Apartment near Málaga train station

An apartment next to the Málaga airport train

Cuarteles is on Calle Cuarteles, about a minute's walk (approx.) from Centro-Alameda, the last stop on the Cercanías line linking the airport with central Málaga. In other words: board at the airport, get off at the end of the line and you're unlocking the door a couple of minutes later.

The same stop comes in handy during your stay for getting around the city or along the coast, as the C1 line carries on past the airport to Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola.

From Málaga Airport to Cuarteles by train

The airport's Cercanías station is next to Terminal 3; just follow the train signs from arrivals. From there, take line C1 towards Málaga Centro.

The train calls at María Zambrano station and terminates at Centro-Alameda. The whole journey takes about 12 minutes (approx.). Tickets are sold at the machines in the station.

Timetables, frequencies and fares can change, and there may be no service very early in the morning or late at night, so check the Renfe website before you travel. If your flight lands outside train hours, a taxi is the most direct alternative.

Close to María Zambrano station and the bus station

If you're coming by high-speed or long-distance train, you'll arrive at María Zambrano station, about 10 minutes' walk from the apartment (approx.). If you'd rather not walk with luggage, the Cercanías takes you from María Zambrano to Centro-Alameda in one stop.

Málaga's bus station is right next to María Zambrano, with services to towns and cities across Andalusia. That makes Cuarteles a practical base if you want to combine Málaga with day trips by public transport.

Inside the Cuarteles apartment

Cuarteles is a spacious, bright apartment for up to 6, with three bedrooms, four beds, a full bathroom, a large living room and an equipped kitchen. Every room has big windows.

It's on the 4th floor of a quiet building with a lift, so you won't hear the street and getting your luggage up is easy. There's air conditioning, a Smart TV and Wi-Fi.

Given its size and location, it's a great fit for families and groups arriving by plane or train who want a hassle-free transfer.

The neighbourhood: between the station and the Old Town

Cuarteles is in El Perchel, west of the Guadalmedina river, a residential neighbourhood within easy walking distance of the centre. Cross the river and you're on the Alameda Principal, with the Old Town just beyond. It's an everyday sort of area rather than a touristy one, which means quieter nights; for tapas or sightseeing, just cross one of the bridges and you're in the thick of it within minutes.

Some approximate walking times from the apartment:

• Atarazanas Market: about 6 minutes (approx.).
• María Zambrano station: about 10 minutes (approx.).
• Calle Larios and the Carmen Thyssen Museum: about 11 minutes (approx.).
• The Cathedral: about 14 minutes (approx.).
• Muelle Uno: about 17 minutes (approx.).

Tips if you're arriving or leaving by train

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. If your train or flight leaves in the afternoon, factor the check-out time into your plans for the last day. If you arrive before check-in, Atarazanas Market, about 6 minutes' walk away (approx.), is a good place for lunch while you wait.

For very early flights, check the night before when the first airport train leaves; if it doesn't work for you, book a taxi in advance.

And if you're travelling in high season, especially Holy Week or August, buy your high-speed train and long-distance coach tickets well ahead.

Exploring the coast and the province without a car

Staying by the station pays off halfway through your trip, when you fancy a day out without a car. The C1 Cercanías line from Centro-Alameda runs west along the coast via the airport, Torremolinos and Benalmádena to Fuengirola, so other resorts' beaches are just a train ride away.

From María Zambrano, long-distance and regional trains run to cities such as Córdoba, Seville and Madrid, and the bus station next door has routes across much of Andalusia, including Nerja, Ronda and Granada.

Timetables, frequencies and fares vary by season, so check the Renfe and coach operators' websites before planning your day trips.