Parking in Malaga city centre

Parking in Malaga is relatively straightforward once you understand how the city is laid out and where cars are (and aren’t) allowed to go.

Nowadays, the historic old town is largely pedestrianised, meaning you won’t be able to drive through the centre itself unless you’re a resident or have a special permit.

Instead, most visitors park at the edge of the old town and explore Malaga on foot.

Is street parking possible in Malaga old town?

If you’re parking in Malaga city, the most convenient option is to use one of the many underground car parks (parkings subterráneos). These are well signposted, easy to access and located close to the main attractions.

While they are the most expensive choice, they save a lot of time and frustration.

That’s because on-street parking in central Malaga is extremely limited and often subject to strict time limits. Finding a space can take a long time, making it far less practical for visitors.

MORE: Street parking in Malaga: Blue Zones, Green Zones & free parking

MORE: Malaga’s Low Emissions Zone (ZBE): Rules, restrictions & fines

Underground car parks in Malaga city centre

Most underground car parks in Malaga city centre are located around the edges of the old town. This makes them ideal for visitors who want to park once and explore the historic centre, beaches and main attractions on foot.

Among the easiest underground car parks to access are Muelle Uno and Plaza de la Marina, both well signposted and close to major landmarks.

Muelle Uno

The underground car park at Muelle Uno is perfectly located for visitors who wish to combine sightseeing with time by the sea.

It’s particularly convenient for:

• Malaga port
• Playa de la Malagueta (the city’s main beach)
• Centre Pompidou Malaga
• Waterfront restaurants and bars

When you exit the car park, you’ll emerge next to the colourful Pompidou cube and the Hard Rock Café, with an easy walk into the historic centre.

Plaza de la Marina

If your main focus is sightseeing in the old town, Parking Central at Plaza de la Marina is one of the best parking options in Malaga.

Nearby highlights include:

• The tourist information office
• Calle Larios, Malaga’s main shopping street
• Calle Nueva and Calle San Juan
• Malaga Cathedral

This location offers fast access to the heart of the city with minimal walking.

Parking Camas

Parking Camas is located just inside the old city limits and is a good option if you plan to explore Malaga’s food and market scene.

It’s close to:

• Mercado Atarazanas (Malaga’s central market)
• Antigua Casa de Guardia, one of the city’s oldest traditional bars

While access and exit can take a little longer, the location is excellent for a more local atmosphere and dining.

Parking Tejón y Rodríguez

Situated in the heart of the city and accessed via Calle Carretería, Parking Tejón y Rodríguez places you right in the middle of central Malaga.

This car park is ideal for:

• Traditional tapas bars
• Restaurants and nightlife
• Exploring the most authentic parts of the city centre

El Corte Inglés

For drivers arriving via the MA-20 motorway and Avenida de Andalucía, the large underground car park beneath El Corte Inglés is a practical and stress-free option.

It offers:

• Easy access without navigating narrow streets
• Good connections to the rest of the city on foot and by public transport (bus and metro)

Where to park in Malaga to see the main attractions

If you’re planning to visit Plaza de la Merced, the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre and Gibralfaro Castle, Parking Alcazaba is one of the most convenient places to park in Malaga city centre.

This underground car park is ideally located at the eastern edge of the old town, allowing you to reach several of Malaga’s most important historical attractions quickly and entirely on foot. From here, it’s only a short walk to Plaza de la Merced, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, as well as the Alcazaba, the city’s Moorish fortress-palace overlooking the port.

The Roman Theatre sits directly below the Alcazaba and is also easily accessible from the car park. If you’re planning to visit Gibralfaro Castle, Parking Alcazaba is a sensible starting point, whether you plan to walk uphill, take public transport or use a taxi for the ascent.

Thanks to its central location and proximity to major landmarks, Parking Alcazaba is particularly well-suited for visitors who want to focus their sightseeing in one area without having to move the car during the day.

Malaga park-and-ride options

As you can see, there’s no shortage of underground parking in Malaga, but costs can add up if you’re staying for a full day. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives if you’re happy to combine parking with public transport.

Plaza Mayor + Cercanías

One of the best free parking options for those coming from the western Costa del Sol (Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Marbella, etc.) is Plaza Mayor, located beyond the airport.

Parking at this shopping village is free, and you can take the local Cercanías train directly into Malaga city centre (running every 20 minutes).

The journey takes around 17 minutes, with a return ticket costing roughly five euros per person.

Do note that the last train back from Malaga city departs at around 23:30, which is worth considering if you’re planning a late evening out.

Teatinos + Malaga Metro

Daryl Finch

Daryl is the co-founder of Malaga Guru. He is a copywriter, editor and translator who moved to Malaga over a decade ago, having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found this site in 2016.