Whether you’re driving to Malaga or renting one locally, knowing where to park in Malaga on a budget is essential.
If you’re going to visit Malaga, it might be worthwhile renting a car. You’ll be able to explore the surrounding area of this beautiful Andalusian city, including the famous village of Ronda, chic Marbella and several white villages. Not to mention the most astonishing activity of your stay: the Caminito del Rey. Once known as the most dangerous road in the world, it has now been redeveloped. Not all of these places are accessible by public transport. However, Malaga is a large, dynamic and congested city. Parking in this Andalusian city is often a very complicated mission.
So you’ll probably be wondering where to park if you’re renting a car, or even if you’re driving to this destination with your own vehicle. Where can I find cheap parking in Malaga? Here’s our advice if you’re looking for parking in Malaga.
Parking in Malaga: paid parking
Photo credit: Flickr – Dave Pinter
In Malaga’s city center, as in many large cities, parking spaces are limited and often have to be paid for. This is mainly due to the fact that much of the city center is pedestrianized. However, if you wish, you can still drive into the heart of Malaga and find paid parking.
In the city center, you’ll find limited parking spaces with parking meters. These are often blue zones, where you have to pay from Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm, as well as on Saturday mornings. To keep costs down, it may be a good idea to go there between 2 and 5 pm. This is lunchtime for the Spanish. Places are plentiful and free.
On the other hand, at weekends and in the evenings, parking spaces are very much in demand, and finding a parking space in Malaga won’t be easy. You’re more likely to find a space in the morning.
Cheap parking in Malaga: Free parking in Malaga
Photo credit: Flickr – Alex Berger
Malaga has excellent public transport links. The metro connects the city center with suburban towns such as Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos. A good alternative is to stay in one of these towns, where you’ll find free parking everywhere.
It’s an ideal location, as it allows you to hit the road easily to discover the points of interest around Malaga. Basically, whether you’re staying 3 or 15 days in this region, a visit to Málaga is likely to occupy only one or two days at most.
Finally, if you’re looking for free parking in Malaga’s city center, one of the best solutions is to park on the other side of the river, which is within easy walking distance of the city’s points of interest. Paseo de los Martiricos,Avenida de Fatima and Calle Cerrojo, for example, often offer free parking spaces. It’s also possible to drive a little to find other free spaces in adjacent streets.
And don’t forget that many parking lots in downtown shopping centers are free for several hours at a time. This is an ideal opportunity if you’re looking to do some shopping. For parking in Malaga, you can choose between El Corte Ingles or Malaga Plaza, which offer free parking for two hours after a minimum purchase.
Parking in Malaga in a covered parking lot
There are several underground pay parking lots in Malaga. Rates usually range from €17 to €25 per day, and start at €2 per hour. Here is a list of parking garages in Malaga that are covered and well rated by users:
- Parking Alcazaba
- Parking Granados
- Parking Muelle Uno
- Camas parking lot
- Parking Alemania
- Parking Saba Estacion de Tren Malaga
Another type of parking in Malaga, well known to the locals, is on vacant lots. They are supervised by people who help you find a space. In return, they expect a few coins: from €2 to €6. But be careful to be generous, as these people will be responsible for looking after your car afterwards, and they don’t have a very good reputation with stingy visitors. However, this can be a good alternative, and will always be cheaper than public parking.
To reduce your budget, you can also reserve your parking space in advance. This will save you a few euros each time.