Málaga Airport is one of the busiest in Spain, and the surrounding area — straddling Málaga city and Torremolinos — has more to offer than most passengers realise. The Museo Aeronáutico sits directly beside the runway and is free to enter. Plaza Mayor Shopping Centre is a 5-minute drive with a multiplex cinema, outdoor playground, bowling, and 100+ shops. And Sould Park, opening summer 2026 beside Plaza Mayor, will be the largest indoor family entertainment centre in Andalusia.
For families with an early arrival or late departure, this cluster means you can fill 2–5 hours without driving into the city. The beaches of Torremolinos are also 10 minutes away — ideal for a last swim before heading to the terminal.
Best Places Near the Airport
All within 5–10 minutes of Málaga Airport by taxi
Museo Aeronáutico de Málaga
A specialist aviation museum near Málaga Airport — restored aircraft, flight simulators, and the history of Spanish aviation from the 1930s to the present, housed in the original 1948 terminal building.
Plaza Mayor Shopping Centre
Massive outlet mall 5 minutes from Málaga Airport with cinema, bowling, a children's playground and over 100 shops and restaurants.
Sould Park Málaga
Málaga's biggest indoor family amusement park — 24-lane bowling, roller coaster, trampolines and a 7D cinema, opening summer 2026 beside Plaza Mayor.
Getting There from the Terminal
Museo Aeronáutico
2 min walk
Free — follow signs from Terminal 3
Plaza Mayor
5 min by taxi
€8–10 · Bus line 75 also stops outside
Sould Park
5 min by taxi
€8–10 · Next door to Plaza Mayor
Torremolinos beach
10 min by taxi
€12–15 · Cercanías train also runs from airport
Also in the Area
Not in our database yet but worth knowing about
Kart & Fun Málaga
Activity · 5 minGo-kart circuit with an 840-metre track next to Plaza Mayor. Adult karts from €25, junior from €20. Open daily.
Torremolinos Beaches
Beach · 10 minPlaya de Bajondillo and Playa del Lido are clean, broad sandy beaches with sunbeds and chiringuitos. 10 minutes from the airport.
Bioparc Fuengirola
Family · 20 minAcclaimed zoo with African ecosystems and no cages — animals in naturalistic habitats. About 20 minutes south along the coast.
Torremolinos Old Town
Town · 10 minThe Calle San Miguel pedestrian street and La Nogalera square are good for a quick lunch and a walk before a late flight.
Layover Tips
- →Under 2 hours: Stick to the Museo Aeronáutico — it is walkable from Terminal 3 and free.
- →2–4 hours: Take a taxi to Plaza Mayor. Cinema, food, shopping, playground — everything in one place.
- →4–6 hours: Plaza Mayor + Kart & Fun next door, or Plaza Mayor + Torremolinos beach.
- →Half day or more: Head into Málaga city centre (20 min) or down to Fuengirola (20 min).
- →Luggage: Left luggage is available inside the terminal — leave bags before exploring.
Where to stay
Hotels in Málaga
Compare prices across hundreds of hotels near this attraction — from budget hostels to luxury stays. Free cancellation on most rooms.
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