Malaga City Guide

Local food highlights include espetos de sardinas, fritura malagueña, ajoblanco, and porra antequerana. The city offers varied international cuisine and growing vegan options. Many places stay open late, especially on weekends.

Nightlife centers on Plaza de la Merced, Calle Larios, and Soho. Options include tapas bars, flamenco shows, cocktail lounges, and clubs.

Coffee culture is growing with traditional cafes and new specialty coffee shops offering quality brews.

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%). Rounding up taxi fares is common. Other services rarely expect tips.

SIMs are available at the airport and city stores from Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, and Yoigo. Vodafone and Orange have good coverage. Bring ID for registration.

Generally clean, especially in tourist areas. Recycling and waste pickup are well managed.

Some 24/7 pharmacies rotate shifts; few mini-marts and fast food spots open late, mainly in city center.

Supermarkets include Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, and Dia with international and local products. Mercado Central de Atarazanas offers fresh local produce. Most supermarkets close on Sundays.

Card payments are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and supermarkets. Still, carrying some cash is handy for small purchases and markets.

ATMs are common, including those from CaixaBank, BBVA, and Santander. Some charge fees for foreign cards; use ATMs connected to your bank or global alliances to reduce costs.

International schools include the British School of Malaga, Sunny View School, and German School of Malaga. Local schools follow the Spanish curriculum.

Growing digital nomad scene with meetups, coworking spaces, and good cafes. Networking is easy.

Good green spaces like Parque de Málaga, Jardín Botánico, and Montes de Málaga park provide nature and running paths.

Popular routes include the seaside promenade and parks. Running groups and local events are common.

Several gyms offer diverse classes and equipment options across the city.

Many tennis courts available with clay and hard surfaces; rentals and coaching offered.

Padel courts are widespread, with artificial grass surfaces and coaching options.

Various yoga studios offer multiple styles with some English-speaking instructors.

Training in BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, and Karate is available in various gyms. Some instructors speak English.

No local skiing but Sierra Nevada resort is about 1.5 to 2 hours away.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are common along the coast with rentals and guided tours.

Limited surf in Malaga city; better spots are a 2-hour drive away on the Costa del Sol. Best in autumn and winter.

Diving around Costa del Sol, especially near Nerja, offers good visibility and marine life. Equipment rentals and certification centers available.

Good public and private hospitals, with English-speaking staff at private clinics like Hospital Xanit. Pharmacies provide basic health advice and common meds.

Tap water meets EU safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks like Parque de Málaga and Parque del Oeste have playgrounds. Attractions like Bioparc Fuengirola and Museo Alborania are family favorites.

Very LGBTQ+ friendly with inclusive venues and annual Pride events. Spain offers strong legal protections.

Pet-friendly city with parks, pet supply stores, and some pet-welcoming accommodations.