Daryl Finch

Owner / Editor in chief

A permanent Malaga resident since 2014, having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years in local expat media, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found Malaga Guru in 2016.

Latest posts from Daryl Finch

Coffee & breakfast
Daryl Finch

Ana La Fantástica

When a Galician baker brings her homeland’s traditions to Malaga, something rather special happens. Ana La Fantástica is an artisan bakery and café in the heart of Malaga that’s winning over customers with its dedication to proper bread-making. Think rustic loaves, flaky pastries and breakfasts that actually set you up for the day. Artisan bakery in central Malaga The story

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Coffee & breakfast
Daryl Finch

Sueño Pastelería Francesa

Sueño Pastelería Francesa has earned its place among Malaga’s best breakfast spots through sheer dedication to the craft of French pâtisserie. This charming bakery and café lives up to its name – which translates as “Dream French Bakery” – with sophisticated artisan pastries (pastelería artesanal) that impress visually before taking you on a flavour journey. Located in Gamarra, a bit

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Coffee & breakfast
Daryl Finch

Mala Leche Coffee

Finding a table at Mala Leche can be a challenge, which tells you everything you need to know about this popular Malaga café. Tucked away on Calle Castillo de Sohail, not far from Plaza de la Constitución, this warm and laid-back coffee shop has built a devoted following for breakfast and brunch in the city. Its name, Mala Leche, translates

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Traditional Spanish Roscón de Reyes decorated with candied fruit and powdered sugar.
Blog
Daryl Finch

Roscón de Reyes: the traditional Three Kings cake in Spain

No Spanish celebration of Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) would be complete without a Roscón de Reyes, the sweet ring-shaped cake that graces tables across the country on January 6th. This centuries-old tradition brings families together on the morning of Three Kings Day, creating moments of suspense and laughter as everyone discovers what hides inside their slice. The roscón

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Magi holding a scroll during Three Kings celebrations in Malaga.
What's on
Daryl Finch

Día de Reyes Three Kings parade

Christmas festivities in Spain extend beyond December 25th, culminating on January 6th with Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day). This is when Los Reyes Magos (the Three Wise Men) arrive from the East bearing gifts for children across the country. The celebration is a national holiday in Spain and is the most beloved day among Spanish children, who eagerly await

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A bunch of grapes prepared for New Year’s Eve celebrations in Malaga.
Blog
Daryl Finch

Why do they eat grapes on New Year’s Eve in Spain?

If you’ve ever watched Spanish television on New Year’s Eve or found yourself in a Spanish plaza as midnight approaches, you’ll have witnessed one of the country’s most beloved and slightly bonkers traditions. Eating twelve grapes in twelve seconds as the clock strikes midnight might sound straightforward, but anyone who’s attempted this feat whilst trying not to choke, laugh or

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Grapes and a glass of champagne prepared for New Year’s Eve celebrations in Malaga.
What's on
Daryl Finch

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve)

While Spain, and Malaga in particular, is known for its raucous celebrations, many visitors to the city are often surprised by the relatively low-key celebrations for New Year’s Eve (known as Nochevieja, literally “old night”). That said, Malaga still knows how to welcome the New Year with style, and Plaza de la Constitución becomes the beating heart of celebrations as

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What's on
Daryl Finch

Malaga Carnival

After the Christmas and Kings’ festivities are out of the way, we have to wait until around mid-February for the next big party of the year in Malaga. That said, it’s a big one. Like in many towns and cities across Spain, the Carnaval de Málaga is a big deal – a week-long celebration filled with music and colour. Much

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Modern suspension bridge in Fuengirola leading towards the historic Sohail Castle on a sunny day.
Blog
Daryl Finch

The FIVE best day trips less than an hour away from Malaga

Looking for the best day trips from Malaga? You’re in luck. Within just an hour of the city, you’ll find some of southern Spain’s most charming destinations — from whitewashed coastal towns to dramatic mountain landscapes. Each offers its own flavour of Andalusian life, and all are easy to reach by car, train or organised tour. Here are the top

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Blog
Daryl Finch

The top five best city breaks from Malaga

Malaga offers plenty to explore, but many visitors use this coastal city as a gateway to discover other remarkable destinations across Andalucía. The city enjoys excellent transport links. Malaga Airport ranks among Spain’s busiest hubs, while María Zambrano train station connects travellers to destinations throughout the country. If you ever tire of Malaga’s charms, these five Andalusian cities make exceptional

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Playa Calahonda beach with crystal-clear turquoise water and rocky coastline in Nerja, Costa del Sol
Excursions
Daryl Finch

Nerja: the heart of the Axarquía

Located approximately 45 minutes east of Malaga, Nerja stands out as the most renowned town in the Axarquía area, offering a distinct atmosphere compared to the bustling western Costa del Sol. This area attracts visitors seeking a more serene way of life, particularly within the charming whitewashed towns and villages nestled further inland. Nerja has been a popular tourist destination

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Interior del bar Casa Lola en Málaga con mesas altas y barra tradicional andaluza
Food & drink
Daryl Finch

Casa Lola

Casa Lola is a chain of traditional Spanish restaurants in Malaga that has experienced tremendous growth in recent years thanks to its blend of traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. The menu at Casa Lola features a wide array of traditional Spanish dishes, expertly prepared with a contemporary flair. From classic tapas and regional specialities, to innovative interpretations of

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