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 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.
https://www.restaurantejcg.com/en/
Restaurante Amador
Award-winning restaurant a few kilometres out of the city centre, by Chef Amador Fernández Van Vlijmen.
https://www.restauranteamador.com/
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.
https://www.facebook.com/elrefectoriumcatedral/
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.
https://www.uvedobletaberna.com/
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 capital 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.
http://www.malagaturismo.com/en
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.
https://centrepompidou-malaga.eu/
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.
https://www.museopicassomalaga.org/en
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.
You can read our profile on a day trip to Nerja Cave here.
http://www.cuevadenerja.es/en/
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.
Palacio Solecio
This is the first truly luxury boutique hotel in the very heart of Malaga’s old town. Behind the stunning façade that has been restored is a hotel of cool design, traditional features and a friendly team. We love it!
You can read our Profile Review of Hotel Palacio Solecio here.
https://palaciosolecio.com/en/
Gran Hotel Miramar
The Gran Dame of Malaga, this sparkling 5-star hotel has fabulous seas-facing suites and grand public spaces.
Read our Profile Review of the Gran Hotel Miramar Malaga here.
https://www.granhotelmiramarmalaga.com/en/
Room Mate Valeria
Relaxed Malaga hospitality as this hip hotel with cool roof terrace bar.
https://room-matehotels.com/en/valeria/
If you’re looking to explore more of the Costa del Sol:
Read our guide to the Best Luxury Hotels on the Costa del Sol here.
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Spectacular destinations: La Cueva de Nerja – the Cave of Nerja, near Malaga -
December 20, 2019 at 10:03 am[…] You can read about our Eat Do Sleep guide to Malaga here. […]
Spectacular destinations: La Cueva de Nerja – the Cave of Nerja, near Malaga - Liverpool Wise
January 5, 2020 at 5:41 pm[…] You can read about our Eat Do Sleep guide to Malaga here. […]