3 Relaxing Beach Towns in Spain To Add to Your Travel List in 2025

Spain is an incredible destination for an experiential and affordable holiday. Madrid and Barcelona, the largest cities in Spain with major air service, might be the first cities that come to mind when planning a trip.

If you’d like to visit a few new destinations in Spain, I highly recommend the 3 great options I’ll share with you today. Alicante, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca are 3 relaxing seaside Spanish cities to consider adding to your travel list. Fortunately, with miles and points, it can be easy to plan affordable getaways.

In this article, I’ll share ideas for getting to Spain using miles, basic information about each destination, where to stay using hotel loyalty points, some suggestions of things to do, and foods to try.

Getting There

Spain is easy to reach using points and miles. All the major airline alliances offer flights, creating competition and offering good value for travelers.

The Upgraded Points team has several creative ideas for using miles to fly to Spain. It’s possible to use points and miles to get to our featured cities, but you may need to book a separate ticket from one of the major hubs (consider one of Europe’s low-cost carriers!).

• Redeem 22,500 American AAdvantage miles for American off-peak economy round-trip or 57,500 miles in business from the U.S. to Barcelona (BCN) or Madrid (MAD)
• Redeem 30,000 Virgin Points for Delta economy one-way or 47,500 points in business from Atlanta (ATL) or New York (JFK) to Barcelona (BCN) or Madrid (MAD)
• Redeem 34,000 British Airways The Club Avios for Iberia business one-way from Boston (BOS) to Madrid (MAD) or 51,000 Avios from Los Angeles (LAX) to Madrid (MAD)
• Redeem from 40,000 United MileagePlus miles for United economy one-way or 88,000 miles in business from Newark (EWR) to Malaga (AGP) or Palma de Mallorca (PMI)

As with many award flight bookings, you may find the best availability more than 6 months out or close to your desired departure date. Flights will also incur taxes and fees in addition to the miles prices mentioned above.

Hot Tip:

Read our in-depth article for step-by-step instructions on booking flights to Spain using points and miles, including the options listed above.

You can transfer flexible points earned on travel rewards cards to airline partners and redeem them for award tickets. For this reason (and many more), The Platinum Card^® from American Express is one of our favorites.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Alicante

There’s an intense debate among travelers about which city is best, Alicante or Malaga. Alicante is located along Spain’s Costa Blanca, while Malaga is along the Costa del Sol. Each has a different personality, but both are popular resort destinations for European travelers.

We’ll discuss Malaga later in the article, but first, here’s some information on why you should consider visiting Alicante.

You can reach Alicante by flying from Barcelona (BCN) or Madrid (MAD) or taking the approximately 2.5-hour train ride from Madrid. KLM also connects to Alicante via Amsterdam (AMS). Once there, your chances of pleasant weather are high, with more than 300 days of sunshine each year. The great weather makes Alicante the perfect city for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

The city is affordable and great for families, with several beaches, parks, gardens, museums, castles, and other attractions. Learn more about the city and local transportation at Alicante’s tourism site.

Lodging You Can Book in Alicante With Hotel Loyalty Points

While there are limited options for using hotel loyalty points for lodging in Alicante, the choices are pretty affordable.

Marriott

The AC Hotel Alicante is about a 20-minute walk from the city center. It has a lovely rooftop pool, sauna, and hot tub with a view. While the area is a bit industrial, the hotel is affordable, stylish, and comfortable. It is close to the central bus station and less than 15 minutes from the airport. You can book rooms from 11,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton

Casa Alberola Alicante, Curio Collection by Hilton, is centrally located near Alicante harbor and the promenade, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. Some rooms in the neoclassical building have sea-view balconies. The hotel is for adults only, 18 years and up. Rooms start at 37,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hot Tip:

When using hotel loyalty points, maximize your reward nights by getting a fourth or fifth night free! Marriott Bonvoy members and Hilton Honors members who have elite status, booking 5 consecutive award nights, receive the fifth night free. Select IHG credit cardholders receive the fourth night free when booking consecutive award nights.

Things To Do

Alicante’s seaside location and sunny climate are perfect for outdoor enjoyment. Here are a few ideas for things to do in and around the city.

• Santa Barbara Castle — Take the lift to the castle entrance, explore independently, or book a tour. Tours provide access to the old dungeons, cistern, and hospital. The castle is also the host venue for culinary, craft beer, and wine experiences.
• Walk the promenade — The beautiful promenade runs adjacent to the city’s port. It’s a lovely, mostly shaded stroll that is great for seeing the city and people-watching.
• Hit the beaches — Alicante is known for having some of the best beaches along the Mediterranean.
• Parks and gardens — Alicante has plenty of green spaces. Seaside El Palmeral Park, for example, is rich in tropical vegetation and has over 7,000 palm trees, a boating lake, and a waterfall.
• Tabarca Island — A pleasant 1-hour journey offshore, Tabarca Island is a marine preserve where you can snorkel, enjoy the beaches, and explore the rocky coves. Have a traditional lunch of caldero, a rice and fish dish that is an island specialty.

Hot Tip:

There are lots of guided tours in Alicante to choose from, including cooking classes, wine tours, and historical tours.

Food To Try

Alicante has over a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants and is one of Spain’s gastronomic capitals. The city celebrates its fame with several food-themed events each year.

The prominence of casual dining also contributes to its reputation as a foodie city.

• Tapas — You’ll find tapas bars everywhere in Alicante. Each is slightly different, but it’s typical to have a server walk about with a fresh assortment of tapas from the kitchen while you sip your drink. Grab the ones you prefer, and when you’re ready to leave, they’ll count up the serving boards. Some establishments have a tapas menu or a case displaying tapas choices.
• La Taberna Del Gourmet — This wine bar is a great spot to stop for a glass of wine along the esplanade. It also serves up some of the best small plates in Alicante.
• Restaurante El Buen Comer — Casual dining with every type of seafood you could want for reasonable prices.

It wouldn’t make sense to visit a foodie city without a card that earns rewards for purchases at restaurants worldwide. I use my American Express^® Gold Card for dining in Alicante so I can earn 4x Membership Rewards points on up to $50,000 in annual purchases, then 1x points.

BEST FOR DINING

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American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

Palma de Mallorca

Mallorca is an island off the coast of Spain, and Palma de Mallorca is its largest city. While Palma has all the big-city amenities, its history, culture, architecture, beaches, and culinary scene make it a prime vacation destination.

You’ll want to roam around Old Town, tour the Gothic cathedrals, cycle along the seaside, and walk the promenade. The beaches are close and one of the draws for vacationers here.

Palma de Mallorca is also an excellent base for exploring the rest of the island.

For more information on visiting, check out the Palma de Mallorca tourism site.

Lodging You Can Book in Palma de Mallorca With Hotel Loyalty Points

There are numerous options for booking hotels using hotel loyalty points on the island. The following is not a complete list, just a sampling of properties available from major hotel brands.

Marriott

The AC Hotel Ciutat de Palma was my base the last time I visited Palma de Mallorca. The hotel is just 15 minutes from the airport and less than a 5-minute walk to the harbor. It’s not luxurious, but I found the hotel very comfortable and a good value. Rooms are available from 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The first golf resort on the island, Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel, is a good option for families and golf enthusiasts. The 5-star resort is just 10 minutes outside of Palma. Rates start at 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Nobis Hotel Palma and the Concepcio by Nobis, Palma, are members of Design Hotels. They offer boutique-style elegance in historical settings in Palma’s Old Town. With less than 70 rooms between them, you will have a unique experience. You can book rooms from 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton

The Hilton Mallorca Galatzo is about a 20-minute drive outside Palma. This contemporary resort may be a good option for using the $200 Hilton resort credit. Standard rooms start at 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hyatt

You can use your World of Hyatt points to book a room at one of several Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels in Palma de Mallorca and the surrounding areas. Posada Terra Santa is a former manor house turned boutique hotel tucked away in the cobblestone streets of Palma’s Old Town. Rates start at 22,000 World of Hyatt points.

Another historic hotel option in Palma’s Old Town is the Puro Grand Hotel. Portions of the hotel’s structure date back to the 12th century. Enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets when you walk out the door. You can book rooms from 28,000 World of Hyatt points.

Additional Hyatt hotel options in Palma that you can book using World of Hyatt points include the Can Bordoy, Portella, and the adults-only Palma Riad.

IHG

Although not located in the city center, IHG’s relationship with Iberostar allows members to book several Iberostar resorts with IHG One Rewards points.

The Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma, Iberostar Waves Cristina, and Iberostar Selection​ Playa de Palma are a few examples. Rates vary.

Hot Tip:

One of the best ways to experience Palma de Mallorca is to take advantage of the unique Hyatt properties in the city’s Old Town. Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt at 1:1 could yield significant value when booking Palma properties.

One of our favorite cards for earning flexible Ultimate Rewards points is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. It has a lower annual fee than most premium travel rewards cards yet offers outsized benefits and travel insurance.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

Things To Do

Although Palma de Mallorca is on an island, there is no lack of adventure, exploration, and relaxation activities.

• Bellver Castle — For one of the best views in the city, take a taxi or bus, or use the Hop On/Hop Off bus to reach the 14th-century castle.
• Cathedral de Santa María — Don’t miss this incredible structure and the surrounding Jewish Quarter. Construction for the church, also known as Palma Cathedral, started with King James in 1229. If you buy your ticket in advance, you can skip the lines.
• Mercat de Santa Catalina — This market has everything. Have a coffee, explore the colorful produce, and enjoy local tapas.
• La Fundació Miró Mallorca — Visit the museum, former home, and studio of Joan Miró. Art lovers will have the unique experience of viewing his studio as if he had just left the room.
• Historic train to Sóller — The rare 1912 narrow-gauge railway train takes you directly from Palma through the Mallorcan countryside to Sóller. The ride takes about an hour to reach Sóller. Once there, a 20-minute tram ride takes you to Port Sóller. It’s a fabulous day trip.
• Caves of Ham and Drach Caves — These dramatic cave structures are just an hour from Palma. Enjoy stalactites, stalagmites, a light show, an underground lake, and more. You can easily book day trips to the caves on Viator.
• Shop for pearls — Artisanal Majorcan pearls are high-quality man-made pearls with the aesthetics and durability of genuine pearls. Thus, they are of excellent value.

Hot Tip:

You can book these Palma de Mallorca tours (and more) on Viator.

Food To Try

There are so many delicious food choices in Palma de Mallorca that you’ll want to try them all. Here are just a few options you should not miss.

• Seafood — When by the sea, you can’t go wrong ordering your favorite seafood. Restaurante Casa Julio, La Botana, and Restaurante La Parada Del Mar are a few to try, but chances are there will be a gem near your hotel.
• Sausages and meats — Besides fish, sobrassada (a spreadable cured sausage) and bottifarron (a fried blood sausage) are staples of Palma cuisine. Pork is also served everywhere in Palma.
• Vegetable flatbread — Coca Mallorquina has a pizza-like base covered with seasonal vegetables, then baked. It can be served as tapas or as a meal, and it can be hot or cold, but it is always delicious.
• Pastries — Be sure to stop at a local bakery (there are many) and try the local ensaimada pastry. It’s flaky, sweet, and will melt in your mouth, but anything you select will be tasty.
• Tapas — All the featured cities in this article are great for trying tapas, a Spanish tradition. Palma is no exception, with limitless options.

Malaga

Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nestled seaside on the Costa del Sol, it enjoys over 300 days of sunshine.

Whether walking the waterfront promenade, spending a day at the beach, visiting medieval fortresses and castles, or sailing around the harbor, Malaga is more than just a sunny retreat.

Staying in the city’s historic center provides access to museums, pedestrian walkways, cathedrals, the fortress of Alcazaba, central markets, and more. Plus, there are endless restaurants and shopping.

Lodging You Can Book in Malaga With Hotel Loyalty Points

All the major hotel chains have properties in Malaga, making it easy to book lodging using hotel program loyalty points.

Marriott

The AC Hotel Malaga Palacio was my base when visiting Malaga. Its location is perfect, central to all the city sights, and its rooftop pool and bar offer the best views in the city. The hotel is lovely. Rooms start at 28,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton

Palacio Solecio, an SLH Hotel, in Malaga’s Old Town, is a former palace that offers guests a luxury experience. Standard rooms start at 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Hilton Garden Inn Malaga is convenient to the metro station, beaches, and restaurants. Book rooms from 25,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

About a kilometer outside the city center, the newer Hampton by Hilton Malaga Martiricos has convenient access to the A-45 expressway. You can book rooms from 27,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hyatt

The AluaSoul Costa Malaga is about 30 minutes outside Malaga and just 10 minutes from the airport. This adults-only resort in Torremolinos combines relaxation with access to entertainment and activities nearby. Off-peak rates start at 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

IHG

Staybridge Suites Malaga is a newer hotel just a 15-minute walk from the city center. Stays include breakfast, free laundry facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, and social events. Book rooms starting at 20,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

The Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport is convenient for an early morning flight or late arrival. The room rate includes continental breakfast, and bus line A takes you directly to/from Malaga Old Town. You can book rooms from 16,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

Some of the hotels mentioned in this article are Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) and The Hotel Collection properties. Amex Platinum card members can use the card’s up to $200 annual hotel credit toward lodging and receive luxury benefits, including a $100 experience credit, room upgrades, complimentary Wi-Fi, early check-in, and late checkout. FHR properties also include a complimentary breakfast for 2. The Hotel Collection requires a stay of 2 nights or more.

Things To Do

You might come to Malaga to bask in the sun, but plenty of activities will keep you busy.

• Alcazaba — This fortified Arab palace is a must-visit to learn of Malaga’s Muslim past. You can book a guided walking tour to experience some of the city’s best views, relax in its gardens, and marvel at the architecture.
• Arabian baths — There’s nothing more relaxing than a luxury session at Hammam Al Ándalus in Malaga’s historic center. Sip mint tea while enjoying a steam bath, gaze at the ancient walls, and end with a massage.
• Picasso Museum — Celebrate his birthplace by learning about the life and work of this famous artist. The walk to the museum is lovely; don’t forget to stop and sit at a cafe along the way. You can book skip-the-line tickets online.
• Beaches — Visit La Malagueta or La Caleta beach in the city center or check out more than a dozen nearby.
• Churches — The churches in Malaga are spectacular. Don’t miss Malaga Cathedral, but take some time to explore these additional religious structures.
• Gibralfaro Castle — This popular 14th-century castle sits at the top of the hill overlooking Malaga. Don’t try to hike there during summer; there are heat stroke warnings. Instead, take a city bus or the hop-on/hop-off bus, which stops there.

Malaga has many attractions, but it’s also a city for relaxing. The Malaga tourism site provides additional information for planning a visit, and you can book lots of fun guided tours on Viator.

Food To Try

Malaga serves Spanish food in a big way. Because the city is by the sea, seafood is a large part of its cuisine, but there’s so much more. Here are some foods to try in Malaga, Spain.

• Paella — Finding a good paella in Malaga is simple. Canela Fina restaurant’s version gets good reviews, but restaurants throughout the city serve the dish. Ask your hotel for a restaurant near you that serves the best paella. Allow at least 30 minutes for preparation wherever you go.
• Seafood — Once again, the sea provides the best choice for a meal in Malaga. Try Santiago Sedeño Inn, a family-owned restaurant serving traditional Malaga cuisine, including fresh seafood. For a starter, try boquerones (marinated or fried anchovies).
• Iberian meats — Every breakfast will include an assortment of Iberian ham, sausages, and traditional cold cuts, so be sure to try them.
• Tortilla de patatas — This traditional Spanish dish is found throughout Spain. It’s potato and egg omelet, but it’s heavy on the potatoes. It can be served warm or cold.

Hot Tip:

Want to try it all? Take a half-day tour of Malaga’s street and market food or a wine and tapas tour.

Final Thoughts

I fell in love with Spain’s southern coast and its cities. If you want good value, a unique experience, and a destination you’ll want to return to, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga tick all the boxes. Of course, there are also over 300 days of sunshine.

No matter which city you choose, booking lodging with hotel loyalty points can offset the cost of your visit. Once there, you’ll find affordable activities and food options. And, oh, the food is so good.

Visiting during the shoulder seasons can provide the best value, and the summer European tourists will not yet have descended on any of these cities. May and September still provide pleasant temperatures without the crowds.