Horse drawn carriage rides in Malaga banned from now on

In a move long-awaited, the council of Malaga has officially banned horse and carriage tourist services, effective Monday, October 6, retiring the final 25 licences for the picturesque but controversial tourist rides through its historic streets.

The decision is the complete phase-out of a service that once featured 55 horse-drawn carriages operating in 2018, with the remaining operators now compensated for the early termination of their permits. Originally granted under a 2015 municipal ordinance with a validity extending to October 2035, the licences were shortened following an announcement by Mayor Francisco de la Torre during the January State of the City Debate.

Malaga horse and carriage operators receive hefty compensation.

Malaga City Council has disbursed indemnities totalling €125,380 per licence to the affected owners, based on a February valuation report by auditing firm R&L Auditores. The golden handshake acknowledges the premature end to their activities, which were deemed incompatible with modern urban safety and hygiene standards for both pedestrians and the animals themselves.

Of the original 55 licences, 30 were voluntarily redeemed and compensated between 2016 and 2020, in line with an agreement by the local government’s executive board. The final 25, now revoked, conclude a gradual wind-down that began years ago while there were growing calls to put animal welfare at the forefront.

In a social media video message, Mayor De la Torre stressed the rationale: “We have taken this step thinking of the well-being and safety of the animals.” He added that licence holders “have been compensated to advance the end of this activity, originally planned for 2035,” and praised the city’s evolution toward more sustainable tourism options. “Malaga has evolved, and now there are many sustainable ways to tour the city. The best of which being a stroll through our streets,” he concluded.

Urban spaces repurposed for modern mobility in Malaga post-horse and carriage ban

As part of the ban, signage reserving parking spots for horse carriages at key sites, such as Cortina del Muelle, Paseo de los Curas, and Avenida Cervantes, has been removed. These areas are being converted into new motorcycle parking zones to improve traffic flow and accommodate the city’s push toward greener, more efficient transport.

The revocation fulfils a persistent demand from animal welfare advocates, who for years protested the practice, including during anti-bullfighting rallies with chants urging owners to “pull the cart yourself”. Council officials said that the service’s misalignment with contemporary development goals, including public safety and animal health, were the driving factors.

With all licences now revoked, Malaga’s streets are free of the clopping hooves that once symbolised romantic seaside rides, and an era focused on pedestrian-friendly and eco-conscious exploration is left in their place.