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?
HELAS – Restaurante Griego
If you fancy swapping the Alboran for the Aegean, HELAS – Restaurante Griego is an excellent option. Run by a Greek couple who moved their operation from Seville, this quiet little back-alley restaurant very quickly fills up the street every evening with diners who wish to make the most of the rather secluded outside terrace. Just minutes from the busy
Ñanduti by Dora Ortiz
Ñanduti by Dora Ortiz is a little, hidden treasure in the El Perchel area on the western side of the river in Malaga. This charming establishment, located close to the Puente del Carmen, is a mecca for lovers of pastry and anything sweet. “We only use top-quality ingredients and make our bread in-house daily,” they explain on their Facebook page.
Pizzamore
That’s amore! Voted the best pizza place in Malaga in 2019, Pizzamore is a safe bet for an evening meal or a takeaway night-in. Located just around the corner from Plaza de la Merced, Pizzamore can be easily reached from anywhere within the Historic Centre. The menu has a vast selection of dishes, all made, they say, with 100% Italian
Fiel de Fechos
This place is a feast both for the stomach and the eyes. Fiel de Fechos, tucked away in a small side street between the Cathedral and the bustling Calle Granada, can only be described in one way: spectacular. Roses on the ceiling invite you in, then bright lights and zany 70s patterns lead you to one of the ornate bar
Sabor a Nápoles
Fancy a light bite? An after-work Aperol spritz? Or a full sit-down dinner? Whatever you fancy, Sabor a Nápoles is a worthwhile stop. This unassuming tiny eatery now has two locations, one close to Malagueta beach and another on Calle Victoria. With just a few inside tables, if you’re lucky enough to get one, soak up the Napolitan vibes and
Casa Mira
On a sweltering day in Malaga, and often well into the early hours of the morning, one name dominates the quest for sweet relief: Casa Mira. The parlour on Calle Larios heaves with locals and tourists alike, all seeking the perfect scoop to combat the Andalusian heat. What draws the crowds isn’t just the extensive range of artisan flavours, it’s
The Place Soho
If you’re going for a complete change of look, head to The Place – a one-stop shop in the fashionable Soho district. Comprising the Art-Shampop hairdressers, the My Life Tattoo parlour and the Disaster Street Wear clothing shop, you will find some of Malaga’s most alternative-looking people in here for sure!
Mercado de Salamanca
It’s been a long time coming but the Mercado de Salamanca is back – and is looking great. This 1920s food market in the El Molinillo neighbourhood, just north of the Historic Centre, has undergone a complete renovation, maintaining its unique neo-Arab architecture. This is, unlike Atarazanas market, very much where locals go. While it is small, there is a lot
Museo de la Imaginación (Imagination Museum)
The Museo de la Imaginación is a place where everyone gets the chance to feel like a child again. Tucked away in the Soho neighbourhood is this unconventional museum that combines science and education with entertainment and in which you can plunge headfirst into the world of illusions. Don’t forget to bring a camera with you because there are plenty
La Térmica
La Térmica describes itself as “a centre for contemporary cultural creation and production”. This means that it accommodates all forms of artistic expression, from the performing arts to fashion, cinema, plastic arts, music, design, architecture, urban planning, landscaping and thought. As it is managed by the Diputación provincial government, La Térmica also offers a programme of residencies, workshops, training and
La Despensa de Iñaki
La Despensa de Iñaki is the younger cousin of the legendary Asador Iñaki. This gourmet deli now occupies the premises of the former restaurant which at the time was a sort of improvised street-side dining room. Now, having gained enormous popularity, Asador Iñaki has moved to the parallel Calle Ayala to a larger spot much more fitting of its status.
Terra Mía
They describe themselves as ‘101% Napolitan’ so, for that reason alone, you know that the food at Terra Mía is going to be great! Proof of this is that Terra Mia was the winner of the 1st Tutti Pizza Competition organised by local newspaper SUR’s gastronomy supplement, Málaga en la Mesa. According to their own website: “To visit Terra Mia
Fundación Pablo Ruiz Picasso / Museo Casa Natal
You don’t have to walk far from the Picasso Museum to find Plaza de la Merced, a romantic square in which, at the end of the row of houses on the north side you can find number 15, where the man himself, Pablo Ruiz y Picasso, was born in 1881. Nowadays, Plaza de la Merced houses both the headquarters of
El Carmen Bar
El Carmen, located on the iconic Plaza de la Merced, is an LGBT+ friendly bar that is open throughout the day. Enjoy a tapa and a beer on the outdoor terrace in the sunshine, or equally a lively and colourful show over food in the evening. One of the most popular events organised at El Carmen is the Drag Bingo
Cines Albéniz
Cines Albéniz is the only multi-screen cinema in Malaga’s historic centre. Located on Calle Alcazabilla, between the Teatro Romano (Roman theatre) and Plaza de la Merced, this Historicist-style building is quite spectacular, both inside and out, especially the main screen. This is often reserved for film premieres or events at the various film festivals (Malaga Film Festival, French Film Festival)
La Tranca
No trip to Malaga would be complete without a stop-off at La Tranca. That’s if you can get in… As you approach it on Calle Carretería, it will quickly become apparent which bar it is – the one that’s packed full, with a waiting queue outside. Wait your turn and you’ll be given a stool to perch on next to
Next Level Specialty Coffee
Next Level Specialty Coffee truly does take you to the next level when it comes to specialty coffees and breakfasts. And that was the goal of José and Vanessa when they were opening the place. This cute little place just off the pedestrianised Alameda Principal is a haven for those looking for a great coffee and an unbeatable quality breakfast
Bertani Café
Bertani Café was the first place in Malaga to offer specialty coffee. This cosy little nook in the heart of the city, located on the charming little Calle San Juan, offers a great choice of coffee brews: Chemex, Cold brew, classic Italian espresso… you name it! “Coffee is in the heart of our business,” says Laura, the founder of this
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
El Mesón de Cervantes
El Mesón de Cervantes is the younger sibling of the original El Tapeo de Cervantes. This group of establishments, run by an Argentinian family, has been serving the city for a number of years now. It continues to go from strength to strength, recently opening a third restaurant in the centre, El Descorche de Cervantes, which acts as an overspill
Playa de Guadalmar
Guadalmar Beach is located on the far western side of Malaga city, between the Guadalmar estate and golf course and the Guadalhorce river estuary. For this reason this is a protected area of high environmental value, inhabited by a number of species of birds migrating between Europe and Africa. Guadalmar beach is most well-known, however, for being the only authorised
La Fábrica – Craft Brewery by Cruzcampo
If you’re a fan of beer, and especially craft beer, La Fábrica is a must for any trip to Malaga. With capacity for up to 450 people, this craft microbrewery, in the heart of the fashionable Soho district (just off the main Alameda), is vast (1,200 m2 divided into different areas and spaces). Run by the international manufacturer Cruzcampo, it
Dewe Málaga
In the quiet Calle San Juan, there’s a shop that’s hard to miss, thanks to its bright lighting and striking pieces in the window display. If you’re looking for new trainers or the latest in street wear, Dewe Málaga is definitely worth checking out – if only for the distinctive interior and music selection. With both men’s and women’s fashion,
Café con Libros
This lovely little bar is exactly what it says on the tin: café con libros. (Or ‘cafe with books’… but we didn’t need to tell you that, right? 😉 ) Complete with a living room vibe and a library, this is a cozy little spot for when the temperature starts to drop. Go inside and immerse yourself in what they