Málaga is part of the community of Andalusia in southern Spain and is one of the oldest harbor cities in Europe with a rich history. The area where Málaga is located is also known as the Costa del Sol and is a popular holiday destination due to its beautiful weather with more than 300 days of sunshine. Málaga is a typical Andalusian city with around 600,000 inhabitants and is considered the economic capital of southern Spain, supported by its busy harbor and airport.
Take a ferry to Málaga in Spain for your holiday and enjoy this beautiful Andalusian city on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Here you can find useful information about Málaga and plan your trip to this city.
Looking to reach the southern coast of Spain by sea? Taking a ferry to Malaga is a scenic and relaxing way to arrive in this sun-soaked Andalusian city. Whether you're traveling from Spanish enclaves like Melilla or further afield, ferry connections to Malaga offer a unique alternative to flying, ideal for those bringing cars, luggage or seeking a more leisurely route into Spain.
Why take the ferry to Malaga?
Choosing a ferry to Malaga means:
- Bringing your car with you for a road trip through Spain
- Traveling with fewer luggage restrictions
- Enjoying coastal views and fresh air onboard
- A slower-paced, comfortable journey to southern Spain
- Pet-friendly options on many ferries
How to book ferry tickets to Malaga with goferry
Booking is easy with goferry:
- Choose your departure port and travel dates
- Compare ferry companies, schedules, and vessels
- Add passenger and vehicle details
- Select your preferred price option
- Pay securely and receive your confirmation instantly
Why book your ferry to Malaga with goferry?
- Easy-to-use booking platform
- Instant comparisons of schedules and prices
- Transparent fares, no hidden costs
- Trusted by thousands of ferry travelers
- Secure payment and instant confirmation
Useful tips for travelers
- Book early during holidays or summer to secure the best fares
- If traveling with a pet, double-check onboard policies and bring all required documents
- Arrive at the port at least 90 minutes before departure
- If bringing a car, ensure it's registered in the booking and follow loading crew instructions
- Bring snacks or meals if you’re sensitive to onboard food options
Ferries from/ to Málaga
Málaga Ferry Port
The port of Málaga, the oldest port in the country, is located in the heart of the city, close to Málaga Park on the Paseo del Parque and facilitates ferry connections to and from North Africa (depending on demand), the Balearic Islands (depending on demand) and other Mediterranean destinations such as Melilla.
The port is divided into two main areas, the passenger terminal for ferries and cruise ships and the commercial port which is used regularly for the transport of goods. The passenger terminal has all the necessary amenities for passengers, such as waiting areas, public toilets, restaurants, cafes and shops.
Passengers traveling to/from the port of Málaga can easily reach the terminal by public transport or by car via the Spanish highway.
Málaga to Melilla
- Route: Málaga - Melilla ( spanish city on the North African coast)
- Duration of sailing: 6- hours
- Frequency: 4-6 departures available per week
Transportation in Málaga
Getting around the city is really easy, as distances are short, most attractions are close to each other and the whole area is relatively flat. For bigger distances and surrounding areas and neighbors, attractions or beaches, Málaga has a variety of transport options: and a well connected transportation network:
- Metro: The metro system has two lines with the first line running from Andalusia Tech to El Perchel and the second line runs from Palacio de los Deportes to El Perchel
- Bus: There is also an extensive bus network that connects the neighborhoods of Málaga with main attractions, popular tourist spots and more distant locations
- Train: The local train service has 2 lines that connect the center with the airport and Fuengirola and the second line connects the center to Alora
- Cycling/walking: The city center is pedestrian friendly and Málaga has cycling lanes throughout the city and along the seafront. Also, many travelers prefer to rent bikes in order to explore the city as Málaga is quite flat and easy to navigate
What to do & see in Málaga
The history of Málaga dates back 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in Western Europe. Founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC, Málaga has always been a disputed territory due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, occupied by Romans, Carthaginians and Moors.
Today, Málaga is a popular tourist destination with plenty of culture and modern art, a lively and passionate atmosphere, sandy beaches and an ideal starting point for excursions to the north coast of Africa.
Málaga is not only a gateway to Costa del Sol but also an attractive destination that offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you prefer visiting museums, ancient monuments, art galleries and castles, attending festivals or relaxing at the beach, mingling with locals in local markets and savoring local food, the city embodies a rich combination of history, culture and modernity.
Here is a detailed list of what to see and do on this island:
- Roman Theatre: an ancient theater that dates back to the 1st century BC
- Picasso Museum : the famous artist Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga and the museum offers exhibitions of his works celebrating his life and deep connection to the city
- Málaga Cathedral: a beautiful Renaissance cathedral also known as “La Manquita” due to its unfinished tower
- Torcal de Antequera: an amazing nature reserve is in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range known for its unusual rock formations and beautiful wildflowers
- Castillo de Gibralfaro: a castle that was built during the 14th century to protect the fortress of Alcazaba
- Alcazaba: a fortress that was constructed in the 11th century to protect the city and the royal palace from invaders
- La Malagueta Bullring: a world class that hosts traditional bullfights from April to September
- Feria de Málaga: a local festival happening in August with local music, local dances and street performances
- Mercado de Atarazanas: an indoor food market located in an old shipyard
Food in Málaga
Málaga’s culinary scene has elements of both Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine with mouthwatering dishes and delights.
Here is a list of what to try:
- Jamon Iberico
- Ajo Blanco (cold almond soup)
- Málaga wine
- Torta malagueña ( almond cake)
- Gambas pil pil ( shrimps cooked in garlic, pepper and olive oil)
- Albóndigas con salsa de almendras ( meatballs with almond sauce)
- Berenjenas fritas con miel de caña ( fried eggplants)
Beaches in Málaga
Málaga, as the rest of Costa del Sol, has many beautiful beaches and coastal towns that cater to different tastes, from secluded beaches ideal for swimming to organized beaches with water sports and all types of amenities.
Here are some of the most popular beaches:
- Playa de la Malagueta
- Playa de la Caleta
- Playa de Pedregalejo
- Playa de las Acacias
- Playa del Palo
- Playa de la Misericordia
- Rincón de la Victoria
- Peñón del Cuervo
- Playa de los Álamos
FAQ about the ferry to Malaga
Is there a direct ferry to Malaga from mainland Spain?
No. The only active ferry route to Malaga departs from Melilla. You can reach Malaga by road after arriving in Almeria or Motril by ferry.
Which companies operate the ferry to Malaga?
Balearia and Naviera Armas are the main operators for the Melilla–Malaga route.
Are there overnight ferries to Malaga?
Yes, some ferries sail overnight, especially in high season. You can book a cabin for added comfort.
Can I change or cancel my ferry ticket?
Most tickets can be changed or canceled depending on fare type. Check goferry’s terms during booking.
How long is the ferry to Malaga?
The ferry trip from Melilla to Malaga typically takes between 6 and 7 hours, depending on the vessel and weather conditions. Fast ferries might shorten this slightly, while conventional ferries tend to take longer but offer more onboard amenities.
How far is Malaga by ferry?
From Melilla, the sea distance to Malaga is approximately 130 nautical miles (around 240 km).
How often do ferries run to Malaga?
Ferry frequency on the Melilla–Malaga route varies depending on the season:
- High season (summer): 5-6 weekly departures
- Low season (winter): 3-4 weekly sailings
Operators adjust schedules based on demand, so always check current availability on goferry.
