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Are thinking about coming to Malaga for this Easter? Well, it’s just around the corner!
This year, compared to last year, we have to wait 3 weeks less for our long-awaited spring break on the sunny Costa del Sol: This year, Holy Week in Malaga takes place from Sunday, March 29 to Sunday, April 5.
Start of the season on the Costa del Sol
The high season for flights to Malaga usually starts at the end of March. And, without a doubt, Easter is when the season kicks off on the Costa del Sol.
Practically all of our visitors live in much colder climates and wish to escape the still cooler temperatures and recharge their batteries after a long winter in the always warm Malaga sunshine.
Easter Weather in Malaga
You can expect sunny days mixed with some typical instability for this time of year. There are almost always a few light showers, but temperatures will be very mild, hovering above 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
In fact, as I write this article at the end of February, Malaga is already expecting its first episode of Terral wind. This is a very dry and warm wind that will bring temperatures of around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) during these days.
What should I pack?
Your suitcase for Easter in Malaga will contain a bit of everything: lightweight walking shoes, sandals, and a swimsuit if you want to hit the beach. As for clothing, you can pack one pair of trousers and one pair of shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, and a short-sleeved shirt. And a light raincoat is always a good idea, in case it gets windy or rains a bit.
And remember that the Malaga sun is very strong all year round. We recommend sunscreen, which you can buy there.
Things do at Easter in Malaga
Here are some ideas of what you can do at Easter in Malaga. These dates on the Costa del Sol are already ideal for enjoying a wide variety of outdoor activities:
- Discover charming corners, have the first beer in a beach bar to inaugurate the season. Or get your feet wet, sunbathe or even take a (cold) bath already.
- And last but not least, everything you need to know about the big date, the Holy Week in Malaga, one of the most important in Spain.
Spring in the city
If you’re an urbanite, you’re going to love the city of Malaga in spring. It’s a pleasure to stroll through its streets and squares and discover charming corners.
In case you didn’t know, Malaga is the Spanish city with the most museums in its old town. The beautiful Marina is also just a few metres from the centre.
However, by the way: If you come to Malaga just during Holy Week, be prepared for a very high number of visitors at all hours, day and night, due to the popular processions.
Countryside & Hiking
Only a few kilometres away from the bustling Costa del Sol, buildings and traffic we find a very different scenario. And even more so now, after a rainy winter, the countryside is beautiful.
You can take your rental car and simply drive along a secondary road into the interior of the province. There are a number of hiking trails where you can enjoy magnificent views.
Guadalhorce reservoir and El Chorro
One of the most popular places is the area of the Guadalhorce reservoir and El Chorro.
The famous Caminito del Rey is also located there. There are many signposted hiking trails, both around the reservoir and in the area. There are also plenty of roadside inns where you can refuel afterwards with exquisite local cuisine.
Ronda
Ronda is one of the most beautiful cities in Malaga, with its New Bridge that rises almost 100 metres above the Tagus.
Along the centuries many cultures that have passed through this ancient city, leaving their architectural and historical mark. There is much to discover on a pleasant stroll through its historic centre. And enjoy the spectacular views from its viewpoints.
Situated in the mountain ranges of the same name, the best time to visit Ronda is in spring or autumn when the landscape is tinged with colour.
Estepona
Situated on the westernmost Costa del Sol, Estepona is an open secret among the high-end tourism that prefers to remain unnoticed. The municipality has a wide range of five-star hotels and excellent golf courses.
And in recent years it has made a name for itself as the ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’. The streets and squares of the historic centre have been carefully decorated with hundreds of planters. Nowadays it is a real pleasure to enjoy a stroll through these corners, have a drink in the central square and watch life go by.
Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is one of the best known and most touristic white villages.
This is due on the one hand to its special charm. And on the other hand to its proximity to the coast, specifically to Fuengirola. Only 7 km away from this municipality Mijas Pueblo rises 400 metres above sea level like a natural balcony overlooking the coast.
You can park comfortably at the entrance of the village and discover it on foot. It is a nice excursion in a few hours and within short distance.
Easter Processions in Malaga 2026
As we mentioned, Easter Week in Malaga is one of the most important in Spain.
Therefore, every year it attracts a large number of the faithful throughout these days who follow the processions with fervour.
In Malaga alone, 45 processions take place during this week. The first one on Palm Sunday and the last one on Easter Sunday begin in the morning. The others have the peculiarity of starting in the afternoon and ending late at night or in teh early morning hours.
Between hundreds of bearers carrying the thrones that weigh tons, the scent of incense, the solemn music, the occasional devotional song from a balcony and the candles, you can imagine the great emotion that such a scene creates.
And all illuminated by the full moon. In case you didn’t know, Easter always takes place during a full moon: Easter Sunday is always celebrated on the Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (21 March).
The most outstanding processions
This video is a great example of the emotional and religiously fervent atmosphere that awaits you during the processions in Malaga. It’s something you have to see and feel at least once in your life, even if you’re not a believer.
- La Pollinica: This procession traditionally marks the beginning of Holy Week on Palm Sunday. It is known as the “children’s brotherhood” because of the large number of children who participate dressed as Hebrews and carrying palm branches. It is notable for being a family-friendly, joyful, and sunny procession.
- Cristo de los Gitanos: Held on Holy Monday, it is one of the most popular and beloved processions for the people of Malaga, standing out for its Andalusian atmosphere, singing, clapping and guitar playing.
- El Cautivo: Takes place on Holy Monday. It is one of the main highlights of Holy Week in Malaga, with more than 30,000 faithful accompanying the religious image on its route.
- La Sentencia: Traditionally takes place on Holy Tuesday. It is known for its solemnity, popular devotion and the monumental scale of its thrones. To give you an idea of the enormous weight of the thrones: they require approximately 250 bearers to lift them.
- El Rico: Held on Holy Wednesday, it is one of the most emblematic processions of Holy Week in Malaga, notable for the traditional release of a prisoner at the Plaza del Obispo.
- Los Legionarios: On the morning of Holy Thursday. It is notable for the military participation of the Legion, disembarking at 10 am in the port of Malaga.
- Servitas: The last Good Friday procession. Departs at 10:15 pm. It is notable for featuring a single figure of Mary dressed in mourning. The image is carried in silence, accompanied by a single drum, and the streetlights are turned off as it passes, with the figure illuminated only by candles.
Official route 2026
Each brotherhood departs from its respective church with their thone. However, they all share an official route through the centre of Malaga.
These key points are Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios, Calle Atarazanas, Alameda Principal and Malaga Cathedral.
- At this link you can find all the schedules & routes for Holy Week in Malaga 2026.
App for the Malaga Holy Week 2026
You can download the Ser Cofrade App which has geolocation of all the brotherhoods. You can follow their itinerary at any time and calculate the distance that separates you from each procession. Also available in English. For iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch) and Android devices.
Our tips
- It is preferable not to drive to the city centre in a private car. Although the central car parks are open, your car can be locked inside for many hours. The streets are closed during the processions from 4pm until late at night.
- The next option is the suburban train, which has a special timetable until the early hours of the morning during these dates. Be mentally prepared that this means of transport will also be crowded at all hours.
- So if you want to enjoy Easter in Malaga without stress, you can book a transfer with us. We will take you to and pick you up at the indicated time.
- We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes and taking a bottle of water with you. In the centre, the bars and cafés are equally crowded and you will probably have to queue to get a drink or go to the toilet.
