How Malaga Spain Stole Our Hearts
Malaga Cathedral
We didn’t plan for magic. Our final evening in Spain was supposed to be uneventful—just a meal before tomorrow’s flight. But Málaga had other plans: a enchanting rooftop dinner with sweeping city, cathedral and castle views, a rainbow stretched across the sky, and a sunset so spectacular we’ll never forget it. Malaga stole our hearts that night and we can’t wait to go back.
A magical evening in Malaga
We only had one evening in beautiful Málaga before flying out the next day—but it was one to remember. After settling into the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott, centrally located in Málaga Centro, we wandered through the elegant pedestrian shopping district and around the beautiful Catedral de Málaga, and capped it all off with an unforgettable dinner at Ático Rooftop Bar & Restaurant.
Castillo de Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress just below it
The Scene Around the Hotel: Calle Marqués de Larios
Breathtaking sunset in Malaga
Just steps from the hotel lies Calle Marqués de Larios—also known simply as Calle Larios—the city’s main shopping artery. This marble‑paved pedestrian street is lined with high‑end boutiques, cafes, and architecturally striking 19th-century buildings. It’s been Málaga’s premium commercial boulevard since its inauguration in 1891.
Shopping area near the hotel
We enjoyed a relaxing stroll, peeked into a few shops, and wandered to the cathedral before heading back to our hotel.
Where We Stayed:
AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott
For our evening in Malaga, we chose the modern AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott, perfectly located between the Catedral de Málaga and the Paseo del Parque. From the hotel, you’re steps from the Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, Castillo de Gibralfaro, and La Malagueta beach.
AC Hotel Malaga Rooftop Pool
The rooftop also has a pool — a dreamy spot to cool off in the summer months while looking out over the port.
The Port of Malaga from our room
The highlight is the Ático rooftop terrace on the 15th floor. With panoramic views of the cathedral, harbor, and castle, it’s the best place to end the day. We enjoyed the sangria and dinner here — and it turned out to be one of our favorite meals of the trip.
Grilled sea bass
I ordered the grilled sea bass with chard and pickled carrot which was amazing, and Dave got the Sirloin Steak which was tender and juicy.
Axarquía Salad
We also shared the Axarquía Salad, a tasty local dish named after the Axarquía region in Málaga with a unique flavor mix of avocado, mango, and raisins that we’d highly recommend.
Cathedral chocolates at Atico
For dessert, we shared a slice of cheesecake, but the real surprise came when the check arrived—tucked inside a miniature cathedral sculpture that opened to reveal hidden chocolates. It was such a thoughtful touch, and the sweetest way to close out our time in Spain.
Malaga put on an amazing show during our short visit
Why Malaga Stole Our Hearts
One evening isn’t nearly enough and next time, we’ll definitely stay longer. Malaga often gets overshadowed by other cities in Andalusia, but there’s so much more to explore here, culture, history, the Mediterranean, and a vibrant food scene. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, a rainbow at sunset to send you on your way.
Have you ever had a travel moment surprise you like that — when an ordinary evening turned extraordinary?
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