Málaga, the capital of its province, and the de facto capital of the Costa del Sol, Andalucia, is one of Spain’s fastest-growing cities. It is so much more than a gateway to the beaches, resorts and natural parks of Southern Spain’s most popular coast. It is a vibrant city rich in culture and history, with a superb food and wine scene.
Eat
Head into the old town for a great selection of tapas bars and a lively, late-night Andalucian atmosphere. If you discover the barrios like El Palo, along the coast, you’ll find authentic places for seafood and fish like Malaga’s famous sardines on skewers (espetos) and also tasty fresh fried fish.
Jose Carlos Garcia Restaurant
Outstanding Michelin star dining by the water, in the stylish quayside area of Muelle Uno.
Restaurante Amador
Award-winning restaurant a few kilometres out of the city centre, by Chef Amador Fernández Van Vlijmen.
Reflectorium Catedral
Right by Malaga Cathedral, this upscale tapas bar and restaurant is the place for dishes prepared from very high quality local seasonal produce. Good wine list too.
Taverna Uvedole
Found near the city’s spectacular museum, and right in old town, this contemporary restaurant offers some of the best tapas in town.
Bodega Bar El Pimpi
This bar restaurant is a Malaga institution! Yes, it is a bit touristy in high season, but well worth a visit. It also has a lovely terrace overlooking the Roman amphitheatre and Arabic fort. Great place to try a famous Malaga sweet wine.
Do
Malaga makes for a fun and fascinating city break. It is also superbly well positioned as a base to enjoy many of the natural, cultural and historical attractions of Malaga province and beyond, across Andalucia.
Central Market Atarazanas
Yes, we suggest you head to the city’s central market! It’s a great way to start the day and be immersed in the city culture of the locals and see, smell and taste the local produce. If you arrive a little later in the morning, then stop for tapas at Café-Bar Mercado Atarazanas where you can try amazing local fresh seafood and fish. Malaga specialises in amazingly fried fish which you must try.
We Love Malaga – Food and Culture Tours
Founded by bi-lingual Malaga resident, Victor Garrido, We Love Malaga is the top walking tour company in the city, offering insightful, fun and delicious experiences to get to know this amazing city.
Centre Pompidou Malaga
Malaga’s art scene is increasingly diverse and vibrant. Anchoring this creativity are some major galleries including the Pompidou’s only gallery outside France.
Contemporary Art Centre Malaga
This contemporary art centre has some of the most dynamic temporary exhibits in Spain. It is at the heart of the cool ‘SOHO’ district where you can find studios, indie shops, galleries, street art and lost more.
Museo Picasso Malaga
This landmark gallery started the creative renaissance in Malaga. Dedicated to Malaga born artist Pablo Picasso, the gallery also has fascinating temporary exhibits.
La Cueva de Nerja / Nerja Cave
Just 45 minutes’ drive east will take you to Nerja and one of the most spectacular cave systems in the world, Nerja Cave or La Cueva de Nerja.
Sierra Nevada
The spectacular National Park of Sierra Nevada is a few hours drive away. Here you can experience skiing and sports in winter and hiking and adventure activities in summer.
Read our guide to Sierra Nevada and El Lodge Ski & Spa here.
The city of Granada also has of course the remarkable Albaicin old town and the Alhambra – both unmissable during a visit to Andalucia.
Sleep
Malaga is growing fast and the hospitality sector is reflecting this with new openings all the time. 2020 looks to be an exciting year with openings from One You Hotels et al.
H10 Croma Hotel Malaga
H10 Croma is Malaga’s latest city-centre hotel, a strikingly contemporary structure, paying homage to the creative and cultural heritage of this vibrant Andalucian city. The hotel offers guests elegant light-filled rooms that reflect a modern Mediterranean vibe, a gym, meeting rooms, a relaxed lobby bar, tapas bar, and a signature rooftop restaurant, with a terrace, plunge pool and yes, certainly some of the best views of the city! Malaga is the city that everyone is talking about. For its culture, galleries, and boho arts scene; the gastronomy from fine dining to beachside seafood; and of course, the best climate in Europe. This could be the ideal hotel for your next city break.
La Zambra
Much like the flamenco dance from which it takes its name, La Zambra immerses guests in the captivating charms of Andalucia. This 197-room destination resort, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, offers a spectacular wellness centre, contemporary Spanish and international dining, and access to championship golf, as well as dedicated, world-class meeting facilities – all within a memorable setting with views out over rolling hills to the mountains of southern Spain. La Zambra has plenty of playful personality. The building is an icon, the former Byblos Hotel – a jet-set favourite of the 80s and 90s with its famous white façade and blue towers. Following a complete renovation, it is now La Zambra. Although the striking Spanish architectural features have been retained, every element of the interior is reimagined with spectacular public spaces and elegant guest rooms, new restaurants and bars, while the setting has been significantly enhanced with newly landscaped gardens with swimming pools, that overlook one of the region’s most popular golf courses and to the countryside beyond.
Gran Hotel Miramar
The Gran Hotel Miramar has brought 5-star glamour back to Malaga capital, the birthplace of Picasso. Opened in 1926 by Alfonso XIII, the hotel has been completely restored and the new interior design is different for each floor being decorated in a different style, these being either Arabic, Mediterranean or Modernist. Book one of the extraordinary signature suites, the Crown Suite (with a circular bed!); or the Royal Suite with its exceptional and expansive private, sea-facing terrace. This hotel is situated in the heart of the city of Malaga, so there are plenty of shops and museums within walking distance.
