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

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

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

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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Exterior view of the Cathedral of Malaga on a sunny day, with its detailed stone architecture surrounded by green trees and a bright blue sky.
Excursions

Cadiz: Andalucía’s gateway to the Atlantic

Cadiz may pose some challenges in terms of getting there from Malaga, but it unquestionably justifies the effort. Situated on the Atlantic coast, this ancient port city offers a distinct atmosphere and a slightly cooler climate compared to the Mediterranean region of Andalucía. While the province of Cadiz has some of the finest beaches in Andalucía, even the city beaches

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Autumn

November 1st: Día de Todos los Santos, Spain’s Day of the Dead

Across much of the Latin world, November 1st is a massive occasion. In Spain, Día de Todos los Santos (or All Saints’ Day in English) directly follows Halloween and is a public holiday across the country. It’s a day when families and individuals remember those who have died – and the occasion is marked in many different ways. Celebrating Día

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Organic waste recycling container on a public street in Malaga, used for food waste collection.
Tips & tricks

Rubbish collection and recycling in Malaga

Malaga operates a well-organised system for waste collection and recycling that keeps the streets clean whilst minimising environmental impact. The city’s approach to waste management differs from many Northern European destinations in one important way. Rather than collecting rubbish directly from outside your home, residents take their waste to designated containers positioned throughout the city. These containers appear every couple

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Exterior view of Teatro del Soho CaixaBank in Málaga, showing the modern façade and street entrance.
Entertainment

Teatro del Soho Caixabank

The Teatro del Soho Caixabank is an initiative promoted by Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas to create a vibrant space for the performing arts in his home city. The theatre, in the Soho district of the city just off the main Alamada, opened in its current guise in November 2019. It took over the space formerly occupied by the Alameda theatre

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