Where to stay around Malaga?

[delightedruffle]

I’d like to plan a self catering air b and b type holiday for myself and DH later this year. First one with no DC. Ideally we would like an apartment or villa in a good town or city but along a train line or bus route to take us out for the day. I like the idea of Malaga as we can get to Seville and Gibraltar I believe quite easily. We don’t have to stay in Malaga, it’s just where google maps has shown me. Has anyone got any tips or recommendations on places to stay or areas to look at? We will not be hiring a car. We both drive long hours for work so it’s not part of a holiday.

The local train line runs all the way to Fuengirola which is a busy town by the sea. Lots to do from there. Or look at any of the other stops.

Anywhere along the train line would be excellent. Plus Malaga is a good start as there's loads of cheap flights from the UK. You can also fly to Seville and Gibraltar, but fewer flights.

Also, a couple of years ago we stayed in Alhaurin del Torre, which is a little inland and a proper town. There was a reasonably frequent bus to Malaga (20-40 mins, depending on the time of day), which you could also get off near the Plaza Major complex to join the train line up and down the coast.

Seville from Malaga would be on the fast train, you can also get to Cordoba, which is a good day out. The local buses and coaches are also worth looking at and very cheap, especially if you use the bus card (buy from a tobacconist) or the Alsa app for longer journeys.

There's endless things to see and do in the area. We've been loads and still have a long list of places to visit.

Lovely. Thanks both. Will get researching.

There’s probably a bus to Gibraltar or at least La Linea which is the town on the Spanish side of the border and you can walk over into Gibraltar.

Theres a direct train from Malaga to Cordoba, takes an hour. We’ve stayed in Benalmadena a few times, but hired a car to visit Rhonda, Caminito del Rey and Seville - stayed overnight in Seville.

There are self catering apartments next to the marina in Benalmadena- comfystudios.es is the website.

Malaga is one of my favourite cities. I recommend staying in the centre!

Malaga is a lovely city to stay in, museums, great food, lots to do, good transport, the old town is really lovely. We spent a really lovely week there a couple of years ago - and did a trip to Granada and did an overnight there too.

I probably wouldn't bother going as far as Gibraltar unless it's somewhere you're keen to visit. It will probably take a while to get there in public transport.

You'd fill a week in the city and closer places. The botanical gardens to the north of the city are lovely.

Stay in the old town in Malaga.
It’s a fantastic city that has everything and more. Easy walks to the train and bus station to visit other places too. So many options for day trips to great places by public transport. Wish I was there now!

I've stayed here twice last year in the 2 bedroom apartment. It's only a few minutes walk from the train station and close to everything.

Elite cafe on the next road is only a minute's walk and good value for breakfast and lunch.

charmingstay.es/nono-apartamentos-malaga/

Currently the high speed trains are not running from Malaga to anywhere, following a major fatal derailment last month. So don't plan your trip around them until you're sure they're running again. Other than that, Malaga has a lot to offer and is a great base.

Reopening 14th Feb according to Google. I know it's imminent because I saw it covered on Spanish news

Good news!

If you are looking to stay in Malaga then I wouldn’t bother trekking down to Gibraltar as there’s no rail line that far down the coast so will be quite a journey on a bus, and there are nicer places to visit . Out of Malaga you csn
get to Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Ronda by train, and also along the coast as far as Fuengirola.

Malaga itself is beautiful. Estapona is a quick train ride away. I stayed in Feungi a couple of years ago. The front is naff, but the streets behind are lovely and the food is amazing. I took ex-pats to a restaurant I had found and they’ve subsequently adopted it.

Also, random, a shout out to Specsavers. I had left my driving glasses somewhere and needed a pair to drive home. Eye test done, glasses chosen I was sent for lunch while they made them up. €75.

I'd stay in Malaga city. You have so many choices from there to see other places by train or coach. The train along the coast only goes to the built up holiday spots like Benalmadena and Fuengirola, and when you've seen one you've seen them all! So I'd stay in Malaga city. You have so many choices from there to see other places by train or coach.The area around the Cathedral is buzzing all year round with great tapas scene, and a visit to El Pimpi restaurant is a must! The shopping, if you're into that is great along Calle Larios and surrounding streets, the beach (not the best in the area, but will fit the bill the odd day if the weather is good!) is on the doorstep. There's Picasso museum, the marina area and the Alcazaba castle, but bring oxygen if you climb up to it haha.

From the city as others have said, you have many choices. Look at the Renfe website and ALSA (the coach line) for ideas. I agree with Seville, Cordoba and Granada. I think Ronda might be problematic due to the storms and floods blocking the roads and landslides. There is a train from Malaga but it requires a change in Santa Ana. Then there's the Caminito del Rey. Not for the faint hearted, but if you are fit and don't have vertigo it is amazing! Antequera is another charming town on the trainline from Malaga.

Honestly there is so much to see and do in that region, you will be spoiled for choice.

Reading this thread with excitement as I'm booked to stay in Málaga in two weeks time. We've booked an apartment in the old town.