For four days in October, Málaga will swap some of its usual beach-holiday atmosphere for superheroes, comic-book artists, fantasy characters, video games and thousands of fans from around the world.
San Diego Comic-Con Málaga returns from 1 to 4 October 2026, bringing the officially licensed Comic-Con experience to southern Spain for its second edition.
More than 95,000 people attended the inaugural event in 2025, and the 2026 programme promises over 300 hours of content, international guests, exhibitions, gaming, cosplay and activities for different generations of fans.
But if you’re travelling to Málaga specifically for Comic-Con, there’s a little more to organise than buying a ticket.
The convention isn’t held in Málaga’s historic centre, and the city’s transport options can be confusing if you’ve never visited before. Choosing where to stay, deciding whether to rent a car and knowing how to get back to your hotel after a long day can make a real difference to your experience.
Here’s our local guide to enjoying Comic-Con Málaga without spending half your holiday figuring out how to get around.
One important detail: FYCMA is not in the old town, nor is it on the seafront where most visitors spend their holidays.
If you’re staying near Málaga Cathedral, La Malagueta beach or the main shopping streets, you’ll need to travel to the convention venue rather than simply walking there.
The good news is that there are several public transport options, including a special bus service for the event.
Comic-Con Málaga isn’t just an exhibition for comic-book collectors.
The convention brings together films, television, graphic novels, anime, video games, cosplay, board games, illustration and collectibles.
Visitors can explore exhibition spaces, attend talks and panels, discover artists, browse merchandise and participate in different activities throughout the four-day event.
The 2026 programme includes more than 300 hours of content and a wide range of international guests.
If you’ve never attended a convention before, it’s worth understanding how it works.
You don’t have to dress up, know every Marvel character or spend the entire day attending panels. You can simply explore the venue, admire the costumes, discover independent artists and enjoy the atmosphere.
Equally, if you’re travelling specifically to see a particular actor or attend a particular panel, you’ll need to plan your visit much more carefully.
Don’t confuse your entrance ticket with a guaranteed seat at every panel
Your admission ticket provides access to the convention and its general programme, but certain activities require separate reservations. Autographs and photo opportunities with guests may also cost extra.
The organisers provide a personalised schedule through the Fan Portal, where attendees can select activities and manage available reservations. Panel-seat reservations are scheduled to open on 25 September.
If you’re coming for one particular guest, check the official programme before booking transport or accommodation.
Where is Comic-Con Málaga held?
The venue is FYCMA, officially called Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga, on Avenida José Ortega y Gasset, 201.
It’s located in the western part of Málaga, away from the historic centre and the main tourist beaches.
The nearest Cercanías railway station is Victoria Kent, served by the C1 and C2 lines. From there, you can continue on foot to the venue.
Local tip: Don’t assume Comic-Con is within walking distance of your hotel
Málaga is a pleasant city to explore on foot, but the convention centre isn’t part of the typical old-town walking route.
You can enjoy the historic centre and the convention on the same trip, but you’ll need to allow time to travel between them.
For most visitors staying centrally, the special event bus or a regular EMT service will be more convenient than attempting to walk across the city.
How to get to Comic-Con Málaga from the city centre
The organisers have announced a special EMT shuttle, the L64, operating between central Málaga and FYCMA during the four days of the convention.
This is a particularly useful option if you’re staying in the historic centre or arriving at Málaga María Zambrano railway station.
The shuttle has a stop on Paseo de los Tilos, close to the railway and bus stations, and serves the convention area.
Regular EMT services also connect different parts of the city with FYCMA.
Public transport to FYCMA
L64 – Special Comic-Con shuttle from central Málaga
4 – Towards Cortijo Alto; Max Estrella–FYCMA stop
19 – Towards Maqueda; FYCMA stop
20 – Towards Los Prados; FYCMA–Recinto Ferial stop
22 – Towards Universidad; Max Estrella–FYCMA stop
Check service times and temporary arrangements on the official event transport page before travelling.
If you’re arriving at María Zambrano by high-speed train, you don’t need to travel into the historic centre first.
You can use the special shuttle from the nearby Paseo de los Tilos stop or another suitable connection to the venue.
How to get to Comic-Con Málaga from Torremolinos
If you’re staying in Torremolinos, there’s no need to move hotels just because you’re attending Comic-Con.
Torremolinos is connected to Málaga by the C1 Cercanías railway line, which also serves the airport and Victoria Kent station.
For a visitor already staying near central Torremolinos, the train is a practical way to travel to the convention without dealing with city traffic or parking.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your nearest C1 station in Torremolinos.
- Take a train in the direction of Málaga Centro Alameda.
- Get off at Victoria Kent, before reaching Málaga María Zambrano.
- Continue on foot to FYCMA, following the pedestrian route indicated by your navigation app.
Route based on the official convention transport instructions.
Allow extra time for the walk and for potential queues when approaching the venue.
If you’re attending with children, carrying large cosplay accessories or staying in a hotel some distance from the railway, compare the complete door-to-door journey with taking a taxi.
Should you rent a car for Comic-Con Málaga?
For visitors staying in Málaga city or near a C1 railway station, a rental car is not essential for attending the convention.
Public transport is available, and driving means accounting for traffic, road access, parking and the journey back to your accommodation.
There’s also an important detail for 2026: the organisers say FYCMA’s usual parking areas will form part of the convention site and won’t be available for normal attendee parking.
Instead, four free parking areas, P1–P4, are being provided. They are not guarded, and the organisers say there is no time limit for removing vehicles.
Check the official parking map and any updated access arrangements before driving.
A car becomes more useful if Comic-Con is only one part of a longer itinerary involving places that are less convenient to reach by public transport.
For example, if you’re planning to explore inland villages or travel around several parts of Andalusia after the convention, renting a car may be worth considering.
For a short Málaga city break focused on Comic-Con, however, I would plan around public transport first.
Where to stay for Comic-Con Málaga 2026
The best place to stay depends on whether you’re visiting Málaga primarily for the convention or combining it with a holiday.
There isn’t one perfect hotel area for everyone, particularly because FYCMA is outside the main tourist centre.
Here are the four areas I’d consider.
1. Málaga historic centre — for a proper city break
If you want to enjoy restaurants, bars, museums, shopping and the city’s atmosphere after Comic-Con, the historic centre is a good place to look.
You’ll have plenty to do outside the convention, particularly if you’re staying an extra day.
The compromise is that you’ll need to travel to FYCMA each morning.
I’d choose this area if visiting Málaga itself is just as important to you as attending Comic-Con.
Read our guide: Where to stay in Málaga.
2. María Zambrano and the railway station area — for transport convenience
For a visit centred on the convention, accommodation near Málaga María Zambrano is worth considering.
You have access to long-distance trains, the Cercanías network and nearby city bus connections.
The special Comic-Con L64 shuttle also serves the area via Paseo de los Tilos.
This is particularly practical if you’re arriving by train or want to avoid making several transport connections each day.
It may not offer quite the same holiday atmosphere as the old town, but it’s a convenient base.
3. Torremolinos — for Comic-Con and a beach holiday
If you want a few days on the Costa del Sol as well as the convention, Torremolinos is worth considering.
You can spend the morning by the sea, attend Comic-Con and return to a holiday resort with plenty of places to eat and stay.
It’s also a reasonable base if your trip includes the airport and other destinations along the C1 train line.
The main thing I’d check is how far your accommodation is from the nearest railway station.
For a trip involving several days at Comic-Con, a hotel within easy walking distance of the train may be more convenient than one directly on the beach.
Read more: Where to stay in Torremolinos.
4. Huelin or the western side of Málaga — for a different balance
Huelin is a residential seaside neighbourhood west of Málaga’s historic centre.
It can be worth exploring if you’d like access to the beach without staying in the busiest tourist streets.
However, don’t assume that every hotel west of the city centre is automatically close to Comic-Con.
Check the actual public transport route to FYCMA before booking, especially if you expect to make the journey several days in a row.
What to do in Málaga after Comic-Con
One of the advantages of attending Comic-Con in Málaga is that you don’t need to spend your entire visit indoors.
October is a lovely time to explore southern Spain, with many days still suitable for walking around the city, eating outdoors and spending time by the sea.
If you have a few hours free after the convention, I’d consider these options.
Explore Málaga’s old town
The streets around Málaga Cathedral, Calle Larios and Plaza de la Merced are ideal for an evening walk.
You can combine sightseeing with dinner or simply enjoy the atmosphere without planning another major activity.
Visit Muelle Uno and the port
Muelle Uno is a pleasant place for a waterfront stroll, shopping or dinner.
It’s also a good area to spend time if you’re staying in central Málaga and want a change from the crowds inside the convention.
Enjoy the beach
If you’re visiting from northern Europe in October, the possibility of combining a comic convention with a Mediterranean beach holiday may be one of the most appealing things about this trip.
La Malagueta is convenient for people staying in central Málaga, while Torremolinos offers a much longer resort-style beach experience.
Whether you’ll want to swim depends on the weather and sea conditions during your stay.
Staying an extra day? Explore beyond Comic-Con
Caminito del Rey
A spectacular walking route through a gorge north of Málaga. It’s worth planning in advance, particularly if you don’t have a rental car.
Suitable for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities and have an extra day available.
Ronda
Famous for its dramatic bridge and historic setting, Ronda makes an appealing excursion if you’re interested in exploring inland Andalusia.
Plan transport carefully if you’re travelling without a car.
Mijas Pueblo
Whitewashed streets, mountain views and a very different atmosphere from central Málaga.
A good option for visitors staying on the western Costa del Sol.
If you’re visiting without a car, an organised day trip can be convenient for places such as Caminito del Rey or Ronda.
Compare the itinerary, meeting point, included transport and cancellation conditions before booking.
For a simple day exploring Málaga itself, you don’t need to purchase an organised excursion.
Practical tips before visiting Comic-Con Málaga 2026
A few small decisions can make your visit much easier.
- Download or save your mobile ticket before leaving your accommodation.
- Activate your Fan Portal account and check reservations for any panels you don’t want to miss.
- Check guest appearances for your exact ticket date.
- Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to move between different areas of the convention.
- If you’re staying outside Málaga, check your return transport before the end of the day.
- Keep some flexibility in your plans rather than trying to attend every activity.
- If you’re travelling with children, check the entry authorisation requirements before arriving.
One final tip: don’t schedule a flight immediately after your last planned panel.
Allow enough time to leave the venue, collect your belongings, travel to the airport and pass through security.
Frequently asked questions about Comic-Con Málaga 2026
When is San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026?
The convention takes place from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October 2026.
Where is Comic-Con Málaga held?
At FYCMA, Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga, Avenida José Ortega y Gasset, 201.
Is Comic-Con Málaga in the city centre?
No. FYCMA is outside Málaga’s historic centre. Visitors can reach it using public transport, including a special event bus and Cercanías services.
Which train station is closest to Comic-Con Málaga?
Victoria Kent is the closest Cercanías station. Both the C1 and C2 lines serve it.
Can I visit Comic-Con Málaga from Torremolinos?
Yes. Take the C1 Cercanías towards Málaga Centro Alameda and get off at Victoria Kent. From there, continue on foot to FYCMA.
Do I need a car to visit Comic-Con Málaga?
Not necessarily. Visitors staying in central Málaga or near the C1 railway line have public transport options for reaching the venue.
Are tickets available at the entrance?
Check the official Ticketmaster sales channel for current availability and purchase conditions. Don’t rely on buying a ticket at the venue without confirming this in advance.
Can children attend Comic-Con Málaga?
Yes, with the appropriate ticket and entry authorisation. Children aged 0–3 have free admission subject to obtaining their required ticket; reduced prices apply to children under 12.
Can I meet Elijah Wood and Sean Astin?
Both are scheduled to attend on 3 and 4 October. Check the official programme and any paid autograph or photo-session booking requirements before making plans around meeting them.
Is Comic-Con Málaga worth visiting if I don’t speak Spanish?
The convention welcomes international visitors, but you should check the language and interpretation arrangements for the particular panels you want to attend. Don’t assume every session will be available in English.
Where should I stay for Comic-Con Málaga?
Central Málaga is convenient for sightseeing and evening activities. The María Zambrano area is useful for transport connections, while Torremolinos is an alternative for visitors combining Comic-Con with a beach holiday.
A final local tip
If this is your first visit to Málaga, don’t make Comic-Con the only thing you see.
The convention may be the reason for your trip, but the city and the surrounding Costa del Sol are worth exploring in their own right.
Spend an evening wandering through the old town, have dinner near the port, visit the beach or extend your stay for a day trip into the mountains.
And if you’re coming from Torremolinos, remember that Málaga is close enough to visit for the convention without giving up your beach holiday.
That’s one of the pleasures of Comic-Con Málaga: you can spend the day among superheroes and fantasy worlds, then finish it with a walk beside the Mediterranean.
