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Malaga holidays are having a bit of a renaissance right now. Once the jumping-off point for its neighbouring resort towns, this bustling seaside city is garnering some star appeal of its own. Its swanky port and spruced up old town boast Michelin stars, boutique shops and towering fortresses. Visit the Soho district, an icon of underground culture with murals from internationally renowned graffiti artists like Obey and Manuel León. Malaga, with its charming architecture and vibrant art scene, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the birthplace of Picasso. 

Things to do

If you want to soak up the culture of an ancient metropolis, shop till you drop in trendy boutiques and sample authentic Andalusian cuisine, holidays to Malaga are for you. The best way to explore this beautiful city is on foot. Wander through cobbled alleyways and leafy parks to see some of its most fascinating landmarks and awe-inspiring street art. Along the way, you can refuel in the best tapas joints in Spain.

The Beaches

Malaga has seven sandy beaches ideal for soaking up its 300 days of sunshine. The closest to the city is La Malagueta, a lively Blue Flag beach with a bustling promenade, around 2km from the Alcazar. It has excellent fish shacks, restaurants and bars, a children’s play area and plenty of palm trees and parasols for shade. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to Playa Peñón del Cuervo. It's perfect for those searching for a break from the beach bars.

History & Culture 

With 3,000 years of history, the skyline is a mix of ancient fortresses, elegant archways and modern art galleries. From the Moorish Alcazaba to the Catholic Santuario de la Victoria, the Roman amphitheatre, and the colourful glass cube of the Pompidou Centre, Malaga city breaks are loaded with history and culture. 

Food

Malaga’s culinary scene is one of the most inventive in southern Spain. The city is a food lover's paradise, from hole-in-the-wall tapas bars and open-fire beach BBQs to fine dining on the waterfront. Breakfast like the Malagueños (Malagans) with still-hot churros (Spanish donuts) dipped in chocolate, lunch on freshly caught sardines, or even join a food walking tour to uncover the city’s hidden gems. The weather in Malaga also lends itself to rooftop bars with exceptional mountain views. For the most breathtaking vistas over the port, head to AC Hotel by Marriott Malaga Palacio. 

Shopping

If you love shopping, then holidays to Malaga need to be on your radar. From the elegant promenade along the port to the boutiques that line Plaza de la Constitución, you’ll find shoes, handbags and accessories from some of Spain’s top designers. The Made in Soho market is also a must-see if you want to soak up the atmosphere of the art district. Here, you can pick up locally made artisan ceramics, jewellery and artworks. Make the most of the city’s bustling shopping quarters by ordering your travel money before you set off.

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Majorca | Menorca

Barcelona holidays offer the best of both worlds: lazy days on the beach and the buzz of a city alive with energy. Nestled on Spain's northeastern coast, the city boasts a warm Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for sightseeing amidst sunny days or unwinding on its golden beaches. Barcelona is steeped in history, so in between marvelling at Gaudi's architectural wonders, you can wander the charming, medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter. Add to that the delicious flavours, one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world, and beautiful parks, Barcelona city breaks have something to offer everyone.

Catalan roots

Barcelona's soul is undeniably Catalan. Its unique culture can be seen in everything from its distinct language and culture to its mouthwatering cuisine. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant local scene by attending one of the city's many festivals. Alternatively, embark on a culinary adventure and savour the essence of Catalonia on your plate. Sample traditional dishes like escalivada (roasted vegetables) or butifarra (spiced sausage) for an authentic taste of the region.

Best things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona is the ultimate city break destination, surrounded by mountains on one side and the sea on the other. And there are more than enough attractions to fill a long weekend. Stroll along pedestrian friendly streets where trendy shops mingle with Gaudi's architectural wonders and ancient churches. The best part? Beach time! The Mediterranean is on the doorstep, so you can conquer Barcelona's must-sees in the morning and be lounging on the sand by afternoon.  

From medieval to modernist, the city is the perfect blend of old and new. Barcelona, the city of Gaudi is home to his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, scheduled for completion in the next few years. Fans shouldn't miss a chance to see the skeleton balconies of Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. But the hillside Park Güell is like stepping inside the artist’s weird but wonderful imagination. For more creative masterpieces make sure you squeeze in a trip to the Contemporary Art and Picasso Museum.

Over in Ciutat Vella (the Old City) you’ll find some of Europe’s best-preserved landmarks. Standing high above the ancient streets, you can’t miss Barcelona Cathedral - the centrepiece of the Gothic Quarter. Besides its well-known buildings, there’s no better way to see the city like a local than a shopping trip at the Mercat de la Boqueria food market, or watching a FC Barcelona home game at the Camp Nou Stadium.

La Barceloneta is the city’s answer to Miami’s South Beach. There’s always something going on along this 4km long stretch. Craving fresh seafood after a day of sun?  Waterfront restaurants line the coast, ready to tantalise your taste buds with Catalan specialties. Once your batteries are recharged, wind down with a drink on La Rambla or in the Gothic Quarter.

Hotels in Barcelona

Whether you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Barcelona, or looking to book Hilton Barcelona, we have a wide selection of hotels in Barcelona for you to choose from.