Embark on an enchanting journey to two of Spain’s sun-kissed coastal jewels, Valencia and Malaga, where captivating experiences await at every turn. In Valencia, immerse yourself in a blend of modernity and tradition as you explore iconic sights such as the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences or the historic Valencia Cathedral. Indulge in delectable local cuisine, from the mouthwatering paellas to the tantalizing horchata. Meanwhile, in Malaga, soak up the Mediterranean charm as you stroll along the bustling waterfront or delve into the city’s rich artistic heritage at the Picasso Museum. With top-notch accommodations, culinary delights, captivating tours, and breathtaking sights, Valencia and Malaga beckon travelers to discover the best of Spain’s coastal beauty.
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Why You Should Visit Valencia
Valencia is one of Spain’s most exciting destinations. Located on the Mediterranean coast, this historic city seamlessly blends the old with the new.
Valencia has it all – a charming historic quarter, world-class museums, endless dining options, and miles of pristine beaches. It’s the ideal place to soak up Spanish culture, feast on paella, and relax under the sun.
Once an industrial port city, Valencia has transformed into a cosmopolitan oasis known for its arts and sciences. The City of Arts and Sciences, an ultramodern complex designed by native son Santiago Calatrava, exemplifies this forward-thinking spirit.
Valencia enjoys a mild, sunny climate all year round. Its location and coastal setting also make it a convenient home base for day trips to nearby towns and attractions. Whether you want to lounge on the beach, explore winding medieval streets, sample wine from the region, or take in a futuristic architectural marvel, Valencia delivers.
With affordable prices compared to other major Spanish cities like Barcelona, Valencia offers great value. Spend a few days in this vibrant Mediterranean jewel and you’ll understand why it deserves a spot on your travel wish list.
Learn more about Valencia with these posts:
How to Visit Valencia Like a Local
Why You Should Visit Malaga
If you’re doubting between Valencia or Malaga, don’t overlook the vibrant city of Malaga. Nestled on the stunning Costa del Sol, Malaga boasts a captivating blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm that’s sure to enchant any traveler.
Much like Valencia, Malaga is steeped in history. From its ancient roots as a Phoenician trading post to its days under Moorish rule and beyond, Malaga’s past is rich and diverse. Explore the city’s historic center, where narrow cobblestone streets wind past centuries-old buildings, inviting cafes, and bustling markets.
Like Valencia, Malaga boasts beautiful beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun. From the popular Playa de la Malagueta, with its golden sands and lively promenade, to quieter coves like Playa de la Caleta, there’s a stretch of coastline to suit every taste. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Picasso Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace and showcasing the works of Malaga’s most famous native son, Pablo Picasso.
Malaga offers excellent value for money compared to other Spanish cities. Accommodation, dining, and transportation costs are generally more affordable, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further and indulge in more experiences during your stay.
Getting There
Valencia and Malaga are conveniently connected to most major European cities by air, rail and road.
The main international airport for Valencia is Valencia Airport (VLC). It’s located 8km west of the city center and has frequent budget flights from major European hubs like London, Paris, Berlin and Rome. Spain’s high-speed AVE train also connects Valencia directly to Madrid in just 1 hour 40 minutes.
If arriving by train, Valencia’s Estación del Norte and Estación Joaquín Sorolla are the two main stations located right in the city center. There are direct trains to Valencia from Barcelona (3 hours) and Alicante (1.5 hours). You can also get to Valencia by bus from other Spanish cities as well as France.
The Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the main airport serving Malaga. It’s one of Spain’s busiest airports with tons of low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet offering direct connections across Europe. Malaga can also be reached by high-speed train from Madrid in around 2.5 hours.
Malaga’s Maria Zambrano train station offers direct service from Cordoba, Seville and Granada. Buses also run frequently between Malaga, Gibraltar, Granada and other Andalusian towns.
Where to Stay
Top Neighborhoods
Valencia and Malaga both offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. When choosing where to stay, it’s helpful to understand the vibe of the different neighborhoods.
In Valencia, these are some of the top areas to consider:
- El Carmen – This charming, historic neighborhood is perfect for first-time visitors. It’s very central and walkable to the top sites like the Cathedral and Central Market. It’s lively with cute boutique hotels, tapas bars and restaurants. Recommended hotels: Caro Hotel, Hostal Antigua Morellana, Hotel Ad Hoc Monumental.
- Eixample – This elegant 19th century district is known for its beautiful architecture and wide avenues. It’s a lived-in residential area but with lots of shops, eateries and nightlife. Good for a more local experience. Recommended hotels: Vincci Palace, Sorolla Centro, Melia Plaza de España.
- Ruzafa – Trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood with hipster cafes, vintage shops, international restaurants and cool nightlife. It has more budget-friendly options for younger travelers or groups. Recommended hotels: Abba Acteon, Only You Hotel, Red Nest Hostel.
In Malaga, recommended neighborhoods include:
- Old Town – Centered around Calle Larios, this is the historic heart with top attractions like the Alcazaba fortress and Picasso Museum. Charming area to stay with lots of atmosphere. Recommended hotels: Room Mate Larios, Molina Lario, Hotel Maestranza.
- Soho – Vibrant, multicultural area with lots of contemporary art galleries, fusion restaurants and a buzzing bar scene. Great for foodies and culture lovers. Recommended hotels: Room Mate Valeria, El Riad Andaluz, Tandem Soho Suites.
- Pedregalejo – Laidback beach neighborhood with seafood eateries, beach bars and a slice of real Andalusian life. Best area for proximity to the beaches. Recommended hotels: Atarazanas Malaga Boutique Hotel, B&B Hotel Malaga Centro.
Researching the vibe and location of each neighborhood will help choose the right base for your trip.
Top Things to Do
Valencia and Malaga both offer an array of fascinating attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in each city:
Valencia
- Visit the City of Arts and Sciences – This ultramodern cultural complex contains a science museum, opera house, oceanographic park, and more. Book tickets.
- See the Valencia Cathedral – This 13th-14th century Gothic church contains impressive architecture, artwork, and the Holy Grail. Try this tour.
- Relax on the Malvarrosa Beach – Valencia’s most popular beach has soft golden sand and calm waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It’s located just west of the city center. Book tickets.
- Explore Old Town – Wander through the atmospheric labyrinth of the Barrio del Carme, home to winding medieval lanes, elegant plazas, restaurants, and boutiques. Try this tour.
Malaga
- Tour the Alcazaba – This 11th century Moorish fortress offers panoramic views over the city and houses interesting archaeological remains. Book tickets.
- Visit the Picasso Museum – Located in Picasso’s place of birth, this museum has an excellent collection of his early works. Book tickets.
- Relax on La Malagueta Beach – Malaga’s top beach has a palm-lined promenade perfect for strolling, jogging, or dining at a beachfront restaurant.
- Browse Muelle Uno – This waterfront complex is filled with shops, restaurants, and terraces in a revitalized port area.
Food and Drink
The local cuisine is a delicious mix of Mediterranean and Spanish influences. Seafood features prominently on menus, with dishes like paella and fideuà (similar to paella but uses noodles instead of rice). Be sure to try caldereta de langosta (lobster stew), lubina a la sal (sea bass baked in a salt crust), and chipirones en su tinta (baby squid in ink sauce).
For the freshest seafood, head to La Lonja in Valencia, a historic fish market right on the harbor. El Rall in Malaga is another top seafood restaurant, known for its fried fish.
If you want to try traditional Spanish tapas, hit up La Luz in Valencia or El Pimpi and Antigua Casa de Guardia in Malaga. Order a selection of small plates like pan con tomate (tomato bread), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), croquetas (croquettes), and patatas bravas (spicy fried potatoes). Also be sure to sample some jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) and the local wines.
For a taste of traditional Valencian cuisine, restaurants like Levante, and La Sucursal are excellent options. Try dishes like arroz a banda (rice with fish), fideuà, and paella valenciana. Malaga highlights include El Meson de Cervantes for seafood and Taberna El Pámpano for its traditional Malagueño fare.
Day Trip Ideas
The surrounding areas of Malaga and Valencia offer some fantastic opportunities for day trips to explore charming villages, historic sights, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some top day trip recommendations from each city:
From Malaga:
- Ronda – This dramatic mountaintop town is home to Spain’s oldest bullring, the 18th century Puente Nuevo bridge over a deep gorge, and picturesque whitewashed buildings. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Malaga. Try this tour.
- Nerja – Located around an hour east along the coast, this seaside town features a 16th century balcony overlooking the sea, caves with prehistoric paintings, and picturesque beaches tucked beneath towering cliffs. Try this tour.
- Antequera – Journey about an hour north to explore this town’s impressive architecture and remarkable ancient dolmens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding region is also renowned for its olive oil. Try this tour.
From Valencia:
- Albufera Nature Reserve – Just 10 km south of Valencia lies this stunning freshwater lagoon teeming with birdlife. Take a boat tour or cycle among the rice paddies. Try this tour.
- Bocairent – This charming medieval village makes for a great day hike, with cobbled streets winding past ancient houses and spectacular caves. It’s just over an hour’s drive southwest of Valencia. Try this tour.
- Cullera – Enjoy some sea and sun with a trip to this vibrant coastal town south of Valencia. Relax on the 9 km stretch of fine sandy beaches or hike up to admire the views from its medieval castle. Try this tour.
Nightlife
Valencia and Malaga are both lively cities with great nightlife scenes. Whether you want to party until dawn or just enjoy a few drinks at a chill bar, you’ll find plenty of options.
Bars
In Valencia, head to the Barrio del Carmen neighborhood to find lots of cool little bars and pubs, some with live music. Try Cafe de las Horas or Radio City for cocktails and a mixed crowd. The area around Plaza del Ayuntamiento also has lots of bars, like Sant Jaume and Cafe Lisboa.
Malaga has great bars in the Soho district. Stop by Maui for tropical cocktails or Antigua Casa de Guardia, an atmospheric sherry bar that’s been open since 1840. The Pedregalejo neighborhood near the beach has several lively tapas bars too.
Clubs
Valencia’s best clubs are found in the Port America’s area near the beach. Akuarela Playa offers big dance floors, international DJs and a lively atmosphere that goes late. Monkey’s Club is a popular expat hangout.
Malaga’s top clubbing is around Calle Granada and Plaza Uncibay. Sala Gold, and Bambu Music & Beverages frequently host guest DJs and live music along with late-night dancing.
Live Music
Valencia has some great live music venues. Head to 16 Toneladas, Jimmy Glass, or Loco Club to catch rock, jazz, blues and more. For flamenco, check the schedule at Casa Del Flamenco or Cafe del Duende.
In Malaga, you can often find flamenco performances at Kelipe Centro de Arte Flamenco or Teatro Flamenco Malaga. For jazz head to Clarence Jazz Cava in Soho. Vino Mio regularly hosts acoustic sets across genres. If you’re looking for rock or indie bands, try El Muro or La Cochu Cabaret. With so many options, you’re sure to find some amazing live music.
Shopping
Valencia is a shopper’s paradise, with options ranging from local boutiques to high-end fashion. The best area to browse is in the Old Town around Plaza Redonda. This charming circular plaza is surrounded by colonial architecture and home to jewelry shops, shoe stores, and clothing boutiques. The Central Market is also great for picking up artisanal ceramics, woven baskets, and foodie souvenirs like saffron, olive oil, and almonds.
For high-end shopping, head to the Avinguda de França, located just north of the Old Town. This tree-lined boulevard is home to international brands like Loewe, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton. You’ll also find the iconic Álvaro Moliner department store, which carries everything from fashion to home goods.
Don’t miss a visit to Mercado de Colón, an indoor market housed in a beautiful early 20th century building. Here you’ll find stalls selling handicrafts, accessories, art, and more. It’s a great place to pick up unique mementos of your time in Valencia.
Festivals and Events
The cultural events calendar is packed in Malaga and Valencia, with many vibrant festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year. Here are some of the highlights:
- Las Fallas Festival (Valencia) – Held each March, this is one of Spain’s biggest festivals. Huge cardboard statues are built and displayed, before being ceremoniously burned on the final night. There are fireworks, paella feasts, concerts and more.
- Carnival (Malaga) – February is carnival time, with parades, costumes, music and dancing. Malaga’s carnival is more low-key than some others but still lively and fun.
- Semana Santa (Both Cities) – Holy Week leading up to Easter features solemn processions and parades in both Malaga and Valencia as religious brotherhoods carry floats through the streets.
- FERIA de Malaga (Malaga) – For a week in August the city celebrates its main annual fair, with flamenco dancing, sherry tasting, bullfights and fireworks. People dress up in traditional costumes and there’s music and revelry day and night.
- La Tomatina (Valencia region) – Head to the town of Buñol in late August for Spain’s famous tomato fight, where participants pelt each other with ripe tomatoes. Get ready to get very messy! Book accommodation well in advance.
With so many celebrations happening year-round, visiting during a festival is a great way to experience the local culture. Check dates to coordinate your trip with your interests.
Essential Tips
Navigating a new city can be challenging, but keeping these tips in mind will help your visit go smoothly:
Transportation
- Use the metro and public buses to get around each city. They are affordable, efficient, and easy to navigate. Purchase a rechargeable transit card for convenience.
- Taxis are also readily available, though more expensive. Agree on a fare beforehand to avoid getting ripped off.
- Rental cars are not really necessary in the city centers. Parking and traffic can be frustrating.
Safety
- Practice general street smarts as you would in any major city. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid flashing expensive items.
- Pickpocketing happens, so keep valuables secured. Use a crossbody bag instead of a backpack.
- Ask your hotel concierge which areas to avoid, especially at night. Stick to well-lit streets.
Saving Money
- Look for free walking tours – they’re a great way to get oriented and learn about the history.
- Eat tapas at bars vs. full meals at restaurants to sample local flavors on a budget.
- Visit the major sites mid-week when there are fewer crowds.
- Purchase sightseeing passes for admission to multiple attractions.
- Travel off-season to enjoy lower rates on accommodation.
Following these tips will allow you to make the most of your visit! Stay alert, use common sense, and enjoy immersing yourself in the local culture.
FAQ’s
Which is warmer, Valencia or Malaga?
Valencia tends to be slightly cooler than Malaga, especially during the summer months. Malaga, located in the southern region of Spain, typically experiences hotter temperatures due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. However, both cities enjoy mild climates overall, with warm summers and mild winters.
Why is Malaga so popular?
Malaga’s popularity stems from its combination of rich history, cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Malaga boasts numerous museums, including the Picasso Museum, which draws art enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, its lively nightlife, delicious cuisine, and stunning coastal scenery make it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and relaxation.
Is Valencia worth seeing?
Absolutely! Valencia is a captivating city with a diverse range of attractions to offer visitors. From its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex to its historic old town filled with medieval architecture and charming plazas, Valencia exudes charm and cultural richness. The city is also famous for its delicious cuisine, particularly paella, which originated in the region. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, gastronomy, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere, Valencia has something for everyone.
Is Malaga, Spain, worth seeing?
Yes, Malaga is definitely worth visiting. With its blend of cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and vibrant atmosphere, Malaga offers a unique experience for travelers. Whether you’re exploring the Alcazaba fortress, strolling along the picturesque waterfront promenade, or sampling fresh seafood at a local tapas bar, Malaga’s charm is sure to captivate you. Additionally, its convenient location as a gateway to the Costa del Sol makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding region.
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