2 March 2026

Registering and getting a Social Security number in Malaga

If you plan to live and work in Spain long term, you will need a Spanish Social Security number. Officially called the Número de la Seguridad Social (NUSS), this number allows you to work legally, make pension contributions and be registered in the public system. It is issued by the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social, which is part of […]
1 March 2026

Cl@ve digital ID in Spain

If you’re settling into life in Malaga as an expat, you’ll quickly discover that Spain takes its bureaucracy seriously. If you’ve recently moved to Spain and attempted any official admin, you’ve probably encountered the dreaded password wall. Each Spanish government website seems to demand its own login credentials, and keeping track of them all feels like a full-time job. Enter […]
1 March 2026

Certificado digital electronic identification certificate

Spanish bureaucracy has a reputation, and not always a flattering one. But here’s the secret weapon that turns the entire system from an analogue nightmare to a digital convenience: the certificado digital. This electronic certificate is your ticket to signing documents, filing tax returns and completing high-security administrative tasks without leaving your home in Malaga. What is the certificado digital? […]
5 February 2026

Malaga’s Low Emissions Zone (ZBE)

On 30 November 2024, Malaga became one of the latest Andalusian cities to introduce a zona de bajas emisiones (low emissions zone) when its ZBE came into force. The ZBE is part of Spain’s broader commitment to improving air quality under the 2021 Climate Change and Energy Transition Law, which requires all Spanish municipalities with populations over 50,000 to establish […]
5 February 2026

Street parking in Malaga

Street parking in Malaga can feel like a competitive sport, especially in the city centre. But once you understand the colour-coded system used across the city, parking on the street becomes far less intimidating and a lot more manageable. Street parking in Malaga is regulated by the SARE system (Servicio Andaluz de Regulación de Estacionamiento), Andalucía’s official parking authority. Coloured […]
12 October 2025

Torremolinos: where the Costa del Sol story began

More than half a century after bursting onto the tourism scene, Torremolinos still defines innovative travel. This vibrant coastal town continually reinvents itself while remaining true to its Andalusian roots. Torremolinos is where the Costa del Sol began. The first hotels appeared here, and fishing families opened simple beach bars serving their daily catch. From those humble beginnings, the town […]
11 October 2025

Marbella: from the exclusive Puerto Banús to the charming old town

Marbella ranks as one of the most celebrated towns along the entire Costa del Sol coastline. Situated approximately one hour’s drive from Malaga, this glamorous resort has cultivated a longstanding reputation for exclusivity and sophistication. World-renowned nightlife, distinguished international visitors and millionaire residents all point towards one defining characteristic: luxury. Why Marbella attracts the rich and famous The town functions […]
11 October 2025

Almeria: Natural parks, Moorish castles and movie magic

Getting to Almeria from Malaga takes just over two hours by car, making it one of the more ambitious day trips from the Costa del Sol – but it’s absolutely worth the journey. This eastern Andalusian city sits close to the border with Murcia and often flies under the tourist radar precisely because of its geographical isolation from the main […]
10 October 2025

Teatro Echegaray

Malaga boasts two magnificent theatres, and the Teatro Echegaray stands as the more intimate of the pair alongside the larger Teatro Cervantes. You’ll find this charming venue tucked away on Calle Echegaray, a quiet street right in the heart of Malaga’s historic centre, close to the Cathedral and the Picasso museum. The building opened its doors in 1932 as a […]
10 October 2025

October 12th: Fiesta Nacional, Spain’s controversial National Day

October 12th marks Spain’s Fiesta Nacional, a public holiday that commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. This date is controversial for many, representing both Spanish pride and historical colonialism. Previously known as Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day), this remains one of Spain’s two most significant national holidays alongside Constitution Day on December 6th. Catholics also know […]
9 October 2025

Getting the bus in Malaga city

Getting around Malaga by bus is easy. Empresa Malagueña de Transportes (EMT) boasts an extensive bus network that is very reliable and safe to use. Most areas in the city are reachable by a single bus from the Alameda, the main boulevard at the bottom of Calle Larios. Paying for the bus in Malaga If you’re in Malaga for a short […]
6 October 2025

Mesón Mariano

Tucked away on Calle Granados in central Malaga, Mesón Mariano has been serving authentic Andalusian cuisine since 1988 and shows no signs of slowing down. This family-run restaurant is one of those increasingly rare places that hasn’t been swept away by chains or fleeting food trends, and it’s earned recognition from the Academia de Gastronomía de Málaga for keeping things […]