Insider’s guide to Málaga, Spain

What makes Málaga so special?
Málaga offers a unique combination of Mediterranean tradition and modern innovation – with 300 days of sunshine a year. Its evolution has been rapid in the past few years. It’s similar in many ways to other seaside gateway cities such as Nice or San Francisco, but with a smoother climate. The city has historic urban landscapes where you can still enjoy the presence of Arabic and Roman cultures, but it has a modern infrastructure – the international airport is connected to 33 countries. Plus, Malagueños – the people of Malaga – are very open and welcoming.

It’s an easy city in which to live and work. Since 2019, there has been an influx of talent and business, making it one of the main business centres in Spain. Yet it keeps its Andalusian DNA. Companies such as Google, Vodafone, Globant and Citi have attracted digital nomads since the pandemic, and the whole city really feels like it’s thriving.

What kind of people are moving there?
Málaga has seen a higher increase in population than almost anywhere in the country. It’s people from the central and northern regions of Spain looking for better quality of life; employees of tech companies that are opening offices here; and people from Andalusía looking for job opportunities. We’ve also welcomed digital nomads from across Europe, especially the UK and Nordic countries, as well as executives who can work from home, occasionally (and easily) flying back to check in at their HQ. And Europeans plan their retirement here: it has a better climate, good health services and great connections to their home country.

Where are the best places to live?
There are a number of emerging areas within the city. West Seaside is largely new prime developments such as Málaga Towers and the Octavia project, which are by the sea. East Málaga is a prime environment for luxury single-family homes – as are Paseo and Colinas del Limonar. New developments are also expected in up-and-coming areas such as Rojas-Santa Tecla, Cortijo Merino and Pacifico. They are quickly becoming the cool neighbourhoods within the city.

Which are the best places to eat?
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to good restaurants. In the Jewish Quarter, near Museo Picasso, Kaleja has a Michelin star and serves great traditional food. Marisquería Godoy is brilliant for seafood and El Refectorium Catedral does great tapas and fried fish. For sushi, try Óleo or Tercer Acto, where you can also get amazing oysters – but my favourite place is probably José Carlos García. The tasting menus are nothing short of genius.

The best bars?
For live music, you have to try La Fábrica – there’s something different nearly every night. El Pimpi is one of the oldest wine bars in the city and has the largest selection of solera drinks. Antigua Casa el Guardia is another amazing wine bar, notable for its wall of tapped casks. And there are plenty of great rooftop bars, including the Terraza de Valeria, Àtico at the Málaga Palacio hotel, Terraza Batik and H10.

And for culture?
Málaga is a hotbed of culture. We have Museo Carmen Thyssen, Centre Pompidou, Casa Natal Picasso, Museo Picasso, CAC (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo) and OXO Museo del Videojuego. Besides a wide variety of traditional events such as Semana Santa, the Feria and White Night, Málaga offers countless vibrant leisure and cultural activities, from a film festival and Broadway musicals to important sports events such as the finals of the Davis Cup.

Are there any standout walks?
Walking around the historic centre is fabulous – particularly for a snapshot of traditional Arabic style. Stopping at the Gibralfaro and Alcazaba viewpoints is a must. I also like to start at Pedregalejo and head along the promenade up to Malagueta beach. Montes de Málaga Natural Park is perfect for those who enjoy a more testing hike.

Which are your favourite beaches?
In the city, I couldn’t choose between the sweeping sands of Malagueta and Pedregalejo, for its excellent food. A little further out, you also have Maro and Nerja, La Carihuela, Cabopino and Estepona, all of which are amazing.

What is your favourite thing about Málaga?
Málaga is so special because of the Malagueños. Our shield says “Muy hospitalaria” – no one feels a foreigner here. From the moment you arrive in the city, you live and enjoy it as a Malagueño. Everything makes you feel at home. We don’t want to be the biggest city, but the best to live, work and enjoy life.

Portfolio recommends…
Start your day in Spanish style with a breakfast of churros con chocolate – sugar-crusted doughnuts dipped in chocolate sauce – at the charming Casa Aranda. Pedregalejo beach is home to the best seafood restaurants: El Balneario is perfect for lunch, a buzzy local haunt with amazing sea views and delicious fish. And you really should sample a favourite Andalusian tipple, vino dulce (sweet wine), at Antigua de Casa Guardia, Málaga’s oldest bar. Other secret spots we love are El Pimpi Florida for great music and wine, and the La Tranca bar at the weekends.

JOSÉ FÉLIX PÉREZ-PEÑA,
HEAD OF SAVILLS ANDALUSÍA
Jose.Perez-Pena@savills.es +34 952 06 27 82

Pictures from top: José Félix Pérez-Peña; Málaga’s cathedral (Getty); the Centre Pompidou (Alamy); wine barrels at El Pimpi; the Alcazaba (unsplash); and Málaga’s cathedral at twilight (Getty)