Gay Málaga Málaga City Guide

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Laura Tucker

Putting the soul into the Costa del Sol is the ancient city and beach town of Málaga, blending gorgeous architecture and rich history with sun-soaked luxury retreats and a wicked nightlife scene. The birthplace of Picasso on Spain’s southern tip, Málaga is much more than sun, sea and sand – here you’ll find authentic Spanish traditions, remnants from both the Roman and Islamic empires, as well as classic tapas and local wines at beachside chiringuitos. Spain is renowned for its LGBTQ+ progressiveness and Málaga is no different. Although the city centre’s gay scene is fairly small, Málaga province is actually home to Andalucía’s liveliest gay scene of Torremolinos, just 20 minutes from Málaga, centred around La Nogalera, where most gay folk party on the weekends. Confused about what to do in Málaga? Sit back and let our definitive Málaga gay city guide do the work.

The best hotels in Málaga

While in Málaga, visitors can take advantage of affordable accommodation options without having to sacrifice on style. The city is home to a myriad of super-cool design and boutique hotels, whether in the historic centre or further out towards the more isolated beaches. First up in our Málaga gay travel guide is the Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio, a spacious 5-star lodging just a ten-minute walk from the centre and dripping with history. Explore Roman and Arabic ruins underneath the bar or head straight up to your room to enjoy the colourful décor and adjoined private terraces. Room Mate Valeria meanwhile offers monochrome designer rooms overlooking the port and azure Mediterranean sea beyond. Other comforts of this Calle Marqués-based hotel include the roof terrace with plunge pool and lounge area and private balcony options.

Halcyon Days is a series of apartments in a prime position, moments from the marble-paved shopping hub of Calle Larios and the city’s cathedral, with spacious and uniquely designed rooms. Nearby boutique Hotel Molina Lario is also an impressive option, based across two renovated 19th-century buildings, each with the original façade. As well as offering modern design and a terrace dining area, Hotel Molina Lario’s rooftop pool views steal the show. Another historic build is the luxury Gran Hotel Miramar, found at Malagueta Beach in Caleta (just one kilometre from the city centre) and showcasing Moorish and Andalusian finishes amid grand archways and leafy courtyards. Having hosted various famous guests including Orson Welles and Elizabeth Taylor since its opening in 1926, the Gran Hotel is a real gem, maintaining an authentic old-world spirit as well as a chill Ibiza-esque vibe, especially felt on the rooftop bar. For when you’re bored of the beach, the site also offers a number of restaurants, a full spa and a huge pool.

Room Mate Valeria

Having hosted various famous guests including Orson Welles and Elizabeth Taylor since its opening in 1926, the Gran Hotel is a real gem, maintaining an authentic old-world spirit as well as a chill Ibiza-esque vibe, especially felt on the rooftop bar