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

Excursions
Daryl Finch

Seville: the ultimate Andalusian city break

Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is Andalucía’s most high-profile city destination and is one of the most popular day trips from Malaga. As the regional capital and largest city in southern Spain, it offers a wealth of attractions and activities shaped by the influences of diverse cultures throughout the centuries. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites Seville boasts three UNESCO World Heritage

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Visitors browsing books at an outdoor stall during the Málaga Book Fair.
Spring
Daryl Finch

Feria del Libro de Málaga (Malaga Book Fair)

For more than half a century, the Feria del Libro de Málaga (Malaga Book Fair) has been a staple for book enthusiasts. The Paseo del Parque—among other locations, depending on the edition—plays host to this book fair every year. With casetas (stalls) representing the city’s major bookshops, publishing houses and boutiques, this fair offers a diverse selection of literature for

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Nightlife
Daryl Finch

Plaza de la Merced

Plaza de la Merced is one of the largest and most iconic public squares in Malaga city centre. The square has been a key part of the city since the Roman era, operating as a marketplace since at least the fifteenth century. This beautiful square is a must-see for many different reasons: Picasso’s birthplace Firstly, Plaza de la Merced is

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Interior of Cervezas Victoria brewery in Malaga with large illuminated sign and seating area.
Gastronomy
Daryl Finch

Cervezas Victoria brewery visit

Visiting the Cervezas Victoria brewery close to Malaga Airport offers a unique insight into the craftsmanship behind one of Spain’s most beloved beers. This 90-minute tour, set in a modern 3,700 m² facility designed by local firm Gana Arquitectura, is an immersive experience where visitors can explore the heart of the brewery, including the brewing and bottling areas. The factory

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Main police station in Malaga where foreigners apply for the NIE residency card, with people waiting outside the entrance.
First steps
Daryl Finch

How to get the green NIE ‘residencia’ card in Malaga

To stay in Spain for more than 90 days as an EU/EEA citizen, you must register with the local authorities to obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) and a corresponding Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (EU residency certificate). The EU residency certificate, commonly called the “green NIE” or “residency card”, is issued on a small,

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Blog
Daryl Finch

Why does Malaga Airport have the code AGP?

If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll be familiar with the concept of airport codes. Normally they are based on the letters of the city’s name. For example, AMS is Amsterdam, Madrid is MAD, Barcelona is BCN, Brussels is BRU… So why then is Malaga AGP? It really doesn’t follow any pattern. Lots of urban legends It probably comes as little

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Airplanes performing aerobatic stunts at the Torre del Mar Air Show, with smoke trails above the beach and straw umbrellas in the foreground.
Autumn
Daryl Finch

Torre del Mar International Air Show

The Festival Aéreo Internacional Torre del Mar, or the Torre del Mar International Air Show, is held annually in the coastal town of Torre del Mar, around 30 kilometres east of Malaga. It’s one of the most anticipated aviation events in Europe. This spectacular display of aerial prowess takes place over the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, attracting around 300,000 aviation enthusiasts

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Virgin of Carmen sea procession in Málaga with boats and crowds celebrating the maritime festival.
Summer
Daryl Finch

Virgen del Carmen

In Malaga, we’re used to seeing processions of all kinds. However, on 16 July every year, a procession of unique characteristics takes place as local fishing communities honour the Virgen del Carmen. Malaga’s most emblematic fishing neighbourhoods, such as El Palo, Huelin and Pedregalejo, become the focal point for this unique festivity. Those attending can witness the acts of devotion

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Waiter serving seafood dishes at El Tintero restaurant in Málaga, famous for its lively auction-style dining experience.
Food & drink
Daryl Finch

El Tintero

Restaurante El Tintero, located right on the seafront in the eastern district of El Palo, offers a Malaga dining experience like no other. With its distinctive auction-style service and specialisation in pescaíto frito (fried fish), this popular restaurant combines delicious food with a lively atmosphere, ensuring a memorable visit for all guests. The El Tintero ‘auction’ explained The restaurant’s auction-style

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Exterior view of El Vegans butcher shop in Malaga, showing the green storefront with the logo and people inside near the counter.
Food & drink
Daryl Finch

El Vegans

If you take a look at the shelves and display cases at El Vegans, you won’t find traditional meat cuts like chicken breasts, pork skewers or beef tenderloins. Instead, the 80-square-metre shop features gluten steaks, lentil sausages and mushroom ribs. Recently opened in the Huelin district, El Vegans proudly positions itself as a “butcher’s shop of the future” and has

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Traditional beach chiringuito with a red-tiled roof on the sand in El Palo, Malaga, with palm trees and the sea in the background.
Blog
Daryl Finch

Chiringuitos: Malaga’s iconic traditional beach bars

Did you know that, on average, a chiringuito can be found every 500 metres along the Costa del Sol? They’re even more frequent in bustling tourist centres and in Malaga city, in particular, with one every 150 metres. But what exactly is a chiringuito? A Malaga invention Typically, a chiringuito is a small establishment located on the beach, offering drinks

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Summer
Daryl Finch

Noche de San Juan: fireworks, bonfires and a midnight swim

Every year, on the night of 23 June, the Malaga coast is lit up, both literally and metaphorically, as thousands of people head to the beaches to enjoy the Noche de San Juan (Saint John’s Eve). The Feast of Saint John the Baptist, which is actually on 24 June (though in most countries the festivities are held the night before), marks

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