Once famous for the ships, the present Malinska is a tourist resort popular for its numerous shingle and sand beaches and rich vegetation. It started to develop at the beginning of the 20th century, after the Society for Beautification of the Town had been established in 1909, to attract weekend tourists from Opatija and Rijeka or tourists from Graz and Vienna.

Today many hotels of various categories are arranged along the forested coast, as well as villas, boarding houses, apartments, campsites, and one can swim in the swimming pools, maintained beaches and hidden indents. Walking along the sea or in the interior, organized fishing excursions or a game of boccia with the local population offer a possibility to experience the local atmosphere. Sports facilities include tennis courts, bowling grounds, miniature golf; horseback riding is also possible, as well as various water sports, particularly diving.

Since Malinska is a fishermen's village, the local cooks offer fish but also domestic products - vegetable, wine from local wine cellars, but there are also many fancy restaurants. Cultural and entertainment offer is various, from the feast to the honour of St. Apollinaris, patron of Malinska (23rd of July) to tourist parties such as The Night of Malinska (end of July) or the famous Kvarner Regatta (in September), Cultural Summer in Malinska (15th of June - 15th of September).