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

Woman playing a red flamenco guitar during the Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales in Malaga, a traditional Andalusian folk festival.
What's on
Daryl Finch

Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales

Verdiales, also known as fandangos de Málaga, is a Flamenco-style music genre deeply ingrained in Andalusian culture. Originating in the vicinity of Almogía, inland Malaga, this rhythmic and melodic tradition has evolved over centuries, yet retains its essence as a celebration of communal bonds and shared histories. At the heart of verdiales lies its rhythmic structure, akin to soleares and

Read More »
Verdiales musician in Malaga playing guitar, wearing a colorful traditional hat decorated with flowers and ribbons during a folk festival.
Blog
Daryl Finch

Verdiales, the Flamenco-style dance from Malaga

Verdiales, sometimes known as fandangos de Málaga, are a popular Flamenco-style music genre with its roots deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of Andalucía. Rooted in tradition, verdiales typically adhere to a 12-count rhythm akin to soleares and bulerías, with their melodic framework predominantly set in the key of E phrygian, occasionally venturing into A minor. This musical form’s resonance

Read More »
Aerial view of La Malagueta bullring in Malaga surrounded by city buildings.
Spring
Daryl Finch

Picassian bullfight

Every year, bullfighting enthusiasts and art lovers are given the chance to witness something quite unique: the Corrida Picassiana (Picassian Bullfight). Lasting around two hours, this event combines the tradition of bullfighting with the artistry of Malaga-born Pablo Picasso. During the Picassian Bullfight, expect to see bullfighters dressed in costumes inspired by Picasso’s art, with colourful and abstract designs. What’s

Read More »
Entrance hall of OXO Video Game Museum in Malaga with neon lights, futuristic decor, and a robot statue.
Museums & galleries
Daryl Finch

OXO Museo del Videojuego (Videogame museum)

Are you Team Nintendo or Team PlayStation? Whichever side you’re on, the OXO Museo del Videojuego in the heart of Malaga promises an experience that will delight all video game enthusiasts. Situated in Plaza del Siglo, just a two-minute walk from Malaga Cathedral, OXO offers an extensive collection of gaming consoles and exhibitions dedicated to classic games – a real

Read More »
Aerial view of La Malagueta bullring in Malaga surrounded by city buildings.
Entertainment
Daryl Finch

La Malagueta bullring

La Malagueta bullring may be one of the most emblematic buildings in Malaga, but it’s not actually all that old. It was officially opened to the public on 11 June 1876 with a fight involving the legendary Rafael Molina “Lagartijo”. The building itself was designed in neo-Mudéjar style by Joaquín Rucoba – the man also responsible for the Mercado Central

Read More »
Wooden pedestrian bridge crossing the Guadalhorce River estuary surrounded by natural vegetation in Málaga, Spain.
Beaches
Daryl Finch

Guadalhorce river estuary nature park

Nestled on the western outskirts of Malaga city lies the Paraje Natural Desembocadura del Guadalhorce (or Guadalhorce river estuary), a pristine natural area covering 122 hectares. Bordered by the river’s final arms, this sanctuary boasts an exceptional variety of habitats, including lagoons, riverbanks and sandy coastal areas, which provide homes for a diverse range of species all year round. Wildlife

Read More »
Exterior view of Teatro Cervantes in Málaga illuminated at night, showing its historic façade and main entrance.
Entertainment
Daryl Finch

Teatro Cervantes

Teatro Cervantes is a historic theatre in the heart of Malaga. Located close to the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Plaza de la Merced, this theatre has become one of the city’s main cultural hubs. Designed by Gerónimo Cuervo González (Madrid, 1838 – Malaga, 1898), the theatre is known for its eclectic architectural style, the idea for which was conceived by

Read More »
Interior wall at Grand Café Gezellig in Málaga featuring a red neon sign reading “Estoy Gezellig” and a photo collage decoration.
Food & drink
Daryl Finch

Grand Café Gezellig

Grand Café Gezellig is your Dutch haven (if ever you needed one) in the heart of Malaga’s Soho district. It’s described as “a place where Dutch cuisine and Dutch ‘Gezelligheid’ merge seamlessly”. But what is that exactly? According to owners Naomi Uijlenhoed and Jackie Stor, “Gezellig” is that warm, cozy feeling when you’re basking in the merriment of having shared

Read More »
Passengers waiting on a Málaga Metro platform as a train arrives at an underground station.
Getting around
Daryl Finch

Metro de Málaga

The Metro de Málaga network, with a total length of 13.2 kilometres (8.2 miles), connects Malaga’s historic centre with the city’s northwestern and southwestern suburbs. The network has 19 stations, 12 of which are underground, and five are surface-level light rail stops. Two lines The Malaga Metro consists of two lines almost entirely on the western side of the Guadalmedina

Read More »
Sunset view of Málaga María Zambrano train station with city buildings, street traffic, and colorful sky.
Getting around
Daryl Finch

Medium and long-distance trains from Malaga

Since its introduction in 1992, the high-speed AVE rail service has revolutionised rail travel in Spain. Over the years, the high-speed network has significantly expanded, now covering more than 3,600 kilometres and connecting dozens of towns and cities throughout the country. Spain’s high-speed rail network is currently the largest in Europe and ranks second globally, only behind China. Travel from

Read More »
Interior of Vialia Málaga shopping centre with multiple floors, retail stores, and shoppers walking through the mall.
Destinations
Daryl Finch

Vialia Málaga shopping centre

Centro Comercial Vialia Málaga is a popular shopping centre on the western side of the city. As part of María Zambrano train station, which caters to long-distance train travellers, and located next to the El Perchel Malaga Metro station, this shopping centre is very well connected. High-street fashion The ground floor of Centro Comercial Vialia Málaga is a popular destination

Read More »
Exterior of Cortijo de Pepe restaurant in Málaga at night, with illuminated signage and outdoor tables occupied by diners.
Food & drink
Daryl Finch

Cortijo de Pepe

Cortijo de Pepe is a traditional Spanish restaurant, popular even with locals despite its location on the southern edge of the very touristy Plaza de la Merced. With a rich history dating back to 1971, this establishment has been serving popular local cuisine for over five decades. The restaurant’s rustic décor, featuring wooden beams and traditional Andalusian tiles, creates an

Read More »