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?
Cañadú Vegetariano
For vegetarians and any other health-conscious individuals seeking a memorable dining experience in Malaga, Cañadú is a must-visit. Nestled in the bustling Plaza de la Merced, this restaurant boasts an enticing selection of imaginative, ecological and mouthwatering dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. One standout dish that demands attention is the Persian rice, a delightful combination of wholemeal rice, almonds,
El Vegetariano de Alcazabilla
Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, beside the Albéniz cinema, Vegetariano de Alcazabilla holds the esteemed title of being the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Malaga. Its establishment dates back to 1996, when Amalia Boerr first opened its doors. Today, her children continue to operate the restaurant, offering a delightful fusion of Swiss-German, Italian, Spanish, Argentinian and Arabic culinary influences.
Antigua Casa de Guardia
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply curious about Malaga’s winemaking heritage, a visit to Antigua Casa de Guardia is a must. It offers a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to savour some of the finest wines that Andalucía has to offer. Located on a tiny side street between the Alameda and the central market, it’s one
Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares
Whoever wants to gain a better understanding of the customs and traditions of Malaga province and the Andalucía region has to visit the Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares (Museum of Arts and Popular Customs). The museum occupies the old Mesón de la Victoria, a 17th-century former inn on the bank of the Guadalmedina river, which has been classified as
Museo de Málaga / Museum of Malaga
As if we didn’t have enough in the ‘Museum City’, we’ve been gifted one more. Located in the Malaga port’s old customs house (La Aduana), a stone’s throw from the cathedral, is the Museo de Málaga. The Museum of Malaga boasts 18,000 square metres of exhibition space – more than the CAC, the Thyssen and the Picasso museum combined –
DESAL CAFÉ
DESAL CAFÉ, now in its new plant-filled industrial-vibe location on Calle Ollerías, has recently extended its offering beyond just breakfast, brunch and natural juices. Grab a coffee, pastry or loaded toast with optional extras for a light breakfast, or go all out and order eggs benedict, a salad or sandwich for a yummy brunch. Come lunchtime, DESAL CAFÉ also offers
Dulces Dreams
Walking through the Entorno Thyssen, past the Church of the Sainted Martyrs, you can’t fail to notice Dulces Dreams. This ’boutique hostel and café gallery’ (as it describes itself) entices you in with a mix of colourful chairs and couches. Once inside, its menu will keep you there – with items ideal for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon treat. We
Fuengirola: the multicultural hub of the Costa del Sol
Fuengirola has gained global recognition in recent times, becoming a home from home for many people who have chosen Spain to embark on their new life. Its allure stems from its remarkable blend of diversity, warm hospitality and exceptional lifestyle. Standing out as the most culturally diverse town on the Costa del Sol, Fuengirola proudly presents the annual Feria Internacional
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
Calle Larios
Malaga’s iconic main street. Now pedestrianised, Calle Larios one of the most emblematic streets in the country and serves as the main commercial and cultural artery of Malaga’s historic centre. Calle Larios stretches for about 300 metres and connects the bustling Plaza de la Constitución with the picturesque Alameda Principal. Nowadays, it’s the busiest part of the city and home
Granada: the epicentre of Andalucía’s Moorish past
Granada is primarily known for three things: its magnificent Moorish architecture, vibrant nightlife and the tradition of serving free tapas with any drink you order. In the city, you’ll find numerous bars lining the streets and squares, where you can enjoy a small plate of food alongside your reasonably priced drink. These tapas can range from fried fish and slow-cooked meat
Hammam Al Ándalus Málaga
It’s hard to describe the Hammam Al Ándalus experience… but you’ll certainly come out of there feeling much more relaxed than when you went in! This unexpected oasis of calm, right in the city centre, is particularly welcoming after a long day taking in the sights of the city. The stunning decor at the Hammam Ál Andalus is true to
La Vegana
Tucked away just off Plaza de la Merced, La Vegana lives up to its name by delighting visitors with a remarkable array of 100% vegan versions of traditional tapas. This bar opened in 2019 and among its most popular dishes is the tortilla de patatas, the recipe for which is a “house secret”. Here, visitors can also savour vegan renditions
Restaurante Coreano Chingu
If you’re craving authentic Korean cuisine in Malaga, look no further than Chingu! With a diverse menu, authentic flavours and a modern-yet-cosy ambience, your server will take you on a culinary journey through the flavours of Korea (if you dare!) At Chingu, they serve a wide array of dishes that showcase the true essence of Korean cuisine, from delicious classics
Plaza Mayor / McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
Plaza Mayor was already enormous, but now thanks to the addition of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, even the most serious shopaholic couldn’t ask for more. This out-of-town shopping and leisure complex is the biggest in Malaga city and is close to both the airport and Guadalmar. It’s a mostly outdoor shopping area, organised around a series of small plazas, creating
Museo Automovilístico de Málaga (Car Museum)
It’s difficult to find anything like the Museo Automovilístico de Málaga. This extraordinary private collection, across 6,000 square metres of exhibition space, boasts almost a hundred beautifully restored and exclusive vehicles (some of which date back to the 19th century), upholstered in ostrich and mink fur, or precious woods, with accessories such as ivory and silver handles. The wide range
Cercanías Málaga train service
The Malaga Cercanías train service is a 70-kilometre network which connects Malaga city centre to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport and various major towns in the province, such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. It has two lines (C-1 and C-2) and 24 stations in operation. C-1: Malaga – Airport – Fuengirola The C-1 line runs along the Costa del Sol, every
Colección del Museo Ruso (Russian Museum)
In 2015, the Colección del Museo Ruso, a branch of the Russian State Museum of Saint Petersburg, chose Malaga as a destination to increase its already significant global footprint – and it’s not hard to see why. The “Russian museum” has welcomed over 40 exhibitions with works from some of biggest names in Russian art, including Vassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich,
Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga
The Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga is one of Malaga’s main attractions in terms of visitor numbers. Opened in 2011, it brings together one of the most important collections of Spanish and Andalusian painting from the early 19th century to the early modern period in the 20th century, encompassing some of the main movements in Spanish art during this period, such
Colección del Vidrio y Cristal de Málaga (Glass Museum)
The Colección del Vidrio y Cristal de Málaga is certainly one of Malaga’s biggest hidden treasures. The “Malaga Glass Museum” is a private collection of more than 3,000 pieces of glass that pays tribute to artisanal techniques of the past, many of them sadly lost nowadays. Located in an 18th-century townhouse The Colección del Vidrio y Cristal de Málaga is
Gloria Hoyos
On the up-and-coming Calle Carretería, this trendy gastrobar can be enjoyed at any time of day or night. Whether for an early lunch, an afternoon tapa, or an evening drink with a quick bite, Gloria Hoyos has got you covered. With a menu consisting primarily of local, Spanish dishes that have been given a new and refreshing twist, Gloria Hoyos
Registering and getting a Social Security number in Malaga
Registering with Seguridad Social (Social Security) is another essential step for anyone who would like to stay long term in Malaga, get a job and have access to free healthcare. You require a Social Security number for any work contract in order to start working legitimately and to begin making pension contributions. How to get a Social Security number in
Casa Aranda
Casa Aranda is one of Malaga’s ‘churrerías’ par excellence. (Frespañol anyone?!) Established almost 100 years ago, this historic café has two branches in the historic centre, both relatively close to each other. Its exceptional quality and location, teamed with local prices, means that all these years later, Casa Aranda is still very much a favourite with local people. If you’re a
Hamburguesería Mafalda
For a simple yet delicious meal in Pedregalejo, head to Mafalda, a modest hamburger restaurant located around halfway down the seafront. The restaurant is self-service, so you must go up to look at the menu before ordering at the till. They’ll give you a number which they’ll call out for you to collect. For a typical local option, try one