10 things to do in Malaga in June
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
June is one of the best months to visit Malaga – and one of the most underrated.
The beaches are open, the weather is reliably warm without the punishing heat of July and August, and the city still has room to breathe before the summer crowds arrive. Sardine season is in full swing. Sunsets happen after 9.30pm. And on the night of 23 June, tens of thousands of people gather on the beach to watch a giant sculpture burn at midnight and one of the city’s two big firework displays.
There’s plenty going on. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Malaga in June.
June in a nutshell
The first two weeks are the sweet spot — warm enough for the beach, quiet enough to get a table without booking three days ahead, and cool enough to walk the city in the middle of the day without suffering for it. From mid-month onwards, schools break up across Europe and the city shifts up a gear. Prices rise, beaches fill and the best restaurants book out faster.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 26 degrees | 1 | 22 degrees |
Whenever you visit, the evenings are the thing. Sunset after 9.30pm means long, unhurried dinners on terraces that don’t get going until 9pm anyway. June is also when sardine season hits its stride and the Noche de San Juan, a giant free event heralding the summer, falls on the 23rd.
In short: come in the first fortnight if you can, come in the second if you can’t. Either way, you’re in the right place.
Enjoy some flamenco
If you’re looking for flamenco things to do in Malaga in June this year, you’re lucky because it’s the Flamenco Festival. See all the details in our Malaga Flamenco Festival Guide.
Otherwise, you can catch some authentic flamenco at the free monthly flamenco concert held at the MVA Cultural Centre on Calle OllerÃas (just a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de la Merced). It showcases the best local and regional artists with the accent on song and guitar with some occasional dance performances. See what’s on in Malaga in June for more details.
Good to know
Authentic, genuine flamenco and mostly music and song. If this type of flamenco isn’t your thing because you prefer dance, book a show at one of the city’s tablaos, such as AlegrÃa Flamenco. Expect to pay from €29 per person.
Make it a month for tomatoes
The warmer temperatures bring out the best in local tomatoes so make trying gazpacho one of your things to do in Malaga in June. Most restaurants serve this deliciously chilled tomato soup as a starter. Look for fun variations such as cherry gazpacho (Dani GarcÃa’s signature version), beetroot gazpacho or the super-cool watermelon variety.
Good to know
If you’d like a thicker version, look for porra antequera – it has the same ingredients plus bread. If you fancy making your own gazpacho, buy the tomatoes at Atarazanas Market – tell the stallholder you’re making it and ask them to recommend the right sort of tomatoes.
Discover Malaga views by bike
Hire a bike and discover the views of the city and the seafront promenades with not too much effort. We recommend the following routes:
Malaga city centre to the western seafront – around 5km and completely flat. Want more? Continue cycling west to Torremolinos (about 12km and completely flat).
Malaga city centre to El Palo – about 8km and completely flat. Want more? Continue east to the resorts of La Cala del Moral and Rincón de la Victoria (about 20km and mostly flat).
Good to know
You can make all the cycling even easier in the hot midday June temperatures with an ebike rental. You could even bike up to the Gibralfaro Castle and not sweat too much!
Visit the local museum
Add a visit to the MuCAC Corracha to your list of things to do in Malaga in June. Why? This free museum on Plaza del General Torrijos provides a great insight into the city’s history and culture. There are some lovely models of Malaga, fun wax figure scenes telling the history of the city and interesting temporary exhibitions up in the top gallery.
While you’re there, take in some contemporary art in the permanent collection featuring local artists in their wider Spanish context.
Good to know
This museum has free entry and opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm. It’s closed on Monday.
Smell those roses
June sees the end of the jacaranda flowers, but the roses in Malaga are still flowering. See them at their best at the start of the month in the Pedro Alonso Gardens next to City Hall. Breathe in deeply to catch the best of their fragrance as you sit and admire the views of the Alcazaba Fortress from one of the benches in the shade.
Good to know
If you like plants, cross over the road to the Paseo del Parque, the city’s central botanical garden. Wander along the paths and discover trees and shrubs from all around the world. Want bigger botanical gardens? Head for La Concepción – our guide has all the details.
Shop for summer
It’s beach time proper in Malaga and in preparation, you’ll need summer sandals, a cozzie and a hat. Get your fashionista espadrilles at Toni Pons on Calle Nueva. Find a hat on at Casa Pedro Mira on Calle EspecerÃa.
Good to know
Toni Pons opens Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm and Sunday 10am to 9pm. Casa Pedro Mira opens Monday to Friday 10am to 1.30pm and 5 to 8.30pm, Saturday 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Celebrate the summer solstice
But not on 21 June, but two days later when Malaga celebrates the Noche de San Juan. On the night of 23 June, thousands of local gather on the city beaches for a giant bonfire, 14 minutes of fireworks, live music and a midnight dip in the sea.
La Misericordia is the heart of the action, but you’ll find celebrations on all the city beaches. Our guide to the Noche de San Juan has all the information.
Good to know
This event is completely free, truly local and a deep-rooted tradition. Expect lots of crowds, but the atmosphere is always good and family-friendly.
Find the signs
Fans of Guide to Malaga will know that we’re keen on getting off the beaten tourist trail. So, we propose checking out the different beach sign sculptures as one of the things to do in Malaga in June.
The Malagueta sign is easy, El Dedo and Misericordia slightly more difficult but keep your eyes wide open along the seafront and you’ll spot them.
Good to know
Malaga seafront promenade runs from 12km, so seeing all the beach signs will take you at least a day on foot. Make it quicker by hiring a bike, or make a day of it and discover Malaga from east to west!
Defy gravity on the Caminito del Rey
It’s still good weather for walking especially if you leave first thing in the morning. Make June the month you discover the Caminito del Rey gorge walk in El Chorro to the north of Malaga. It makes a great day out and you’ll see some exceptional scenery. Just remember, don’t look down.
Good to know
Caminito del Rey opens Tuesday to Sunday for most of the year. It’s one of the most popular attractions on the Costa del Sol, and regular tickets sell out weeks in advance. Guided tours are usually available. Read our dedicated guide to the Caminito del Rey with (literally) everything you need to know.
Head for a roof
Long balmy evenings mean that rooftop terraces come into their own in June. Check out our suggestions for the best roof terraces in Malaga to enjoy fabulous views and a little something while you’re there.
Good to know
Cocktails cost from €9 and most roof terraces have comprehensive drink menus. Many also serve tapas or snacks.
FAQs about Malaga in June
Read our answers to a selection of June FAQs. If your question isn’t on the list, get in touch and ask.
Daytime temperatures hover around 26ºC, but it can be hotter towards the end of the month.
The first half of the month isn’t too bad, although weekends see more visitors. Once the schools break up for the summer, the city gets very busy. We’d recommend visiting in the first fortnight to avoid the main crowds.
Summer clothes, maybe a very light jacket for first and last thing, and obviously your beach wear. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent – the mosquitos may be out!
In the earlier part of the month, any of our selection makes sense. Once it’s mid-June and later, choose a day trip along the coast such as Nerja or Marbella – inland destinations are simply too hot unless you do all the sightseeing very early.
It’s shoulder-to-peak season, so expect higher hotel rates than in May. That said, if you book ahead or stay mid-week, you should be able to find a double room for the following:
3-star hotel – from €85
4-star hotel – from €120
5-star hotel – from €250.
Read our guide to where to stay in Malaga
And yes, staying at a hotel with a pool or one near the beach is a very good idea!
Yes, there are some good ones. The Terral Music Festival is an example and the city celebrates the summer solstice with the Noche de San Juan on the night of the 23rd. Our June events page has all the details.
The sun sets at 9.30pm at the beginning of the month and at 9.42 by the end. Perfect for enjoying a little something on a roof terrace!
Malaga doesn’t have the sort of beach clubs you’ll find in resorts like Marbella and Torremolinos. That said, most chiringuitos have sunbeds for hire (some like Majuni on the western seafront have Bali beds) and some play music. They also have a great late evening vibe and lots of bars in Pedregalejo and El Palo open until late.
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