Before You Go to Málaga with Kids — Read This First

Málaga is an excellent choice for a family trip, but like any destination it rewards a little preparation. Here is what we wish we had known before we went.

The climate is better than you think — and hotter than you expect. Summer (July–August) regularly reaches 35°C or above. That is genuinely too hot for sightseeing with young children. The sweet spots are late spring (April–June, 20–28°C) and autumn (September–October, 20–30°C). The sea is warmest in September and October, which makes this our preferred time for a family visit.

The historic centre is very walkable — almost everything in central Málaga is within a 15–20 minute walk. You do not need a car for the city itself. The Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, Atarazanas market, MIMMA, and the waterfront are all easily connected on foot.

Dinner happens late in Spain. Very late. Local families do not eat dinner before 21:00, and restaurants typically do not fill up until 22:00. If you have young children who need to eat earlier, this is a real consideration — most tourist-facing restaurants will serve from about 19:00, and supermarkets are an easy fallback.

Sun protection is not optional. The Málaga sun is intense even in spring and autumn. Factor 50 for children, reapply frequently, keep them in the shade between 12:00 and 16:00. A sun hat that stays on is worth more than any toy you pack.

Refillable water bottles are essential. Tap water in Málaga is safe to drink. Buying bottled water for a family in summer adds up very quickly.

The Spanish welcome children warmly and sincerely — more so than in many northern European countries. Children are included in adult social life rather than segregated from it. This makes travelling with them in Spain a genuine pleasure.