Finding where to park in Málaga can be challenging, especially in central and tourist areas. However, there are some zones where parking is free, although they require planning and knowing the best times to find a spot.
Below, we provide the best areas for free parking in Málaga and some useful tips to optimize your search.
- Avenida de la Paloma and Huelin: This residential neighborhood, close to the beach and the center, offers several streets and avenues with free parking, though it can sometimes be busy. If you visit Huelin, try parking early in the morning or in the afternoon.
- Martiricos: Near La Rosaleda stadium, you’ll find several streets with free parking. This area is a bit farther from the center but well-connected. It’s a good option if you plan to visit the historic center without taking your car. Parking here is ideal on weekends.
- Teatinos: Around the Teatinos university campus, there are residential streets with free parking. Though it’s further from the center, it’s ideal for those looking for a cost-effective option without time restrictions. From here, you can take the metro.
- Carretera de Cádiz: In this residential area along Carretera de Cádiz, you can find free street parking on side streets. It offers good access to public transportation to reach the center. Early morning or after noon are usually the best times to find a spot.
- Hospital Civil Area: In the area surrounding Hospital Civil, north of the center, there are streets with free parking spaces. This area is closer to the center, and it’s about a 20-minute walk. It can be busy on weekdays due to traffic heading to the hospital.
Where to Park in Málaga: Parking Lots in the City Center
Without a doubt, if you’re looking for where to park in Málaga and also want convenience and security, the center’s parking lots are the ideal choice. There are several options strategically located near the main tourist attractions.
In our Free Tour of Málaga, visitors often ask us where they can park right in the historic center. That’s why we’re providing a list of the most recommended parking lots, with information on their locations, prices, and additional services like security and spaces for electric cars.
Parking Plaza de la Marina
- Location: Right in the heart of Málaga, in Plaza de la Marina, just steps away from Calle Larios and the Port of Málaga.
- Services: 24-hour security, spaces for electric cars, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility. It also has restrooms and elevators for easy access.
- Approximate Price: 2-3 €/hour.
- Recommendation: This is one of the most convenient parking lots if you want to explore the historic center, Muelle Uno, and the Málaga Cathedral. Its location allows you to move easily between the main attractions.
Parking Avenida Andalucía (El Corte Inglés)
- Location: On Avenida Andalucía, next to El Corte Inglés, just a few minutes’ walk from the historic center.
- Services: Security, direct access to the shopping center, spaces for electric cars, and multiple floors with large parking capacity.
- Approximate Price: 2 €/hour, with special rates for long stays and shopping center customers.
- Recommendation: This parking lot is ideal for those who want to shop at El Corte Inglés and visit the center. Additionally, its long-stay rates make it convenient if you plan to stay for several hours.
Parking Camas
- Location: Calle Camas, near the Atarazanas Central Market and a few minutes’ walk from Calle Larios.
- Services: 24-hour security, automatic payment, and large spaces.
- Approximate Price: 2 €/hour, with discounts for half-day stays.
- Recommendation: An ideal option for those who want to visit the market and the shopping area in the center. This parking lot is also a good choice for those looking to explore the culinary offerings around Atarazanas.
Parking Cervantes
- Location: Next to the Cervantes Theater, on Calle Ramos Marín, just minutes from Plaza de la Merced and the Picasso Museum.
- Services: Security and surveillance system, spaces for electric cars, and accessibility facilities.
- Approximate Price: 2.20 €/hour.
- Recommendation: This parking lot is convenient if you plan to visit the Cervantes Theater, the Picasso Museum, or enjoy nightlife. Additionally, its location makes it an ideal option for attending events and shows at the theater.
Parking Alcazaba
- Location: Located on Paseo de Reding, right below the Alcazaba and near the Málaga Museum and the Cathedral.
- Services: 24-hour security, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and spaces for electric cars.
- Approximate Price: 2.40 €/hour.
- Recommendation: The best option if you want to visit the Alcazaba, the Roman Theater, or the Málaga Museum. This parking lot is ideal for those seeking a central location and looking to enjoy a day of cultural tourism in the city.
Parking Muelle Uno
- Location: Located in the Muelle Uno shopping center, by the port and just a few minutes from La Malagueta Beach.
- Services: Security, spaces for electric cars, and direct access to the shopping center and port restaurants.
- Approximate Price: 2 €/hour.
- Recommendation: This parking lot is perfect if you want to enjoy a walk along the port, shop, or dine at the Muelle Uno restaurants. It’s also a convenient option if you plan to visit La Malagueta Beach.
Tips for parking in the center of Málaga
- Advance Reservations: Some parking lots allow advance booking, which guarantees availability during peak hours.
- Discounts and Special Rates: Check if there are discounts for long stays or special rates during events.
- Schedules and Availability: Although most of these parking lots are open 24 hours, planning ahead is essential during holidays and weekends.
With this selection of parking options in the center of Málaga, you’ll be able to find the one that best suits your needs.
Where to Park in Málaga Near the Beach
Finding where to park in Málaga near the beach is essential if you plan to enjoy a stress-free day. It’s not an easy task, but here are the best options depending on the beach you want to visit.
Parking in La Malagueta
- Free Zones: While free parking is limited in this area, you can find some spaces around Plaza de Toros and Paseo de Sancha. Arrive early, especially in high season, as these spots fill up quickly.
- Paid Parking: The Muelle Uno Parking, located at the port and just a short walk from La Malagueta Beach, is a very convenient option. You can also choose Plaza de Toros Parking, located right behind the beach.
- Best Time to Park: Weekdays and early mornings are the best times to find free parking. On weekends and in summer, it’s recommended to use paid parking to avoid long waits.
Parking in Pedregalejo
- Free Zones: In the neighborhood of Pedregalejo, you can find free parking on streets surrounding the beach, such as along the El Palo Promenade or Avenida Juan Sebastián Elcano. These streets can get busy, so arriving early is key to securing a spot.
- Paid Parking: Although Pedregalejo doesn’t have large parking lots, some restaurants and beach bars offer parking spaces for customers, often at a reduced cost or free with consumption.
- Best Time to Park: Early mornings and weekday afternoons are the optimal times to find parking. During summer and on weekends, Pedregalejo is very popular with locals, so parking can be more challenging.
El Palo
- Free Zones: El Palo has several streets where free parking is available, especially around Paseo de las Acacias and Avenida Salvador Allende.
- Paid Parking: While parking options are limited in El Palo, some beach bars and beachside eateries offer parking for customers. Private parking options can also be found in residential areas, particularly during high season.
- Best Time to Park: During the day, free spaces fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to arrive early or after midday.
Playa de la Misericordia
- Free Zones: Playa de la Misericordia, a favorite among locals and tourists, has several streets with free parking, especially around the Huelin neighborhood. Streets close to Parque del Oeste and Paseo Marítimo Antonio Banderas often offer free spaces, although these fill up quickly.
- Paid Parking: You can park in the Vialia Shopping Center Parking, which, although a bit farther away, allows quick access to the beach on foot.
- Best Time to Park: Weekdays and early mornings offer the best chances for finding free parking.
Consider using public transportation. If you can’t find parking at your preferred beach, try parking in residential areas with good connections to the beach. Málaga’s bus and metro network is efficient and provides quick access to the main beaches.
Note that some streets have parking restrictions or are subject to zonal regulations. Be sure to read the signs and avoid areas with restricted parking.
Where to Park in Málaga for Free: Alternatives to the Historic Center
If you’re looking for free parking in Málaga, it’s best to avoid the center. This area is very congested, especially during peak hours or in high season. However, there are areas on the outskirts where you can find free parking with easy access to the center via public transport.
Below, we show you some of the best free parking areas outside the center, along with recommendations on how to get around.
Teatinos: Free Parking with Direct Access to the Center
Teatinos is a university and residential neighborhood west of Málaga, with many streets and areas offering free parking. Here, you can easily find parking in residential areas, especially on streets close to the University of Málaga campus.
From Teatinos, you can reach the center easily by using Málaga’s metro. The “Andalucía Tech” and “Ciudad de la Justicia” stations connect directly to the center in just a few minutes.
This is a good spot to leave your car if you plan to spend the day in the center, as the metro is fast and accessible. Additionally, parking in Teatinos is an ideal option if you want to avoid the traffic and parking costs in the center.
Ciudad Jardín
Ciudad Jardín is a residential area north of Málaga, where free parking is available on many streets. This neighborhood is a bit farther from the tourist areas, making it quieter.
From Ciudad Jardín, bus line 2 takes you directly to the center in about 15-20 minutes.
If you prefer parking in a residential, less crowded area, Ciudad Jardín is a good alternative. You can also enjoy a walk through the neighborhood or its parks before heading downtown.
Carretera de Cádiz
South of Málaga, along Carretera de Cádiz and its surrounding areas, there are residential zones with several free parking options. It’s an accessible area, though it may be busy during working hours.
Bus line 7 and the Málaga metro (stations “La Luz – La Paz” and “El Torcal”) connect this area with the center.
Parking here is convenient if you’re looking to leave your car in an area with easy access to the metro or bus.
Parque del Oeste and Huelin
In the Huelin area near Parque del Oeste, west of the center, you’ll find residential streets with free parking. This area is also close to Playa de la Misericordia, making it ideal if you want to enjoy the beach before heading downtown.
Bus lines 3 and 16 will take you from Huelin to the center of Málaga in no time.
This option is excellent if you want to combine a beach day with a visit to the historic center without spending on parking.
These free parking zones offer convenient alternatives to avoid the hustle and bustle of the center and enjoy Málaga without worrying about parking. You can easily connect to public transportation and explore the city at your own pace.
Long-Stay Parking in Málaga
If you’re looking for where to park in Málaga for several days and want to avoid the stress of daily parking, this is your option. Long-stay parking lots offer reduced rates for extended stays, as well as additional services like 24-hour security.
Here are some of the best options, with details on prices and services so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Parking Plaza de la Marina
- Location: Right in the center of Málaga, at Plaza de la Marina, just steps away from major tourist attractions and Calle Larios.
- Long-Stay Rates: Offers special rates for stays longer than 3 days, with prices starting at approximately 15 € per day.
- Additional Services: 24-hour security, surveillance cameras, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility. It also offers an online reservation service.
- Recommendation: This parking lot is ideal if you plan to explore the center of Málaga on foot and want your car in a secure, central location.
Málaga Airport Long-Stay Parking (P3)
- Location: Near Málaga Airport, with easy access to the city via commuter train or buses.
- Long-Stay Rates: Reduced rates for extended stays, with prices starting at 8-10 € per day for longer stays.
- Additional Services: 24/7 surveillance, free airport shuttle, covered spaces, and online booking system.
- Recommendation: This parking is excellent if you plan to leave your car near the airport and travel to Málaga’s center via public transportation.
Parking Muelle Uno
- Location: Located in Málaga’s port, next to the Muelle Uno shopping center and close to La Malagueta Beach.
- Long-Stay Rates: Offers long-stay rates starting at 20 € per day, with progressive discounts for stays longer than a week.
- Additional Services: 24-hour security, surveillance cameras, and easy access to Muelle Uno’s shops and restaurants.
- Recommendation: Ideal for those looking for a secure and convenient spot close to the center and the beach. From here, you can easily walk to the historic center and enjoy the port.
Parking at Larios Shopping Center
- Location: In the Larios Shopping Center, just a short distance from the city center.
- Long-Stay Rates: Offers economical long-stay prices starting at 15 € per day, with special discounts for long-term customers.
- Additional Services: Surveillance cameras, direct access to the shopping center, spaces for electric cars, and multiple levels of parking.
- Recommendation: This parking lot is an excellent option if you need to shop or access stores and services. It’s also well-connected to the center via public transportation.
Parking Cervantes
- Location: In the center of Málaga, next to Cervantes Theater and Plaza de la Merced.
- Long-Stay Rates: This parking offers long-stay rates, with prices starting at 18 € per day, with discounts for extended stays.
- Additional Services: 24-hour security, surveillance cameras, and convenient pedestrian access to Málaga’s old town.
- Recommendation: Ideal for those who want to be close to attractions like the Cervantes Theater, the Picasso Museum, and nightlife at Plaza de la Merced. Its central location allows you to walk to the main tourist areas.