5 romantic things to do in Malaga

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and love in the air, here’s our list of 5 romantic things to do in Malaga. We’ve picked the best venues and activities to ensure your Valentine’s Day in Malaga has all the right ingredients for an impossibly romantic break.

Buy that perfect romantic gift

Top of the list of romantic things to do in Malaga has to be a gift. How about?

Flowers – if you’re looking for a red rose (or 12), make your way to 1 of the florists on the Alameda Principal. All the kiosks on the pedestrian esplanade have a great range of flowers to say ‘I love you’ or just because… If you’re looking for something floral that’s a little bit different, pop along to Flor Zen at no 24 Calle Beatas.

Jewelry – diamonds are always a girl’s best friend but if your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far, what about a typical biznaga (jasmine flower) from Malaga? Choose from brooches, pendants, earrings. Try Hago on Calle Santa Lucía.

Unusual gifts – try the shops around the Carmen Thyssen Museum, those in Calle Andrés Pérez or Agua on Calle San Juan for that unusual Valentine gift. Malaga museum shops also have some inspirational ideas. 

Share an awesome view

The Mediterranean coastline and high vantage points make for some very good views in Malaga and how better to take them in than with your loved one. Our top romantic spots for views on Valentine’s Day in Malaga are:

Gibralfaro viewing point

Gibralfaro viewing point

Help each other climb the steep slope to reach this platform almost at the top of the Gibralfaro Castle hill. Your efforts will be rewarded with panoramic views of Malaga city, the Mediterranean and the Costa del Sol to the west.

Best time of day to see this view in Malaga? Time your visit for first or last thing to catch the sunrise or sunset. 

Alcazaba Walkway

Not too much effort required for this, but you’ll be rewarded with fine views of the old quarter skyline. To get there, take the passageway between the Roman Theatre Visitor Centre and the Albeniz Cinema on Calle Alcazabilla and follow the steps up. 

Best time of day to see this view in Malaga? The walkway closes at 6pm in winter so time your visit for early/late afternoon when the walkway gets the best of the sunshine.

Muelle Uno

Totally flat so zero effort needed to enjoy this lovely view of the city skyline. Make your way to end of Muelle Uno and take in the views of the city behind you.

Best time of day to see this view in Malaga? Definitely in the late afternoon as the sun goes down. There’s something very magical about the skyline at last light. 

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Botanical gardens 

The mirador at the botanical gardens have possibly one of the most romantic spots in the city – see the header photo above. Stand together under the dome and gaze out across Malaga and the Mediterranean. Find out how to get to the botanical gardens. 

Best time of day to see this view in Malaga? Any time the gardens are open. But try to go first thing to get the mirador all to yourselves. 

Relax together

One of the most romantic things to do in Malaga is spend the day relaxing together at one of these venues:

At the gardens

The lovely botanical gardens are romantic at any time of year, but they take romance to another level in mid-February. This year’s date is Saturday 11 February at 8pm, when couples will visit the gardens, lit up for the occasion, and discover a few surprises along the way.

The tour costs €17 per person and lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes. Pre-booking essential on (+34) 951 926 180.

At the beach

By mid-February the weather in Malaga is usually warm enough for the beach. It might not be quite warm enough for a dip in the Med, but there’ll be enough sunshine to relax on the beach. Beach club Amitabha at the west end of La Misericordia beach has sunbeds and live music at weekends. La Chancla Hotel in Pedregalejo (east side of Malaga beaches) has sunbeds too. Or just grab a spot on the sands and chill to the sound of the waves.

At a Hammam

For a spa-like experience in authentic Moorish surroundings, book a session at Hammam Al Andalus on Plaza de los Mártires. Make it extra romantic and treat yourselves to a massage too – surely Valentine’s Day doesn’t get much better? For a Hammam without the pools, try a steam and Turkish bath at Hammam Open Space & Spa.

Just the 2 of you dining with a view

Delicious food and a panoramic view make the perfect romantic combination for Valentine’s Day in Malaga. We suggest the following restaurants in Malaga (book in advance to be sure of your table):

Any of our treat yourselves venues – for your romantic dinner in Malaga, check out our suggestions for something really special.

El Parador de Malaga – fine dining with even finer views are given at this restaurant at the Parador Hotel. Book in advance to be sure of a table next to the window or if it’s mild enough, book a terrace table.

El Balneario – enjoy an early dinner (or very late lunch) and watch the sun set over Malaga as the sea laps at your feet. Los Baños del Carmen has an olde-worlde air about it and is guaranteed to put a touch of romance in the air.

End the day with a romantic cocktail

Toast yourselves over a cocktail as the perfect end to Valentine’s Day. Here are some suggestions for the best venues:

AC Palacio rooftop terrace – 15 floors up with possibly the best rooftop views of Malaga and a good choice of cocktails. Make it a sundowner for romantic contemplation of the sunset.

Batik Restaurant – on the top floor of Alcazaba Premium Hostel, this rooftop terrace has great views of the Alcazaba Fortress and a good soundtrack.

Room Mate Valeria – on the top floor of Room Mate Valeria Hotel and with a lovely rooftop terrace. Enjoy views of Malaga Port, the Pergola and Plaza de la Marina as you enjoy a romantic drink together.

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