5 Best places for running in Malaga

Perhaps Malaga doesn’t stand out as a running city at first glance. It feels like a city for sitting — at a terrace with a cold tinto de verano, watching the sea. And honestly, that’s fine. But if you’re the kind of person who loves to run, we think Malaga will surprise you. The seafront is long, flat and open. There’s a nature park next-door, where flamingos will reward your run and the hill above the city will test your stamina.

We think running in Malaga doesn’t come much better – mostly flat terrain, almost always sunny weather and by the sea. These make near perfect conditions for whatever your running level – gentle jogs, keep-fit runs or marathon-training sessions. And the city has an almost year-round calendar of running events, including one of the fastest half marathons in the world.

But, once you’ve tied your laces, where do you run? This article has you covered, with all your running questions answered, a list of the best running events and our top five routes (with handy map). ¡Preparados, listos, ya! (Let’s go!)

Key takeaways for the running tourist

• Best route: Plaza de la Marina → La Farola lighthouse → east along the promenade → Baños del Carmen and back (~10k, flat, scenic)
• Carry water on the eastern promenade — fountains are sparse. Paseo del Parque and the western seafront promenade have fountains.
• Run early (before 9am) in summer, or in the evening. The route is well-lit.
• Bus backup: The No. 3 bus runs the entire length of the eastern promenade route and the No. 7 bus is another safety net if you overdo it!
• Gear: Deportes Estadio in the city centre (Calle Sebastian Souviron, behind Atarazanas Market) is the most convenient shop if you need anything. If you want the best running shoes, head for ALS Málaga on the western seafront (Google map link here).

Map showing these running routes

We’ve traced all 5 routes on this Google map.

Malaga running FAQs

We think this following list is pretty comprehensive, but you have a question that isn’t here, get in touch and we’ll add it plus the answer.

Routes and terrain

Is the Gibralfaro hill accessible for trail running? Yes! The pine forests of Monte de Gibralfaro and Monte Victoria are right in the city centre and offer proper trail running with a serious elevation reward — panoramic views over the bay and the city from Gibralfaro Castle.

Are there dedicated running paths, or would I mostly be sharing space with pedestrians and cyclists?
The western seafront promenade is wide and well-suited to running, but the eastern promenade is narrow. Run along this one early in the morning at weekends and in high season. At other times it’s usually OK. The trails on Gibralfaro hill are more exclusively for walkers and runners and are generally quiet. You shouldn’t come across many cyclists because both promenades have dedicated bike lanes.

Is the seafront promenade (Paseo Marítimo) runnable end-to-end? How long is it? Yes, and it’s the highlight of running in Malaga – there’s something very special about running next to the sea, with the sound of the waves in your ears. The full promenade stretches around 12 km along the Bay of Málaga. For a seafront 10k, follow our Route 2 below.

Can you run on the beach? Yes, but with difficulty, unless the tide is right down. Otherwise, only if you want a serious calf and gluts workout on the soft sand. And be careful because the shoreline is usually slightly sloped and we find this incline is tough on your calf muscles.

Are there any scenic routes through the historic centre, or is it too crowded/cobbled? One of our favourite runs is through the old quarter (along the Alameda, up Calle Larios and Calle Granada, and back down along Calle Alcazabilla to the Port), but only first thing in the morning (say 9am). Otherwise, the city centre is too busy. There are some cobbled sections – e.g. Plaza del Carbón, but they don’t last long.

Is there a Malaga parkrun? No, there isn’t a weekly running event in the city. But we think our 5 routes below make up for it!

Weather and timing

What’s the best time of day to run given the heat? If you’re in Malaga in the summer, we’d say be back from your run by 9am or don’t leave until mid-evening. And be prepared for high humidity – we’re in a full sweat after the first 500m! Always avoid running between 11am and 6pm in the summer.
The spring and autumn are both lovely seasons and you can more or less run at any time of day. Winter mornings and evenings can be chilly, but we rarely wear a hat or gloves.

How humid does it get? Summer humidity levels are high and sometimes it’s just too sweaty to run.

Is there shade along the main routes? On the seafront promenade, shade is limited – the sun beats down on it almost all day at any time of year. For shaded running, head for the pine forest trails on Gibralfaro hill, but go first or last thing in the summer and take water.

Safety and practicality

Are the routes well-lit for early morning or evening runs? Yes, the seafront promenade is well-lit and popular with locals, making it perfectly safe for dawn or dusk runs.

Is it safe to run alone, including for solo female runners? Yes, in the city. We wouldn’t recommend running solo in late evening on the Gibralfaro hill.

Where can I store my valuables while I run? Your hotel is your safest bet. If you’re staying close to the seafront, leave valuables in your room and never on the beach. Most runners simply go out with just a key, water and their phone.

Running in Malaga Route 1: Park and Port

Best for a gentle jog and views

A short run that takes in one of the best parks in Malaga, the pergola and some lovely views of the city from the port.

Start at Plaza de General Torrijos and run the length of the Paseo del Parque. Then cross over to Malaga Port at Plaza de la Marina and run along Muelle Dos and Muelle Uno, past the lighthouse and round to the cruise terminal at the end. Vary the way back by running along the Paseo de la Farola.

Top tip: try this run at sunset for some lovely views of the city at twilight.

Distance: Approx 5km

Water: several water fountains are located in Paseo del Parque.

Handy hotels for running

You’ll need accommodation for your running holiday in Malaga. Check out our definitive guide to where to stay to ensure your hotel is near the routes or races. And if you already know which area to stay in, take a look at our list of tried and tested hotels in Malaga.

Running in Malaga Route 2: Seafront Promenade – East

Best for sea views and a good 10k

A good route for a 10k, this run takes in the seafront promenade to the east of the city into the Pedregalejo district, turning round at Los Baños del Carmen.

Start at Plaza de la Marina and cross to Muelle Dos. Run under the pergola and then round into Muelle Uno as far as the lighthouse where you cross the road and join the seafront promenade. Run along here until you reach los Baños del Carmen where you turn round for the return trip.

Want extra? Carry on along seafront in Pedregalejo and El Palo (busy at weekends so not a lot of space for runners).

Top tip: the No 3 bus handily runs along this route so if you find you’re a bit tired or have gone too far for comfort, just hop on for a ride back into town.

Distance: Approx 10km

Water: Water fountains are few and far between here so best to take your own supplies.

Running in Malaga Route 3: Seafront Promenade – West

Best for sea views and plenty of room for your run. You could also use this 8.5k run for interval practice.

Discover the other side of Malaga with this run along the western seafront that takes in 3 industrial chimneys on the way.

Start at Plaza de la Marina and cross into the port. Take a left and then follow the road round over the river to the port exit opposite the mainline train station. Go left onto the pavement and run as far as the seafront promenade takes you before turning round for the way back.

Top tip: add that bit further to this run and continue to the river (see Route 4 below).

Distance: approx 8.5km

Water: There are several water fountains several along the seafront promenade (middle section).

Running in Malaga Route 4: River Running in Malaga

Best for scenic trail running and it’s easy to lengthen.

Scenic running along the Guadalhorce River and round the Nature Reserve. Take in the birdlife as you go and if it’s warm enough, take a dip in the sea.

You can add this run onto Route 3 above, or start your run by getting there on the bus. Take the No 7 bus from the Alameda Principal and get off in Avda Imperio Argentina. Cross over the main road, start running to your right (through some unattractive wasteland) for about 300m until you see a path going north on your right. Follow it left as it goes over the river (white bridge) and then take the slope on the left. Continue running north (you’ll see the airport in the distance ahead) until you see a large the wooden bridge over the river. Run over the bridge, continue and then take a sharp left into the nature reserve (about 300m) and follow the paths.

If you’re looking for a longer distance, follow the track on the west side of the river past the airport.

Top tip: the Nature Reserve is home to many species of birds – run as quietly as you can and stay on the paths always. Look out also for rabbits, the odd hare and even more occasional Egyptian mongoose.

Distance: From Sacaba Beach, about 7km.

Water: None available so take your own supplies.

ACCOMMODATION FOR RUNNERS

Running in Malaga Route 5: Only for the very fit

Best for hill intervals and rewarding views at the top!

Practically the only hill in Malaga city centre makes for a really challenging run up to the Gibralfaro Fortress and down again. It’s super steep up and down but the rewards are great views of the city and of course, feeling you’re really achieved something.

Start in Calle Alcazabilla and run round the Alcazaba Fortress to Paseo de Don Juan Temboury where you take the (very steep) pedestrian path to the Gibralfaro. At the castle, start Calle Mundo Nuevo down again. Or do it the other way round. If you enjoy this one, why not sign up for the Malaga MLK Trail (see below)?

Top tip: avoid this one in the middle of the day when lots of tourists use it – it’s even more difficult if you’re trying to keep out of people’s way as well!

Distance: 2.5km (but it feels like much further!)

Water: Apart from a kiosk outside the Gibralfaro Castle where you can buy water, none available so take your own.

Running Events in Malaga

If you’re looking for an extra challenge while you’re on holiday in Malaga why not sign up for one of the city’s annual running events? Here’s our list of the main ones:

Malaga Half-Marathon

The 36th edition takes place on 7 March 2027. The 21.4k run starts and finishes in the Paseo del Parque. It’s one of the flattest routes in Spain and runs east as far as Pedregalejo and then west to the Athletics Stadium.

World Athletics ranks the Malaga Half Marathon as the third best in Spain (after Valencia and Barcelona). Expect around 7,000 other runners.

Price: From €23 to €48, depending on how early you sign up.

Sign-up: Malaga Half Marathon

Malaga Marathon

Held on Sunday 8 November, the 42k takes you around the main sights in the city and gives you a good overview of attractions in Malaga. The marathon starts and finishes in the Paseo del Parque.

This running event in Malaga is increasingly popular and World Athletics ranks it as the sixth-best in Spain. A half-marathon also takes place on the same day.
Price: from €60 (depending on how early you sign up.

Sign-up: usually from January onwards via the Malaga Marathon site. From €90.

You can also sign up for a half-marathon and VIP options. All information on the website.

Malaga Solidarity Run

One of the biggest attended running events in Malaga is the 10k Carrera Urbana, entering its 46th year in 2026. Held on a Sunday in mid-October (date yet to be confirmed for 2026) and with at least 17,000 participants, the run starts outside El Corte Inglés department store and goes round the back of Malaga city into the old quarter before finishing on the Paseo del Parque.

Price: free – El Corte Inglés donates an amount per runner to a designated charity.

Malaga MLK Trail

The 13th edition of this challenging 10k takes place 26 September 2026, and starts late in the evening (10pm). Running through the streets in the old quarter and then up to the Gibralfaro Castle and back down again (twice), the routes climbs and descends 288m on the way.

Price: from €13

Sign-up: from early summer onwards here

Espeto Beach Run

Part of the Malaga Fair sporting events, this run has different distances, from 100m to 4km, all along La Misericordia beach. This year’s edition is on Friday 7 August. There are bibs for just 200 participants, so get yours as soon as the sign-up opens.

Price: free

Sign-up: from early summer onwards here

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