10 things to do in Malaga in March

Although the new season doesn’t officially start until the 21st of the month, Malaga in March has a definite spring in its step. Along with warm sunshine, the city offers plenty to do and see. And with much longer days! Read on for our pick of experiences, tastes, activities and events for inspiration for things to do in Malaga in March.

Walk the red carpet

This month includes one of the biggest cultural events of the year: Malaga Film Festival. This festival is a week of red carpets, film premieres, prizes and plenty of famous faces.

Catch the best of Spanish cinema from 6 to 15 March.

Stuff yourself with strawberries

March is high season for strawberries in Spain. Most of those on sale in Malaga come from Huelva in western Andalucia, but keep your eyes open for locally-grown strawberries. Smaller, brighter and sweeter all round, these are well worth buying if you see them on a stall in Atarazanas Market.

Go botanical

See for yourself how spring is springing in Malaga with a visit to the botanical gardens. The highlight here from the middle of the month onwards is definitely the wisteria pergola, metre after metre of gorgeous purple blooms with a simply heavenly scent.

If you’re in the city, make this one of your top things to do in Malaga in March. Find out all about the botanical gardens in Malaga here.

Check out some different art

Not all art in Malaga happens in the art galleries. Museums like the MuCAC Corracha (at the end of the Paseo del Parque, opposite the Plaza General Torrijos), showcase local artists and regularly hosts new exhibitions of paintings and sculptures. Entry is free.

And don’t forget that all the art museums in Malaga have excellent permanent collections and great temporary exhibitions too. Our top picks for this month include:

To Open Eyes at the Pompidou Centre – 90 minutes’ enjoyment of eclectic installations, paintings and sculptures.

Romantic Realism – photos by photographer and videographer Valery Katsuba at the Russian Museum & MEET.

For full details of all the art exhibitions currently showing in Malaga, see our What’s on in March guide.

Catch some warm sunshine

March is easily warm enough for the beach and lots of the beach restaurants have their sunbeds out in preparation. Grab yours (from €6 a day each) and enjoy a spot of spring sunbathing.

Shop at the museums

Retail things to do in Malaga in March include checking out the museum shops. Packed with fun and quirky things to buy, these shops make a great place to find souvenirs or gifts. Most of them also stock a good range of art books and posters.

Walk the city

Mostly flat and very compact, Malaga makes a great city for walking. You’ll find some ideas for walking tours on our website and for March, we recommend the tour round Calle Victoria. Take in some street art, cool murals and one of the most amazing churches in Malaga.

Discover hidden corners

At Guide to Malaga, we’re fans of getting off the beaten tourist trail and you can sometimes do this right in the city centre. As one of the things to do in Malaga in March, how about exploring around the Picasso Museum? The piece includes directions and what to look out for in this part of Malaga.

Don’t miss the iconic fig tree (in the photo below). Its leaves start to come out in March.

See the mountains

March is one of the loveliest times of year in the countryside around Malaga so for this month, we suggest exploring the Montes de Malaga. The range of mountains to the east of the city are home to lots of lovely white villages, stunning views and some great walking.

The best way to get there is to hire a car, but regular bus services run from the Muelle Heredia bus station (in front of the ferris wheel) to Colmenar.

Breathe in the blossom

March in Malaga is also orange blossom season and you’ll smell the lovely fragrance in many parts of the city. Breathe in deeply in and around the Alcazaba, in the Pedro Alonso Gardens next to City Hall and around the Mariner’s Chapel on Muelle Uno. Heavenly, isn’t it?

Catch a flamenco show

This isn’t necessarily a March activity (flamenco is good at any time of year), but we think a visit to Malaga should include at least a nod to this unique art form. The city has several tablaos (flamenco stages) where you can watch a show. The performance includes guitar music, song and dance, with at least three local artists on the stage.

Our top picks are:

Alegría Flamenco, 2 minutes walk from the Pompidou Centre in Malaga Port (great for a seaside stroll afterwards).

Malaga Teatro Flamenco, right in the city centre.

Expect the entertainment to last from 60 to 90 minutes. Most venues sell drinks and snacks. And remember, flamenco is always loud, so don’t book a show if you mind foot stomping, hand clapping and guitar strumming!

Read more about flamenco in Malaga.

FAQs about March in Malaga

Now you know what to do and see this month, here’s the lowdown on what to expect in the third month of the year.

Will it be very busy?

March is generally shoulder season except for the Film Festival and Easter. You also need to factor in cruise ships in Malaga – March is busy this year, particularly the last week.

Busiest days	No of cruise passengers in town
1 March	3,646
16 March	3,646
17 March	2,398
23 March	8,108
27 March	5,622
29 March	9,567
31 March	7,608

What’s the weather like in Malaga in March?

Mostly sunny and warm, with a few days of rain. 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 👙
20 degrees	5	16 degrees

Statistically, March is one of the wettest times of the year. This means that on average you can expect five days of rain during the month – not many, we know, but you just might choose the wrong weekend for a holiday in Malaga.

But if you do, don’t worry – there’s still plenty of things to do in Malaga. See our recommendations here. And don’t forget that the rain never lasts for long!

Is it warm enough to sunbathe?

In the sunshine definitely and warm enough to wear your swimmers. Some hotels have heated rooftop pools and loungers, an irresistible combo that could have you sunbathing in Malaga in March!

UV rays intensify from March onwards, so sunscreen is a must. Don’t let the breeze fool you into thinking you’re not hot – it’s all too easy to get sunburnt even in March.

What sort of clothes should I pack?

We’d recommend your spring wardrobe, with light layers, so that you can add first and last thing. It should be warm enough for shorts.

Don’t forget your sunhat and sunscreen.

If it’s low season, will hotel prices be cheaper?

It depends on the dates you choose. Easter week (29 March to 5 April in 2026) is high season, but outside those dates, March is one of the least expensive times to find accommodation in Malaga, with most hotels offering deals especially for mid-week stays.

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