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If your heart is set on Spain and you’re currently planning your transatlantic vacation, you might want to hold your horses before booking that flight to Barcelona.
Yes, it’s absolutely beautiful, and sure, everyone goes there, and perhaps where everyone expects you to go for a first visit to Spain, but did you know that there is a equally beautiful coastal city with a much more relaxed atmosphere and lower prices?
One to which you can also fly non-stop from the United States.
Stay until the end of the article for flight details.
Is Malaga the new Barcelona?
Located on the southwestern coast of Spain, Malaga is a proven European summer paradise. British, Germans and French flock here every year for their sunny holidays, but surprisingly it’s not really that well known among Americans.
The capital of the Costa del Sol, a stretch of coastline along the Mediterranean known for its honey-colored sand, year-round warmer temperatures and azure waters, it’s one of Spain’s trendiest places to visit for those leaving the hustle and bustle of Barcelona behind.
Whether you’re here for the beaches or the fascinating culture, you’re definitely in for a treat:
The historic center is dotted with attractions and is known for its many palm-lined squares, charming cafés with terraces opening onto the street and Old World flair.
The main attraction here is without a doubt the Alcazaba. Built by Arabs in the Middle Ages, that’s what it is imposing fortress on a hilltop complete with gardens, shore walks and panoramic terraces overlooking the urban sprawl and beaches below.
On the slopes of the castle you will find the remains of a Roman theater. It’s no Colosseum, but the seats are super well preserved and it looks like a time capsule in the middle of the bustling modern city.
In the heart of the city center, Malaga Cathedral has the distinction of having only one completed tower – they even affectionately call it La Manquitaor ‘one-armed lady’, and a lavish interior, with gold-accented altars and ornate chapels.
Europe is drastically changing its travel rules this year. Check entry requirements for Spain before you fly.
Picasso’s birthplace
You can go for a relaxing coffee break Plaza de la Mercedflanked by a number of street cafes, and… wait for it… Picasso’s birthplace!
Yes, Pablo Picasso was originally from Malagaand you can visit the historic 18th-century house in which he was born free on Sunday.
Fancy some tapas bar fun? All the side streets around Calle Granada are packed with cozy, simple places to eat and drink, and the whole scene gets quite lively at night, with that bustling mix of locals and tourists.
El Pimpi is the iconic spot right on Calle Granada itself, with the wine barrels, the busy atmosphere and the constant buzz of chatter and clinking glasses, but if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, Casa Lola is a bit more relaxed yet always buzzing.
Great for Andalusian tapas, and you can’t really go wrong with theirs patatas bravas everything on the menu, including the Andalusian soup, is perfect.
Barcelona has La Barceloneta, Málaga has La Malaguetaand to be quite honest, we prefer the latter.
The beach here is wide, sandy and relaxed, and it doesn’t feel nearly as hectic or busy as Barcelona’s main beach. There’s none of that low-key catwalk energy, with everyone flexing abs or outdoing each other with the most exaggerated poses.
Wondering how safe Spain is to visit right now? Here’s what travelers reported:
How much cheaper is Malaga?
Cheap tapas bar meal (1 person)
- Barcelona: $12–$18
- Malaga: $10–$16
Malaga is slightly cheaper, especially in local bars outside the tourist zones.
3-course middle class restaurant (1 person)
- Barcelona: $25 – $35
- Malaga: $20–$33
Generally similar, with Malaga usually being a little cheaper or the same.
3-star hotel (per night)
- Barcelona: $130 – $220
- Malaga: $90 – $150
Malaga is much cheaper for comparable hotel quality.
Luxury hotel (4-5 stars)
- Barcelona: $250–$600+
- Malaga: $200–$450+
Barcelona does considerable more expensive in the higher segment.
Average entrance to the museum
- Barcelona: $12 – $30
- Malaga: $3 – $15
Malaga is cheaper for culture and museums.
Public transport (single ticket)
- Barcelona: $2.40 – $3.00
- Malaga: $1.50 – $1.80
Malaga is considerably cheaper.
Taxi fare (per mile)
- Barcelona: $2.00 – $2.50 per mile
- Malaga: $1.80–2.20 per mile
Malaga is slightly cheaper.
Explore Andalusia beyond Malaga
Don’t stay alone in Malaga!
You can combine a visit to Spain’s most popular coastal city at the moment with several other incredible destinations nearby, on the Costa del Sol or wider Andalucia:
- Marbella: the ‘St Tropez’ of Spain, home to a glitzy marina, modern waterfront apartments and a beautiful municipal beach (1 hour)
- Nerja: known for its coastal caves, beaches with clear water (clearer than that of Malaga), and Balcon de Europaa view over the coast (1 hour)
- Ronda: a dramatic inland town with a bridge over a gorge. Full of ancient Roman ruins and proud host of Andalusia’s most traditional bullring (1h30)
- Caminito del Rey: The iconic Anadalusia cliff walking path through a gorge. Previously one of the most dangerous walks in the world, it is now perfectly tourist-friendly (1h30)
- Cordoba: a Moorish-era city dominated by a towering mosque-turned-cathedral. Visiting it feels like crossing an invisible gate to North Africa (2h15)
- Grenada: Arabic palaces, cute cobblestone alleys flanked by whitewashed houses, incredible tapas scene, and… drum roll… the Alhambra! A literal fortified city within a city, and the most monumental Islamic fortress ever built (1h45)
If you’re not sure why there’s so much Arab-built stuff here, you should know that Andalusia, the part of Spain that includes Malaga, was once under Arab rule for more than eight centuries, from the seventeenth century until the early 15th century.
We know, crazy. Bet your history books glossed over that in high school?
Oh, of course, how could we forget?
Sevillethe beautiful Andalusian capital, is a short 2h30 train ride from Málaga, but given the sheer size of the city and the abundance of things to do and see, from the iconic Plaza de EspañaIf you go to the towering cathedral, you may want to stay for two to three days rather than taking a short day trip.
Everything you need to know about the direct flight
The only airline offering direct flights from the United States to Malaga (AGP):
Route basics
- Airline: United Airlines
- Flight number: UA350
- Flight time: 7:45 am
This is significantly faster than any connecting flight via Madrid (usually 10-14 hours in total).
Schedule
- Usual 1 flight per day in high season
- Departure: 5:50 PM from Newark (EWR)
- Arrival: 07:30 the next day in Malaga (AGP)
Aircraft and cabin
- Aircraft: Boeing 757-200
- Cabins: Economy, Business (Polaris style lie-flat seats)
Prices (return)
- Typical: $1,200 – $1,400
- Cheapest seen recently: $1,000 – $1,100
- Business class: $3.00–$5,000+
You’ll pay about $300 – $600 more for non-stop convenience.
