10 things to do in Malaga in April
April heralds the start of warm weather proper and the city is a heady mix of sunshine, orange blossom and spring flowers. Depending on the year, April can also mean Easter in Malaga as it does in 2025. Read on for our pick of suggestions – experiences, events and unusual spots – that, when combined, provide lots of inspiration for things to do in Malaga in April.
Easter processions
Holy Week in Malaga (Semana santa) is definitely one of the highlights in April 2025. It takes place from 13 to 20 April, with solemn processions parading through the streets and city centre every day except Saturday 19 April.
Easter in Malaga offers a unique insight into the city’s deepest rooted traditions and the processions are unlike any others in the world. For more information, read our dedicated guides to Easter in Malaga.
Try torrijas
Malaga doesn’t do chocolate eggs and bunnies for Easter. Instead, locals enjoy sweets and cakes such as torrijas. You’ll see these sticky delights in all bakery windows around Easter. The slices of bread are soaked in egg, milk and sugar, then deep-fried and coated in sugar or honey. Definitely best eaten with a knife and fork.
Need a hotel in April?
Check our top trio below. And if you’re not sure which district is best for you, read our full guide to where to stay in Malaga.
Hotel Mariposa
Hotel Mariposa offers a great location in the heart of Soho in exquisitely decorated spaces and with a very personalised service. From the …
Only YOU Malaga
Housed in the Port side of the Equitativa building, Only You is a 5-star hotel and all about views and luxury touches. The entire establish …
H10 Croma Malaga
With a central location next to the river, H10 Croma Malaga carries the signature of renowned Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, with a modern …
Taste Malaga wine
The next in our suggestions of things to do in Malaga in April also involves local produce. This time, it’s local wine. Traditionally, Malaga wine is sweet – one of the best places to try the different degrees of sweetness is at Antigua Casa de Guardia on the Alameda Principal – but the recent revival of grape growing means that Malaga wine now comes red, white and fizzy.
Most good restaurants stock a selection of local vinos – try a glass or two.
Gaze at (a lot of) glass
Our museum choice for April is the Glass Museum, tucked away to the north of the old quarter. The collection includes 3,000 objects in glass through the ages – vases, bowls, glasses, stained glass windows… all housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion. Visits are by guided tour only (English available).
Find the museum on Plazuela SantÃsimo Cristo de la Sangre 2, open Tuesday to Sunday.
Wonder at the wisteria
The first half of April is wisteria time. Malaga boasts several fine examples with the best in bloom at the Botanical Gardens where the purple blooms cover the large pergola.
But you can also enjoy the mauve sight and scent in the Alcazaba, on the walk up to the Gibralfaro viewing platform and in several parks in Malaga. Inhale deeply and enjoy!
Get your 5 a day
No list of things to do in Malaga in April would be complete without some shopping and this month we’ve gone for food. The start of spring sees the best of fresh local produce in Malaga markets – think asparagus, tomatoes, cucumber, medlar fruits and strawberries at their best. Towards the end of the month, you’ll also find the first summer fruits like peaches and nectarines.
Walk and discover architecture
Mostly flat and very compact, Malaga makes a great city for walking. Our recommendation for April is to make it the month you discover the architectural gems by the Strachan family. Between them, they were responsible for some of the finest buildings in the city centre – discover them here.
Be at the beach
Dedicated locals visit the beach all year round, but April sees the start of the beach season proper and the Mediterranean is starting to warm up. Most of the beach bars and restaurants have their loungers and parasols ready – expect to pay from €10 a day for 2 people.
Don’t forget plenty of sun cream – it might not be hot, but the sun is strong in spring and it’s easy to get burnt. For a guide on where to find your spot on the sands, read our Malaga beach guide.
Take an April day trip
Malaga is the capital of a beautiful province in an equally beautiful region so it makes sense to include a suggestion for a day trip outside the city. For April, we recommend visiting the stunning white town of Ronda with its spectacular gorge location. The journey is particularly attractive at this time of year when the countryside is a carpet of green and spring flowers.
If you fancy exploring the rest of the province on a longer trip, check out our Costa del Sol Road Trips. Each of the eguides features a themed 7-day road trip for you, your people, your interests and in your time:
- History and Heritage
- Foodie Experience
- Malaga Wine
- Luxury Experience
- Active Adventure
- Family Fun
- Golf, golf and more golf
Each guide costs just €4.95 and gives you all the information you need to enjoy the very best of the Costa del Sol.
View from the Alcazaba walkway
Our last idea for things to do in Malaga in April is to discover the Alcazaba walkway. Follow the signs between the Roman Theatre and Albeniz Cinema on Calle Alcazabilla and walk up the steps to the outer walls of the Alcazaba fortress. Views of the Theatre and the city skyline are simply stunning. And best of all, you’ll probably have it all to yourself!
What’s on in April?
If you’re in town this month and are looking for concerts, exhibitions, markets and other one-off events, read our what’s on in April in Malaga.
Start planning your April trip to Malaga!
FAQs about April in Malaga
Now you know what to do and see this month, here’s the lowdown on what to expect in the fourth month of the year.
Will it be very busy?
April is generally shoulder season except for Easter (just 1st to 5th this year). You also need to factor in cruise ships in Malaga – April is busy, busy this year.
| Busiest days | No of cruise passengers in town |
|---|---|
| 7 April | 7,644 |
| 13 April | 4,618 |
| 16 April | 4,577 |
| 22 April | 5,856 |
| 24 April | 7,573 |
| 26 April | 3,132 |
| 27 April | 3,800 |
What’s the weather like in Malaga in April?
Mostly sunny and warm, with a few days of spring showers. It starts to warm up first and last thing, meaning you should just need a light jacket.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 22 degrees | 5 | 18 degrees |
Is it warm enough to sunbathe?
Yes, definitely. Beware of high UV levels in April – the pleasant temperatures and light breeze can make you think it isn’t very hot, meaning it’s easy to burn. Slap on lots of sunscreen and wear a hat.
What about swimming in the sea?
That depends on you. The Mediterranean is starting to warm up and if an average of 18ºC (64ºF) sounds warm enough to you, go for that dip!
We find it much too cold and don’t really swim until June, but as we say, it’s all down to personal preferences. Our chilly could well be your warm!
That said, April is a good month to make the most of hotels with swimming pools. Think AC Palacio, Only You, Parador del Gibralfaro, Hotel Bro…
What should I pack for an April holiday?
If you’re from Northern Europe or North America, pack your usual summer wardrobe, with light layers, so that you can add first and last thing. It’ll be warm enough for shorts. And don’t forget your beach stuff or your sunscreen.
What about hotel prices?
Aside from Easter (the first week in 2026), it’s shoulder season for accommodation, so expect to pay from €100 to €200 a night, depending on the hotel category. Prices are cheaper if you stay mid-week or book well ahead.
Read our area guide to where to stay in Malaga
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