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…
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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