What is it like to live in Malaga?
Malaga, and the region it’s in, Andalusia, is a popular part of Spain for foreigners to move to.
From people choosing to retire here to young adults looking for a summer job, it attracts a wide range of people.
I’ve lived in different parts of Spain myself but never in Malaga, and I always wondered what living in Malaga would be like because it seems such a beautiful city to me.
So, I’m very excited to do this interview with Victoria about what moving to and living in Malaga is like.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here.
Living in Malaga, Spain
Name: Victoria
Age: 26
Hometown: Darmstadt, Germany
Her story:
”I’m originally from Germany, but after finishing school, I spent a year in Australia and then moved to the UK for university.
I traveled quite a lot during and after university and worked for several websites as a travel writer.
I then started my own travel blog, and a little later I decided to set up a business in Malaga.”
Why Did You Move to Malaga?
”I have family living close to Malaga and in other parts of Spain as well.
I grew up going to Malaga on vacation so I knew the city and area around it really well, which made moving here an easier decision.
The weather was also a huge bonus, I wanted to be somewhere warm.”
Also Read: The Best Places to Live in Spain
What Do You Like About Living in Malaga?
”I tend to choose places close to the ocean. Malaga is right on the coast, which is one of the things I love about living in Malaga. And Malaga has a great climate as well.
It’s a vibrant city with many cultural attractions, a thriving art scene, and a lot of bars and restaurants.
Malaga is also great for nightlife and it’s not as expensive as living in Barcelona for example.
The city is the home of Pablo Picasso and you’ll also notice a significant influence of northern Africa, making Malaga a unique blend of cultures.
The lifestyle is quite laid back and I love how people always sit outside and enjoy the city.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Malaga?
”There honestly isn’t much to dislike about life in Malaga.
I think Malaga could be a bit larger for my taste as I tend to prefer bigger cities.
Another thing I noticed is that it is a bit challenging to make friends if you don’t speak Spanish. Luckily, there are plenty of language schools around in Malaga so you can learn quickly.”
Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
Is Malaga Safe as a Place to Live?
”Yes, I find Malaga very safe and haven’t had any negative experiences.
Of course, you should use common sense though, and avoid walking home by yourself in the evening and keep your belongings close since there are pickpockets, just like in any large European city.”
Is Malaga Expensive as a Place to Live?
”When it comes to places to live in Spain, Malaga is pretty mid-priced.
And I would say it’s affordable compared to many other popular parts of Spain.
The cost of living has definitely gone up recently, as it has in most places. Especially housing, both renting and buying property, has become more expensive.
But you can still find relatively affordable housing a little bit outside of the city center.”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Malaga?
”My favorite thing to do is to spend time at the beach and to walk through the historic city center, stopping for a drink or some tapas along the way.
Also Read: Famous Spanish Food You Should Try in Spain
Malaga also has some fantastic day trip options like the Caminito del Rey, Nerja, or Frigiliana.”
What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Malaga?
”I really like Mañana Cocktail Bar, The Pharmacy Speakeasy, and Restaurante Vino Mío.”
What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Malaga?
”You can find a decent amount of expats in Malaga and a lot of people come here to go to a Spanish language school.
Facebook groups are really helpful to meet others and events for expats take place every week.
I found it easy to find expat friends when I first moved to Malaga, but to be a part of the local community speaking Spanish is very important.”
Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Malaga?
”When you’re moving to Malaga, I would recommend to start by looking for a place to stay on Airbnb.
Once you’re in Malaga and are sure you want to stay longer, check Idealista.com, which has properties to rent that are suitable for 6 months or more.
Facebook groups can be very helpful for finding roommates or vacant rooms in shared apartments.
Keep in mind that if you’re moving to Malaga and are planning on changing your residence to Spain you will have to apply for a Spanish tax number or NIE. This can be a bit tricky and getting an appointment takes a while.
And once you’re living in Malaga, don’t spend all your time in the city. Make sure to explore the rest of the Costa del Sol as well. There is so much to do and see along the coast and many expats miss out.”
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Malaga?
”There are several Facebook groups that provide great information about moving to and living in Malaga. And they are good places to ask any questions you may have, or to connect with other expats and locals.
These are my recommendations:
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Malaga?
”The Caminito del Rey is an absolute must-do in my opinion. It’s one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world and is located very close to Malaga.
About Victoria
Victoria is a travel blogger and writer from Germany. She travels the world as a digital nomad and has lived in places such as Malaga, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Scotland, Perth, and Bali.
Her blogs Guide Your Travel and My Australia Trip focus on budget travel and camping.
About Malaga, Spain
Malaga is a charming city located in the south of Spain, on the Costa del Sol. It boasts a rich cultural heritage and a sunny Mediterranean climate, making it a desirable place to live.
In fact, it’s often listed as one of the best cities to live in Spain.
The city is renowned for its historic landmarks, such as the Alcazaba fortress, the Roman Theatre, and the Cathedral, as well as its museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou Malaga.
Malaga is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars and clubs to choose from.
In addition, the city is surrounded by stunning beaches and is within close proximity to other popular destinations, such as Marbella and Granada.
Overall, Malaga offers an excellent quality of life, with a nice balance of history, culture, and leisure activities.
With a population of less than 600,000 the city is big enough to offer a wide range of amenities, but small enough to not feel overwhelming.
The city center of Malaga is quite compact meaning you can pretty much walk everywhere and you’ll rarely need to take public transport.
However, Malaga has a decent bus system to help you travel longer distances. E-scooters are also very popular to get around the city if you need to travel slightly longer distances.
And Malaga is well connected with short and long-distance trains that can take you to the airport or to surrounding places.
Also Read:
- Facts About Spain – Some Funny, Some Useful & Some Strange!
- 5 Crazy Spanish Festivals You Should Visit
- Christmas in Spain – the Traditions, the Food & Everything Else to Know
- Things to Do Before Moving Abroad – A Checklist
- Living in Granada – Interview With an Expat
- Living in Estepona, Costa del Sol – Interview With an Expat
- Living in Alicante – Interview With an Expat
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I’m surprised this doesn’t talk about weather. Malaga can get unbearably hot in the Summer and sits in a “bowl” which I’m sure offered great protection in its day but doesn’t allow for any breezes. Lovely lovely place, but gets VERY hot.