Málaga Area Guide

17th October 2024 · 9 min. read

Málaga is one of the best places in the world to live, according to the latest international expatriate rankings. It is a vibrant, cultural, sunny city with a high quality of life; both coastal and mountainous; it is a university town, a tourist destination, a technological hub, and a gastronomic hotspot. But above all, it is a hospitable city; from ancient times to the present day, it has warmly welcomed all those who arrive on its shores. In this area guide, we will explore the different parts of Malaga and the characteristics that make each of them unique.

• Table of contents
• Where is Málaga?
• Why choose Málaga as a place to live or invest?
• What types of properties can I find in Málaga?
• What is the environment and landscape like in Málaga?
• What is the connectivity and accessibility like in Málaga?
• What services and amenities are in Málaga?
• Best restaurants in Málaga
• What international schools are in Málaga?
• What else can I do in Málaga and its surroundings?
• Our top reasons to choose Málaga

Málaga, located in southern Andalusia, Spain, has been recognised by Forbes magazine as the best city in the world to live in. The city stretches along the Costa del Sol, famous for its sunny climate and stunning beaches, which attract both tourists and residents alike. It’s not just the capital that offers an exceptional lifestyle; the province also boasts other equally attractive destinations, such as Mijas, Fuengirola, and Torremolinos, which combine natural beauty with an excellent quality of life, making Málaga a diverse and well-rounded region.

Málaga, considered one of the best places to live, has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations for both living and investing. Situated on the Costa del Sol, its exceptional climate, with approximately 300 sunny days a year, guarantees an enviable quality of life.

The city leads the market for exclusive properties in Spain, holding over 23% of the country’s high-end property, surpassing Barcelona, Madrid, and the Balearic Islands. This offers a wide range of luxury villas and apartments, with prices exceeding €4,500 per square metre in some areas. Malaga is undergoing a property boom, with the construction of new luxury homes, particularly in the eastern and western areas, many of them beachfront properties. Additionally, historic areas of high value, such as Paseo de Reding, El Candado, and San Antón, are seeing property renovations, ensuring a diverse supply of quality property.

Málaga is not only an excellent choice for permanent residence but also for those seeking a second home or holiday property. Its quality of life, along with its leisure and cultural offerings, make it an attractive destination all year round. Once a property is acquired, it is easy to rent it out on a short or long-term basis, offering good opportunities for returns.

Málaga is an ideal location for remote working, thanks to its connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure. Owning property in the city allows you to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle while working remotely, with the ability to travel only when necessary. Furthermore, the city is experiencing business growth, with more than 600 tech companies operating in the Andalusia Technology Park (PTA) and the recent opening of Google’s headquarters, underscoring its appeal as a growing hub for digital and tech businesses.

In summary, investing in an exclusive property in Málaga not only guarantees an unparalleled lifestyle but also a valuable, high-return investment in the long term. The city offers a unique combination of quality of life, business opportunities, and a constantly expanding property market.

Málaga stretches along the Costa del Sol, offering a variety of areas, each with unique and exclusive characteristics. This translates into a wide range of properties that cater to everyone’s needs. From modern new builds in areas such as Málaga West, El Higuerón, and Fuengirola, to charming renovated historic apartments in the vibrant city centre or Málaga East, the city has something for every lifestyle and preference. Here, every corner tells a story, and each property is an opportunity to enjoy the essence of the Mediterranean.

Málaga is situated in a privileged location, where the Mediterranean Sea washes its shores and the Montes de Málaga, declared a Natural Park, offer a spectacular natural setting. The city is a true tapestry of landscapes, combining mountains, valleys, and a stunning coastline.

Among the most notable sites is the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. Additionally, the picturesque village of Frigiliana, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, is known for its charm and traditional architecture. El Torcal de Antequera, with its unique rock formations, offers numerous hiking trails that allow visitors to enjoy nature and the landscape at its best.

The Málaga coastline is equally impressive, featuring extensive beaches and promenades that invite an outdoor lifestyle. The variety of water activities and the array of restaurants and bars along the seaside enhance the appeal of this region. Furthermore, the city and other municipalities in the province boast lively and character-filled historic centres, where cobbled streets and Andalusian architecture invite exploration and discovery.

Málaga is exceptionally well connected on a global scale. Málaga-Costa del Sol International Airport offers over 100 direct connections to destinations worldwide, facilitating international travel. Nationally, the city is served by the AVE high-speed train, which connects it to key cities such as Madrid and Barcelona in record time.

Furthermore, Málaga benefits from a network of motorways and dual carriageways that make road travel convenient. The A-7, known as the Autopista del Mediterráneo [Mediterranean Motorway], connects the city with other coastal towns, while the A-45 provides access to inland cities like Córdoba and Granada. Its proximity to other prominent cities in Andalusia, such as Seville and Granada, further enriches its connectivity, allowing residents and visitors to easily explore the rich culture and beauty of the region.

Málaga is a thriving city that provides its residents with a wealth of services and conveniences, contributing to an excellent standard of living. The city benefits from a modern infrastructure, offering a wide variety of shops and first-class medical services, ensuring that day-to-day necessities are always within reach. Among the highlights of Málaga’s offerings are:

Supermarkets: Málaga boasts a wide variety of supermarkets. To discover the different options, we invite you to explore our specific area guides.

Fashion and decoration stores: In the centre of Málaga, El Corte Inglés and Calle Larios are two of the main shopping areas. Both locations offer a diverse range of fashion and decoration shops, catering to all tastes and styles.

Health centres and pharmacies:

• Quirón Salud Malaga Hospital
• Regional University Hospital of Malaga

Málaga has a substantial number of pharmacies. To explore the various options available, we encourage you to check our specific area guides.

Málaga offers an incredible variety of restaurants that cater to all tastes, from international options to the finest in local cuisine. At Christie’s Real Estate, we would like to recommend some places that stand out for their quality and unique atmosphere. Among them are Verum, known for its innovative cuisine, La Cosmo, which combines tradition and modernity and Beluga, offering a refined culinary experience in the heart of the city.

For those wishing to enjoy authentic Spanish and local food, we recommend two classic Málaga establishments: El Pimpi, famous for its traditional atmosphere and local dishes, and Casa Lola, where you can savour typical tapas from the region.

Additionally, Málaga boasts an excellent selection of Michelin-starred restaurants. Among them, we highlight Sollo, recognised for its sustainable cuisine, and Kaleja, a venue that impresses with its modern take on Andalusian gastronomy. Both are must-visit spots for lovers of haute cuisine.

Málaga offers a broad educational landscape, with various international schools providing high-quality options for families. Here are some of the most notable international schools in Málaga:

Private Schools 

• Lycée Français International de Malaga  
• Colegio Bilingüe El Romeral (bilingual school exclusively for boys)  
• Colegio Bilingüe Sierra Blanca (bilingual school exclusively for girls)  
• The British School of Malaga  
• Novaschool Sunland International  
• Novaschool Añoreta  
• Yago School Malaga

Private publicly funded schools [Colegios Concertados]

• Colegio Diocesano La Presentación  
• Colegio Cerrado de Calderón  

Málaga offers a wide range of activities to enjoy both in the city and its surroundings, combining nature, sports, and culture, making it a prime destination. If you love the sea, you can engage in water sports such as kayaking in the Nerja area, where you can explore its crystal-clear waters and stunning cliffs. For those who prefer the mountains, Caminito del Rey is a must-visit destination, featuring a hanging walkway with spectacular views.

Málaga’s privileged climate also allows for outdoor sports such as paddle tennis, tennis, and golf, with some of the best courses in Europe, perfect for year-round practice. When it comes to cultural offerings, Malaga does not disappoint: it is home to renowned museums such as the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the Centre Pompidou, among others. Additionally, its proximity to charming villages like Ronda and Frigiliana allows you to enjoy local festivities and experience authentic Andalusian culture.

• Pleasant Climate: The city enjoys an exceptional Mediterranean climate with approximately 300 sunny days a year, making it an ideal place to enjoy its beautiful beaches and natural landscapes.
• Cosmopolitan City: Málaga is a cosmopolitan city that welcomes people from all over the world. This fusion of cultures is reflected in its diverse culinary offerings, the international events held throughout the year, and its vibrant lifestyle.
• International Connectivity: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is one of the largest in Spain, offering numerous national and international connections.
• Local Culture and History: Málaga is rich in history and culture, with every corner reflecting the essence of Andalusia. Its historic monuments and museums, such as the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba, along with its local festivals and events, make the city a true cultural hub.
• An expanding city: Málaga is undergoing significant expansion, with numerous construction and urban development projects. It is an ideal destination for investment, offering great opportunities in a growing property market.