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…
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
Verdiales, the Flamenco-style dance from Malaga
Verdiales, sometimes known as fandangos de Málaga, are a popular Flamenco-style music genre with its roots deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of Andalucía. Rooted in tradition, verdiales typically adhere to a 12-count rhythm akin to soleares and bulerías, with their melodic framework predominantly set in the key of E phrygian, occasionally venturing into A minor. This musical form’s resonance
Picassian bullfight
Every year, bullfighting enthusiasts and art lovers are given the chance to witness something quite unique: the Corrida Picassiana (Picassian Bullfight). Lasting around two hours, this event combines the tradition of bullfighting with the artistry of Malaga-born Pablo Picasso. During the Picassian Bullfight, expect to see bullfighters dressed in costumes inspired by Picasso’s art, with colourful and abstract designs. What’s
OXO Museo del Videojuego (Videogame museum)
Are you Team Nintendo or Team PlayStation? Whichever side you’re on, the OXO Museo del Videojuego in the heart of Malaga promises an experience that will delight all video game enthusiasts. Situated in Plaza del Siglo, just a two-minute walk from Malaga Cathedral, OXO offers an extensive collection of gaming consoles and exhibitions dedicated to classic games – a real
La Malagueta bullring
La Malagueta bullring may be one of the most emblematic buildings in Malaga, but it’s not actually all that old. It was officially opened to the public on 11 June 1876 with a fight involving the legendary Rafael Molina “Lagartijo”. The building itself was designed in neo-Mudéjar style by Joaquín Rucoba – the man also responsible for the Mercado Central
Museo del Vino (Wine Museum)
Located just off Calle Carretería, the Museo del Vino offers visitors a comprehensive look into the region’s esteemed wine heritage. Since its opening in 2008 within the historic Palacio de Biedmas, the museum has attracted a steady stream of wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to bottling. Through
MIMMA (Malaga Interactive Music Museum)
Housed within the 18th-century Palacio del Conde Navas, the Museo Interactivo de la Música de Málaga (MIMMA) is a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts and curious minds alike, offering visitors the chance to explore both musical history and architectural heritage. Located in the historic centre of Malaga, this museum boasts one of Europe’s most comprehensive private collections of musical instruments,
Guadalhorce river estuary nature park
Nestled on the western outskirts of Malaga city lies the Paraje Natural Desembocadura del Guadalhorce (or Guadalhorce river estuary), a pristine natural area covering 122 hectares. Bordered by the river’s final arms, this sanctuary boasts an exceptional variety of habitats, including lagoons, riverbanks and sandy coastal areas, which provide homes for a diverse range of species all year round. Wildlife
Accessing free public healthcare in Andalucía
The public health system in Spain often ranks among the world’s best. Known for its universality, it provides free-at-the-point-of-use healthcare (for most services) to all residents, regardless of their income level or employment status. Funded through taxes and social security contributions, the system offers comprehensive coverage, including primary care, specialist services, hospital care and prescription drugs. Health centres and hospitals