Remi André Lurud — Travel & Food

Malaga's hotel scene has caught up with the city's cultural renaissance. A decade ago, options were limited to chain business hotels and beach properties. Today, there are beautifully restored historic buildings, design-forward boutiques, and rooftop terraces that rival any in southern Europe. The compact old town means most of the best hotels put you within walking distance of everything worth seeing. Luxury Gran Hotel Miramar GL — Malaga's crown jewel. A 1926 palace meticulously restored and reopened in 2017, with gardens, a spa, an outdoor pool, and views over the Paseo de Reding to the sea. The building alone is worth the visit. From around 250 EUR per night. Palacio Solecio — In a beautifully converted 18th-century palace in the heart of the old town. The rooms blend historic architecture with contemporary comfort, and the interior courtyard is stunning. Design and Boutique Molina Lario — Opposite the cathedral, with a rooftop pool and terrace offe...

Malaga may be the most underrated food city in Spain. While Barcelona and San Sebastián get the international attention, Malaga quietly delivers some of the best eating in Andalusia — from Michelin-starred tasting menus to legendary beach chiringuitos where the fish was swimming an hour ago. The combination of exceptional seafood, fertile farmland in the surrounding mountains, and a deeply rooted tapas culture creates something special. Fine Dining Kaleja — Chef Dani Carnero earned a Michelin star for his deeply personal tasting menu that draws from Malaga's land and sea. Each course tells a story about the region. The wine pairings feature exceptional small-production Andalusian wines that most visitors have never encountered. José Carlos García — Located on the port, with views of the lighthouse. One Michelin star for a menu that celebrates Mediterranean seafood with creative technique. The tasting menu is excellent, and the a la carte lunch offers great value. Be...

Malaga has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations of any European city. Once dismissed as merely the airport gateway to the Costa del Sol, it has emerged as a genuine cultural destination in its own right — a city with world-class museums, an electric food scene, beautiful beaches, and a historic center that rewards days of exploration. When to Visit Malaga enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal — warm, sunny, and less crowded. Summer is hot but the beaches and evening dining culture make it manageable. Winter is mild and quiet, with daytime temperatures around 16-18°C. What to See and Do Museo Picasso Malaga — Housed in a 16th-century palace, this museum holds over 200 works by Malaga's most famous son. The collection spans his entire career and offers a more intimate experience than the larger museums in Barcelona or Paris. Alcazaba — A Moorish fortress-palace from the 11th century, wi...