A Brief Introduction to Spanish Wines
From the misty green inlets of the north-west to the dusty south, via the rolling plains of the centre, Spain is nothing if not incredibly varied in terrain and temperature. Which is precisely what…
Wondering where to go on a night out in Malaga? Well, wonder no longer. From bouncing bars to ultra-glam clubs via chic rooftop hangouts, we’ve got the best of Malaga nightlife covered.
The Malaga party scene is more understated contemporary cool than uber-glamorous. However, while it may be slightly less hedonistic than Marbella‘s (Champagne spray parties are not on the menu) it’s still very definitely a place to play come nightfall.
Malaga Rooftop Bars
Best for a Post-Shopping Drink
Larios Terrace at Room Mate Larios
Every summer since, well, forever Larios Terrace has had the upper hand in the roof terrace drinking stakes. Great views of the cathedral from designer monochrome seating ensure that once you’re there you’re unlikely to leave until you’ve sunk at least a few sun-soaked vinos or sunset cocktails. Its location on the city’s main shopping street means it’s a popular place to start a night out. If you’re visiting during Easter, it’s worth noting that local boy Antonio Banderas can often be seen knocking about the place as it’s the best vantage point from which to see the processions.
Opening times: In spring it’s open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 1am, and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 2am. In summer it’s open every day from 8pm to 2am.
Address: Calle Marques de Larios, 2, 29005 Malaga; Phone: +34 952 22 22 00; Larios.room-matehotels.com.
Best for Jaw-dropping Views
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio
Malaga isn’t a modern skyscraper-type city, so up on the terrace on the 15th floor of the AC Hotel you feel on top of the world, and the uninterrupted panoramic views across the whole city are stunning. There’s great service here with a very well stocked bar offering a choice of rare gins, wines, cocktails and whiskeys. The clientele tend to be of the smart, 40-plus international variety, but it’s also very much a local haunt for Malagueños too.
Opening times: The glassed area is open all year, the pool area (oh, did we forget to mention the amazing rooftop pool?) when the weather is good. Open from noon until 1am. Thursday, Friday and Saturday open until 4am.
Address: Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1, 29015 Malaga; phone: +34 952 215 185; Marriott.com.
Best of the Rest
Alcazaba Premium Hostel – Rooftop Terrace
Yes, this is a hostel, but do NOT let this put you off. Because, if you venture up to the fourth and fifth floors (fear not, there is a lift), you’ll find yourself in the coolest place to hang out for cheeky lunchtime tipples, sundowners, pre-club drinks or that last, end-of-night drink you definitely didn’t need.
At the top of the building, the Roof Terrace bar is a mezzanine affair with a decked terrace, a smattering of bar stools and low box seating, and a vibe that’s buzzy most nights of the week. It’s the view which really wows, though: the terrace opens up on to the surrounding rooftops, the Roman Theatre below and the illuminated Alcazaba fortress on top of the hill opposite. There’s not much more to say, really – it’s just an incredible location.
Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday from 4pm to midnight and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 2.30am.
Address: Calle Alcazabilla, 12, 29015 Malaga; phone: +34 952 22 98 78; Alcazabapremiumhostel.com.
Malaga Clubs
Best Crowd Pleaser
Liceo
Housed within a beautiful 19th-century mansion, Liceo is a great venue in a lively, dead-central location. Once used as the backdrop for the Chemical Brothers’ music video Galvanize, it’s now home to a flamenco club (which actually makes for a pretty atmospheric spectacle), as well as regular club nights from midnight until 6am. There are several rooms playing different music and two floors, the second being a mezzanine level around the central patio. The crowd on the club nights is largely under 35 and they target the student population during term time. However, before the club really gets going the flamenco is a good option.
Address: Calle Beatas, 21, 29008 Malaga; phone: +34 625 55 70 12; Liceoflamenco.com.
Best for Music-lovers
The Clarence Jazz Club
If you like jazz then this is the place you need to head for. Open all year round with critically acclaimed artists frequently appearing, this live jazz venue is always a pleasurable place to while away a few hours. It doesn’t veer away from what you’d expect from a jazz club: think comfy tub chairs, exposed brickwork, standing room and a generally very chilled vibe indeed.
Opening times: Wednesdays and Thursdays 8-2pm; Fridays and Saturdays 4pm-4am.
Address: Calle Cañí³n, 5, 29015 Malaga; phone: +34 951 91 80 87; Clarencejazzclub.com.
Best for a Typical Spanish Experience
If you’re wanting to dance and party until 6am then head to Calle Beatas/Plaza Uncibay and Calle de Luis de Velazquez/Calle Lazcano where there’s club after club. In true Spanish nightlife fashion these clubs seemingly spring from nowhere after midnight. A little less polished, perhaps, than the above but lots of late-night fun all the same…
Sala Gold
Right in the centre of the old town is Sala Gold, perhaps the most sensational late-night Malaga nightlife joint. This is a club to dance in not to pose or chill out in – leave that to the rooftop terraces. With three rooms to choose from decked out with huge flat screen TVs, it’s one of the larger clubs in the city centre. The music is largely popular Spanish, the décor is, as the name suggests, gold and the emphasis is all about unpretentious fun.
Opening times: from 10pm-6am.
Address: Calle de Luis de Velšzquez, 5, 29008 Malaga; phone: +34 670 09 87 49; Discotecasenmalaga.es.
Best for Mid-Week Partying
Theatro Club
This small club takes its inspiration from an old theatre – all high baroque cornicing, huge, glittering chandeliers and theatrically themed, burlesque-style live entertainment. All of which comes together to make this more than just your average club in Malaga. It’s in the centre of the old town again – so you’ll have no difficulty finding it – and it’s open every night of the week until 6am. There’s a VIP area that can be reserved by contacting the club, too, in case you like your own space and dedicated waiter. (If you’re looking for someone to arrange your night out in Malaga, speak to our concierge.)
Address: Calle Lazcano, 5, 29008 Malaga; phone: +34 670 09 87 49; Discotecasenmalaga.es.
And finally…
If you’re spending a night or two partying in Malaga and want to try a few more places, then here are some other smaller clubs that you can check out: Tokyo, Bubbles, White Lounge Club, Discoteca Anden, Granados 10 and 30 y Tantos. All run a series of nights offering live entertainment, different types of music and easily bar hop-able locations.
Like our pick of the best Malaga nightlife, but thinking of a more sedate sort of evening? Have a look at a few of our favourite restaurants.
Make sure you’ve got an ultra-glamorous pad to return to after your night out in Malaga – check out the Luxury Villa Collection’s villas in the area.
Lindsay Gregory
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[post_content] => From the misty green inlets of the north-west to the dusty south, via the rolling plains of the centre, Spain is nothing if not incredibly varied in terrain and temperature. Which is precisely what makes the range of Spanish wines produced so diverse, lively and interesting.
Here’s our 101 guide to some of the top Spanish wine regions to help you explore this fabulous country through one of its very finest assets: its grapes.
Spanish Red Wines
Rioja
Rioja is without a doubt, Spain’s best known red. Stretching away across three valleys – the Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental – to the south of the Cantabrian Mountains, it’s a relatively small area that nevertheless packs quite a punch when it comes to global wine production.
Some numbers, then: it’s Spain’s oldest wine (with written records dating back to the 9th century); there are more than 600 wineries and nearly 15,000 grape growers spread across 65,000 hectares of vineyards.
Made from a variety of grapes it comes in three age classifications: Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. All are full-bodied and generally best served with food. One thing to look out for is whether the Rioja was aged in American oak, French oak or a mixture of both barrels, with each having their distinct tastes.
A Rioja winery you must visit: Bodegas López de Heredia - in the town of Haro, it's one of the older wineries in La Rioja. By appointment only. More information: Lopezdeheredia.com.
Ribera del Duero
The ‘other’ great Spanish wine beginning with R. Only the best Tempranillo grapes are used to make polished Ribera del Duero wines, and there are many in Spain (and outside) who prefer the, frequently, softer more delicate taste, than that of their cousins from Rioja.
Wines from Ribera del Duero are usually 100% Tempranillo and are mostly aged in French oak; they have the same age classification as Rioja (Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva).
A Ribera del Duero winery you must visit: Matarromera - in the town of Valbuena del Duero, a trip to this winery can also include a visit to their museum, the EMINA Wine Museum. More information: Matarromera.es.
Priorat
Priorat is probably Spanish wine’s greatest secret. With a wine growing history dating back to the 12th century, this southern Catalonian region these days produces some of the finest and fullest bodied reds in Spain… of which most people outside of Spain have never even heard.
The terrain here is tough (even by Spanish wine region standards), so the vines are forced to search for water in the soil, making yield low - and prices high. The most common grape varieties used are: Garnacha, Cariñena with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
A Priorat winery you must visit: Alvaro Palacios - the name that practically singlehandedly spearheaded Priorat's ascent to the summit of Spanish wines back in the 1980s is still one of the leading wineries in the region. More information: Aseuniv.com.
Spanish White Wines
Rias Baixas
On the border of Portugal in the north-west of Spain, the Rias Baixas region of Galicia is cool, green and crisp – not unlike its white wine. The crowning glory of this wine-growing region is Albariño, which is clean, with occasional floral notes, and is absolutely ideal paired with the sublime local seafood.
A Rias Baixas winery you must visit: Far from the largest, it's the setting of this family business - in the grand, fortified country house of Finca La Moreira - that makes it one the more atmospheric wineries in Spain. More information: Marquesdevizhoja.com.
Cava
From the northeast of Spain above Barcelona, Cava is Spain’s most famous sparkling wine. Labelled with brut (dry) or semi-seco (semi sweet), Cavas can be white or rosé, and are usually made from Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo grapes.
A Cava winery you must visit: Dating back to the Middle Ages, this Empordà winery certainly doesn't lack for provenance - and it's got the grand castellated headquarters to prove it. More information: Perelada.com.
Sherry
Sherry is made from grapes grown within Cadiz's ‘Sherry Triangle’ between Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria in Andalucia.
It comes in sweet and dry varieties. Dry Sherries like Fino or Manzanilla are crisp and acidic, and make for the perfect accompaniment to fish and seafood; Oloroso is caramel-like and nutty and goes well with meat, while medium-dry Amontillado is perfectly paired with chicken or game birds.
A Sherry bodega you must visit: Bodegas Tradición is not the oldest bodega in the Sherry Triangle by a long chalk (that honour goes to Domecq), but it is one of the most insistent on traditional techniques. More information: Bodegastradicion.es.
Rioja
White Rioja is made with Viura; sometimes on its own, other times blending with Chardonnay or Garnacha Blanca amongst others. Most white Riojas are young but are still full-bodied to taste.
Malaga Wine
Malaga has a long and distinguished wine-making history, with wines having been made in the region since the Phoenicians were in southern Spain, before the Romans picked up the baton. British wine merchants were sending Malaga wines back to sweet-toothed Victorians in the 19th-century.
These days, made from Moscatel or Pedro Ximenez grapes, vinos de Malaga are fortified and naturally sweet. Coming in both red and white, they’re at their best served with a ripe local goats’ cheese.
A Malaga winery you must visit: Bodega F. Schatz - it's entirely in keeping with the international past of the Spanish wine industry that one of the best wineries in Malaga should have been founded by a German. More information: F-schatz.com.
Rueda
The most commonly drunk white wine in Spain can be just a little disappointing to a new world white wine drinker.
The Rueda region is in Castilla y Leon and its wines are usually made with Verdejo grapes. It produces very aromatic wines, often with tropical fruit and fresh grass hints, that’s fresh with just a hint of bitterness.
Things to Look Out For with Spanish Wine
There are several wine classifications in Spain, each holding specific criteria. The ones to look out for are Denominacion de Origen (DO), Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa, DOC or DOQ) and DO Pago (only for single winery estates).
On the bottle you’ll see the words Joven, Crianza (aged at least 2 years and 12 months in oak barrels), Reserva (aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak barrels), or Gran Reserva (aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels, and more than three years bottled before they’re sold).
Like the sound of these wine regions in Spain and want to experience some of the very best wines they produce?
Stay with The Luxury Villa Collection and you can order the finest Spanish wines direct to your villa, or arrange a tasting or tour through our concierge.
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[post_content] => Sun and sand: the two things for which Nerja is most famous. And many visitors to the area don't get beyond them.
Which is a shame, really, as there's much more to the area than just a great flop and drop break.
From wonderful walks to fabulous fiestas and, yes, some of the most beautiful beaches around, we've picked out just a few of the very best things to do in Nerja.
Happy exploring.
1. Laze on the Beach
There's a pretty solid chance that if you're after tips for what to do in in the vicinity of Nerja, then a beach day is going to be fairly high on your checklist.
Thankfully, there are no fewer than 12 beaches to choose from in and around Nerja. Three of our favourites in town are Playa de Calahonda, Playa de Burriana and Playa El Chorrillo.
2. catch the sunset from the Balcon de Europa
After a long, lazy afternoon on the beach, there's only one place to head: the Balcon de Europa.
Grab an ice-cream, saunter down to the end of the promenade and watch the sun slowly melt into the Mediterranean. Altogether now... WOW.
3. Be amazed by the caves of Nerja
Funnily enough, the sun doesn't even shine in Nerja's biggest attraction. But that doesn't make it any less spectacular.
The Caves of Nerja is a 5km complex of caverns that includes the largest stalagtite in the world, some Bronze Age remains and, it's thought, mankind's oldest artwork - which dates back some 42,000 years. Remarkable.
(Carretera de Bajada a Playa de Maro, s/n, 29787 Nerja, open 0930/1000-1530.)
4. Go Snorkelling from One Cove to Another
Just a mile or two to the east of Nerja the sparkling coves of the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural park stretch away.
Snorkeling, sea kayaking or paddle boarding (see below) trips set off from Playa Burriana or Playa Carabeo for you to enjoy the crystal-clear sea teeming with sea life.
5. explore the coast by paddle Board
The beaches of Nerja itself are urban, which comes with the distinct plus side of there being plenty of bars and restaurants on hand to choose from.
But running away to the east is a stunningly wild, cove-lined coast that's great for exploring via paddle board. Rental and guided tours are available from Playa Burriana and Playa de Maro.
6. get out to a nearby village
Venture from Nerja and the idyllic whitewashed mountain villages of the Axarquia are within easy reach. Competa, Maro and the lovely Frigiliana (pictured) are some of the most inviting.
7. Eat Fresh Fish Cooked on a BBQ on the Beach
Espetos de sardinas - sardines skewered and cooked on a BBQ until they're deliciously tender - are a local delicacy.
One of the best spots to try them in Nerja is at the far westernmost end of town in Chiringuito Mauri (Playo Playazo, 29780 Nerja). Best washed down with an icy beer or two, of course.
8. walk the rio chillar
Even by southern Spanish standards Nerja is surrounded by some pretty top-notch walking. Soaring above the town are the jagged peaks of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Mountains.
For something just a little less adventurous, the most famous walk around Nerja is up the Rio Chillar.
You follow a beautiful, ankle-cooling river as it babbles its way down from the hills, discovering narrow ravines, waterfalls and rock pools along the way.
9. Devour Baby squid at El Pulguilla
OK, so you don’t have to have baby squid - although we highly recommend you do - but you definitely should grab a quick tapas and a beer/wine in this stalwart of a restaurant in Nerja.
Elegant fine dining it ain't, but it is a great way to experience a typical Malaga fish restaurant. (Calle Almte. Ferrándiz, 26, 29780 Nerja; 952 52 13 84)
10. View the Aqueduct
This 19th century aqueduct was built to supply the surrounding sugar cane factories with water.
During the summer it's a sweaty 10-minute walk from the centre of Nerja, but (as you can see in the image above) it makes for a spectacular photo opportunity when you get there.
11. Pause for Thought in Ermita de las Angustias
Built in 1790 this church is the home of Nerja’s patron saint, Our Lady of Anguish (Plaza de la Ermita, 11, 29780 Nerja).
It might not be the grandest of churches, but it is a lovely, cool little spot to catch your breath in for five minutes or so on a hot summer's afternoon.
12. Plan a Trip Around a Fiesta
Nerja is in Andalucia. Which means, inevitably, it's a place that's serious about letting its hair down every once in a while.
The five festivals that Nerja goes for in a big way are Easter, Carnival (February), San Isidro (May), Virgen del Carmen (July 16th) and the Epiphany (5th January).
Nominally religious they may be, but trust us, they're also really just a good excuse to P-A-R-T-Y.
13. See Authentic Flamenco
Nearby Velez-Malaga has one of the most vibrant flamenco scenes in Malaga province, thanks to the efforts of local flamenco-cultural initiative, Flamenco Abierto (Flamencoabierto.com).
So if you want to catch some real flamenco, as opposed to the tourist nonsense that's so often served up, the Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez on a Friday evening is the place to head.
14. Eat at Sollun
Before opening this lovely little restaurant in Nerja chef Juan Quintanilla helped put Skina in Marbella on the Michelin-starred map.
As soon as you sit down, though, it's clear that Sollun is an even more personal project. If you choose to work from the short menu, the chef himself will come out of the kitchen and recommend what's particularly good that day.
The tasting menu is a thing of beauty: it features a selection of dishes with a heavy local focus, each paired with a suitable wine.
(Calle Pintada, 9, 29780 Nerja; 653 68 94 52)
Like our pick of things to do in Nerja and looking for more recommendations on the Costa del Sol? Have a browse through a few of our favourite Marbella day trips.
Alternatively, if you're after a beautiful country villa nearby, check out our Axarquia luxury villas collection, here.
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Things to Do in Nerja that You Just Can’t Miss
Sun and sand: the two things for which Nerja is most famous. And many visitors to the area don't get beyond them. Which is a shame, really, as there's much more to the area than just a great flop…