Malaga's historic center with the Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, and Cathedral.

About Malaga City Center (Centro)

Malaga\'s Centro Histórico has undergone a remarkable renaissance, transforming from a gritty port city into one of Spain\'s most exciting cultural destinations. The pedestrianized Calle Marqués de Larios — Malaga\'s main shopping street — leads to the Plaza de la Constitución, while narrow streets branch off to reveal tapas bars, museums, and baroque churches.

The city boasts an extraordinary concentration of museums for its size, including the Museo Picasso Málaga (in Picasso\'s birthplace city), the Centre Pompidou Málaga, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the Contemporary Art Center (CAC). Above the old town, the Alcazaba fortress and Gibralfaro Castle offer panoramic views of the city, port, and Mediterranean.

Malaga\'s food scene is a highlight, centered around the Atarazanas Market and countless tapas bars serving local specialties like espetos (sardines grilled on bamboo skewers over beach fires), fried fish, and Malaga sweet wine. The Soho art district and the Muelle Uno port promenade add contemporary flair to this 3,000-year-old Phoenician city.

Nearby Landmarks

Museo Picasso Alcazaba Calle Larios Atarazanas Market Gibralfaro

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €20-€25
Time 15-20 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost €15-€20
Time 15-20 minutes

Outside arrivals hall, rideshare pickup area

Train (Cercanías Line C1)

Cost €2
Time 12 minutes
Frequency Every 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Cercanías commuter train Line C1 from the airport station (underground, follow signs) to Malaga Centro-Alameda. Trains every 20 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €20-€25 15-20 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare €15-€20 15-20 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train €2 12 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, taxis are available 24/7 at the airport (EUR 15-25 to the center). The Cercanías train runs until approximately 11:45 PM. Uber does not operate in Malaga, but the Cabify app and local taxi apps (Pidetaxi) work well. Night bus line N1 connects the airport area to the center on weekends.

Luggage Tips

The Cercanías train has open areas suitable for luggage, though it can be crowded during peak times. Taxis from the airport easily accommodate suitcases. If arriving with surf or ski equipment (common for Costa del Sol visitors), a taxi or pre-booked transfer is more practical than the train.

Accessibility

Malaga Airport is fully accessible with wheelchair assistance. The Cercanías train has level boarding at most stations and wheelchair spaces. Malaga's city center is largely pedestrianized and flat, making it relatively wheelchair friendly. The Alcazaba has an elevator. Taxis at the airport include adapted vehicles on request.