Best roof terraces in Malaga
With balmy temperatures for most of the year, roof terraces in Malaga make the perfect spot for a little something in any season. But with the shift in temperature in the summer, these rooftop bars really come into their own.
Read on for our list of the best and why to get up there during your stay in Malaga.
Pool roof terraces in Malaga
If you like your rooftop terrace to come with a pool, here are your venues. Note that to use the pool you usually need to be staying at the hotel.
AC Palacio Hotel
This is as high as it gets in Malaga and the rooftop terrace on the 15th floor at the AC Palacio Hotel obviously boasts the best views of the city. Drinks can be taken poolside, although if you want a dip you need to be a guest.
Where: AC Palacio Hotel is next to the Cathedral and directly opposite Plaza de la Marina.
Best for: views of the city at night, particularly the Cathedral, just a stone’s throw away from the terrace.
Top tip: Time your visit just after sundown to have a better chance of getting a table.
Open daily noon till late
Molina Lario Hotel
Intimate poolside drinks on The Top, a small terrace on the top floor of the hotel. On the 8th floor, views aren’t quite as spectacular as the AC Palacio but you do get up close and personal with the Cathedral. Live music from the resident DJ plus lots of activities.
Where: the hotel is almost opposite the Cathedral on Calle Molina Lario.
Best for: after-lunch drinks on a Friday to get the weekend off to a great start.
Top tip: enjoy the executive menu of the day at Matiz restaurant downstairs first.
Open daily 1.30pm to 1am.
Room Mate Valeria
This roof terraces in Malaga comes with its own pool and great views of the port and Muelle Dos. We especially like the view of the pergola from the top.
Where: Room Mate Valeria sits on the corner of Plaza de la Marina and Muelle Heredia.
Best for: sea and port views.
Top tip: head here after a meal at one of the venues in Soho. We like Cavala and La Deriva for more formal dining and Picnic for great burgers and wraps.
Open Sunday to Thursday 11am to midnight, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 2am.
Lolita Sky View
This roof terrace is on the 8th floor at the Only You Hotel, not far from Room Mate Valeria. Views are equally spectacular and include Calle Larios on the north side. There’s an infinity pool (staying guests only).
Where: Alameda Principal 1, just off Plaza de la Marina.
Best for: port views across the infinity pool.
Top tip: treat yourselves to a sharing plate or two and a little something from the wine list.
Open Monday to Friday noon to 10pm, weekends noon to midnight.
H10 Croma
One of the newest roof terraces in Malaga, this one is also probably the largest. Located on the top floor of the H10 Croma hotel, it wraps around the whole building and includes a plunge pool (staying guests only).
Where: Calle Prim 4, on the west side of the old quarter near the river.
Best for: 360-degree views of Malaga.
Top tip: head here for a quieter little something, especially at weekends.
Open daily till late.
La Terraza de la Alcazaba
Vistas of Malaga’s oldest monument don’t get much better than this and there’s something special about gazing at the Alcazaba Fortress over a cocktail. You also have a bird’s eye view of the Roman Theatre. The views are best at night when both monuments are lit up.
Where: on the 4th floor of Alcazaba Premium Hostel in Calle Alcazabilla, next to the Albeniz Cinema.
Best for: views of the Alcazaba.
Top tip: this is a busy terrace so visit mid-week or early on in the evening.
Open daily till late.
Terraza San Telmo
You could almost be in Tuscany up here as you gaze at the terracotta roofs and towers. Terraza San Telmo has several areas including a more private corner and they all come lit up in funky blue and green.
Where: on Calle San Telmo, behind the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
Best for: the long list of cocktails that include several non-alcoholic options.
Top tip: head for this terrace after a visit to the Carmen Thyssen Museum whose rooftops you can see below you.
Vincci Larios Diez
Another relative newbie on the rooftop scene, this smallish terrace overlooks Calle Larios and has frontline views of the Cathedral.
Where: Calle Larios 10.
Best for: relaxed gazing at Malaga’s historic rooftops with a cocktail in hand.
Top tip: make for this terrace after a spot of shopping in Malaga.
Open daily till late.
Alternative roof terraces in Malaga
Cobalto 15 & Nusa Malaga
Not on a rooftop but still up high enough to get a good view of Muelle Uno and Malaga old town. These terraces offer drinks (non and alcoholic).
Where: walk along Muelle Dos under the pergola and climb the slope by the Pompidou to reach the terraces. Nusa Malaga is the closest while Cobalto 15 is slightly further along.
Best for: sundowners as you watch the sunset over the city skyline.
Top tip: make for this terrace after you’ve explored the Malagueta area. Find out what to see in this part of Malaga.
Open daily from noon to late.
Gourmet Experience
The Gourmet Experience on the top floor of the Corte Ingles department store includes a rooftop terrace. You can enjoy a drink and food from one of the many food venues inside.
Where: the Corte Ingles is located to the west of the Alameda Principal just after you cross the main bridge.
Best for: unusual views of Malaga Cathedral, which you rarely see from this angle.
Top tip: buy some gourmet food produce to take home.
Open Monday 9am to 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 10pm.
Terraza El Balneario
Not on a rooftop and actually at sea level, but definitely a terrace and one well worth visiting. Located on the way to Pedregalejo and El Palo, Terraza El Balneario makes a great place for any meal and any drink. Live music on weekend evenings. Based in the old Baños del Carmen bathing houses, the terraces are literally lapped by the waves.
Where: an easy walk from the centre of town along the seafront promenade. Or you can get the bus (nos 3 and 11) from the Alameda Principal.
Best for: early bird breakfasts and lazy Sunday lunches. Winter sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Top tip: combine it with a visit to the historic shipyards next door, one of the more unusual things to do in Malaga.
Open daily from 8.30am to 1am (2.30pm Friday and Saturday).
Le Rooftop 17
This terrace at Hotel Mariposa offers a spacious chill-out area decorated in an eclectic French style with some of the hotel’s signature art pieces. Full bar service is available along with a choice menu of snacks and tapas plus a tempting range of desserts.
Where: in the heart of Soho on Calle Casas del Campo.
Best for: a cool urban vibe and some inspirational décor.
Top tip: combine it with a visit round the street art in Soho.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 4pm to 11pm.
Keep up to date with the latest about Malaga with our free fortnightly newsletter. In your inbox every other Friday!
Planning to visit Malaga?
All you need for a short break in Malaga!
Get Malaga at your fingertips quickly and easily with our handy ebook. Full and guided itineraries for a short break in the city whether you’re visiting for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. All you need to make the absolute most of your stay.