Apartments in Málaga Old Town

What Málaga's Old Town is like

Málaga's Old Town is a compact historic quarter between the Guadalmedina river and Gibralfaro hill, and you can cover all of it on foot. Its largely pedestrianised streets mix churches, palaces turned into museums, squares full of terraces and long-standing local shops.

Its backbone is Calle Larios, running from Plaza de la Constitución down towards the port. On one side are the Cathedral and the Alcazaba; on the other, Atarazanas Market and the streets leading down to the river. To the north, Plaza de la Merced is home to Picasso's birthplace and plenty of neighbourhood life.

It's the liveliest part of the city, day and night. Staying here means you barely need transport: head out for breakfast, visit a monument, pop back for a rest and go out again without ever calling a taxi.

Sights and museums within walking distance of the Old Town

From both our Old Town apartments you can walk to Málaga's must-sees:

• The Cathedral, nicknamed «La Manquita» (the one-armed lady) because one of its towers was never finished.
• The Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress, with the Roman Theatre at its foot.
• Gibralfaro Castle, with some of the best views over the city and the port.
• The Picasso Museum Málaga, in the Buenavista Palace, and Picasso's birthplace on Plaza de la Merced.
• The Carmen Thyssen Museum, focused mainly on 19th-century Spanish painting.
• Atarazanas Market, for local produce or a bite at one of its bars.

Torre San Juan: an 1867 building next to Calle Larios

Torre San Juan is in a historic 1867 building on Calle Francisco de Rioja, about 2 minutes' walk from Calle Larios and about 5 from the Cathedral (approx.). It has two bedrooms, a full bathroom, an equipped kitchen and a very large living-dining room with century-old high wooden ceilings and views of the tower of San Juan church, which gives the apartment its name.

It sleeps up to 4 and has air conditioning, a Smart TV and Wi-Fi. It's a great fit for small families or friends who want the Old Town quite literally on the doorstep.

Before you book, bear in mind it's on a 4th floor with no lift. With heavy luggage or reduced mobility, it may not be the best choice.

Museums Loft: design-led living near Plaza de la Merced

Museums Loft is a fully renovated loft-style studio on Calle Peña, with luxury finishes and designer furniture. Plaza de la Merced is about 3 minutes' walk away and the Picasso Museum about 6 (approx.).

The open-plan kitchen has an oven, induction hob, coffee maker and microwave. There's a full bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a 42-inch Smart TV. The double bed is on a mezzanine reached by a wooden staircase, and there's a double sofa bed in the living area, so it sleeps up to 4.

It's ideal for couples looking for somewhere cosy and a little different. One thing to know: the mezzanine is 1.35 m high, so you can't stand up in it.

Getting to Málaga Old Town

From the airport, the C1 Cercanías train terminates at Centro-Alameda. From there, Torre San Juan is about a 10-minute walk (approx.); Museums Loft is further, about 19 minutes (approx.), so with luggage you may prefer a taxi for the last stretch.

The airport express bus (EMT line A) runs into the centre along the Alameda Principal, and there are always taxis at the arrivals rank. As many Old Town streets are pedestrianised, your taxi may have to drop you a short walk from the door.

Timetables and fares can change, so check the Renfe, EMT or airport websites before you travel.

Tips for staying in Málaga's historic centre

Leave the car behind if you can: access to the Old Town is restricted and neither of these apartments has parking. If you do need a car, have a look at Trinidad, which has paid parking in the same building, or use one of the public car parks in the centre.

The Old Town stays lively until late, especially at weekends and on special dates. During Holy Week the processions pass through these very streets. It's quite a sight, but plan your movements around it.

For the busiest museums, we'd suggest booking tickets in advance and checking their websites for closing days and free-entry times, which change from time to time. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.