Is Malaga safe? What you should know

Malaga (Spanish: Málaga) is the sunny and clear gem of Spain’s Costa del Sol! You might have heard about its golden beaches and fascinating culture. It's also the birthplace of Picasso so you can expect a mix of art as bold as a well-shaken sangria! Stroll along the palm-lined port, marvel at the ancient Alcazaba fortress, or enjoy fresh seafood by the beach.
Fun fact: Malaga has over 300 days of sunshine a year, so pack your shades and lather up that SPF!

Read on and find out about safety in a fun way! Think of us as your adventure buddy! Malaga is generally safe, but a few safety tips can make your trip as smooth as Spanish olive oil! You’ll find out how to mingle with locals like a pro, stay healthy and hydrated under that Mediterranean sun, and enjoy nature without tumbling down a hill!

From navigating cultural quirks to exploring Malaga’s gorgeous outdoors, we’ve got you covered! So, buckle up (or lace up those walking shoes), and let’s make sure your Malaga trip is memorable for all the right reasons! Ready? ¡Vamos!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Malaga

Worried about safety while visiting Malaga? Don't have travel insurance? You can breathe a sigh of relief because Malaga is a very safe city! Apart from some petty crimes, common scams, and occasional severe weather, you don't have anything to worry about!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Do you have a layover in Malaga? Getting to the city center from the airport is easy! Just hop on the C1 train and you'll get to Malaga Central Train Station in about half an hour! This city is a popular tourist destination so you can usually just follow the crowds!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Malaga

Ever heard of the old cops and robbers ruse? Scammers in Malaga dress up in a fake police uniform, grab some convincing-looking badges, and pretend they're the cops! They'll ask to check your wallet for fake bills and cards and then "confiscate" them. This scam is all about scaring you to hand your stuff over, so just keep your cool. If the po-po's trying to get you down, ask for official documents or to be taken to the police station, and they'll back off.

Is tap water in Malaga safe to drink?

Yes! All tap water in Spain is safe to drink! You should know that it is hard water since it's packed with minerals. If the water tastes a bit off it's because of that and chlorine and pH levels. Also, it can come out as milky-white in spots with high water pressure, but that's just trapped air that'll clear up!

Safe accommodation options in Malaga

Are you wondering where to stay in Malaga and what areas are safe? Here are a few pieces of local advice:

1. Málaga Centro is the city center and a very safe area because local authorities patrol it regularly. You'll also find landmarks like Calle Larios and the Málaga Cathedral if you want to explore. You can crash at the AC Hotel by Marriott Málaga Palacio with a rooftop pool and amazing views. Plus, rooms that start at €180.
2. La Malagueta is the stunning beachside area of Malaga and the perfect spot for family fun! There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, and you can stay at the Gran Hotel Miramar for a bit of luxury. It's at least €300 per night but it's a 5-star experience with a spa and beachfront views! Make sure to visit Plaza de Toros for some bull riding shows! Just check out the roster first!
3. El Palo has the quiet charm you're looking for! With laid-back vibes, small beaches, and seafood restaurants, the area is irresistible! Hotel La Chancla is a wallet-friendly option for around €100 a night with a bar and cozy rooms.

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Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Are you afraid of coming off as rude? We've got your back with some cultural callouts:

• A lot of locals speak English, but you can get on their good side with a few common phrases! Hola means ‘Hello’, Gracias is ‘Thank you’, De nada means ‘You're welcome’, and Por favor is ‘Please.’ If you need to ask something, ¿Cuánto cuesta? means "How much does it cost" and ¿Dónde está el baño? is "Where is the bathroom?". And yes, the upside-down question mark is a must when writing.
• You've probably seen locals give each other a kiss on the cheek and thought it's a normal greeting. If you try this with a stranger, you might end up with a handprint on your face. It's reserved for close friends. So if you're not there yet, a handshake will do just fine!
• If you're from a hustler city, you might find the vibes going in slow-mo here! Malagans take things nice and slow and don’t rush, so keep that in mind before getting frustrated with slow grocery packing. You can dress casually, except in religious spots where you should cover your shoulders and knees.
• Use utensils for larger dishes, but hands for bite-sized foods. Always wait for the host to say Buen provecho! before you start eating! Also, don't be surprised if everyone disappears after lunch. They need their afternoon siestas (afternoon naps) after all!
• Malaga is very inclusive, so whoever you are or whatever colors you wear you'll be welcome! Just don't smoke inside because it's banned.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Wondering what the best and safest ways to get around are? Here are some tips:

• If you decide to drive, keep in mind that some streets in the old town are narrow. Parking can be tough to find, but you should always be aware of what's around you. Scooter riders like to weave through traffic, so just keep your eyes peeled!
• Malaga is very walkable! Almost every street has a sidewalk and there are pedestrian-only zones around. Just be careful on cobblestone streets, especially when it's pouring rain. There are also a lot of bike lanes and rental places for you to check out!
• You can use public transport to get around the city day and night! Buses run late and they're reliable! Cabs are also a good option in Malaga!

Nature and Malaga: Safety tips to keep in mind

Need a break from the people? Nature is your friend in Malaga!

• If you're looking for beaches near Malaga, you can visit La Malagueta and Pedregalejo. Those have high standards for cleanliness and safety. Colored flags indicate safety levels: green-safe, yellow-caution, and red-unsafe.
• If you're looking for the best hikes in the city, El Torcal de Antequera is for beginners, Montes de Málaga Natural Park is for those with a bit of experience, and Caminito del Rey is perfect for thrill seekers! Just remember to pack some comfortable and quality shoes!
• You can find the majestic and oh-so-coordinated jellyfish swimming around in the seas, and lifeguards will point out the worst affected areas. If you're out on a hike, watch out for snakes and spiders, though they aren't usually dangerous.
• There are some extreme weather cases in Malaga like torrential rain, where a year’s worth of rain can fall in just eight hours. But it's nothing you should be worried about! Spain's Meteorological Office (MET) will always issue the latest weather warnings. So if you haven't heard anything lately, you can rest easy!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Want to stay happy and healthy? Just follow these tips and you'll be good:

• EU citizens are gonna want to get the EHIC card for health insurance, and visitors from outside the EU should get travel insurance to reduce any possible costs.
• If you're looking for what to eat in Malaga, street food and dining are pretty safe! But stick to cooked seafood if you've got a sensitive stomach. There are a lot of allergens in Malagan foods, so point them out to servers by saying Soy alérgico/a a… which means "I'm allergic to..."
• 112 is for general emergencies, but 091 is for national police, while 061 is for medical emergencies.

So, is Malaga safe?

You bet! Malaga is a safe and beautiful city, as long as you use common sense while getting around town! If you want to avoid any sand getting into your clothes, electronics, or bags, remember Bounce! Anything you leave with our partners is protected with a $10.000 guarantee, and you can get 24/7 customer service!