a high angle view of a city
Destination

Malaga

Discover the best hotels in Malaga

Very few beach destinations are able to beat the Costa del Sol - a seaside area in the Province of Malaga and one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain. This coast is especially popular among foreign tourists and it receives more visitors from abroad willing to spend their holidays in Southern Spain than any other part of the coastline. Regardless of whether you are arranging holidays with a family or friends, or planning a short break to the Costa del Sol, Iberostar’s Malaga hotels are there to help you with accommodation. Providing high-quality services in this magnetic enclave, our hotels will meet all your expectations.

Located between the Province of Granada to the east and Cádiz in the west, the Costa del Sol occupies more than 160 km of Mediterranean coastline which is covered with beaches perfect for swimming or water sports. Moreover, despite being known as one of the places with the best beaches in southern Spain, Malaga’s attractions are not limited to its coastline or pleasant subtropical-Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 18°C. In fact, the area around the Costa del Sol also allows you to enjoy a vast array of cultural activities including impressive monuments, museums and many other points of interest.

Many also wish to extend their stay at Iberostar's Malaga hotels, as the province is home to more than half of the golf courses in Andalusia, making the Costa del Sol an excellent choice for those wishing to improve their putting.

Things to see in Malaga

Without a doubt, the flagship of the Costa del Sol is the capital of the province, the magnificent city of this city. With more than half a million inhabitants, it is the sixth largest city in Spain, by population, and the second largest in Andalusia. Located at the feet of the Montes de Malaga mountain range in the valley of the Guadalhorce River, close to a beautiful bay surrounded by mountains, this city of Phoenician origin offers visitors countless attractions revealing the fascinating history of Malaga.

So, what to see in Malaga? Start with the most remarkable buildings, mainly located in the old town, such as the beautiful Cathedral of the Incarnation, popularly known as La Manquita or one-armed lady. Standing next to the Episcopal Palace it is an amazing point of interest itself. Don’t forget to visit the Alcazaba of Málaga, a palatial fortification built by the Hammudid dynasty in the early 11th century and considered the best-preserved Moorish citadel in Spain. Pay a visit to the Roman amphitheatre, discovered by chance in 1951, the Castle of Gibralfaro dating from the 14th century and the Church of Santiago, and of course you can’t miss the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the artistic heritage of one of the most illustrious sons of the city.

As you can see, it is not surprising that the city was awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2016.

Finally, being in Malaga province you can’t miss visiting Marbella with its exclusive Puerto Banus marina. Choose to stay at our Marbella Coral Beach hotel located just one kilometre from Puerto Banus and it will be easy to experience the incomparable atmosphere and enjoy the city. In addition, close by you can find Río Verde, an old Roman town dating back to the 2nd century AD, with some impressive mosaics.

a group of lawn chairs sitting on top of a sandy beach

Book your Iberostar Malaga hotels

Planning your Malaga holidays and haven’t decided where to stay yet? We invite you to visit our hotels: the Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa hotel with direct access to the beach in Torrox-Costa, the Iberostar Costa del Sol Spa hotel in Estepona, and the Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach, an adult-only hotel which is one of the best 4 star hotels in Marbella and provides top all-inclusive Costa del Sol accommodation and an opportunity to enjoy the amazing Sea Soul Beach Club.

Check out our Malaga hotel deals and get ready to fall in love with the Costa del Sol when you book your holidays. Our goal is to make sure you spend your holidays in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

a large body of water with a city in the background

Discover the beaches of Malaga

The beaches of Malaga stretch over 160km on the well-known Costa del Sol, a real paradise for those who are looking for sun and sea holidays in a peaceful region in the southern part of Andalusia. Glamorous Marbella, the well-kept area of Torrox-Costa or traditional towns like Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Nerja or Torremolinos have some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaga Province.

Main beaches in Malaga:

  • Marbella beaches: The beautiful coast on Marbella has white sand beaches with crystal clear water providing exquisite summer relaxation to couples and families with kids or groups of friends. The list of beaches near your Malaga hotels by Iberostar is very long, from the busy sands of Puerto Banús and Realejo to those in Nagüeles beach, El Pinillo, El Alicate or Cabopino, ideal for surfers.
  • Torrox-Costa beaches: A well cared for seaside with unspoiled beaches mark seaside in Torrox. There are Cenicero beach, 1.2km long, with moderate swell and a nice sea promenade. Very close are the Morche beaches, surrounded by orchards, and the remote Wilches beach, with plenty of space to stretch out and rest.
  • Fuengirola beaches: Torreblanca, Los Olimpos, El Ejido… The beaches of Fuengirola are among the best known on the coast of Malaga. Wonderful and highly recommended for their facilities, they have attracted holidaymakers for decades. Santa Amalia-El Castillo is the longest stretch of beach and includes a marina.
  • Nerja beaches: Nerja has a total beach extension of 13km. The longest is El Playazo beach, in the westernmost tip of town, next to La Torrecilla, El Salón and La Caletilla, but the best-known of them all is Burriana, past the centre of town.
a sandy beach next to a body of water

History and curiosities of Malaga

History of Malaga and curious facts:

  • Origin of Costa del Sol: The Costa del Sol was named as such by a consul of Austria living in Cádiz. He used to travel by road from the coast to Almería and liked the fine weather on Malaga beaches and coastline..
  • The first industrial city in Spain: The province of Malaga was a modern region in the Iberian Peninsula during the Industrial Revolution, especially in the foundry industry. With dozens of establishments, Malaga became the first industrial city in Spain.
  • The province and film: Malaga is known for its culture and its connection with film. Every year, it holds an International Film Festival, gathering directors and actors from all over the world. Besides, Antonio Banderas was born in its capital.
  • Marbella Club: This prestigious club was established by Alfonso de Hohenlohe in 1954 turned Marbella into the most exclusive meeting point in Europe. It welcomed European celebrities like film stars and aristocrats.
  • Inauguration of Puerto Banús: It was a world-class event attended by great figures like Rainier Prince of Monaco and Princess Grace, actors Tony Curtis and Sean Connery, Onassis, young Julio Iglesias, singers Maria Callas and Liza Minelli and, of course, Lola Flores.
  • Picasso’s birthplace: Internationally renowned artist Pablo Picasso is present virtually everywhere in the province. He lived in Malaga until he was 10 years old. There is a museum dedicated to Picasso in Buena Vista Palace, Malaga City, whose purpose is to preserve his artistic legacy.
a boat is docked next to a body of water

What to see in Malaga

The province of Málaga can be considered to be a large natural area. Up to 50% of the land, consisting in reserves and nature parks, are protected areas. Serranía de Ronda, the impressive Sierra de las Nieves, Sierra Blanca or Sierra de Grazalema are singular spaces that make an ideal environment for hikers and climbers. So let's take a look at all the wonders that you will enjoy during your stay in any of our Malaga hotels.

Nature in Málaga:

  • Río Verde marshland: Known as La Concepción Reservoir, this marshland is an amazing lake between mountains that provides water to Marbella and offers a lively landscape. In total, it covers 204ha and has hiking paths in a beautiful environment.
  • Sierra Blanca: Various shades of green and grey form this sierra that stands between Marbella, Ojén, Istán and Monda, right between Sierra de las Nieves and Costa del Sol. The highest peak is 1,200m above sea level and the sierra is home to golden eagles, griffon vultures and peregrine falcons.
  • Nerja caves: Found and opened to the public in the 1960s, the Nerja Caves are among the oldest caves in Spain. With amazing corridors, the caves have prehistoric paintings made by Neanderthals.
  • Sierra de Tejeda: In Torrox, nature is named Sierra de Tejeda. Along with Sierra de Alhama and Almijara, it forms a natural border with Granada Province. The highest peaks are La Maroma, more than 2,000m high, and one of its most beautiful spots is the Canyon Río Verde.
  • Sierra de las Nieves: Full of life and peppered with typically Andalusian villages perched atop the mountains, this spot is one of the largest nature parks of the province of Málaga, designated as Biosphere Reserve. It is home to the major Aleppo pine forest in the world and has a rich historical heritage.
  • El Torcal in Antequera: A very attractive nature spot in the province, it is the best preserved karst massif on earth. Visitors will be amazed by the peculiar formations in the area.
  • Sierra de Grazalema: The gem that crowns Serranía de Ronda, also listed as a Biosphere Reserve, Sierra de Grazalema has its highest peak at 1,600m above sea level and features some of the most important caves throughout Andalusia. It has a host of hiking paths and areas for climbing enthusiasts.

 

Local events and festivals in Malaga

Local festivals in Malaga exude the lively spirit that characterises Andalusian people, who are ready to party with a smile on the face at all times. Processions, parties on the beach, food fairs… The calendar in Málaga is marked with a diversity of events you can enjoy during your Costa del Sol holiday in one of our Iberostar Málaga hotels.

Major events in Malaga

  • Easter in Malaga: Colour, emotions, lights and shade. Easter in Malaga is a big show in the streets, which become the stage for religious devotion in most towns in the province. Magical processions, sculpted images of saints and religious fervour… This town lives these days in its own, unique fashion, so hurry up if you want to book our Malaga hotels for this time of the year.
  • Seize of Gaucín: A small town in Serranía de Ronda, Gaucín commemorates the seize by the French in 1810 and the rebellion against the invaders. The streets get dressed and the local people wear period clothes to recreate this historical event in the open air.
  • Saint John’s Feast in Malaga: The shortest night of the year, on 23 June, the coastal towns of Marbella, Fuengirola and Torrox light bonfires on the beach to commemorate Saint John. Children, adolescents and adults gather on the beaches of Malaga around bonfires where the Júas (huge rag dolls) are burnt to keep evil spirits away.
  • Feast of El Carmen: In a province with such a long coastline like Malaga, the Feast of El Carmen, the province’s Patroness, is a must. All coastal towns pay tribute to the Virgin on 16 July carrying Her image on procession by land and sea.
  • Los Boliches fair: The fair is held in Fuengirola, on Los Boliches beach, on the feast of El Carmen, in mid-July. It lasts many days and they do all kinds of activities. Special mention should be made of the procession of the Virgin in the Mediterranean Sea and fireworks filling the sky over the sea.
  • Malaga Fair: This well-known fair attracts huge crowds; as many as 6 million people visited the latest edition. It is held in August and have genuine Andalusian character, with women in dresses adorned with ruffles, colourful garlands hanging from the balconies and squares with stands and flamenco music. Malaga hotels get fully booked thanks to the visitors that want to live the experience of this unique party.
  • Cohetá in Tolox: This village, honours its Patron, Saint Roch, on 16 August every year. A beautiful feast consisting of a procession across town and a big firework display symbolising promises made.
  • Rondeles feast: Held on 12 December in Casarabonela, in the Guadalhorce Valley, Rondeles has been staged since the eighteenth century in honour of the Virgin of Los Rondeles. Fire is the star on this special day.