Malaga
On the coast about 80 miles (129km) southeast of Seville, the lively city of Malaga is the gateway to Spain’s popular Costa del Sol holiday resort region. It offers sun, sand, and sea, but also an historical treasure trove, making it a good choice for culture vulture wanting a beach holiday.
Like most Andalusian cities, the holiday retreat of Malaga has Moorish roots and its illustrious past has left an imprint on the historic centre, particularly around the fortress of La Alcazaba, dating from 1065, which is now an archaeological museum.
The city was also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and features several galleries displaying his work. Most notable is the 16th-century Museum of Fine Arts, alongside the cathedral. Picasso’s birthplace in Plaza Merced is open to the public and showcases his life and works. The city’s famous botanical garden, situated on the Calle Alameda, dates from the days when the Malaga area was a popular winter holiday resort for the rich and famous and is also worth a visit.
Of course, the beaches are also a big draw for the numerous holidaymakers who descend on this Spanish city, and watersports and other coastal diversions abound. A range of activities beckon offshore: scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, and kite surfing are all popular in the warm waters. The more adventurous tourists in Malaga can take short daytrips to the beautiful beaches of Nerja or Motril.
For those who can pull themselves away from the beaches, this region of Spain has been playfully dubbed the ‘Costa del Golf’ due to its 39 golf courses. Year-round sunny weather and low course fees make a round or two a great option.
Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and has the varied, high-quality nightlife to match. Tourists in Malaga need only take their pick from the varied nightlife venues, which include nightclubs, tapas bars, and traditional flamenco performances. Some of the best bars and clubs can be found around Plaza del Merced and Plaza Uncibay, while the areas of Malagueta and Pedragalejo have lively beach bars in summer.
Climate for Malaga
Malaga enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with sunny, hot summer weather, and mild winters, which make it a great holiday destination year-round. The coastline receives more than 320 days of sunshine a year.
Summer temperatures reach an average high of 86F (30C), and the winter temperatures seldom drop below 50F (10C) on the coast. Rainfall is sporadic and mostly limited to the winter months, with the majority falling in November and December; the rain usually comes in the form of intermittent, light showers that give way quickly to sun and blue skies.
The temperature of the ocean seldom falls below 68F (20C), meaning that swimming is almost always a possibility and is enjoyed in spring and autumn as well as summer. Summer, between June and August, when the heat is tempered by frequent sea breezes, is by far the most popular time to visit Malaga. Spring, especially late April and May, when temperatures average between 73F and 80F (23C and 27C), is also a glorious time to visit.
Health Notes when travelling to Spain
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Medical facilities are good in Spain, but comprehensive travel insurance is always advised. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, providing emergency health care for EU travellers on the same terms as Spanish nationals. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should take any medication they require along with them, in its original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Spain
Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, except for occasional street crime, which is common in the big cities. Travellers are advised to take precautions to avoid theft of passports, credit cards, travel documents and money. Crime is usually petty and violent assault is rare. Visitors should be wary of strangers offering or asking for help of any kind, as it is often a distraction for accomplices. There are also scams involving letters for outstanding traffic fines or Spanish lottery winnings. If travellers exercise all the normal precautions they should have a trouble-free holiday in Spain.
Customs in Spain
Smoking in public places is banned and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, non-smoking areas of bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children. Drinking alcohol in the streets of Madrid and the streets of the Canary and Balearic Islands is illegal.
Duty Free in Spain
Travellers form EU countries are allowed the following items duty free: 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg tobacco; 110 litres beer; 90 litres wine; and 10 litres spirit. Travellers from non-EU countries may have 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits, 4 litres wine, and 16 litres beer.
Doing Business in Spain
The business culture in Spain is slowly shifting but, for now, it’s entrenched in tradition and it can take some time for foreigners to gain a foothold in the Spanish working world. It is important never to undermine authority, with hierarchy central to Spain’s business world. Managers often tend to make decisions without considering input from their colleagues.
A strong emphasis is placed on social status, character attributes, and personal pride. Success is often hinged upon being well-dressed, honourable, and dignified, while also exhibiting great social skills. Business meetings are generally conducted face-to-face and can go on for long periods, as Spaniards prefer long deliberations in order to avoid uncertainty in corporate dealings. Business meetings in Spain tend to tread a fine line between personal and formal.
Conducting business in Spain can entail navigation through a lot of red tape and bureaucracy. Spanish is the language of business, but some of the larger multinationals conduct meetings in both English and Spanish. Business hours are often quite varied, but generally open by 9am and close in the mid-evening with a two-hour lunch break during the early afternoon.
Business attire is quite conservative with dark or linen suits, with shirts and silk ties for men. Women should wear modest dresses or tailored suits. Brand names or labels attract affirmation from colleagues and associates.
After the conclusion of successful negotiations, gifts are appropriate. Gifts should be of high quality and, when receiving a gift, it should be opened in front of the giver. Business cards are important and should be bilingual. Meetings are best scheduled for mid-morning, in which establishing a formal yet personable environment is important before beginning. Meetings often occur over lunches and dinners and may be characterised by several speakers.
Communication in Spain
The international access code for Spain is +34. WiFi is widely available; travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Spain
Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In established restaurants, tips of about 10 percent are expected. In Mallorca, value added tax is usually included in restaurant bills, designated IVA, and may be mistaken for a service charge. Drivers of metered taxis expect small tips and it is customary to tip about 5 to 10 percent for most services, including guides.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, allowing the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EU nationals must hold a return or onward ticket, all necessary documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Spain. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
United Kingdom citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay, with the exception of passports marked ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar, which will be accepted if valid on arrival.
No visa is required for passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar, Identity Cards issued by Gibraltar, and ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom) for a maximum stay of 90 days. All other British nationals are entitled to a maximum stay of 90 days without a visa within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is required.
Malaga is serviced by a comprehensive bus system. Single tickets cost around €1.30, although rechargeable multi-trip cards are available. Malaga also has a limited metro and train system but the rail is only really useful for travelling between Malaga and other cities and towns. A quicker way to get around is hiring Malaga’s famous bike taxis (trixis), or regular taxis, although this can become expensive. Renting a car is a popular option, especially for travellers wishing to take excursions to other parts of the Costa del Sol. There are also several companies offering bicycle hire. Taxis are easily hailed on the streets, but central Malaga is quite compact and easy to walk around while sightseeing.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
