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…
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
Malaga’s world-famous Christmas Lights
Every December, Malaga transforms into a magical winter wonderland that captivates visitors from across Spain and beyond. The city has gained a reputation as one of Spain’s premier destinations for holiday celebrations, combining centuries-old Andalusian traditions with contemporary artistic flair. The 2025 Malaga Christmas lights promise to once again illuminate the historic streets, creating an enchanting atmosphere that has made
Taberna Uvedoble
Tucked away among the souvenir shops selling plastic bulls and black-and-white postcards near Malaga’s Roman Theatre, Taberna Uvedoble (Spanish for the letter W) represents everything brilliant about modern Andalusian dining. Chef Willie Orellana visits Atarazanas market every morning to source the freshest seasonal produce from local vendors who’ve been sharing their wisdom for generations. This tiny, bustling tapas bar draws
Arrozeando
Finding the best paella in Malaga used to be a proper puzzle, but Arrozeando has settled that debate once and for all. This rice specialist in the charming Pedregalejo district transforms Spain’s most iconic dish into something rather extraordinary. While paella originated in Valencia, it has become as quintessentially Spanish as flamenco dancing, and every family guards its own secret
Er Pichi de Cái
This charming Cadiz-style restaurant chain has taken Malaga by storm, expanding from one humble taberna (traditional Spanish tavern) in Huelin to seven locations across the city in just three years. The original Er Pichi de Cái opened in the coastal Huelin neighbourhood, where locals first fell in love with its authentic Andalusian atmosphere and exceptional seafood dishes. Since then, the enthusiastic
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
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