10 Things to Do in Malaga in Summer
Malaga offers its visitors beautiful beaches, a vibrant cultural atmosphere and spectacular gastronomy. If you visit in summer, you can also enjoy countless activities and events.
Malaga, Spain | ©Christian Möller
With so much to see, do and enjoy in Malaga, visiting this coastal city at any time of the year is a fantastic idea. Although the official summer season runs from July to September, the city enjoys good weather and a festive atmosphere practically all year round.
If you're lucky enough to visit Malaga in summer you'll find some of the most important celebrations on the annual calendar, with fairs, street markets, summer concerts and much more.
1. Attend the most eagerly awaited event of the summer (and of the whole year): Malaga's August Fair
Summer is the time when one of the most popular festivities in southern Spain takes place: the Malaga Fair. It is held in mid-August, commemorating the moment when the city was united to the Crown of Castile by the Catholic Monarchs.
For a whole week, the iconic Feria de Málaga attracts tourists from all corners of the country and abroad. If you're in town these days you won't be able to ignore it!
The calendar of events usually includes, among other things, fireworks displays, horse parades, flower parades for the Patron Saint, flamenco and Malaga dance performances, children's readings, live DJs, fair evenings, corrida de Rejones, mechanical games and much more.
The festival takes place during the day and at night and depending on the type of traveller you are, you can choose one or the other or both. I recommend checking the Malaga Town Hall website before your trip for a detailed programme of events with time and place.
Where it takes place
Literally all over the city. Although it varies depending on the programme, some recurring areas where you can expect some events are the Historic Centre of the city, Calle Marqués de Larios, the iconic Plaza de Toros de Malagueta, the Real de la Feria and Plaza de la Merced.
How to buy tickets
The events are free to the public and are organised by the local government of Malaga.
2. Enjoy the Procession of the Virgen de la Victoria, patron saint of Malaga.
On 8 September, in the middle of summer, the celebration is held in honour of the city's patron saint: Santa María de la Victoria. It is a local non-working holiday and throughout the day there are commemorative events which I recommend you take part in.
Inthe morning there is a mass in Malaga Cathedral celebrated by the bishop. Even if you are not particularly devout, it is worth visiting the religious temple to admire its impressive Renaissance architecture.
In the afternoon there is an important procession through the streets of Malaga. The procession takes the Virgin through the main streets of the centre, returning to her original chapel in the popular Barrio de la Victoria.
Where it takes place
The ecclesiastical celebration takes place in the Cathedral of Malaga and the parade takes place in various streets of the historic centre, starting from the Cathedral and ending in the Barrio de la Victoria.
How to buy tickets
It is not necessary to purchase tickets for any of the events.
3. Join in the celebrations of the Night of St. John.
The Noche de San Juan is the Malaga festival that officially welcomes the summer in the south of Spain. Celebrated during the night between the 23rd and 24th of June, this iconic festival coincides with the summer solstice and commemorates the birth of St. John the Baptist.
Partying on Midsummer's Eve is a must if you're going to be in town on these dates. On this day the locals head to the beaches to barbecue, play live music, dance and eat the typical Malaga sardine skewer.
During the night the iconic bonfires of San Juan are lit in Malaga; where people drink and dance until the early hours of the morning.
Where it takes place
All over the city, but mainly on the coast and the most important beaches of Malaga.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are not necessary, you just need your swimming costume to enjoy the day at sea.
4. Attend the Terral Summer Festival: the most awaited event.
Malaga' s iconic Terral Festival takes place every year during the summer. It usually starts during the first days of July and lasts for a whole month with a varied and intense programme of performances.
It is one of the most awaited celebrations by the people of Malaga, mainly those interested in the local artistic scene. You can enjoy a wide range of performances, with free concerts of different genres, from jazz to electronic music, swing, flamenco, blues, new age music, pop and rock.
The concert programme is published in various local media, including the Málaga de Cultura website.
Where it takes place
Since its inception in 2008, the event has been organised by the Cervantes Theatre and the vast majority of performances are held on its stages.
However, in recent years other venues have been added, such as the Echegaray Theatre, and street performances in places such as the beaches of La Araña and La Malagueta.
How to buy tickets
Tickets to concerts are usually free until full capacity is reached. If you want to attend, it is advisable to plan your itinerary and arrive early to the venue, especially if you will be in the city for a short time, for example, 3 days in Malaga or less.
5. Admire the artists at Acompasado, Malaga's flamenco festival
What would a trip to Malaga be without attending a good Flamenco show? An incomplete visit! The event takes place in summer, in mid-August, over several days and with various performances.
Of the many events in Malaga dedicated to flamenco, Acompasado stands out for its location, in the beautiful setting of the Cerro de San Cristobal, and for its artistic proposal.
The programme varies each year, but you can expect the participation of talented flamenco singers, dancers and multi-instrumentalists. To find out the dates of the different performances, I recommend checking the Acompasado Festival website a few days before your trip.
Where it takes place
Cerro de San Cristóbal in Vélez-Málaga, a small coastal town located just 25 minutes from Málaga by car. The Acompasao Festival is an excellent opportunity to get to know other towns in the Malaga region.
How to buy tickets
Admission to the different concerts is free until full capacity is reached. Doors generally open at 20:30 h and the concerts start around 22:30 h.
6. Attend the Summer Festival in the gardens of La Térmica.
For some years now, the La Térmica Cultural Centre has been hosting an event for lovers of symphonic music and theatre.
The performances begin at the end of June, with the arrival of summer, and last until the end of July. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Malaga at night during the summer.
Although the programme may vary slightly, there are usually symphonic concerts by the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra, performances of flamenco music and symphonic jazz music, as well as various theatrical events led by local groups.
For each year's calendar, visit the La Térmica website.
Where it takes place
The events take place in the interior gardens of La Térmica Cultural Centre, a place worth visiting to admire its architecture, a clear example of Spanish regionalist architecture.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are available for purchase weeks before the event on event ticket portals such as Mientrada.net or directly at the box office on the day of the event.
7. Attend the Malaga Summer Markets
Take advantage of your visit to Malaga to visit the many summer markets that take place in the city every year.
It is an excellent opportunity to spend a fun family afternoon if, for example, you are going to Malaga with children during your holidays.
Here is a list of the most popular ones and where you can find the biggest curiosities.
LaMerced & Co
The most alternative flea market in the city; it takes place on the first Sunday of every month and during the summer it usually has special editions. Here you'll find a lot of art, including fashion and accessories by independent artists, handmade ceramics, illustrations and more.
- Opening hours: Sundays from 11am to 7pm.
Market of Colours
This market is set up on Malaga's Muelle Uno every year until mid-September. Its exhibitors present local handicrafts, but above all a lot of Malaga gastronomy.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 12h to 23h; Saturdays and Sundays from 12h to 00h.
8. Escape from the heat by discovering the best beaches in Malaga.
If you go to Malaga during the summer, taking a dip in the wonderful Costa del Sol is sure to be on your list of priorities.
Despite the constant high influx of tourists during these months, I recommend visiting some of the best beaches in Malaga, especially if it's your first time in the city. Here are some recommendations.
La Malagueta
Its location close to the historic centre and all the major attractions makes it ideal for short stay travellers, even on a day trip to Malaga.
You can enjoy a quick swim, enjoy the sunset by the sea and finish with dinner and a glass of wine in one of the many restaurants in the area.
Torremolinos.
One of the most famous and a real Malaga jewel. Located just 20 minutes away by car, it is totally worth a full day's getaway to lie in the sun. Bear in mind that in summer and at weekends you will find a larger number of bathers.
Mijas.
A 30 minute drive from Malaga, Las Calas de Mijas is one of the best swimming destinations on the whole of the Malaga coast. Like Torremolinos it tends to be very busy in summer. I recommend arriving early and grabbing a good spot.
9. In summer explore the hiking trails of Malaga.
The surroundings of Malaga city are characterized by its numerous hiking trails where you can enjoy the nature of the area.
Summeris one of the best times of the year for this adventure, as the scarce rainfall keeps the paths clear. However, I recommend you choose the coolest hours of the day.
Hiking the Gibralfaro Wall
The Gibralfaro Wall route offers fabulous views of Malaga. It is open all year round, and goes around the Alcazaba area of Malaga, ending at the Puerta Oscura gardens.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Duration: 30 minutes approximately.
Hiking along the Torrijos Path.
The route known as Sendero Torrijos is located in the Montes de Málaga Natural Park. With a total length of 1.6 km it is one of the best options to appreciate the mountain charms of the Malaga region.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Duration: about 1 hour to complete.
Hiking through La Rahige.
La Rahige is a hiking route in Malaga little visited by tourists, perhaps because of its location almost 1 hour from the city. However,
is well worth the trip, as the route runs parallel to the Almanchares River and the scenery is truly breathtaking.
- Difficulty: Dif ficult, previous experience recommended.
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
10. Attend the Cala Mijas Festival
At the end of August and over the course of 3 days the Cala Mijas Festival takes place, the event that promises to be the best music festival in the area.
The location of the event offers wonderful views of the Mediterranean and the opportunity to swim at one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol.
During the duration of the event there are concerts by leading rock, pop and electronic artists. International artists such as Arctic Monkeys, The Chemical Brothers, Chet Faker and Bomba Stéreo have shone during the event.
I recommend paying attention to thefestival's official website days before your trip, as the organisers offer accommodation facilities for those who want to take part in the festival for the full three days.
Where it takes place
La Cala de Mijas is part of the municipality of Mijas and is a 30 minute drive from the centre of Malaga. You can get there by public transport by taking the Transporte Avanza L-528, from Malaga Main Station.
How to buy tickets
The best way to buy tickets is on the official website of the Festival Calas Mijas. Although subject to change, tickets normally cost between 20€ and 50€ approximately.