Málaga, Spain is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital stays in Europe, whether for short, medium, or long periods. It offers a combination of rich culture and history, modern amenities, and a relaxed lifestyle.
In this quick guide for digital nomads, you'll find some key information to help you decide if Malaga is the right place for you and your family and how to make the most of your stay in Malaga. Topics range from visas and accommodation for rent in Malaga to the best coworking spaces and work-friendly cafés.
- Why Malaga?
- Best time to visit
- Visas
- Accommodation
- Itineraries
- Cost of living
- Coworking spaces
- Public places for remote work
- Must-try dishes
- Transportation
- Essential services
- Top activities
- Networking
- Best neighborhoods
- Top places to visit
- Tips for digital nomads
- Other useful information
Why Malaga?
Málaga is a dream destination for many digital nomads who are looking for a mix of culture, Mediterranean sunshine and a solid remote work infrastructure. Famous for the gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol, this city combines modern conveniences with its rich history, friendly and welcoming communities, and a large number of coworking spaces that make it suitable for remote workers with different preferences and needs.
Whether you want to get to know a new culture, relax on the beach or network with other like-minded nomads, Málaga offers a laid-back lifestyle, which is complemented by modern infrastructure and professional facilities. The city’s nomad scene has been on the rise in the past few years, attracting entrepreneurs and freelancers from all over the world.
Find the perfect apartments for rent in Malaga
Best time to visit
Málaga’s mild Mediterranean climate makes the city a year-round tourist destination. The summer months (June to August) could get quite hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F), but spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are pleasant and offer a great balance for work and leisure. Winter (December to February) is typically mild, averaging 17°C (63°F), and ideal for avoiding the crowds while still enjoying the warm days. For the best experience, we recommend you visit between April and October.
- Summer - hot, 40°C (104°F)
- Spring and fall - pleasant
- Winter - mild, 17°C (63°F)
Visas
If you are an EU or EFTA citizen, you can live and work freely in Málaga without a visa. Non-EU citizens can enter Spain for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, if you are planning a longer stay in Spain, you can find out about the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, which allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in the country for a year, with the option to extend.
It is advisable to find out about the specific requirements before applying, as these may vary depending on the country of origin.
Accommodation in Malaga
Málaga offers a range of accommodation options for digital nomads, from private apartments to shared flats and guest houses. Demand for short-term rentals is increasing as Malaga becomes more popular with remote workers, but the city remains affordable, compared to many other Western European cities.
Types of accommodation
- Apartments: Ideal for digital nomads in search of privacy. The apartments available in different neighborhoods range from studios to larger options with multiple bedrooms.
- Coliving spaces: These spaces combine accommodation with a communal feel and often offer shared amenities such as kitchens, gyms, and workspaces. Coliving can be a great way to connect with other digital nomads.
- Guesthouses and hostels: Perfect for short-term stays, particularly if you're looking for a budget option or want to explore the neighborhood before you commit to a longer-term rental.
Source: Photo by Vera Wijermars | Feathering on Unsplash
Rent price estimates (Monthly)
Malaga’s rent prices vary significantly depending on the type and size of accommodation, proximity to the beach or city center, and neighborhood. Here’s a general overview:
- City center (centro):
- One-bedroom apartment: €900 – €1,200
- Two-bedroom apartment: €1,200 – €1,500
- La Malagueta (beachfront):
- One-bedroom apartment: €1,100 – €1,400
- Two-bedroom apartment: €1,500 – €2,000
- El Palo (coastal neighborhood with local vibe):
- One-bedroom apartment: €700 – €1,000
- Two-bedroom apartment: €1,100 – €1,400
- Soho (Artistic district):
- One-bedroom apartment: €800 – €1,100
- Two-bedroom apartment: €1,200 – €1,500
- Teatinos (university area, further from beach):
- One-bedroom apartment: €600 – €900
- Two-bedroom apartment: €1,000 – €1,200
Rental options for different stays
For shorter stays (1–3 months), there are various online platforms that offer fully furnished apartments and rooms in guest houses, but usually at slightly higher prices. If you want to rent for longer than 3 months, you can consider specialized platforms for medium to long-term rentals such as Flatio or local rental agencies, which often offer lower prices for longer stays.
Coliving spaces cost estimate
Coliving is becoming increasingly popular among those nomad who want a flexible stay with an integrated community:
- Standard room in coliving space: €500 – €800 a month
- Private room in coliving space with amenities: €700 – €1,200 a month, depending on amenities and location.
Cost-saving tips
- Choose neighborhoods slightly outside the center: Areas like Teatinos and El Palo tend to be more affordable and still offer easy, quick access to the center.
- Consider sharing: If you’re comfortable with having roommates, renting a two-bedroom apartment and splitting the costs can save you considerably.
- Negotiate for longer stays: Many landlords are willing to negotiate lower monthly prices for stays of more than 6 months.
Flatio: Flexible, deposit-free stays in Málaga
Are you looking for flexible, reasonably priced, and deposit-free accommodations to rent in Málaga? Take a look at the listings on Flatio and we believe you will find a suitable living space in the city center and beyond.
Cost of living in Malaga
Compared to many other European cities, Málaga offers a relatively affordable lifestyle for nomads. On average, the cost of living is between €1,000 and €1,500 a month, depending on accommodation and lifestyle. Here is a breakdown:
- Accommodation: €600 - €1,200 for a private apartment
- Groceries: €200 - €300
- Dining out: €10 - €15 per meal at local restaurants
- Transportation: €40 for a metro pass (monthly)
- Coworking spaces: €100 - €300 a month
Source: Photo by Oleg Tsegelnyk on Unsplash
Itineraries
- 1 week: Discover the Alcazaba, relax on Malagueta beach and stroll through the city center. Take time for day trips to Nerja with its famous caves or to Ronda with its beautiful views.
- 1 month: Get to know local life better. Set up in a coworking space, discover nearby towns such as Mijas and Marbella, and attend events. Take weekend trips to cities such as Cordoba and Granada.
- 3 months or more: During a longer stay, you can enjoy the local culture more intensively, take Spanish courses, and explore lesser-known gems such as the Montes de Malaga Natural Park. Longer-term visitors will experience a balanced routine between travel, work and relaxation.
Coworking spaces in Malaga
Málaga has a developing coworking scene with spaces specially designed for digital nomads:
- The Living Room Coworking: Popular with international professionals, with a strong community atmosphere.
- Innovation Campus: Multiple locations, modern amenities, and networking events.
- Grow Working: Located close to the beach, this space offers a relaxed ambience and outdoor areas.
Prices range between €100 and €300 per month, depending on the facilities and location.
Public places for remote work
There are many cafés and public places in Málaga that welcome remote workers:
- La Tetería de la Abuela: Cozy, featuring a calm environment and strong Wi-Fi.
- Casa Aranda: A classic place known for its churros, ideal for concentrated morning work sessions.
- Muelle Uno: A trendy open-air shopping area located by the port, with cafés offering Wi-Fi and beautiful views.
Must-try dishes
Indulge in the culinary scene of Málaga with these local, must-try dishes:
- Espetos: Grilled sardines, which are traditionally prepared along the beach.
- Gazpachuelo: A hearty soup, which is made with potatoes, fish, and a creamy broth.
- Ajoblanco: A cold garlic and almond soup, which is served with grapes.
- Churros with hot chocolate: For a sweet treat, we recommend you visit Casa Aranda.
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Transportation in Malaga
It is affordable and easy to get around Málaga:
- Metro: Covers major areas and is a budget-friendly option. Monthly passes are available.
- Buses: An extensive network covers the city and surrounding areas, suitable for visiting neighboring towns.
- Cycling: Malaga is bike-friendly. Dedicated paths and bike rental services are available.
- Scooters: Electric scooters are readily available for short trips.
Essential services
- Healthcare: Málaga has high-quality healthcare, with both private and public facilities. Non-EU citizens can consider private health insurance.
- Wi-Fi: Easily accessible throughout the city. Coworking spaces and cafés usually have good connections.
- Banking: Opening a bank account is easy, fast, and straightforward for EU residents. Non-EU citizens can consider using online banks such as Revolut or N26.
Top activities
- Historic center: Discover the Alcazaba, the Cathedral, and Roman Theater.
- Beaches: Playa de Pedregalejo and La Malagueta are local favorites.
- Picasso Museum: A must-see, especially for art lovers, dedicated to Malaga’s most famous resident.
- Hiking: Discover the Montes de Malaga on beautiful nature trails.
Networking
Malaga’s expat and digital nomad community is quite active, with regular networking events and meetups hosted by coworking spaces. Meetup.com and Facebook groups are excellent resources for meeting and linking with entrepreneurs, local freelancers, and digital nomads.
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Best neighborhoods in Malaga
- Historic center: Lively and very rich in culture, suitable for short-term visits.
- El Palo: Laid-back beachside area, which is highly popular with expats and locals.
- Soho: The city’s artsy district, filled with street art, galleries, and hip cafes.
- La Malagueta: Located near the beach and city center, perfect for beach lovers.
Top places to visit in Malaga
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle: Historic landmarks, which offer panoramic city views.
- Muelle Uno: A lively harbor with restaurants, stores, and sea views.
- Caminito del Rey: An exhilarating hiking trail with very beautiful vistas.
- Ronda: A dramatic cliffside town, which is perfect for a day trip.
Tips for digital nomads
- Language basics: Although many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning some basic Spanish phrases will help you a lot.
- Adapt to siesta hours: Many stores close in the afternoon, so remember to plan for siesta times.
- Be sun smart: The sun in the Mediterranean can be very intense; have a hat and sunscreen ready.
Source: Photo by Sergio Guardiola Herrador on Unsplash
Basic phrases in local language
- Hello: Hola
- Thank you: Gracias
- How much?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Where is...?: ¿Dónde está...?
- Goodbye: Adiós
Other useful information
- Safety: Malaga is considered generally safe. However, as with any city, it’s advisable to be cautious in crowded areas.
- Local SIM cards: Companies such as Vodafone and Movistar offer prepaid SIMs with data plans suitable for short-term stays.
- Water: Tap water is considered safe to drink. But bottled water is also widely and readily available.
Flatio: Rental accommodation in Lisbon
Why choose Flatio to rent accommodation in Lisbon? Discover the unique features that make us the perfect choice:
- Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from days to months)
- Wide range of accommodation options (rooms, apartments, houses, etc.)
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- Visa-friendly lease agreements
- Online signing of lease agreement
- Renting directly from hosts
- No deposit required for stays under 180 days (unless required by local laws)
- Balanced lease agreement, translated into multiple languages
- Very attractive cancelation policy
- StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
- 100% money protection
- Customer support available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option
COVER IMAGE: Source: Photo by Chris Boland on Unsplash
