8 December 2016
Malaga’s iconic main street. Now pedestrianised, this is the busiest part of the city and home to some of the best shops. All of the major international chains which want a store in Malaga are all vying for a spot on Calle Larios. There is something for all budgets with upper high street brands such as Massimo Dutti, Another Stories, COS and Mango as well as more affordable brands like Bershka and Pull & Bear. There are also several lingerie […]
5 May 2018
On a sunny weekend afternoon, there is no better place to see how malagueños enjoy themselves than the charming fishing village of Pedregalejo. The seafront is jam packed with restaurants and bars, and attracts all types of people, from families with children enjoying a meal out to groups of young people gossiping over a beer. The beach itself is divided into small, charming coves and is generally far less crowded than La Malagueta. There are many sandy or grassy spots […]
14 July 2018
You can’t miss the massive El Corte Inglés when entering Malaga from the west up the grand Avenida de Andalucía. Nor if you’re on pretty much any rooftop in the city. Especially around Christmas time when adorned with its famous illuminations. Though not local to Malaga (it was founded in Madrid in 1934) El Corte Inglés is a symbol across Spain. In fact, it is currently the biggest department store group in Europe. With its vast floor space and multiple […]
25 September 2019
This beautiful square is a must-see for so many different reasons. Firstly, Plaza de la Merced is the birthplace of none other than Pablo Picasso. Málaga’s most famous son was born in the house on the most north-westerly corner, which has now been converted into Casa Natal (birth house) where you can visit more of the city’s Picasso offering. Secondly, no night out can begin without a visit to one of the several bars. By day, Plaza de la […]
4 July 2020
When Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella swept into Malaga in 1487, they converted the city into a bastion of Roman Catholicism. However, about three and a half centuries later, the city looked rather different. It had become a major port and centre of industry and non-Catholics were playing a vital part in its life. However, before the English Cemetery was created in 1831, no provision was made for the burial of non-Catholics in Spain. All cemeteries were consecrated according to […]
6 July 2020
The El Carmen fresh food market, located across the river from the city centre, close to María Zambrano train station, is known for its excellent quality fresh fish and seafood. However, there is also a wide selection of other foods available, whether fruits and vegetables, meat, artisan bread, spices and much more. For more than 140 years there has been a market on this spot in the El Perchel neighbourhood. It was recently renovated in 2010 and now it has […]
24 September 2020
It was exciting news for all Apple addicts when Málaga was chosen as the location for K-Tuin’s first store in Andalucía. It was also quite a surprise when it closed up on Calle Nueva. However, there’s good news. If you want to get your hands on the latest iPhones or iPads, or just want to stand in awe of what Apple are offering, you can now head to the Vialia shopping centre! Daryl FinchDaryl moved to Malaga permanently in 2014 […]
29 September 2020
La Terraza de San Juan is a rooftop bar with a lot to offer – above all excellent views of the mountains. This hotel bar, which opened in 2017, is on the fifth floor of the swanky Hotel Malaga Premium and is (quite literally) within touching distance of San Juan church’s tower. The public can access this terrace via the elevator in the hotel reception but be aware that during busy times, the wait for the lift can be quite […]
11 October 2020
If you like your meat, and you like it cooked to perfection, this place is well worth the venture out of the centre for. The new Asador Iñaki is always packed to the rafters – and for good reason. The friendly and helpful waiters will help pick out the right cut for you, accompanied by thick-cut chips and sprinkled with sea salt. If seafood is more to your liking, there is also a vast selection of freshly-caught shellfish on display […]
8 January 2021
Malaga’s Botanical Gardens, just a 15-minute drive from the historic centre, is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. When visiting this green oasis, spread across a magnificent three-hectare plot, you can scarcely believe you’re in a major city. You are immediately immersed into an almost tropical jungle, with soothing streams and an abundance of flowers. In fact, in 1990 when the estate became property of the city hall, a plant inventory was created: an impressive […]
9 January 2021
Malaga Cathedral, officially called the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, is synonymous with the city, not only because it is visible from practically anywhere, but because of its main distinguishing feature – its single tower. For this reason, the cathedral is colloquially known as La Manquita (one-armed lady). There are many stories as to why the second tower was never built, the most popular of which is probably that the money was used instead to fight the British […]
1 May 2021
First opened in 1996 and newly renovated in 2019, Larios Centro is the largest shopping centre in Malaga city centre. Barring the vast Plaza Mayor complex near the airport, Larios Centro provides the most comprehensive shopping experience under one roof in Malaga. Split between two floors, there is a wide variety of stores, with the highlights being Primark, Dunnes Stores and the Eroski hypermarket. Other noteworthy shops include Foot Locker, H&M, Bershka, JD, Levi’s Jack & Jones, Oysho, Stradivarius, United […]
10 May 2021
On the up-and-coming Calle Carretería this tapas bar and restaurant can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether for brunch, a ‘menú del día’ or even an evening drink. It may be small, but the owners of Gloria Hoyos have found creative solutions to get maximum seating space, whether through the long, beer-hall style tables, the sofas or seating at the bar. The menu consists primarily of Spanish dishes given a new and refreshing twist. For breakfast there are […]
17 June 2021
Whether you’re a tourist or you’re looking for an alternative to a supermarket for your weekly groceries, the perfect place to discover Andalusian gastronomy is at the Atarazanas central market. Open every morning (except Sunday), this food market boasts over a hundred stalls, primarily owned by local families passed on from generation to generation. They sell a vast array of products, from fresh fish and meat to exotic fruit and local charcuterie and cheese. Walking into the market can be […]
22 June 2021
In another building of great historic importance is the magnificently restored Carmen Thyssen museum, just off Plaza de la Constitución. It contains a large collection of paintings which revolve around one theme – Andalucía in the eighteenth century. There are also a number of other interesting temporary exhibitions housed in the converted sixteenth-century town house, named after Carmen Cervera, socialite and art collector, third wife of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, whose private collection the gallery houses. For prices and details […]
8 August 2021
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 the tradition of Andalucía’s Arabic past, whether the coffered ceilings, arches, murals and mosaics, or the beautiful skylights and delicate […]
8 August 2021
No trip to Malaga is complete without a visit to El Pimpi. The restaurant-bodega features in all of the guide books and ‘top 10s’ you can imagine, mostly because it’s a Malaga institution with an unparalleled location (and superb outside terrace with views of the Alcazaba), but also because standards remain high despite it becoming something of a tourist hotspot these days. Its grandiose appearance, with decades-old bullfighting posters, internal patios, exposed wooden beams and stone archways, might make it […]
8 August 2021
‘Centres of Cosmetic Care & Organic Beauty’. That’s what the letters in COCCO Beauty stand for. Though they specialise in a wide range of manicures (gel nails, acrylic nails, decorations…), this now long-established chain of salons also does pedicures, eyelashes and various spa treatments. Either show up on the day or make an appointment and treat yourself to a relaxing massage or face treatment (you deserve it!) or get beach ready fast in their epilation studio. Would love to come […]
9 August 2021
The arrival of the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga has also coincided with the regeneration of its surrounding area, known as the ‘entorno Thyssen’. In the museum’s own words: “The Museo Carmen Thyssen has been crucial for the revitalization and recovery of this part of the city, an environment that has regained its vitality and its identity as it takes on a new lease of life driven by the Museum and its brand.” In practical terms, this means what were once quite […]
9 August 2021
La Iglesia de Sagrado Corazón (Church of the Sacred Heart) is *not* the Cathedral! To the untrained eye this ornate neo-Gothic church, right in the city centre, close to the Thyssen museum and Plaza de la Constitución, ticks all the boxes to be the cathedral. But, alas, it isn’t. It’s much newer than that. It was built as recently as 1920. Its beautifully pointed arches and towers are the work of renowned local architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan. While they draw your […]
11 August 2021
Veganized is a fashion store like no other in Malaga. It was started by a couple, Melanie and Ulrich, who have one objective: to play an active part in the creation of a more sustainable world. “We have seen that a lot of people are looking for alternatives to mass production that doesn’t respect the environment […] where only a few people reap the benefits through corruption and cruel and inhumane ways.” What they propose is “an alternative in clothing […]
11 August 2021
What was once just a small shop on Calle Compañía, El Cambio has grown to become a large supermarket on Calle Carretería with a large selection of vegan and ecological products. The self-proclaimed “vegan and organic supermarket with most variety in Malaga” was conceived with the “understanding that we are part of nature and responsible for it”. All types of dietary needs are catered for whether you’re following a gluten-free, lactose-free or raw food diet. Run by Raquel Cervantes and […]
11 August 2021
Just passing through the doors of Mapas y Compañía is like embarking on a journey. And that’s exactly the idea. This bookshop is filled wall to wall with maps and globes in all styles and colours and is bound to stir up a feeling of wanderlust. According to Mapas y Compañía themselves, this bookshop “specialises in helping readers and travellers prepare, remember and research their journeys” and creates an atmosphere “where you can lose track of time and let your […]
15 August 2021
El Balneario has to be Malaga’s most iconic bar and restaurant. Poking out from the seafront, at Baños del Carmen, just as Pedregalejo begins, punters get unparalleled views of the Bay of Malaga (and the occasional dolphin!). Enjoy the holiday, seaside vibes with a beer, copa or cocktail, day or night, or tuck into a nice lunch. The menu has a wide variety of grilled fish, rice dishes (including paella) and, of course, the famous sardine skewers, grilled on an […]
15 August 2021
Baños del Carmen is the name given to the beach and the area located just to the west of the old fishing village Pedregalejo. Though the beach itself is quite small and can get very busy in the summer, there’s a good reason for that. From there you can see one of the best sunsets on the Costa del Sol, across the Bay of Malaga. The beach is named after an old spa built in 1918 on the ruins of […]
15 August 2021
As La Malagueta beach is the closest to the city centre and most easily accessible, you’ll primarily find tourists or other guiris here topping up their tans or playing beach sports such as volleyball. Located just at the end of the Muelle Uno promenade and close to the bullring, this is an easy escape on a sweltering day. Lay on the sand, rent a lounger, take a dive in the water, or relax on the grass in the shade… and […]
15 August 2021
Head east from La Malagueta and you will reach La Caleta beach. As it is slightly further from the centre, this beach is a lot cleaner, a lot less crowded and is frequented more by locals. What’s more, there are a lot more beach bars here serving food and drink all day during the summer. If you get bored of sunbathing and eating (it happens sometimes!), there are all kinds of water sports you can sign up for. Daryl […]
15 August 2021
Where to start with Muelle Uno? This part of Malaga port has undergone a thorough regeneration in the past decade, opening up to the public and becoming an all-round leisure space. Take a stroll through the marina and you will come across various shops (and occasionally markets), bars, restaurants, ice cream parlours and even the world-class Centre Pompidou gallery. Once you get to the eastern end of the promenade by the lighthouse, you’re just a few steps from La Malagueta […]
27 August 2021
Surrounded by pine trees atop the Gibralfaro mountain (beside the fortress of the same name), is the Parador de Málaga. Paradores de Turismo de España is a chain of state-run Spanish luxury hotels, founded by Alfonso XIII as a means to promote tourism in Spain, with the first hotel opening in 1928 in Gredos (Ávila). Elsewhere in the Spanish-speaking world, a ‘parador’ is a word to describe a hotel, usually located in a converted historic building with a panoramic view […]
15 September 2021
In need of a quick fix-up for your nails? Pop into Sweety Nails, right in the city centre, in the Entorno Thyssen. If time’s of the essence, this tiny side-street salon can, more often than not, do walk-ins. This Chinese-run shop is filled with beauty products, nail polish and Oriental decorations. Added bonus – they speak English. malagaguru
23 September 2021
Whoever wants to gain a better understanding of the customs and traditions of the 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 a Building of Cultural Interest. The museum was created as part of a policy of recovering and preserving the heritage of the city, by […]
24 September 2021
In the Paseo del Parque, and at the foot of the city’s iconic Alcazaba, a palatial fortification built by the Hammudid dynasty in the early 11th century, is the Municipal Heritage Museum (MUPAM). Its permanent exhibition documents the history of the city from as far back as the 15th century. The tour starts in “Room I”, which is dedicated to the period from the 15th to the 18th century, when Malaga became part of the kingdom of Aragón and Castile, […]
12 October 2021
On the eastern edge of Malaga, just before the boundary with La Cala del Moral, is one of the city’s hidden gems: Playa del Peñón del Cuervo. It’s a small, picturesque beach which stands out thanks to a large rock formation which divides it in two. Despite being relatively secluded and difficult to reach for those unfamiliar with the area, this is a very popular spot with locals, especially at weekends. After dark, too, it’s not uncommon to see groups […]
13 October 2021
If you head west from Malaga’s historic centre, you will arrive in Huelin, one of the old industrial areas of the city, not often frequented by tourists. Huelin beach (Playa de Huelin) begins shortly after the end of the industrial part of the port, then continues west until it becomes Playa de la Misericordia (Misericordia beach) Here especially you can still see the remains of its industrial past, with old chimneys dotted up and down the coastline, creating a unique […]
9 November 2021
Looking for a new look? Or at least one that you won’t find in Zara or H&M? Then head to Mosaico Vintage. You’re sure to find a bargain here at this vintage second-hand shop, tucked away on a little side street between Calle Nueva and Calle Larios. It’s a small shop, but you can find men’s and women’s clothes, plus accessories and shoes. Be sure to follow them on Instagram to stay updated about their special promotion days (they are […]
30 November 2021
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, brands include Napapijri, Nike, Carhartt, Vans, Adidas, New Balance, The North Face, Ellesse, Levi’s and Lacoste. Daryl FinchDaryl moved to […]
30 November 2021
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 has two master brewers in situ, producing seven varieties of craft beers. La Fábrica’s tap room (plus outdoor terrace) is […]
30 November 2021
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 nudist beach in Malaga city. The area of the beach located at the foot of the golf course is designated […]
16 December 2021
As if we didn’t have enough in the ‘Museum City’, we’ve been gifted one more. The Museum of Malaga reopened on 12 December 2016, nearly two decades after it closed. Located in the city’s old customs house (la Aduana), a stone’s throw from the teatro romano, this museum brings together the province’s Fine Arts and archaeological collections which until 1997 were housed in the building now known as the Picasso museum and the Alcazaba, respectively. Several protests and 19 years […]
10 January 2022
The sea, and especially the port, have always played an important role in the city of Malaga and one of its major symbols is La Farola lighthouse, located in Muelle Uno. La Farola was designed by the naval brigadier, Naval Engineer and Port Director, Joaquín M.ª Pery y Guzmán and was first erected in 1817. At that time it was just a tower, circular in shape, with the sole purpose of supporting the lantern which boasted cutting-edge technology for that […]
12 February 2022
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 like Holy Week, the date of the carnival changes every year. In this case, it falls on the week before […]
18 February 2022
Every year, February 28th marks Día de Andalucía (Andalucía Day), a public holiday across the region. It is marked by a number of official events and distinctions, including the naming of Hijos Predilectos (Favourite Children) and awarding Medallas de Andalucía (Medals of Andalucía), for local-born personalities and community organisations. The day marks the anniversary of the 1980 referendum in which the people voted for Andalucía to become an autonomous community of Spain. Every year events take place in every town […]
24 February 2022
The magnificent Gibralfaro castle is one of the stand-out emblems of Malaga. Not only does it appear on both the city and province’s seal and flag, but it dominates the Malaga skyline too. The hill on which the Gibralfaro is located forms part of the Montes de Málaga mountain range. With some parts dating back to the 10th century, this is the newer (and higher) of the city’s two Moorish fortresses – the other being the Alcazaba. It was built […]
31 March 2022
La Polivalente is a popular venue in the arty-yet-edgy Lagunillas area of the city. The bar is a diamond in this somewhat rough neighbourhood located just behind Plaza de la Merced. It’s a real melting pot for artistic types, with the venue offering a full schedule of shows and live music with an embracing bohemian vibe. This is a great place if you want to immerse yourself in Malaga life and improve your Spanish. Daryl FinchDaryl moved to Malaga […]
31 March 2022
La Madriguera Bar is a beer lover’s heaven. This colourful brewpub on the busy Calle Carretería has a broad selection of artisanal beers from breweries from across Europe and around the world. Having trouble deciding? The barmen are thoroughly knowledgable – it’s their passion, after all. Ask them for their advice. With dozens and dozens of draught and bottled beers, you’re bound to find one for you. If you fancy a bite, La Madriguera offers a broad menu of tapas […]
31 March 2022
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 which is often reserved for film premieres or events at the various film festivals (Malaga Film Festival, French Film Festival) that the city hosts throughout the year. You won’t find too many mainstream films on show here, though. The majority […]
31 March 2022
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 which draws big crowds every week. There are also various shows held on weekends, details of which can be found […]
8 April 2022
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. In Malaga during this week, the city is paralysed by religious fervour. So if you’re counting on getting around without problems, or expecting to have […]
21 April 2022
In what was once the home of sculptor Pedro de Mena is now the Museo Revello de Toro, a museum dedicated to the great Malaga-born portrait painter and figurative artist. It first opened its doors in 2010 and houses six exhibition spaces. In the first and second are the Félix Revello de Toro exhibition, which hosts 116 of the artist’s works, including Self-portrait (1990), My mother (1950) and Elements of Survival (1978). There are also sections dedicated to female figures […]
4 May 2022
The jewel in the crown of Malaga’s cultural scene. This is the first “pop-up” of the Paris-based cultural centre, the Centre Pompidou, to be based outside France. Focused on contemporary art, the Centre Pompidou Malaga is located in the Muelle Uno complex, a space dedicated to high-quality leisure, where the gallery first opened its doors to the public in March 2015. The ‘Cube’, a multicoloured glass box, adorns the top of the gallery converting it into one of the city’s […]