Planning a holiday escape away to the sun-soaked Costa del Sol in southern Spain? With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Malaga province is an ideal destination for a relaxing beach escape. However, to make the most of your holiday in the area, choosing the right accommodation is key. Rather than a cramped hotel room, consider booking a holiday rental home for a truly memorable trip.
A self-catering apartment or villa gives you independence and flexibility to explore Malaga at your own pace. Whether you want to soak up the sea air and culture in the city centre, unwind in a traditional pueblo, or tee off at one of the many world-class golf courses, the options for where to base yourself are endless. And, with our tips for booking, you’ll find your perfect holiday rental pad in no time.
1 – Choose your location wisely
One of the best things about booking a holiday rental in the city is the opportunity to choose a home base that suits your needs and desires. For a relaxing beach getaway, consider coastal towns like Torremolinos, Benalmadena or Fuengirola which offer lovely sea views and quick access to the shore. Families will also appreciate the many kid-friendly activities in these resort areas.
If you’re more interested in culture and city life, rent an apartment in Malaga’s historic centre, known as the Centro Historico. This vibrant neighbourhood is filled with art galleries, restaurants, shops and beautiful plazas. For a trendy stay, check out the upscale Soho district or Puerto de la Torre, buzzing with nightlife. Further lively nightlife, stunning beaches and world class golf are just an hour away in Marbella, and might just encourage another whole new holiday to plan.
For a tranquil trip surrounded by nature, head inland to the whitewashed villages of Coin, Alhaurin el Grande or Periana. Nestled in the countryside at the foot of the Montes de Malaga mountain range, these peaceful pueblos are ideal for a slower getaway, offering cycling, hiking and outdoor adventure.
2 – Book in advance for the best deals
It’s no secret that booking your holiday accommodation in advance often means scoring a better deal. This is especially true if you’re travelling tothe area in the busy summer season from June through August. Aim to book a minimum of 6 to 8 months ahead for peak summer to get the best availability and rates.
For the shoulder months of April-May and September-October, booking 3 to 4 months in advance should net you a good discount compared to last minute rates. If planning a longer stay of a month or more, you can frequently find even bigger savings by booking further out.
While last minute deals in Malaga can sometimes be found, especially outside of summer, booking in advance gives you the most options to choose from and ensures you get your perfect holiday home.
3 – Self-catering or dining out?
One of the biggest factors to consider when booking a holiday rental in Malaga is your board basis. If travelling with family or staying for a week or more, a rental with a kitchen is ideal and budget-friendly, letting you cook homemade meals using local ingredients from Malaga’s colourful markets.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to fully relax and experience Malaga’s vibrant food scene, choose a rental without a kitchen and enjoy breakfast on your balcony, three-course lunches, and seaside tapas dinners. Either way, you really can’t go wrong, with Malaga offering culinary delights for at-home or eating out.
For self-catering, stock up on supplies at the Mercado de Atarazanas central market to enjoy on your terrace with sea views. For dining out, opt for fresh-off-the-boat seafood, traditional Andalusian tapas and sangria in the sun. Whether you want chiringuitos on the sand, gourmet fare from innovative chefs or just some chill down-time grilling on your own patio, this Spanish city happily caters to foodies of all tastes.
4 – Choose the right time of year for you
With a mild Mediterranean climate and over 300 sunny days annually, Malaga has pleasant weather for most of the year, but the best time for your visit depends on the experience you’re after.
Summer in the city boasts the hottest weather, perfect for beach days and sunbathing by the pool at your rental. However, it is also the most crowded and expensive season, especially August. If you don’t mind the heat and hustle, summer is ideal but for smaller crowds and lower prices, consider spring or autumn.
April and May in the spring see blooming flowers, cultural festivals and comfortable temperatures, with the added bonus of missing most school holiday crowds. For similar weather at even lower rates, travel in October, with autumn foliage providing a splash of colour.
Even in Malaga’s winter from November to March, temperatures are generally mild enough for sightseeing and sitting alfresco, though you may encounter some rainfall. Budget-friendly travel is possible with deeply discounted accommodation prices, perfect if seeking an escape to just relax in the warmth.
5 – Look for extras like parking, WiFi and golf course access
When booking your perfect Malaga holiday rental, check what additional amenities are on offer to make your stay even more enjoyable. Some properties provide extras like parking, WiFi, swimming pool access and other bonuses at no additional cost. But at other rentals, these facilities may be available for a small supplement to the base rate.
If renting a car to explore the region, look for rentals offering free on-site parking for convenience. For golfers, some rentals provide discounted green fees or packages with nearby championship courses like Finca Cortesin.
Beachfront rentals may include sunbeds and parasols on the sand at a private beach club, and for families with kids, properties with swimming pools are always a huge hit, with some offering children’s pools, waterslides and poolside activities.
While you’ll want to focus primarily on factors like location, amenities, rooms and budget, keep an eye out for any additional extras on offer to help tailor your perfect Malaga getaway.
Create your perfect Malaga holiday
With some insider knowledge, you can find your ideal holiday rental home in Malaga. By choosing a location that suits your needs, booking in advance, deciding on self-catering or dining out, picking the right season and looking for extra amenities, your perfect Spanish escape awaits in the sunny Costa del Sol.
