Spending Easter in Malaga

One of the most popular events throughout the year that attracts a very high number of visitors is undoubtedly Easter in Malaga.

Variable in date between March and April, as it is governed by the lunar calendar, Semana Santa (the Easter Week) is also the official kick-off to the start of the season on the Costa del Sol.

Many people take advantage of these days to take a flight into the sun and escape the still freezing temperatures in Northern Europe.

Easter Malaga 2024

This year’s Semana Santa will take place especially early.

Easter in Malaga takes place from Sunday 24 March to 31 March 2024.

In the Nordic countries it is not unusual that at this time in March there is still a good snowfall, so surely more than one of you is crazy to escape the cold and take off your scarf and coat.

What the weather is usually like at Easter

The “coldest” month we have in Malaga is February with minimums of 8ºC and maximums of 18ºC on average.

After that, temperatures rise quickly to very pleasant values.

In March the weather is wonderfully spring-like and therefore also somewhat unstable. An occasional shower can still occur at this time and some days are windier.

But we assure you, for those of you coming from the north, this weather will be a treat.

Sunshine is guaranteed almost every day with an average daytime temperature of 20ºC, which on some days can even reach around 25ºC. The sun here is not just a shy spring sun, but shines brightly enough to wear short sleeves or even sunbathe on the beach.

Many locals take advantage of this time of year to “update” their tan.

The sea water is at its coldest at about 15ºC, but you can still see some brave and regulars swimming or taking a dip.

The evenings are still cool.

What to wear?

The onion principle is the most suitable. Short-sleeved T-shirts, some long-sleeved T-shirts. It is also a good idea to bring a mackintosh in your luggage, as historically there can happen showers.

Sandals are never a bad idea during the day, but at night you might still need closed shoes and socks.

Easter activities in Malaga

As mentioned before, Easter in Malaga marks the start of the season on the Costa del Sol.

Beach bars & Clubs

Along the 120 kilometres of coastline there are countless beach bars and beach clubs that open their doors again to welcome their customers.

And probably more than one of you will just want to “kick off your boots” and plop down on a deck chair (or a Balinese bed in the case of the beach clubs) and enjoy the dolce far niente. And frankly, why not? You deserve it!

Active tourism

Spring in Malaga is a delight and offers us endless possibilities to enjoy the outdoors. To give you some ideas:

• Discover the White Villages in the province.
• Wine tourism in Malaga, taste the wines with designation of origin.
• Active tourism and sports: Caving, climbing, Tibetan bridges, hanging bridges, zip lines, viewpoints, hiking trails, the coastal path, cycling, horse riding…
• Motorbike routes
• Visit The Nerja Cave

Easter Processions in Malaga

Holy Week in Malaga is considered one of the most important in Spain. Every year thousands of worshippers and tourists flock to this religious spectacle.

It is true that it is very well staged. Always accompanied by the full moon, the vast majority of the processions go on late into the night, illuminated by hundreds of candles, to the sound of drums and the smell of incense wafts through the streets.

Streets, which by the way, are packed with people. The late evening hours do not detract from the religious fervour.

Traditionally the Malaga Holy Week begins with the first procession called “La Pollínica” on Palm Sunday at 10:15 am and ends with “El Resucitado”, at 10 am on Easter Sunday.

There are many processions every day in the centre of Malaga, except on Saturday, when there are no processions.

Route of the processions in Malaga

Each brotherhood departs from its own church. However, they all have a common route that passes through the historic centre of the city, passing through the following points:

Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Larios, Calle Martínez, Calle Martínez, Atarazanas, Alameda Principal, Plaza de la Marina and Calle Molina Lario.

Transport & Tips for watching the processions in Malaga

If you want to survive this experience without trauma and stress, follow our tips.

• Don’t use your car to go to the centre. Although the central car parks are open, your car can be locked inside for many hours, as the streets are cut off during the processions (which is basically from 4 pm until late at night).
• When you go by suburban train (which has a special timetable throughout the night), be prepared for crowded trains.
• Which brings us to the next point: If you’re agoraphobic and crowds aren’t your thing, don’t go to Malaga, it’s madness.
• If you can leave the pram or your dog at home, all the better.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes.
• It wouldn’t hurt to take a bottle of water with you, because the bars and cafés are also packed with people and you might have to queue to get a drink (or go to the toilet).

Poor people’s tribune

At the beginning of Calle Carretería there are steps which are popularly known as the Tribuna de los pobres (the poor people’s tribune).

Historically, people who could not afford to buy a seat in the official grandstands used to sit on the steps there.

Nowadays, it is one of the most popular places to see the processiones, an authentic place to feel the popular fervour. However, you will have to go in good time to get a seat (standing, of course).