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…
Roscón de Reyes: the traditional Three Kings cake in Spain
Why do they eat grapes on New Year’s Eve in Spain?
The FIVE best day trips less than an hour away from Malaga
The top five best city breaks from Malaga
October 12th: Fiesta Nacional, Spain’s controversial National Day
From Arab shipyard to convent: the fascinating history of Atarazanas market
The top 5 must-try seafood dishes in Malaga
Hans Christian Andersen and his relationship with Malaga
What causes the ‘taró’ fog that closes Malaga’s beaches every summer?
The FOUR best bookshops in Malaga
Why does Malaga Airport have the code AGP?
A quick guide to exploring Malaga’s beach promenades on foot
Chiringuitos: Malaga’s iconic traditional beach bars
7 expert tips for surviving the hot Terral wind in Malaga
The (in)famous Terral wind
How to order coffee in Malaga: a beginner’s guide
Why does it always seem to rain during Semana Santa in Malaga?
What happens if it rains during Semana Santa?
5 tips for surviving Semana Santa in Malaga
Calima, the Saharan dust that turns Malaga’s skies orange
Verdiales, the Flamenco-style dance from Malaga
Lagunillas: Malaga’s alternative Barrio de las Artes
Why’s there an obelisk in Plaza de la Merced?
For the love of coffee! The 5 best specialty coffee spots in Malaga
What’s so ‘noble’ about the Hospital Noble?
Why is there a ‘German bridge’ in Malaga?
Hermanos Alba
Tucked away in the charming seaside district of El Palo, Hermanos Alba stands as one of Malaga’s most celebrated seafood restaurants. This family-run establishment has earned serious culinary credentials, featuring in the prestigious Repsol Guide and ranking 14th among informal restaurants in the Opinionated About Dining (OAD) guide. The restaurant gained extra celebrity appeal when Malaga-born singer Pablo Alborán dined
Restaurante Vino Mío
Nestled in the heart of Malaga’s historic centre, Vino Mío has been delighting diners with contemporary cuisine since 2003, earning its stripes as a proper fixture on the city’s restaurant scene. The restaurant boasts front-row seats to the illuminated Cervantes theatre, making it an ideal spot for pre- or post-show dining when you’re catching a performance. Under new management since
Castillo de Gibralfaro (Gibralfaro castle)
The magnificent Gibralfaro castle is one of the stand-out emblems of Malaga. Not only does it appear on both the city and province’s seal and flag, but it also dominates the Malaga skyline. This excellently preserved fortress, built during Malaga’s Islamic past, sits atop the hill of the same name, which has always been of enormous strategic significance throughout the
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 — 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
Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol
The Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol (Church of Saint James the Apostle), situated on the bustling Calle Granada, holds a rather special claim to fame that art lovers will adore. This is where Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, was baptised on 10th November 1881. The infant Picasso received his impressively long full name: Pablo
Getting on the ‘padrón’
If you plan to stay in Malaga or anywhere in Spain for an extended period, one of the first pieces of official paperwork you will need to complete is registering on the padrón municipal de habitantes, commonly referred to simply as the padrón. This is the local population census, and it is essential for anyone who wants to prove residence in Spain and
Malaga Fashion Week – Pasarela Larios
Malaga Fashion Week takes over the city centre for a weekend every September. This now yearly event brings together fashion designers from all across the continent, with almost a hundred international models showcasing designs by major names, albeit with a special focus on local designers such as Rafael Urquízar, Sandra Rojas Novias and Abraham Zambrana. The longest catwalk in Europe
El Muro Bar Independiente
Tucked away in Malaga’s historic centre, El Muro stands as the city’s most intellectually stimulating bar experience. This isn’t your typical Andalusian tapas bar – instead, it’s become a cultural institution where current affairs meet craft beer in the most unexpected way. What sets El Muro apart is its famous daily blackboard, where instead of listing drink prices or the
Nudist beaches in Malaga province
The Costa del Sol isn’t just about chiringuitos and sangria – it’s also home to some of Spain’s most liberating naturist beaches where you can embrace your birthday suit in spectacular Andalusian surroundings. According to the Spanish Naturist Federation, there are seven official nudist beaches in Malaga province, though plenty of unofficial spots exist for those seeking textile-free tranquillity. Whether
Marenostrum Fuengirola
Located around 30 kilometres west of Malaga, Marenostrum Fuengirola has quickly become one of Spain’s most iconic open-air music venues since its founding in 2016. Nestled next to the impressive Moorish Sohail Castle, this venue combines breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea with a rich sense of history, making it a truly unique setting for live music. The castle itself
Starlite Festival
The Starlite Festival, now known as Starlite Occident for sponsorship reasons, is a three-month-long music and cultural extravaganza held every summer in Marbella. Every June, July and August, the Nagüeles quarry attracts a star-studded lineup of international performers to this unique space that combines an open-air auditorium, a Sessions space (an outdoor nightclub which hosts DJ performances) and several restaurants.
What’s the weather like in Malaga?
It should come as no surprise that one of the main reasons people flock to Malaga and the south of Spain is the absolutely glorious weather. The Costa del Sol (literally ‘Coast of the Sun’) has attracted mass tourism ever since the 1950s precisely because, as its name rather obviously suggests, it basks in sunshine practically all year round. While
Inside Malaga CF: the behind-the-scenes La Rosaleda stadium tour
Step into the hallowed halls of La Rosaleda, home to Malaga CF and one of Andalucía’s most atmospheric football stadiums. This guided tour offers football fans and curious visitors alike the chance to explore more than 120 years of Malaga football history in the very place where the magic happens. You’ll discover the most exclusive areas of the stadium, from
Standard Coffee & Vinyls Club
Tucked away on Plaza de la Aurora, Standard Coffee & Vinyls Club serves up two major staples: proper coffee and old-school music. This isn’t your average Malaga tourist trap. On the ‘other side’ of the river, it’s a genuinely brilliant local haunt off the tourist trail where vinyl records spin as smoothly as the well-priced drinks flow. The coffee experience
La Tarta de la Madre de Cris
La Tarta de la Madre de Cris has become a pilgrimage site for dessert lovers in Malaga, serving Spain’s most celebrated cheesecakes from their beloved Calle Granada location. This family-run bakery, which translates to ‘Cris’s Mother’s Cake’, opened in Malaga in January 2020 after conquering Granada with their legendary tarta de queso (cheesecake). The bakery represents the finest tradition of
Restaurante Cofrade Entre Varales
Fancy a proper Spanish dining experience with a twist? Restaurante Cofrade Entre Varales offers a uniquely atmospheric dining experience in the heart of Malaga, combining authentic Andalusian gastronomy with the passionate traditions of Semana Santa. This distinctive ‘cofrade’ restaurant in Malaga transports diners into the spiritual world of Holy Week from the moment they step through the door. A traditional
Iglesia de los Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula (Church of Saints Ciriaco and Paula)
Right in the heart of Malaga’s historic centre, this remarkable church stands as one of the city’s most fascinating religious landmarks. Built by the Catholic Monarchs after the Christian conquest of Malaga in 1487, it’s one of just four churches constructed within the old city walls. The church honours Saints Ciriaco and Paula, who happen to be Malaga’s patron saints,
Cine Abierto
With the summer heat suffocating at times, getting outdoors once the sun has set could well be the perfect remedy. That’s why, as part of the Festival de Málaga, the city hall every summer launches the Cine Abierto series of open-air screenings in various locations. The showings cater for wide audiences, especially families, and are free to view though some
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
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
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
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
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,
How to get a NIE in Malaga
Resident or not, to get practically anything done in Spain, you need an identification number. If you’re not Spanish and you’re planning to stay in Spain long term or do business in the country, you should look to get yourself a Número de Identidad de Extranjeros (known most commonly as an NIE). What is a NIE? What does it look like? A