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…
The English Cemetery
When Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella conquered Malaga in 1487, they transformed the city into a stronghold of Roman Catholicism. Fast forward three and a half centuries, and Malaga had evolved dramatically into a thriving port and industrial hub where non-Catholics played an essential role in civic life. Yet despite this cosmopolitan shift, non-Catholics faced a grim reality: they had
Malaga Cathedral
Malaga Cathedral, officially known as the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visible from virtually anywhere in Malaga, this magnificent structure is instantly recognisable thanks to its defining feature: a single tower. This distinctive characteristic has earned it the affectionate nickname La Manquita, meaning “the one-armed lady.” Why does Malaga
Taberna Cofrade Las Merchanas
You won’t find a more authentically Malaga restaurant than Las Merchanas, this beloved city centre taberna cofrade. Inside, the walls showcase an impressive collection of Semana Santa photographs, statues, posters and sculptures. This Holy Week memorabilia surrounds diners at every turn, creating an unmistakably Spanish atmosphere that celebrates Andalusian religious traditions. The restaurant stays packed with locals throughout the evening.
Astrid Tapería Orgánica
Finding a restaurant in Malaga that satisfies carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike can be a proper challenge, but Astrid Tapería Orgánica rises to the occasion with aplomb. This organic restaurant near Atarazanas market proves that healthy eating needn’t mean compromising on flavour or variety. A Malaga restaurant with something for everyone The beauty of Astrid lies in its inclusive approach.
Verum Restaurante, El Asador de Málaga
Meat devotees will find their spiritual home at Verum, affectionately dubbed ‘The Temple of Meat’ by locals who know a proper steak when they see one. Located in Cerrado de Calderón, just a 10-minute drive from Malaga city centre, this elegant restaurant sits atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean coastline, where fresh sea breezes mingle with the aroma of oak-fired
La Concepción botanical gardens
The Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción, Malaga’s Botanical Gardens, is just a 15-minute drive from the historic centre and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. When visiting this green oasis, spread across a magnificent three-hectare plot, you can scarcely believe you’re in a major city. You are immediately immersed in an almost tropical jungle, with
Hans Christian Andersen and his relationship with Malaga
Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish writer behind The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling, may have been born the son of a shoemaker in Odense, but his imagination and restless feet carried him far beyond Denmark. A passionate traveller, he explored much of Europe, often with unusual habits and eccentricities that matched his unique character. Among his most curious travel
How to get to Malaga city centre from the airport
The airport transfer is always the worst part of any trip. Luckily, there is no shortage of options to get you from the Costa del Sol’s international airport to Malaga city centre. Trains to Malaga from the airport The Renfe Cercanías is the cheapest and quickest way to travel between the airport and the city (from € 1.80 one way, 12 minutes). This
Alcazaba de Málaga
The Alcazaba of Malaga is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and an essential stop for anyone exploring southern Spain. Built during the Muslim-ruled period of Al-Andalus, this impressive complex combines a palace, defensive fortifications and tranquil gardens. It is also one of the best-preserved Moorish citadels in Spain, attracting thousands of visitors every year. A hilltop of strategic
MuCAC Málaga
At the foot of the Alcazaba, Málaga’s historic 11th-century fortress built by the Hammudid dynasty, stands a museum space that has entered a new era. The former Municipal Heritage Museum (MUPAM) has now merged with the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC Málaga) to create MuCAC Málaga (Museo y Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga), a flagship institution with two venues:
Cordoba: the melting pot of Andalucía
One of the most popular (and easiest) day trips from Malaga is to the city of Cordoba. Cordoba has a long history as a melting pot of different cultures and religions. Beginning as a Roman settlement, by the 10th century, not only was Cordoba under Moorish rule and the capital of Al-Andalus, it was the largest, most important and most
La Farola de Málaga lighthouse
The sea and port have always shaped Malaga’s identity, and few symbols represent this connection better than La Farola lighthouse. Standing proudly between Muelle Uno and La Malagueta beach, this historic beacon has guided sailors and captured hearts since the early 19th century. In fact, construction began in the 19th century, during the reign of Ferdinand VII, and was completed
Cafetería Framil
Cafetería Framil stands as one of the few remaining traditional cafés in Malaga’s historic centre, serving locals and visitors since 1987. Located on Calle Cisneros, this family-run establishment was founded by Miguel Criado and his wife Eulalia Claros, who named it after their three children: Francisco, Miguel and Lourdes. The cafe has built a devoted following over nearly four decades,
Kinoa
Located away from Malaga’s historic centre, in the modern Teatinos neighbourhood, Kinoa has quietly revolutionised the city’s plant-based dining scene since opening in 2020. This isn’t your typical rabbit-food affair – founders Flor and Nico have crafted a menu that’ll convert even the most committed carnivores. The restaurant champions comida de verdad (real food), serving everything from crispy Argentine empanadas to
What causes the ‘taró’ fog that closes Malaga’s beaches every summer?
If you’ve spent any summer in Malaga, you’ve probably witnessed the taró weather phenomenon at least once. Known locally as el taró, this dense sea mist in Malaga can transform sunny beaches into a hazy, mysterious scene within minutes. What is the taró fog? Taró is a form of Andalusian coastal fog that commonly appears between Malaga and Ceuta, most
Ronda: Andalucía’s most spectacular clifftop white village
Ronda stands as one of Andalucía’s most spectacular mountain towns, perched dramatically on a rocky plateau just 90 minutes from Malaga. This white-washed pueblo blanco (white village) splits into two distinct quarters, divided by the breathtaking Tajo de Ronda gorge that plunges 100 metres into the valley below. The town’s crowning glory is the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, completed in 1793 after 34 years
Mesón Ibérico
If you’re hunting for proper tapas in Malaga that’ll make your taste buds do a little flamenco, Mesón Ibérico should be top of your list. This charming spot has been dishing out authentic Andalusian flavours for over twenty years, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft. Located in the trendy Soho district, it’s a proper mesón
Pez Tomillo
Pez Tomillo stands as one of Malaga’s most beloved beachfront restaurants, perfectly positioned in the charming fishing district of Pedregalejo. This popular establishment belongs to the Perro Viejo restaurant group and occupies prime real estate along the seafront promenade, offering both spacious indoor dining and an inviting terrace. The restaurant distinguishes itself from typical Andalusian beach eateries through its innovative
Beluga
Tucked away in the enchanting Plaza de las Flores beside Calle Larios, this isn’t your typical Malaga seafood spot. Beluga offers something rather special: Mediterranean cuisine with genuine personality. Chef Diego René earned recognition as Best Chef 2023 from the Málaga Gastronomy Academy, and after dining here, you’ll understand why. At Beluga, he brings his culinary heritage from Alicante and southern
Museum Jorge Rando
Tucked away in the historic El Molinillo district, the Museum Jorge Rando comes as a delightful surprise for visitors exploring Malaga’s cultural treasures. This remarkable institution holds the distinction of being Spain’s first and only expressionist museum, dedicated to the work of Jorge Rando, a Malaga-born artist who has become one of neo-expressionism’s most celebrated international figures. Rando, born in
Caminito del Rey: the “daredevil walkway”
The Caminito del Rey is the jewel in the crown of rural tourism in Malaga. Pinned to the side of the Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes gorge, towering approximately 105 metres above the Guadalhorce river, this path has earned the nickname ‘The Daredevil’s Walkway’ due to its historic unsuitability for the faint-hearted. Stretching across a breathtaking three kilometres, the linear route
El Pimpi
No trip to Malaga is complete without a visit to El Pimpi. This legendary restaurant-bodega features in virtually every guidebook and ‘top 10’ list you can imagine – and for good reason. It’s a Malaga institution with an unparalleled location and a superb outside terrace offering stunning views of the Roman Theatre and Alcazaba. Despite becoming something of a tourist
Museo Picasso Málaga
The Picasso Museum in Malaga is one of the city’s most visited cultural attractions. Dedicated to the life and work of Pablo Picasso, Malaga’s most famous son, the museum is located in the narrow streets of the former Jewish quarter, inside the 16th-century Buenavista Palace (Palacio de los Condes de Buenavista). The museum was created in response to Picasso’s own
Heladería Cremades
For those craving something sweet after a seaside stroll in Pedregalejo, Heladería Cremades is a must-visit. This family-run ice cream parlour has been delighting locals and visitors alike for more than four decades, with a reputation for high-quality, handmade ice creams prepared using traditional methods. A family legacy of ice cream making The history of Cremades stretches back to the