PLAN YOUR TRIP

Plan your trip to Malaga and discover the enchanting city where history meets modernity. Nestled on the stunning Costa del Sol, Málaga offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking landscapes.

Plan your trip to Malaga

Are you planning your trip to Malaga and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! In this section I will show you how to organise your visit to Malaga and I will not only tell you what to see, I will also inform you about the bureaucratic requirements depending on where you are coming from, airport protocols and useful information such as emergency telephone numbers. Don’t forget to use the table of contents to see the information you are looking for.

Table Of Contents

Plan your trip to Malaga
Coming to Malaga
Passport Requirements for Entering Spain
Customs & duty
Weather
Celebrations and festivals

Coming to Malaga

Passport Requirements for Entering Spain

When you plan your trip to Spain, it’s important to know the entry requirements. Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a passport to enter Spain; they can use their national identity card. However, citizens from other countries must present a valid passport to enter Spain. Additionally, some non-EU countries may require a visa along with the passport for entry.

Schengen Area Member Countries

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Countries that require a visa to enter Spain

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

European countries that require a passport to enter Spain

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.

Money

The official currency in Málaga, as in the rest of Spain, is the euro (€). Introduced in 2002, the euro is used by 19 of the 27 EU countries. You can easily find ATMs and exchange offices, and most places accept credit and debit cards. In the arrivals area of the airport, you will also find a currency exchange office..

Time Zone of Malaga

Málaga, located in the region of Andalucía in Spain, follows Central European Time (CET) during the winter, which is UTC+1. During the summer, it adjusts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2. This change usually occurs at the end of March and ends at the end of October, allowing for more daylight hours.

Customs & duty

When you plan your trip, be aware of customs and tariff regulations to ensure a smooth entry into Spain. Travellers should be aware of cash declaration requirements, as well as duty-free allowances for tobacco and alcohol. By knowing these rules, visitors can avoid potential problems and enjoy their stay in this beautiful city on the Costa del Sol.

Cash Declaration for Entering and Leaving Spain

As of 2025, when entering or leaving Spain, you must declare if you are carrying 10,000 euros or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies) to the customs authorities. This regulation is part of the EU’s commitment to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. If you do not declare this amount, the money can be seized, and you may face administrative fines.

How much tobacco can I bring into Spain?

When entering Spain from outside the European Union, you can bring the following amounts of tobacco without declaring it:

200 cigarettes
100 cigarillos
50 cigars
250 grams of smoking tobacco

These limits are for personal use and apply to travelers over 17 years old

Alcohol Allowance for Entering Spain

When entering Spain from outside the European Union, you can bring the following amounts of alcohol without declaring it:

1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol by volume or 2 liters of fortified wine (such as port or sherry), sparkling wine, or other alcoholic beverages less than 22% alcohol by volume.
4 liters of still wine.
16 liters of beer.

These limits are for personal use and apply to travelers over 17 years old.

Weather

When you plan your trip to Málaga, one of the key factors to consider is the weather. Málaga, located on the stunning Costa del Sol, boasts a Mediterranean climate that makes it an ideal destination year-round. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Winter (December – February)

December: Temperatures range from 8°C to 17°C. It’s a relatively dry month, although occasional rain showers can occur.
January: The coldest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 16°C. Rain is more frequent than in December.
February: Temperatures start to rise slightly, ranging from 8°C to 17°C. Rain is still possible but not abundant.

Spring (March – May)

March: Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. It’s a transitional month with longer and sunnier days.
April: Temperatures rise, ranging from 12°C to 22°C. Rain is less frequent, and sunny days are more common.
May: Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. It’s an ideal month for outdoor activities, with very little rain.

Summer (June – August)

June: Temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C. The days are long and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beach.
July: The hottest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 31°C. Rain is practically nonexistent.
August: Similar to July, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C. It’s the perfect month to enjoy the sea and water activities.

Autumn (September – November)

September: Temperatures start to drop, ranging from 19°C to 28°C. It’s a pleasant month with little rain.
October: Temperatures range from 15°C to 24°C. Rain is more frequent, but sunny days are still common.
November: Temperatures range from 11°C to 20°C. Rain is more frequent, marking the beginning of the rainy season.

Celebrations and festivals

Málaga, a city brimming with life and culture, is renowned for its vibrant celebrations and festivals that captivate both locals and visitors alike. From the colorful Málaga Carnival to the solemn Holy Week processions, each event offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.

pintura representativa del carnaval de malaga

Málaga Carnival (February 15th to 25th)

Dive into the vibrant and colorful Málaga Carnival! This lively festival features parades, music, and elaborate costumes. The festivities kick off with an opening speech by Jesús Gutiérrez, followed by singing competitions, parades, and the crowning of the carnival queens and kings.

Holy Week
(April 13th to 20th)

Experience Málaga’s breathtaking Holy Week, one of Spain’s most remarkable religious events. Throughout the week, brotherhoods carry religious statues in solemn processions. Each day holds unique significance, with highlights like the Humility procession on Palm Sunday and the Archconfraternity of Passion on Holy Monday.

Málaga Fair
(August 15th to 23rd)

Experience the Málaga Fair, a major celebration held in August. The fair is split between the historic city center for daytime activities and the Real Cortijo de Torres for nighttime fun. Enjoy concerts, dancing, rides, and activities for all ages, starting with a spectacular fireworks display and the traditional opening speech.

Day of the Virgin of Victory
(September 8th)

Celebrate the Day of the Virgin of Victory, Málaga’s patron saint, with a solemn procession through the city streets. The statue of the Virgin is carried from her sanctuary to the Málaga Cathedral, where a special mass is held in her honor. This local holiday is a time for residents to show their devotion to their patron saint.

THINGS TO DO IN MALAGA

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