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 – Traditional Spanish Kings’ Cake

Roscón de Reyes: the traditional Three Kings cake in Spain

No Spanish celebration of Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) would be complete without a Roscón de Reyes, the sweet ring-shaped cake that graces tables across the country on January 6th. This centuries-old tradition brings families together on the morning of Three Kings Day, creating moments of suspense and laughter as everyone discovers what hides inside their slice. The roscón […]

Why do they eat grapes on New Year’s Eve in Spain?

If you’ve ever watched Spanish television on New Year’s Eve or found yourself in a Spanish plaza as midnight approaches, you’ll have witnessed one of the country’s most beloved and slightly bonkers traditions. Eating twelve grapes in twelve seconds as the clock strikes midnight might sound straightforward, but anyone who’s attempted this feat whilst trying not to choke, laugh or […]

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The FIVE best day trips less than an hour away from Malaga

Looking for the best day trips from Malaga? You’re in luck. Within just an hour of the city, you’ll find some of southern Spain’s most charming destinations — from whitewashed coastal towns to dramatic mountain landscapes. Each offers its own flavour of Andalusian life, and all are easy to reach by car, train or organised tour. Here are the top […]

The top five best city breaks from Malaga

Malaga offers plenty to explore, but many visitors use this coastal city as a gateway to discover other remarkable destinations across Andalucía. The city enjoys excellent transport links. Malaga Airport ranks among Spain’s busiest hubs, while María Zambrano train station connects travellers to destinations throughout the country. If you ever tire of Malaga’s charms, these five Andalusian cities make exceptional […]

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October 12th: Fiesta Nacional, Spain’s controversial National Day

October 12th marks Spain’s Fiesta Nacional, a public holiday that commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. This date is controversial for many, representing both Spanish pride and historical colonialism. Previously known as Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day), this remains one of Spain’s two most significant national holidays alongside Constitution Day on December 6th. Catholics also know […]

From Arab shipyard to convent: the fascinating history of Atarazanas market

Today, Atarazanas is known as Malaga’s central market – a bustling marketplace and a major hub of activity in Malaga city centre. However, this vibrant food market boasts a remarkable history that spans seven centuries, reflecting the city’s evolving landscape and culture. The original Atarazanas: a 14th-century Arab shipyard When Atarazanas was first built in the 14th century, Malaga looked […]

The top 5 must-try seafood dishes in Malaga

While paella gets all the limelight, especially from foreigners, Malaga’s coastal cuisine offers so much more. This Mediterranean city has perfected the art of simple, fresh seafood preparations that let the quality of the catch shine through. Armed with little more than olive oil, sea salt and centuries of fishing tradition, malagueños have created dishes that are beloved across Spain. If […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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! […]

Sandy beach in Malaga lined with straw parasols and sun loungers along the Mediterranean Sea on a clear sunny day.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Lagunillas: Malaga’s alternative Barrio de las Artes

An obscure maze of alleyways, plazas, and vacant lots, hidden in plain sight behind Plaza de la Merced, Lagunillas is a slice of authentic urban Spain perfectly preserved amongst the city’s most touristic neighbourhoods. Lagunillas looks unremarkable from the outside, and is easily overlooked by art aficionados visiting Malaga in favour of the better known Sojo district, which features several […]

Why’s there an obelisk in Plaza de la Merced?

Anyone who has visited Plaza de la Merced will have doubtless spotted the enormous obelisk located right in its centre. However, you may be surprised to find out that it actually sits atop a mass grave. It contains the remains of General José María de Torrijos y Uriarte, and 48 others, who were put to death after leading an ill-fated […]

For the love of coffee! The 5 best specialty coffee spots in Malaga

I don’t know about you, but for me, a visit to a new city is never truly complete until I discover at least one coffee brewery. One of those places where the city opens up to you. Where the friendly owner chats away about the best coffees in the world. A modern space with organic design, kinda hipsterish, if you […]

What’s so ‘noble’ about the Hospital Noble?

If you’ve lived in Malaga for some time, you’ll have passed this building hundreds of times. Located beside the Fuente de las Tres Gracias roundabout, from which you can get spectacular views of the Alcazaba, is the Hospital Noble. You’ve probably never been inside because these days the building houses council offices. So why is it called a hospital? And […]

Why is there a ‘German bridge’ in Malaga?

Anyone crossing the Guadalmedina river, heading from the city centre out west, is likely to have crossed the Puente de los Alemanes (Bridge of the Germans). But have you ever wondered how it got its name? The story begins on 16 December 1900, when a frigate belonging to the Imperial German Navy, the SMS Gneisenau, crashed into the harbour breakwater. […]

Verdiales musician in Malaga playing guitar, wearing a colorful traditional hat decorated with flowers and ribbons during a folk festival.

Blog

Verdiales, the Flamenco-style dance from Malaga

7 March 2024 No Comments

Aerial view of La Malagueta bullring in Malaga surrounded by city buildings.

Spring

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

22 February 2024 No Comments

Entrance hall of OXO Video Game Museum in Malaga with neon lights, futuristic decor, and a robot statue.

Museums & galleries

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

16 February 2024 No Comments

Entertainment

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

15 February 2024 No Comments

Facade of the Wine Museum in Malaga with entrance and decorative balconies

Museums & galleries

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

9 February 2024 No Comments

Interior of the MIMMA Malaga Museum of Music featuring contemporary art, a piano, and a hand-shaped wall installation.

Museums & galleries

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,

9 February 2024 No Comments

Wooden pedestrian bridge crossing the Guadalhorce River estuary surrounded by natural vegetation in Málaga, Spain.

Beaches

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

8 February 2024 No Comments

First steps

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

8 February 2024 No Comments

Interior of Recyclo Bike Cafe in Malaga featuring bicycles hanging from the ceiling, recycled decor, chalkboard menus, and a lively bar area.

Coffee & breakfast

Recyclo Bike Café

This quirky bike shop, which doubles up as a restaurant and bar, is a big favourite in Malaga. Located on the bustling Plaza Enrique García-Herrera, Recyclo Bike Café is a convenient meeting place as it is both in the city centre and close to all the bus stops and train stations. Its outdoor terrace is fantastic on those summer evenings for a

1 February 2024 No Comments

Exterior view of Teatro Cervantes in Málaga illuminated at night, showing its historic façade and main entrance.

Entertainment

Teatro Cervantes

Teatro Cervantes is a historic theatre in the heart of Malaga. Located close to the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Plaza de la Merced, this theatre has become one of the city’s main cultural hubs. Designed by Gerónimo Cuervo González (Madrid, 1838 – Malaga, 1898), the theatre is known for its eclectic architectural style, the idea for which was conceived by

31 October 2023 No Comments

Exterior of Paris 15 concert venue in Málaga illuminated in red lights at night.

Entertainment

Sala Paris 15

Sala Paris 15 is a legendary venue on the Malaga live entertainment scene. Located in the San Luis industrial estate on the western side of the city (taxi required to get home!), it first opened its doors in 2010 and has since hosted hundreds of live concerts and sets by both national and international DJs. This versatile venue, which also

31 October 2023 No Comments

Interior wall at Grand Café Gezellig in Málaga featuring a red neon sign reading “Estoy Gezellig” and a photo collage decoration.

Food & drink

Grand Café Gezellig

Grand Café Gezellig is your Dutch haven (if ever you needed one) in the heart of Malaga’s Soho district. It’s described as “a place where Dutch cuisine and Dutch ‘Gezelligheid’ merge seamlessly”. But what is that exactly? According to owners Naomi Uijlenhoed and Jackie Stor, “Gezellig” is that warm, cozy feeling when you’re basking in the merriment of having shared

31 October 2023 No Comments

Fresh sashimi assortment being prepared from a whole fish in a bowl.

Food & drink

Misuto

Experience a fusion of Spanish cuisine and sushi at Misuto, a restaurant located in the Malaga fishing neighbourhood of Pedregalejo. Sushi Master Rui Junior, formerly of Óleo Restaurant, and Chef Alejandro Salido, who was head chef at Restaurante Asako, have come together to create a unique dining destination, combining the freshness and quality of a sushi bar with creatively refreshed

5 August 2023 No Comments

Passengers waiting on a Málaga Metro platform as a train arrives at an underground station.

Getting around

Metro de Málaga

The Metro de Málaga network, with a total length of 13.2 kilometres (8.2 miles), connects Malaga’s historic centre with the city’s northwestern and southwestern suburbs. The network has 19 stations, 12 of which are underground, and five are surface-level light rail stops. Two lines The Malaga Metro consists of two lines almost entirely on the western side of the Guadalmedina

5 August 2023 No Comments

Sunset view of Málaga María Zambrano train station with city buildings, street traffic, and colorful sky.

Getting around

Medium and long-distance trains from Malaga

Since its introduction in 1992, the high-speed AVE rail service has revolutionised rail travel in Spain. Over the years, the high-speed network has significantly expanded, now covering more than 3,600 kilometres and connecting dozens of towns and cities throughout the country. Spain’s high-speed rail network is currently the largest in Europe and ranks second globally, only behind China. Travel from

5 August 2023 No Comments

Interior of Vialia Málaga shopping centre with multiple floors, retail stores, and shoppers walking through the mall.

Destinations

Vialia Málaga shopping centre

Centro Comercial Vialia Málaga is a popular shopping centre on the western side of the city. As part of María Zambrano train station, which caters to long-distance train travellers, and located next to the El Perchel Malaga Metro station, this shopping centre is very well connected. High-street fashion The ground floor of Centro Comercial Vialia Málaga is a popular destination

5 August 2023 No Comments

Exterior of Cortijo de Pepe restaurant in Málaga at night, with illuminated signage and outdoor tables occupied by diners.

Food & drink

Cortijo de Pepe

Cortijo de Pepe is a traditional Spanish restaurant, popular even with locals despite its location on the southern edge of the very touristy Plaza de la Merced. With a rich history dating back to 1971, this establishment has been serving popular local cuisine for over five decades. The restaurant’s rustic décor, featuring wooden beams and traditional Andalusian tiles, creates an

17 July 2023 No Comments

Exterior of Vegan-té La Siria in Malaga, a vegan tea house with outdoor tables on a quiet pedestrian street.

Food & drink

Vegan-té ”La Siria”

If you’re a fan of Middle-Eastern cuisine and find yourself in Malaga, Vegan-té ”La Siria” is a must-visit 100% plant-based restaurant. Situated near the María Zambrano train station, Vegan-té ”La Siria” offers a cosy dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeaway options. Operating at both lunchtime and in the evening, depending on the day (check

8 July 2023 No Comments

Food & drink

YUMMY Heladería

While the Malaga vegan scene is constantly expanding, finding vegan ice cream can still be a challenge. However, now there’s one place that stands out: Yummy Heladería. Located in the heart of the city centre, not only does it offer a variety of flavours for both vegans and non-vegans, but it also caters to gluten-free diets, making it a perfect

8 July 2023 No Comments

Glass display counter filled with assorted pastries and donuts inside a modern coffee shop, with espresso machines and coffee grinders in the background.

Coffee & breakfast

Bun and Coffee

Bun and Coffee is a cosy coffee and doughnut shop that’s a must-visit for all vegans with a sweet tooth! Located between the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum, this unassuming café specialises in fluffy, vegan doughnuts made fresh every day. Among the various tempting flavours, three stand out. The Triple Biscoff doughnut, with Biscoff crumbs, glaze and filling; the Peanut

8 July 2023 No Comments

Green neon sign reading “Meet Vegano” inside Meet Vegano vegan restaurant in Malaga.

Food & drink

Meet Vegano

Meet Vegano is a 100% plant-based restaurant located in the city centre, between Calle Larios and Calle Nueva. Since its opening in February 2022, it has gained popularity among both locals and tourists, becoming a must-visit spot for plant-based food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s success reflects the growing demand for plant-based cuisine and the thriving vegan food scene in Malaga. Creative

8 July 2023 No Comments

Exterior view of SOCA restaurant in Málaga, showing the entrance with modern signage and a minimalist facade.

Food & drink

Restaurante SOCA

Situated in the heart of Malaga, Restaurante Soca has quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists, despite its relatively recent opening on the iconic Calle Carretería. The restaurant boasts a fusion cuisine that beautifully combines modern Mediterranean flavours with exquisite sushi, making it a favoured destination for many visitors, who regard it as one of the Costa del Sol’s finest

8 July 2023 No Comments

Vegan gourmet dish served at MIMO Vegan Bistro in Malaga, beautifully plated with vegetables, sauce, and edible flowers.

Food & drink

MIMO Vegan Bistro

Now pursuing their latest venture on Avenida Manuel Agustín Heredia in the Soho area of Malaga, MIMO Vegan is back with a brand-new restaurant. This establishment prides itself on offering a fully vegan menu that is free from gluten and sugar. The culinary creations at MIMO Vegan Bistro predominantly showcase locally sourced vegetables, ensuring a fresh and sustainable dining experience.

8 July 2023 No Comments

Minimalist interior of a vegetarian restaurant in Málaga with wooden tables, indoor plants, and an open kitchen.

Food & drink

Saladentro

With a fresh and revitalised concept, Espacio Salâ provides guests with a daily menu consisting of three delectable dishes. Located on the western bank of the Guadalmedina river, opposite the city centre, in a minimalist space, this restaurant takes a modern approach by sharing the daily recipes on its Instagram account (which the chef can tailor to accommodate specific intolerances

8 July 2023 No Comments