Add your dates above to compare prices for your stay.
Málaga's old town sits inside a low-emission zone with short-stay street parking, and the city has frozen new tourist flats. The beach districts to the east and the resort towns to the west are where a car is easier.
Spain. Guide last checked .
Last checked . Each fact links to its source.
The cathedral, the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum and Calle Larios on foot, with the city beach a short walk away. It suits first-time visitors and short stays.
Car and parking
Inside the low-emission zone. SARE street parking has a 150 minute maximum. The SMASSA car parks at Alcazaba, which has a 2.10 m height limit, and Plaza de la Marina are the closest to the old town.
Street art, galleries and the port, between the old town and the river, with good bus and train links. It suits visitors who want the centre without its busiest streets.
Car and parking
Inside the low-emission zone ring, with SARE blue-zone rules on the street.
The city beach next to the port, a short walk from the old town. It suits beach-first stays that still want the city on foot.
Car and parking
The Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso forms part of the low-emission zone boundary, and SARE rules apply where marked.
Former fishing districts east of the centre, with a seafront promenade and beach restaurants. They suit longer and quieter stays by the sea.
Car and parking
Outside the low-emission zone ring the city describes. Street parking rules specific to the area were not verified.
The university district west of the centre. It suits students, families and longer stays on a budget, less so a beach holiday.
Car and parking
Outside the low-emission zone ring. Street parking rules specific to the area were not verified.
A separate town and a classic Costa del Sol beach resort, close to the airport. It suits beach holidays and guests with an early or late flight.
Car and parking
Torremolinos parking rules were not verified. Málaga's suspension of new tourist flats covers only the Málaga municipality, not Torremolinos.
A separate town further along the coast, with a marina. It suits families and beach stays.
Car and parking
Benalmádena parking rules were not verified as of September 2026. Ask the host whether a space comes with the booking.
Where to stay
Málaga packs its sights into a small centre inside a low-emission zone. East are the old fishing districts, west the resort towns, and the car decides which side suits.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Monthly stay
Andalusia draws its line at two months, so a month in Málaga can still be a registered tourist stay. Beyond two months, the let becomes a seasonal lease.
Photo: Erik Starck, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
No tourist tax is in force in Andalusia. The regional government rejected one in May 2024, and the regional tourism minister said again on 14 September 2026 that he opposes it. Both come from press reports; no official statement was read.
The Centro Histórico puts the cathedral, the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum and Calle Larios on foot, with La Malagueta beach about 1 km away. With a car, use a SMASSA car park such as Alcazaba or Plaza de la Marina.
Andalusian rules require a document, as a contract, showing the operator, the flat's Registro de Turismo de Andalucía code, the number of guests, the dates, the total price and a contact phone. Guests show an identity document.
Not for now. New tourist dwellings are suspended in the whole municipality from 23 August 2025, for up to three years or until a planning change is approved. The suspension concerns new registrations.
