10 Things to Do in Malaga in Summer
Malaga offers its visitors beautiful beaches, a vibrant cultural atmosphere and spectacular cuisine. If you visit in summer, you can also enjoy countless activities and events.
Malaga, Spain | ©Christian Möller
With so many things 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, this town has great weather and a festive atmosphere practically all year round.
If you are lucky enough to visit Malaga in the summer you will find some of the most important celebrations on the annual calendar, with fairs, street markets, summer concerts and much more.
1. Attend the most awaited event of the summer (and of the whole year): the August Fair of Malaga
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 Malaga Fair attracts tourists from all corners of the country and abroad. If you're in town these days you can't ignore it!
The calendar of events usually includes, among other things, fireworks shows, 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 traveler you are, you can go for one or the other or both. I recommend looking at the website of the city council of Malaga before your trip to know the detailed program of events with time and place.
Where it takes place
Literally all over the city. Although it varies depending on the schedule, some recurring areas where you can expect some events are the Historic Center of the city, Marqués de Larios street, the iconic Plaza de Toros de Malagueta, Real de la Feria and Plaza de la Merced.
How to buy tickets
The events are free to the public and are organized by the local government of Malaga.
2. Enjoy the Procession of the Virgen de la Victoria, patron saint of Malaga.
On September 8, in the middle of summer, the celebration that honors the patron saint of the city: Santa María de la Victoria, takes place. It is a local non-working holiday and throughout the day there are commemorative events that I recommend to participate.
During the morning there is a mass in the Cathedral of Malaga 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 parade takes the Virgin through the main streets of the center, back 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 center, starting from the Cathedral to the Barrio de la Victoria.
How to buy tickets
It is not necessary to purchase tickets for any of the events.
3. Join the celebrations of the Night of San Juan.
The Night of San Juan is the Malaga festival that officially welcomes the summer in southern Spain. Celebrated during the night between June 23 and 24, this iconic festival coincides with the summer solstice and commemorates the birth of St. John the Baptist.
Going out to party on the Night of San Juan is a must if you are going to be in town on those dates. On this day the locals head to the beaches to barbecue, play live music, dance and eat the typical "espeto de sardina malagueño".
During the night the iconic bonfires of San Juan are lit in Malaga; where people drink and dance until the wee 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 swimsuit to enjoy the day at sea.
4. Attend the Terral Summer Festival: the most awaited event.
The iconic Terral Festival in Malaga takes place every year during the summer. It usually starts during the first days of July and lasts for a full month with a varied and intense program 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 program is published in various local media including the website Málaga de Cultura.
Where it takes place
Since its inception in 2008, the event is organized by the Cervantes Theater and its stages are held the vast majority of performances.
However, in recent years other stages have been added, such as the Echegaray Theater, and street performances in places like the beaches of La Araña or 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 are going to be in the city for a short time, for example, 3 days in Malaga or less.
5. Admire the artists of Acompasado, the flamenco festival of Malaga
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 settings of the Cerro de San Cristobal, and for its artistic proposal.
The program varies each year, but you can expect the participation of flamenco singers, dancers and multi-instrumentalists of notable talent. To find out the dates of the different performances, I recommend checking the Acompasado Festival website days before the trip.
Where it takes place
Cerro de San Cristobal in Velez-Malaga, a small coastal town located just 25 minutes from Malaga 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, an event for lovers of symphonic music and theater has been held at La Térmica Cultural Center.
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 program may vary slightly, it usually offers symphonic concerts by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Malaga, flamenco music performances and symphonic jazz music, as well as various theatrical proposals led by local groups.
For the calendar of each year, visit La Térmica's website.
Where it takes place
The events take place in the interior gardens of La Térmica Cultural Center, a place worth visiting to admire its architecture, a clear example of Spanish regionalist architecture.
How to purchase tickets
Tickets are available for purchase weeks before the start of 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 go to Malaga with children during the vacations.
Here is a list of the most popular and where you can find the biggest curiosities.
LaMerced & Co
The most alternative flea market in the city; it takes place the first Sunday of every month and during the summer there are usually special editions. Here you will find a lot of art, highlighting fashion and accessories from independent authors, handmade ceramics, illustrations and more.
- Hours: Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm.
Market of Colors
This market is set up at Malaga's Muelle Uno every year until mid-September. Its exhibitors present local handicrafts, but above all a lot of Malaga gastronomy.
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 12h to 23h; Saturdays and Sundays from 12h to 00h.
8. Escape from the heat knowing the best beaches of 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 is your first time in the city. Here are some recommendations.
La Malagueta
Its location close to the historic center and all major attractions makes it ideal for those travelers with a short stay, even on a 1 day trip to Malaga.
You can enjoy a quick swim, the sunset on the sea and conclude 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 jewel of Malaga. Located just 20 minutes away by car, it is totally worth a full day getaway to lie in the sun. Keep in mind that in summer and on weekends you will find a greater number of bathers.
Mijas.
About a 30 minute drive from Malaga, Las Calas de Mijas is one of the best swimming destinations on the entire Malaga coast. Like Torremolinos it tends to be very crowded 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 to carry out the adventure, because the scarce rains keep the paths clear. Of course, I recommend choosing the coolest hours of the day.
Hiking along the Gibralfaro Wall
The route of the Muralla de Gibralfaro, offers fabulous views of Malaga. It is open all year round, and goes around the area of the Alcazaba of Malaga, to finish in the gardens of Puerta Oscura.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Duration: 30 minutes approximately.
Hiking the Torrijos Trail.
The route known as Sendero Torrijos is located in the Natural Park Montes de Málaga. 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 away from the city. However,
is worth the trip, as the route runs parallel to the Almanchares river and the landscapes are really impressive.
- Difficulty: Dif ficult, previous experience is recommended.
- Duration: 3 hours approximately.
10. Attend the Cala Mijas Festival
At the end of August and over 3 days takes place the Cala Mijas Festival, 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 take a swim in one of the best beaches of the Costa del Sol.
During the duration of the event there are concerts by leading rock, pop and electronic artists. International artists of the stature of 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 organizers offer accommodation facilities for those who want to participate in the festival for the entire three days.
Where it takes place
La Cala de Mijas is part of the municipality of Mijas and is located 30 minutes by car from the center of Malaga. You can get there by public transport by taking the Avanza L-528, at the main station in Malaga.
How to buy tickets
The best way to buy tickets is on the official website of the Festival Calas Mijas. Although you can suffer changes, normally the entrance tickets range from 20€ to 50€ approximately.