The 13 best Airbnbs in Málaga to live like a local on the Costa del Sol

You’ll need to travel up a steep 2km track wending through a woodland of Mediterranean oak, almond, olive and fig trees to get to this charming hill-top villa. It’s well worth the effort for the 360-degree panoramic views that stretch out across the mountain scenery. The house is pretty sweet, too. A former 18th-century wine press, it’s packed with high-beamed ceilings and huge windows. There’s also a swimming pool, huge terracotta wine vats sunk into the floor, and plenty of sun-soaked patios for alfresco feasts. 

Rooms? Five. Sleeps 14 guests. 
The mood? Mediterranian cottage core.  
Location perks? Stonking views, 200 hectares of mountainous farmland to explore, and a short drive away from Granada, Ronda, Antequera, Córdoba, Sevilla, El Torcal Natural Park and Málaga. 
Budget range? A treat stay, but more affordable with a group. 

Yes, you did book flights to Spain, but you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in southeast Asia at this Indonisian-style pile. The tropical garden and lagoon-esque swimming pool are immediate indicators that this is somewhere pretty unique. Inside you’ll find cavernous bamboo-lined rooms, thatch ceilings, Balinese beds, and pretty verandas. Look out for the infinity pool, indoor jacuzzi, waterfall and private white sand beach. Plus, the eco-conscious will be pleased to know the place is powered exclusively by solar panels and renewable energy.

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps up to six guests. 
The mood? Tropical paradise. 
Location perks? Gorgeous views of the sea and Malaga Bay.
Budget range? A blow-out stay. 

The on-trend interiors in this city-centre apartment come courtesy of renowned Spanish design brand Ana Locking. Every corner is accented with avant-garde art, intriguing textiles and the odd cactus. Start your day right by waking up in a snug King-size bed with Andalusian sunlight streaming through the striking arched windows. The perfect base for some city sightseeing, it’s just a stone’s throw from all Malaga’s must-see landmarks. 

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps four. 
The mood? Airy and modern with artisanal touches. 
Location perks? About as central as it’s possible to be in Málaga.
Budget range? More wallet-friendly, especially when spilt between family and friends. 

Do you know what penthouses mean? A big ol’ roof terrace with city-wide views to gaze at, and this suite in central Málaga has one solely at your disposal. Perfect for a couple’s getaway, the high-spec attic apartment is all clean lines, luxe furnishings and mod-cons. It’s right next to the main street Larios, so well positioned for sightseeing before whiling away an evening with a glass of wine on the sunny terrace. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Two guests. 
The mood? Luxe, prime real estate. 
Location perks? Bang in the city centre with panoramic views to boot.
Budget range? A treat, but still affordable for two. 

Okay, okay. So this holiday spot might not quite be in Málaga town (it’s roughly an hour’s drive away), but it’s worth going a little further afield for. Part Hobbit house, part Miami mansion, this striking villa is cut into the cliffs of Salobreña’s coast where a huge window in the kitchen/living area gives you dramatic panoramic views out to sea – there’s even inside seating at different levels so every guest can get an eyeful of stunning sight at once. 

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps up to six guests. 
The mood? Unique, jaw-dropping design.  
Location perks? The best sea view you could ask for without being on a yacht. 
Budget range? Expensive, but for good reason. 

On a clear day you can look straight across to the sparkling coasts of north Africa from this uber-luxe villa which boasts panoramas that stretch over the Andalucian mountains and out to the sea. When you’re not distracted by the stonking views you’ll have a whole host of luxuries at your finger-tips in this Marbella mansion from grand pianos and chandeliers to marbled bathrooms, a private gym, hot tub, home cinema, sauna and infinity pool. If you can bear to leave you’re just a 15-minute drive from the beach. 

Rooms? Five bedrooms. Sleeps up to 10 guests. 
The mood? High-end Hollywood luxury. 
Location perks? Stonking views and nearby beaches.  
Budget range? Extremely expensive luxury. 

White-washed walls and earthy furnishings give this Mediterranean townhouse a breezy, beachy vibe, which will hopefully get you in the mood for the seaside that’s just a short walk around the corner. Every attention to detail’s been thought of, including a shower in the pretty stone-walled courtyard garden so you can wash off all the beach sand before getting ready for an alfresco dinner. 

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps up to four guests. 
The mood? Easy, breezy beach house. 
Location perks? It’s just a short walk to the gorgeous beaches of Pedregalejo.  
Budget range? Moderately-priced. Ideal for families. 

Packed with traditional charm laced with a modern edge, this apartment nestled down a quiet lane in downtown Málaga is the perfect base for an Andalusian adventure. From the intricate mosaic tiles and high wooden ceilings to the restored original wooden balconies, you’ll be immersed in old-school Spanish aesthetics but with plenty of mod-cons for a comfortable stay. It’s a quaint little stay for couples wanting to discover Málaga on foot. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps up to two guests. 
The mood? Quaint, traditional couples retreat.   
Location perks? The famous Thyssen Museum and Picasso Museum are just a few minutes away but this place is tucked down a quiet street so you won’t hear the hustle and bustle from the city. 
Budget range? A moderately-priced stay. 

The former fishing town turned trendy district of Playa de Pedregalejo is famous for its quaint fishing cottages, which provide a lush backdrop to its golden sandy beaches. This one’s been turned into a charming holiday home, perfect for families. Behind the white walls and heavy oak front door you’ll find, rustic beamed ceilings, rough stone walls, cute copper basins, and a little courtyard – all renovated to a high-spec while keeping the old school character. The place also comes with two bikes, to aid you on your adventures. 

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps up to five guests. 
The mood? Sweet little cottage right by the beach. 
Location perks? The seaside is just around the corner and central Málaga is just a short drive (or cycle) away.  
Budget range? An affordable family option. 

At first look, it appears that very little has changed at Villa Acasia since the late 1800s. Nineteenth-century murals still cover the walls, gorgeous patterned tiles fill the floors and walnut antique furniture fills the rooms. The villa has been owned by the same family since 1907 and they’ve lovingly taken care of the place, maintaining all the beautiful original features while adding inobtrusive mod-cons. The result is something truly magical. The charm is elevated by the lovingly considerate hosts and the friendly gardener, who’s been known to gift fresh vegetables to guests. 

Rooms? Five bedrooms. Sleeps up to nine guests. 
The mood? A magical historic gem. 
Location perks? Surrounded by a beautiful garden, you’re close to all the sights and sounds of El Palo village.  
Budget range? A moderately-priced spot for families or groups of friends. 

Each room in this plush villa looks straight out of a glossy spread in Elle Decoration. Sculptural light fittings and minimalist furnishings fill the rooms, while each of the lavish bedrooms has its own swanky bathroom with high-spec fixtures and fittings. The real joy of Villa Jo, however, is outside, where you’ll find rustic terraces perfect for alfresco meals, outdoor bars and pizza ovens, and a decent-sized outdoor pool, all accentuated with traditional Meditterian tiles. This is a spot for big get-togethers and hen parties. 

Rooms? 10 bedrooms. Sleeps up to 15 guests.  
The mood? A swanky spot to stay with friends.  
Location perks? In trendy Pedregalejo, this pile is right by the beach as well as buzzing shops and restaurants.   
Budget range? On the pricier side, but more affordable for large groups. 

Modern Mediterranean chic is the vibe of this cosy attic studio nestled on a quiet lane in Málaga’s historic district. It’s a serene spot with a blue-marbled bathroom and cool, calming interiors. Book for the perfect hideaway after a day soaking up the sun or walking around all of the city’s main attractions, which are just a stone’s throw from your door. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps up to two adults and one child. 
The mood? Cosy attic hideaway. 
Location perks? Bang in the centre of things. Four minutes walk from the main street Calle Larios and 15 minutes walk from the central beach La Malagueta.  
Budget range? Great value. 

Cool and sophisticated, this compact studio apartment is all clean white walls, rustic bricks and beamed ceilings. Despite its size, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay from a perfectly-proportioned kitchenette to a cocoon-like loft bed. It’s the perfect base to scope out the city. Plus, with a host who is born and raised in Málaga, you’ll be drowning in great recommendations to discover. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps up to three. 
The mood? Cute, compact and classy. 
Location perks? On the fringes of Málaga’s centre, you get all the perks of being in the city without all the chaos.  
Budget range? Extremely affordable.