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?

Ana La Fantástica
When a Galician baker brings her homeland’s traditions to Malaga, something rather special happens. Ana La Fantástica is an artisan bakery and café in the heart of Malaga that’s winning over customers with its dedication to proper bread-making. Think rustic loaves, flaky pastries and breakfasts that actually set you up for the day. Artisan bakery in central Malaga The story

Sueño Pastelería Francesa
Sueño Pastelería Francesa has earned its place among Malaga’s best breakfast spots through sheer dedication to the craft of French pâtisserie. This charming bakery and café lives up to its name – which translates as “Dream French Bakery” – with sophisticated artisan pastries (pastelería artesanal) that impress visually before taking you on a flavour journey. Located in Gamarra, a bit

Mala Leche Coffee
Finding a table at Mala Leche can be a challenge, which tells you everything you need to know about this popular Malaga café. Tucked away on Calle Castillo de Sohail, not far from Plaza de la Constitución, this warm and laid-back coffee shop has built a devoted following for breakfast and brunch in the city. Its name, Mala Leche, translates

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

Día de Reyes Three Kings parade
Christmas festivities in Spain extend beyond December 25th, culminating on January 6th with Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day). This is when Los Reyes Magos (the Three Wise Men) arrive from the East bearing gifts for children across the country. The celebration is a national holiday in Spain and is the most beloved day among Spanish children, who eagerly await

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

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve)
While Spain, and Malaga in particular, is known for its raucous celebrations, many visitors to the city are often surprised by the relatively low-key celebrations for New Year’s Eve (known as Nochevieja, literally “old night”). That said, Malaga still knows how to welcome the New Year with style, and Plaza de la Constitución becomes the beating heart of celebrations as

Step-by-step guide to buying property in Malaga
Buying property in Spain can seem daunting, especially for foreign buyers who are unfamiliar with local laws, taxes, and customs. Malaga, with its sunny climate, vibrant culture and attractive coastal lifestyle, is a popular choice for international buyers. While the process might feel complicated, understanding each step can make it much easier. This step-by-step guide takes you through the key

Unexpected or hidden costs when buying property in Malaga
When you start looking at properties in Malaga, it’s easy to get caught up in the asking price. A beautiful apartment in the historic centre or a beachfront villa in Pedregalejo can seem like a dream deal… until hidden costs start to add up. For many foreign buyers, these additional expenses come as a surprise and can quickly add around 10%

The Malaga property market: What foreign buyers need to know
Malaga continues to shine as one of southern Europe’s most desirable cities, attracting investors, retirees and remote workers from across the world. With its year-round sunshine, excellent transport links and cosmopolitan lifestyle, it’s no surprise that the local property market remains one of Spain’s most dynamic. If you’re thinking about buying a home or investment property in Malaga, 2026 offers

The best neighbourhoods in Malaga for foreign buyers
Once seen mainly as a gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga has become one of southern Europe’s most desirable cities to live in. Nowadays, its mix of sunshine, beaches, gastronomy and cultural life attracts a steady flow of foreign buyers looking for both lifestyle and investment opportunities. However, the city’s neighbourhoods vary significantly in terms of price, atmosphere and

Renting vs buying in Malaga: which one makes more sense?
Many expats and foreign buyers wonder whether it’s better to rent or buy property in Malaga. The decision is not always straightforward and depends on a variety of factors, including your financial goals, lifestyle preferences and how long you plan to stay in the city. As with everywhere else in the world, renting can provide flexibility and lower upfront costs,

7 things to look out for when renting in Malaga
Once you’ve found a potential apartment in Malaga, there are several important factors to consider before committing. From building quality to contract types and common scams, understanding the local rental landscape can save you money and stress. Here are the 7 most important things to watch out for when renting in Malaga, particularly for newcomers and foreigners. 1. Understanding different

Do you need an estate agent to rent in Malaga?
Whether you’re moving to Malaga for work, study or simply to enjoy the Andalusian lifestyle, one of your first questions will likely be about finding somewhere to live. The easiest way to tackle the challenge of renting in Malaga would be, of course, to contract the services of an English-speaking estate agent. But, is it really necessary? Or is it

How to avoid the most common rental scams in Malaga
Malaga is a brilliant place to live, whether you’re relocating for work, studying at the university or simply embracing the Andalusian lifestyle as a digital nomad. But before you hand over any money for that picture-perfect piso (flat), there’s something you should know: rental scams exist here, just as they do in any popular tourist destination. The good news is

Finding a rental property in Malaga
Just arrived in Malaga and looking for somewhere to live? Finding housing in Malaga has become increasingly competitive in recent years, especially if you want to rent an apartment in the city centre. With Malaga forging a strong international reputation as a place to live, work and study, demand for rentals has surged. Prices have risen sharply as more landlords

Malaga Carnival
After the Christmas and Kings’ festivities are out of the way, we have to wait until around mid-February for the next big party of the year in Malaga. That said, it’s a big one. Like in many towns and cities across Spain, the Carnaval de Málaga is a big deal – a week-long celebration filled with music and colour. Much

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

Torremolinos: where the Costa del Sol story began
More than half a century after bursting onto the tourism scene, Torremolinos still defines innovative travel. This vibrant coastal town continually reinvents itself while remaining true to its Andalusian roots. Torremolinos is where the Costa del Sol began. The first hotels appeared here, and fishing families opened simple beach bars serving their daily catch. From those humble beginnings, the town

Marbella: from the exclusive Puerto Banús to the charming old town
Marbella ranks as one of the most celebrated towns along the entire Costa del Sol coastline. Situated approximately one hour’s drive from Malaga, this glamorous resort has cultivated a longstanding reputation for exclusivity and sophistication. World-renowned nightlife, distinguished international visitors and millionaire residents all point towards one defining characteristic: luxury. Why Marbella attracts the rich and famous The town functions

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

Almeria: Natural parks, Moorish castles and movie magic
Getting to Almeria from Malaga takes just over two hours by car, making it one of the more ambitious day trips from the Costa del Sol – but it’s absolutely worth the journey. This eastern Andalusian city sits close to the border with Murcia and often flies under the tourist radar precisely because of its geographical isolation from the main

Teatro Echegaray
Malaga boasts two magnificent theatres, and the Teatro Echegaray stands as the more intimate of the pair alongside the larger Teatro Cervantes. You’ll find this charming venue tucked away on Calle Echegaray, a quiet street right in the heart of Malaga’s historic centre, close to the Cathedral and the Picasso museum. The building opened its doors in 1932 as a

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

