Daryl Finch

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

Underground public car park in Malaga city centre with marked bays.
Getting around

Parking in Malaga city centre

Parking in Malaga is relatively straightforward once you understand how the city is laid out and where cars are (and aren’t) allowed to go. Nowadays, the historic old town is largely pedestrianised, meaning you won’t be able to drive through the centre itself unless you’re a resident or have a special permit. Instead, most visitors park at the edge of

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Bicycle by the sea at sunset in Malaga, southern Spain.
Getting around

Getting around Malaga by bicycle

Cycling in Malaga is becoming increasingly popular, with more bicycles appearing on the streets each day as this eco-friendly mode of transport is embraced. In response, the city council has invested significantly in cycling infrastructure, and Malaga now features 44 kilometres of dedicated cycle lanes throughout the urban area. That said, visitors from countries with highly developed cycling networks, such

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What's on

Malaga Carnival

After Christmas and the Three Kings celebrations fade away, Malaga enters a quieter period. However, that calm doesn’t last long. By mid-February, the city explodes back into life with the Malaga Carnival, one of the most colourful and humorous events in the Andalusian calendar. Known locally as Carnaval de Málaga, this week-long celebration fills the historic centre with music, costumes

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Interior of Ana La Fantástica café in Malaga.
Coffee & breakfast

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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Interior of Sueño Pastelería Francesa in Malaga.
Coffee & breakfast

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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Breakfast and brunch plates at Mala Leche café, Malaga.
Coffee & breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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