Ruth Haines
Malaga Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Spain, accommodating 16 million passengers annually. The airport is located near several stunning coastal towns, including Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and Marbella. The city centre of Malaga is only 11-12 minutes away from the airport by train, making it a great place to visit during a layover. The city boasts cultural, historical, and culinary attractions, such as the Picasso Museum, the charming old town, and local restaurants serving tapas. Malaga is also known for its beautiful beaches, and renting a car can provide the freedom to explore the coastline and discover hidden beaches. The airport itself offers various services and amenities, including currency exchange, ATMs, baggage storage, medical facilities, assistance for reduced mobility, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and comfortable seating areas. There are also designated quiet zones for relaxation and watching films. Additionally, the airport features shops, bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Outside the airport, car rental services and taxis are available for transportation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Malaga, Spain |
| Terminals | 3 (T3 is the main terminal for arrivals and departures) |
| Transport to City Centre | Trains, buses, taxis, Uber, car rental |
| Train Timings | Trains to the city centre leave the airport between 6.44 am and 00.54 am, at 14, 34 and 54 past the hour. |
| Journey Time | 11 minutes |
| Train Frequency | Every 20 minutes |
| Transport Cost | €1.80 |
| Car Rental | All major car rental companies are present at the airport |
| Currency Exchange | Available in the arrivals hall and in departures |
| Medical Centre | On the arrivals floor (downstairs from departures) and located to the right of the main entrance |
| Lost Property | In T3 behind check-in desks 363-385 or via [email protected] |
| Attractions Near Airport | Alcazaba fortress, Roman Theatre, Picasso Museum, Old Town, beaches of the Costa del Sol |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Malaga City's cultural and historical delights, including the Picasso Museum
- Relax on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, including Torremolinos and Benalmadena
- Visit the Alcazaba, the best-preserved Moorish fortress palace in Spain
- Take in the views from the East Observation Deck at the airport
- Enjoy the airport's duty-free shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Explore Malaga City's cultural and historical delights, including the Picasso Museum
Malaga is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. The city centre is just a short 12-minute train ride from the airport, making it an ideal place to explore during a layover.
One of the most famous cultural attractions in Malaga is the Picasso Museum (Museo Picasso Málaga). The museum is located just 200 metres from the Plaza de la Merced, where Picasso was born. It showcases an extensive collection of Picasso's work, ranging from early academic studies to cubism and his late re-workings of Old Masters. The museum also features a library with over 800 titles about Picasso, as well as relevant documents and photographs. The building itself is an architectural highlight, making excellent use of natural light, especially through skylights. The museum was opened in 2003, with the King and Queen of Spain in attendance.
In addition to the Picasso Museum, Malaga offers a wealth of cultural and historical delights. The historic centre of the city is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, including the Teatro Echegaray, a charming theatre built in the neo-Mudejar style, a unique blend of Moorish and European elements. The Old Town is filled with churches, convents, and palaces, each holding significant cultural and artistic value. The Cathedral of The Incarnation and the Episcopal Palace are also must-sees, providing stunning backdrops to the city's landscape.
For those interested in the city's ancient history, Malaga boasts several impressive Roman ruins. El Teatro Romano, the oldest monument in the city, is located at the foot of the Alcazaba fortress. The Roman Theatre, built in the first century BCE, is another remarkable historic site. Malaga also has a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, located at the base of the Alcazabilla de Malaga fort.
The Alcazaba fortress itself is a highlight of Malaga. It is the best-preserved Moorish fortress palace in Spain, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from its top.
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Relax on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, including Torremolinos and Benalmadena
Malaga, a city in Spain's southern Costa del Sol region, is known for its beaches, museums, and historic sites. The beaches of the Costa del Sol, including those in Torremolinos and Benalmadena, are a great way to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean climate.
Beaches in Torremolinos
Torremolinos, a town close to Malaga Airport, offers a variety of beaches to visit. Playa Los Alamos, one of the last beaches in Torremolinos before reaching Malaga, is known for its golden sand and light waves. It provides a range of leisure activities, including beach bars, restaurants, and outdoor sports. The beach promenade is perfect for walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Beaches in Benalmadena
Benalmadena, another town near Malaga Airport, boasts several attractive beaches. Some of these beaches have pristine, clean sands, gentle waves, and excellent beach amenities. The Paseo Maritimo area offers a selection of pubs, bars, and restaurants, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the coastal views.
Other Beaches in Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol region offers a diverse range of beaches to suit everyone's preferences. You can find secluded, quiet beaches with clean sands and clear waters, perfect for a tranquil getaway. Rada Beach, with its shallow waters and beautiful sunsets, is a popular choice. Malapesquera Beach, known for its pristine sands and gentle waves, is another favourite destination. Additionally, there are beaches that cater to specific interests, such as the hetero-friendly gay beach located on Playa del Bajondillo.
The beaches of the Costa del Sol provide a variety of experiences, from relaxing swims in gentle waves to vibrant nightlife with pubs, bars, and restaurants. Whether you're seeking secluded coves or popular destinations with a range of amenities, the beaches in Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and the surrounding Costa del Sol region have something for everyone.
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Visit the Alcazaba, the best-preserved Moorish fortress palace in Spain
If you're looking for things to do near Malaga Airport, why not visit the Alcazaba, the best-preserved Moorish fortress palace in Spain? Located in the historic centre of Málaga, the Alcazaba is an enormous fortification with double defensive walls that date back to the 11th century. It is built on a hill in the centre of the city, overlooking the port, and comprises two walled enclosures, one within the other, with a total area of 15,000 square metres. Each enclosure is defended by a wall fortified with towers, and the inner enclosure, which contains the palaces, occupies the summit of the hill.
There are two ways to enter the Alcazaba: by lift or by foot. If you choose to walk, you will pass through the Puerta de los Siete Arcos gateway and the Torre del Homenaje tower keep before reaching the Palace. The Palace is structured around three courtyards: the first is the Los Surtidores courtyard, which has a central fountain and original arches from the Caliphate period; the second is the Orange Tree Courtyard, which has two original pools and paved tile decorations; and the third contains the ruins of an 11th-century military quarter.
From the first courtyard, you can access the Armadura Mudéjar Tower, which offers a detailed model of the Alcazaba and panoramic views of Málaga. The Torre de Maldonado, another fortification tower, has been remodelled over the centuries and also offers beautiful views. After exploring the Alcazaba, be sure to check out the nearby Roman Theatre, built in the 1st century AD, and the visitors' centre, where you can learn about the history of the theatre.
To get to the Alcazaba from Malaga Airport, you can take a 12-minute train or bus to the city centre. Trains run frequently and offer a cheap and convenient way to get into the city. So, even if you're just on a layover, you'll have plenty of time to explore this incredible fortress!
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Take in the views from the East Observation Deck at the airport
If you're looking for something to do around Malaga Airport, why not try the East Observation Deck? Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit:
First of all, getting to the East Observation Deck is easy. Simply take the first set of lifts you see after exiting the arrivals hall. These lifts will be marked "Door D", and they'll take you up to the 8th floor. From there, it's just a short walk to the viewing platform.
Once you reach the East Observation Deck, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the airport, the sea, and the surrounding landscape. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a bite to eat or a drink from the selection of cafes and restaurants in the area. Keep in mind that the East Observation Deck is only open during the day, so you'll want to plan your visit accordingly.
If you're an aviation enthusiast, you'll be glad to know that the East Observation Deck offers excellent opportunities for plane spotting. You'll be able to see a variety of aircraft, including the Airbus A330, A350, and A380, as well as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 737. You can also watch all the airport activity, including baggage arrivals, cargo departures, and general maintenance.
In addition to the East Observation Deck, there are a few other viewpoints around the airport. However, these other viewpoints have smaller viewing areas, so you may not get the same expansive views as you would from the East Observation Deck.
So, if you're looking for a relaxing way to pass the time at Malaga Airport, be sure to check out the East Observation Deck. With its stunning views and convenient location, it's the perfect place to unwind during a layover or before boarding your flight.
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Enjoy the airport's duty-free shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Malaga Airport offers a range of duty-free shopping, dining, and entertainment options to keep travellers entertained and satisfied.
For those looking to shop, the airport has a variety of options, including shops selling magazines, books, and other items. You can also find newsagents selling crisps, sweets, water, soft drinks, and "Spanish food souvenirs". These souvenirs include typical Spanish treats such as olive oil, almonds, chocolates, and bags of sweets. Additionally, there are vending machines located throughout the airport if you're looking for a quick and affordable snack or drink.
When it comes to dining, Malaga Airport provides a diverse selection of restaurants, cafés, fast food joints, and bars. Most of these dining options are located in the Departures passenger-only zone after security. The airport also has three 24-hour establishments serving coffee, snacks, pastries, and sandwiches, located in the Departures and Arrivals areas. While the food prices at Malaga Airport may be higher than expected, with a simple sandwich and water costing around 10€ to 20€, the VIP Lounge offers a renovated space with more affordable options like toast, olives, biscuits, and pastries.
Although specific details about entertainment options within the airport are scarce, Malaga, as a city, is known for its mesmerizing Mediterranean atmosphere, offering incredible sunshine and turquoise blue waters. The city itself provides various entertainment opportunities, such as skydiving, hot air balloon rides, sailing adventures, and golf.
Nearby attractions include Autocine Malaga Cesur FP, located just 1.6 miles from the airport, and the city centre, where you can explore museums, cathedrals, and other cultural landmarks.
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Frequently asked questions
Malaga City is a short drive or 11-minute train ride from the airport and offers cultural, historical, and culinary delights. Explore the Picasso Museum, stroll through the charming old town, or indulge in some tapas at one of the local restaurants. The Alcazaba fortress, a well-preserved Moorish palace, is also nearby and offers breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Trains to and from the city centre leave the airport between 6:44 am and 00:54 am, at 14, 34, and 54 minutes past the hour. The journey takes 11 minutes and costs €1.80. You can pay by tapping your debit or credit card on the barrier when entering and exiting the station. A dedicated bus service (A) also runs between the airport and the city centre, and taxis are available for around €20-25.
Malaga Airport has spacious terminals, modern amenities, and helpful staff. It offers currency exchange, ATMs, baggage storage, medical facilities, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. There are also dining, shopping, and bar options, as well as quiet zones with films playing and art exhibitions.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Check-in online to save time, and familiarise yourself with the airport's security regulations. The airport has three terminals, and if you're checking in luggage at T2, allow extra time as you may have to walk a considerable distance.
