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?
The FOUR best bookshops in Malaga
The vibrant, diverse landscape and culture of Malaga and its surrounding area has long attracted visits from great authors seeking inspiration, including the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote in his travel memoir In Spain, published in English in 1870, that “in none of the Spanish towns have I been so happy, so entirely at home,
Why does Malaga Airport have the code AGP?
If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll be familiar with the concept of airport codes. Normally they are based on the letters of the city’s name. For example, AMS is Amsterdam, Madrid is MAD, Barcelona is BCN, Brussels is BRU… So why then is Malaga AGP? It really doesn’t follow any pattern. Lots of urban legends It probably comes as little
Torre del Mar International Air Show
The Festival Aéreo Internacional Torre del Mar, or the Torre del Mar International Air Show, is held annually in the coastal town of Torre del Mar, around 30 kilometres east of Malaga. It’s one of the most anticipated aviation events in Europe. This spectacular display of aerial prowess takes place over the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, attracting around 300,000 aviation enthusiasts
Virgen del Carmen
In Malaga, we’re used to seeing processions of all kinds. However, on 16 July every year, a procession of unique characteristics takes place as local fishing communities honour the Virgen del Carmen. Malaga’s most emblematic fishing neighbourhoods, such as El Palo, Huelin and Pedregalejo, become the focal point for this unique festivity. Those attending can witness the acts of devotion
El Tintero
Restaurante El Tintero, located right on the seafront in the eastern district of El Palo, offers a Malaga dining experience like no other. With its distinctive auction-style service and specialisation in pescaíto frito (fried fish), this popular restaurant combines delicious food with a lively atmosphere, ensuring a memorable visit for all guests. The El Tintero ‘auction’ explained The restaurant’s auction-style
El Palo
Malaga, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighbourhoods, offers a unique experience in each of its districts. One such area is El Palo, a charming seaside neighbourhood in the eastern part of the city, renowned for its traditions, beautiful beaches and exquisite seafood cuisine. Getting to El Palo To reach El Palo from Malaga city
A quick guide to exploring Malaga’s beach promenades on foot
Malaga offers a plethora of options for those who enjoy long walks with continuous scenic views. From the eastern district of El Palo, you can walk all the way to the new Paseo in the Huelin district along the coast, passing through the city centre and the port. Start in El Palo, in the east For an extended walk, take
El Vegans
If you take a look at the shelves and display cases at El Vegans, you won’t find traditional meat cuts like chicken breasts, pork skewers or beef tenderloins. Instead, the 80-square-metre shop features gluten steaks, lentil sausages and mushroom ribs. Recently opened in the Huelin district, El Vegans proudly positions itself as a “butcher’s shop of the future” and has
Frida Pahlo
Frida Pahlo is a hidden treasure located on Pedregalejo’s seafront promenade. This charming establishment is housed in a renovated old fisherman’s house, transformed into an upscale gourmet restaurant just a few metres from the Mediterranean coast. One of its facades is dedicated to the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who inspired the owner when founding the restaurant. With its privileged location,
Chiringuitos: Malaga’s iconic traditional beach bars
Did you know that, on average, a chiringuito can be found every 500 metres along the Costa del Sol? They’re even more frequent in bustling tourist centres and in Malaga city, in particular, with one every 150 metres. But what exactly is a chiringuito? A Malaga invention Typically, a chiringuito is a small establishment located on the beach, offering drinks
Noche de San Juan: fireworks, bonfires and a midnight swim
Every year, on the night of 23 June, the Malaga coast is lit up, both literally and metaphorically, as thousands of people head to the beaches to enjoy the Noche de San Juan (Saint John’s Eve). The Feast of Saint John the Baptist, which is actually on 24 June (though in most countries the festivities are held the night before), marks
7 expert tips for surviving the hot Terral wind in Malaga
Have you heard? The Terral is coming! But are you prepared?! Temperatures around 40 degrees might sound like heaven, but this dry wind makes for an especially unpleasant time and can come in episodes of anything between a few hours to a few days. So, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Here are 7 top tips for surviving Terral in Malaga!
The (in)famous Terral wind
If you’ve been in Malaga during the summer, the chances are that you’ve experienced the dreaded Terral. This weather phenomenon is notorious among locals and tourists alike for its intense and often unbearable heat. Temperatures shoot up and the dry heat makes it feel like you’re in an oven. The usually mild Mediterranean climate is suddenly replaced by scorching conditions
Feria Internacional de los Países – Fuengirola’s annual celebration of diversity
Fuengirola‘s reputation has soared in recent years, attracting individuals from all over the world to set up their new home from home. Renowned for its unique blend of cultures, warm welcome and enviable lifestyle, the town shines as a beacon of diversity along the Costa del Sol. An annual highlight is the Feria Internacional de los Países, until recently known
Parque de Málaga
There aren’t many designated green spaces in Malaga city centre, but around the Paseo del Parque, there are several in one spot. The Parque de Málaga, sandwiched between the 25-metre-wide central boulevard of the Paseo del Parque (an extension of the Alameda Principal) and the Paseo de los Curas, is 800 metres long and runs parallel to the Palmeral de
Nerja Caves Festival
Imagine sitting in a vast natural amphitheatre, surrounded by ancient stalactites and stalagmites, while listening to world-class performances. This is the magic of the Nerja Caves International Festival of Music and Dance, a one-of-a-kind event held on the Costa del Sol. Each summer, the caves, formed over 250 million years ago, host some of the finest music and dance performances,
La Noche en Blanco de Málaga
Each year, Malaga hosts over 200 diverse events as part of its annual Noche en Blanco (Nuit Blanche or White Night) celebration. This vibrant occasion, which is replicated all around the world, grants free access to an array of cultural gems such as museums, art galleries, concerts and theatres. Throughout the city centre, which is turned into a de facto
How to order coffee in Malaga: a beginner’s guide
When learning Spanish, when it comes to ordering coffee, you might be familiar with “café con leche” or “café solo”. However, once in Malaga, some new phrases like “corto” (short), “sombra” (shadow) or “mitad” (half) get thrown into the mix. At first, these confuse foreigners and non-Malagueños alike. That’s because this system is unique to Malaga. Go outside of the
Why does it always seem to rain during Semana Santa in Malaga?
Every year, without fail, as Semana Santa approaches, the people of Malaga look skyward, anticipating the arrival of an uninvited guest: rain. This phenomenon seems to persist regardless of when Easter falls, with many processions either being cancelled or considerably shortened due to the wet weather. It’s a recurring scenario that has puzzled Spaniards for years. So, why does it
What happens if it rains during Semana Santa?
Malaga, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, comes alive during Semana Santa, drawing crowds from far and wide to witness its spectacular processions. However, amid the excitement and anticipation, the unpredictable nature of spring weather can pose challenges for the brotherhoods (or cofradías) that organise these events. In Malaga, where Semana Santa holds special significance, brotherhoods go to
5 tips for surviving Semana Santa in Malaga
If you didn’t already know, Semana Santa (Holy Week or Easter Week in English) brings Malaga to an absolute standstill every year. Easter in Spain is not just a religious festival, it’s a deep-rooted tradition that dates back centuries and brings whole communities together. In Malaga city alone, between Palm Sunday and Good Friday, there are more than 40 processions (plus
Semana Santa: Easter in Malaga
Semana Santa (Holy Week, or simply Easter Week in English) is not just a religious festival… it’s a deep-rooted tradition dating back centuries. This week-long event brings together whole communities and has, in recent decades, become a major tourist attraction, especially in the major cities in the south of Spain, such as Malaga and Seville. During this week, Malaga is
Calima, the Saharan dust that turns Malaga’s skies orange
Given the city’s close proximity to North Africa and the Gibraltar Strait, the people of Malaga are no strangers to weird and wonderful weather phenomena. One, which is quite common throughout the year, is that of calima. This suspension of Saharan sand dust in the skies is a natural phenomenon. It casts a hazy hue over the province and, depending
Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales
Verdiales, also known as fandangos de Málaga, is a Flamenco-style music genre deeply ingrained in Andalusian culture. Originating in the vicinity of Almogía, inland Malaga, this rhythmic and melodic tradition has evolved over centuries, yet retains its essence as a celebration of communal bonds and shared histories. At the heart of verdiales lies its rhythmic structure, akin to soleares and