malaga Airport and know these lovely towns very well as someone who grew up and extensively travels around Costa del Sol.
I will share with you the best places near Malaga Airport, which includes all the famous coastal towns and a less popular option in case you prefer to stay away from tourist spots.
All of these towns are within a maximum of an hour’s drive from the airport, so you don’t need to worry about travelling from far away to catch your next flight.
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The closest towns to Malaga Airport (AGP)
1. Torremolinos
✈️ Distance from the airport: 6.9 km (4.2 miles)
Torremolinos is the closest town to the airport; therefore, it’s a popular destination among travellers.
Besides being near the airport, it’s often the cheapest place to find accommodation near the beach.
I frequently visit Torremolinos in the summer because it’s a short drive from home.
What I love about this coastal town near Malaga is its beaches. They’re clean, have good facilities and are accessible to everyone.
When it comes to attractions, well, I can’t compare the old town of Torremolinos with the one in Marbella. It isn’t very picturesque, and you’ll mostly find shops and places to eat.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see. One of the best places to visit in Torremolinos is Casa de las Navajas, a Moorish palace tucked away on Bajondillo Street.
Parque de la Batería is another place to add to your list. This lovely park near La Carihuela has plenty of green spaces to enjoy a picnic, an artificial lake with rowing boats, a beautiful carousel, and a tower from which you can contemplate beautiful sea views.
When visiting Torremolinos in the summer, you might want to go to Aqualand, the best water park on the Costa del Sol.
I used to go there a lot when I was a kid, but I can confirm they keep it well and have added new attractions since then.
Top pick hotel in Torremolinos
2. Alhaurín de la Torre
✈️ Distance from the airport: 9 km (5.5 miles)
If you want to stay away from the crowds, Alhaurin de la Torre is an inland town that many people don’t mention.
So, if you’re wondering how I know about it, it’s because many of my family members moved from Malaga to Alhaurin, and I have spent quite some time here.
It’s a short drive from Malaga airport and feels more like a Spanish town.
It doesn’t have many attractions as it’s a residential town, but there are many good bars and restaurants and independent shops where you can buy anything from local produce to clothes.
The town is quite big, very well-kept and offers a different experience.
This is the place to be if you want to spend a few days or weeks in a nice countryside house with a pool and don’t want to experience the hustle and bustle of popular coastal towns.
Top pick hotel in Alhaurin de la Torre
There aren’t many accommodation options in this town, especially hotels. The best you’ll find is Hotel Restaurante Cortijo Chico. Alternatively, check holiday homes.
3. Benalmadena
✈️ Distance from the airport: 9.7 km (6 miles)
Benalmádena is one of my favourite seaside towns near Malaga. First, it’s important to know that it has three main areas: Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena Costa and Benalmadena Pueblo.
Most travellers stay in Benalmadena Costa, where you’ll find most beachfront hotels and main attractions. This area is perfect for families because you can visit many kid-friendly places like Selwo Marina, Sealife and Paloma Park.
I love the marina and the beaches in Benalmadena Costa, but I must admit this area can feel a bit touristy.
If you prefer a quieter place, choose Benalmadena Pueblo, the old town. It offers a more authentic side. Here, you’ll find one of the most beautiful monuments in Costa del Sol, Castillo de Colomares.
The latter is a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus, and it’s unique because of its shape, the shape of a castle! It’s a small place, but I can assure you its detailed architectural style is to admire. I’ve been a couple of times, but I always leave the place amused by its beauty.
Top pick hotel in Benalmadena
Check availability and prices for Hotel Benalma Costa del Sol here
4. Mijas
✈️ Distance from the airport: 21.9 km (13.6 miles)
As happens with Benalmadena, Mijas is also divided into two areas: Mijas Costa and Mijas Pueblo.
However, it’s easier to distinguish them because of their location: Mijas Pueblo is on the mountainside, and Mijas Costa is on the coast.
If you love being near the sea, go for Mijas Costa. It has beautiful beaches, and it’s nestled between Fuengirola and Marbella, so you can easily go sightseeing in these beach towns too.
In contrast, Mijas Pueblo feels more like an Andalusian village. It’s, in fact, one of the most beautiful whitewashed towns near Malaga, and I totally agree with that. Its white-painted buildings with colourful flowerpots and stunning coastal views make it a great choice.
If you wonder where to stay, my advice is to stay in Mijas Costa in the summer because of its proximity to the beach, and you’ll appreciate the sea breeze.
But if you plan to visit Mijas off-season, Mijas Pueblo is better because there’s more to do. Many beach clubs and resorts close after the summer in Mijas Costa, so it’s quieter.
Top pick hotel in Mijas Costa
Check availability and prices for El Oceano Beach Hotel here
5. Fuengirola
✈️ Distance from the airport: 23 km (14.3 miles)
Fuengirola is one of the famous beach resorts near Malaga Airport. It’s a good destination for a summer holiday as the beaches are perfect for all travellers.
They’re accessible and have good facilities, which is exactly what you want, especially when travelling with kids or elderly people.
Besides beaches, I personally think there isn’t much to it compared to Benalmadena or Marbella.
You can visit Sohail Castle, see the Mosque and go to the nearby AquaMijas water park, which isn’t as big as Aqualand in Torremolinos.
Another good thing about Fuengirola is the location. It’s fantastic for day trips. One of the easiest is Mijas, as you can either drive there or take a bus from Fuengirola bus station.
Top pick hotel in Fuengirola
6. Rincón de la Victoria
✈️ Distance from the airport: 30.2 km (18.7 miles)
Rincón de la Victoria is on the east side of Malaga, which tends to be less popular among international travellers.
You’ll find more Spaniards than travellers from other countries here. The reason for this is probably that it isn’t as well-promoted as the west side of the Costa del Sol, which includes all the towns from Torremolinos to Estepona.
Playa Cala del Moral is always a good choice. It might be a popular beach, but it is for a reason. The facilities, cleanliness and safety make it worth visiting.
Besides the beaches, I also recommend walking along the coast. It has one of the province of Malaga’s best and most extensive beach promenades. Another good activity is to visit the caves: Cueva de la Victoria and Cueva del Tesoro.
During your time in Rincón de la Victoria, don’t forget to check out off-the-beaten-track destinations like Comares, Moclinejo and El Borge. These are lovely small towns well-known for grapes and raisins.
However, if you plan to visit Rincon de la Victoria in summer, I’d avoid these towns because it’s usually scorching.
A good alternative is the beautiful coastal town of Nerja, where you can visit the Nerja caves, the Balcón de Europa viewpoint and beaches.
Top pick hotel in Rincón de la Victoria
Rincón Sol (rooms are basic, but the location is perfect). There aren’t many hotels, but apartment options in this town. If you prefer an apartment, this is your best option: Venus Málaga Apartamento de Lujo.
7. Marbella
✈️ Distance from the airport: 50.5 km (31.4 miles)
Marbella is just under an hour from the airport, and it’s one of the most famous towns along the Costa del Sol.
Despite being a popular choice among travellers, it doesn’t lose its charm.
I love wandering the picturesque cobbled streets in the old town, having a refreshing juice from Churrería Ramón with friends in Plaza de los Naranjos and window-shopping the independent bohemian clothing shops. It’s definitely the best part of Marbella.
However, you can also experience a more luxurious side of the town by visiting the Golden Mile, Marbella’s richest neighbourhood, where you might be lucky to spot celebrities and Puerto Banús.
And if you’re visiting Marbella in the summer, you can enjoy some of its golden beaches like Cabopino.
The town is also a good base for visiting smaller white towns like Casares or Ronda, the perfect place to try some of the best wines in Málaga province.
Top pick hotel in Marbella
Conclusion on the best towns near Malaga Airport
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is surrounded by many fantastic beach resorts, and choosing one over the other depends on the activities you want to do.
The best way to get around the Costa del Sol is by car, as it gives you the freedom to drive anywhere and maximise your time (no bus or train waiting times!).
However, if you don’t drive, the airport is well-connected with Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola by train.
Do you have any questions about these towns close to Malaga? Drop them in the comments or join my Malaga Facebook group, which is the perfect place to connect with me.
Have fun exploring the Costa del Sol!
Cristina xx
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Things to do before visiting Malaga
- Book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- 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!
