Blog
Our writers share their top tips for making the most of your time in Malaga.
We also delve into local legends and curiosities about the city and take a look at everyday life in Spain…
Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga
The Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga ranks among Malaga’s most visited cultural attractions. Since opening its doors in 2011, this museum has showcased one of Spain’s finest collections of Spanish and Andalusian painting. Spanning from the early 19th century through to the modern period of the 20th century, you’ll encounter works by masters including Joaquín Sorolla, Julio Romero de Torres and
Colección del Museo Ruso (Russian museum)
In 2015, the Colección del Museo Ruso, a branch of the Russian State Museum of Saint Petersburg, chose Malaga as its first European branch outside Russia. Located in the historic Tabacalera complex in western Malaga, it quickly became one of the city’s most talked-about cultural attractions. It showcased major works of Russian art on loan from Saint Petersburg. It welcomed over
Museo del Automóvil y la Moda (Car and Fashion Museum)
It’s difficult to find anything like the Museo del Automóvil y la Moda (Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum). This extraordinary private collection spans 6,000 square metres of exhibition space and showcases almost 100 beautifully restored, exclusive vehicles. Some of these classic cars date back to the 19th century and feature luxurious details such as ostrich and mink fur upholstery, precious
Plaza Mayor / McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
Plaza Mayor was already enormous, but now, thanks to the addition of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, even the most serious shopaholic couldn’t ask for more. This out-of-town shopping and leisure complex is the biggest in Malaga city and is close to both the airport and Guadalmar, a coastal neighbourhood to the west of the city. Plaza Mayor is a mostly
Cercanías Málaga commuter train service
The Malaga Cercanías train service provides an efficient way to explore the Costa del Sol and surrounding areas. This 70-kilometre network connects Malaga city centre to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport and various major towns in the province, such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. It has two lines (C-1 and C-2) and 24 operational stations. C-1: Malaga – Airport – Fuengirola
Feria de Málaga, the biggest party of the year
Anyone who has been to Andalucía will have heard about the Feria de Málaga, the largest summer fair in southern Europe. Officially known as the Feria de Agosto, Malaga fair is the city’s biggest annual festival. It’s a week-long celebration in mid-August full of music, dancing, food, drink and traditional Andalusian culture. It commemorates the Catholic Monarchs’ entry into Malaga
Restaurante Coreano Chingu
If you’re craving authentic Korean cuisine in Malaga, look no further than Chingu! With a diverse menu, authentic flavours and a modern yet cosy ambience, your server will take you on a culinary journey through the flavours of Korea (if you dare!) At Chingu, they serve a wide array of dishes that showcase the true essence of Korean cuisine, from
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Step-by-step guide to buying property in Malaga
Buying property in Spain can seem daunting, especially for foreign buyers who are unfamiliar with local laws, taxes, and customs. Malaga, with its sunny climate, vibrant culture and attractive coastal lifestyle, is a popular choice for international buyers. While the process might feel complicated, understanding each step can make it much easier. This step-by-step guide takes you through the key
Unexpected or hidden costs when buying property in Malaga
When you start looking at properties in Malaga, it’s easy to get caught up in the asking price. A beautiful apartment in the historic centre or a beachfront villa in Pedregalejo can seem like a dream deal… until hidden costs start to add up. For many foreign buyers, these additional expenses come as a surprise and can quickly add around 10%
The Malaga property market: What foreign buyers need to know
Malaga continues to shine as one of southern Europe’s most desirable cities, attracting investors, retirees and remote workers from across the world. With its year-round sunshine, excellent transport links and cosmopolitan lifestyle, it’s no surprise that the local property market remains one of Spain’s most dynamic. If you’re thinking about buying a home or investment property in Malaga, 2026 offers
The best neighbourhoods in Malaga for foreign buyers
Once seen mainly as a gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga has become one of southern Europe’s most desirable cities to live in. Nowadays, its mix of sunshine, beaches, gastronomy and cultural life attracts a steady flow of foreign buyers looking for both lifestyle and investment opportunities. However, the city’s neighbourhoods vary significantly in terms of price, atmosphere and
Renting vs buying in Malaga: which one makes more sense?
Many expats and foreign buyers wonder whether it’s better to rent or buy property in Malaga. The decision is not always straightforward and depends on a variety of factors, including your financial goals, lifestyle preferences and how long you plan to stay in the city. As with everywhere else in the world, renting can provide flexibility and lower upfront costs,