Malaga is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and we will tell you the tourist traps to avoid in Malaga for your next trip.
Malaga, a stunning coastal city in Spain’s Andalusia region, is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture.
However, like many popular tourist destinations, Malaga has its share of tourist traps. Here’s a guide on what to watch out for and how to avoid these traps, ensuring a more enjoyable and authentic experience.
What Is The Cheapest Way From Malaga Airport To City Center?
The cheapest way from Malaga airport to city center is by train for €1.80. The train travel time from Malaga Airport to city center is around 12 minutes.
Read here Malaga Airport sim card, Spain sim card for tourist and Spain eSim
Read here how to get from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar, Malaga Airport to Marbella and Malaga Airport to Torremolinos
Tourist Traps to Avoid in Malaga Spain
1. Overpriced Beachfront Restaurants
What to Avoid: Restaurants along the Malaga beachfront, particularly in areas like La Malagueta, often have inflated prices for basic dishes, capitalizing on their prime locations.
How to Avoid: Venture into the city or explore side streets off the main beach area where locals eat. Neighborhoods like El Palo and Pedregalejo offer excellent seafood at more reasonable prices.
2. Generic Souvenir Shops
What to Avoid: The shops around major tourist spots, particularly near the cathedral and the Alcazaba, tend to sell generic, mass-produced souvenirs that may not even be made in Spain.
How to Avoid: For authentic local crafts, visit the Atarazanas Market or support local artisans in smaller boutiques where you can find unique handmade products.
3. Crowded Public Beaches
What to Avoid: Central beaches like Playa de La Malagueta can get extremely crowded, especially in peak tourist season.
How to Avoid: For a more serene beach experience, take a short bus ride to less crowded spots like Playa de Pedregalejo or further along the coast to Playa del Peñón del Cuervo.
4. High-Pressure Timeshare Presentations
What to Avoid: There are sometimes offers of free trips or meals in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation. These can be high-pressure and time-consuming.
How to Avoid: Politely decline these offers, regardless of the incentives. Your time in Malaga is better spent exploring the city and its culture.
5. Fixed-Price Menus in Touristy Areas
What to Avoid: Restaurants in heavily touristed areas often offer “tourist menus” which seem like a good deal but may feature lower quality food compared to what’s available à la carte.
How to Avoid: Look for where locals are dining and choose restaurants that offer a menu del día (menu of the day), which is typically what local workers prefer for lunch and usually includes fresh, high-quality dishes at a reasonable price.
6. Taxi Overcharges
What to Avoid: Taking a taxi without a clear understanding of the rates and the route can sometimes lead to overcharging.
How to Avoid: Use official taxi stands and ask about the estimated fare before starting your journey. Alternatively, consider using public transportation, which is reliable and extensive in Malaga.
General Tips to Enjoy Malaga
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
Knowing a bit of Spanish helps in negotiating, understanding menus, and interacting with locals more meaningfully.
Eat at Local Times
Embrace the Spanish dining times—lunch around 2-4 PM and dinner after 8 PM. This is when the best restaurants are lively and offer the freshest food.
Use Local Guides
Consider booking tours with local guides who can provide insights into Malaga’s history and culture far beyond what you might learn from standard commercial tours.
How To Avoid Tourist Traps in Málaga
1. Do Your Research Before You Go
Familiarize yourself with the layout of the city, key attractions, and typical prices for meals, accommodations, and transport.
Websites like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Yelp can provide insights into other travelers’ experiences, helping you identify which places are genuine and which are overpriced or low quality.
2. Eat Away From Major Tourist Spots
Restaurants in tourist-heavy areas, especially around major attractions like the Picasso Museum or the Alcazaba, tend to be more expensive and less authentic. Explore neighborhoods like Soho, El Palo, or Pedregalejo for local flavors.
Engaging with local residents can lead you to hidden gems that offer authentic and reasonably priced food.
3. Shop at Local Markets Instead of Souvenir Shops
Typical tourist shops, particularly those along Calle Larios or near popular sites, often sell overpriced and non-authentic merchandise.
For a more authentic shopping experience, visit markets like Mercado Central de Atarazanas where locals shop. You can find genuine local products such as fresh produce, spices, and regional specialties.
4. Be Wary of Free Tour Offers
Some free walking tours can end up being high-pressure sales pitches for restaurants or shops that give kickbacks to the guide.
Opt for tours from established companies or those well-reviewed online. Even if they cost, you’re likely to have a better and more informative experience.
5. Use Public Transport Over Taxis
While most taxi drivers are honest, it’s common in tourist-heavy cities to encounter overcharging.
Málaga has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and a metro. It’s cost-effective and gives you a more local experience.
6. Book Attractions in Advance
Popular sites like the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba can have long lines and are sometimes sold by third parties at inflated prices.
Always book tickets from the official venue websites for the best prices and to avoid third-party markups.
7. Avoid Eating at Odd Hours
In Spain, lunch is typically from 2 pm to 4 pm, and dinner starts around 9 pm. Restaurants offering meals outside these hours might cater more to tourists and can be both pricier and of lesser quality.
8. Stay Flexible with Accommodations
Staying in overly touristy areas can be more expensive. Consider accommodations in slightly off-center neighborhoods where you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere and better prices.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.