Hidden Andalucia
Looking to get off the beaten track in Andalucia? We’ve scratched beneath the surface of this exciting, historic area of Spain, asked local experts and come up with a list of little-known things to…
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 open mic nights 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.
Address: Calle Beatas, 21, 29008 Malaga; phone: +34 625 55 70 12; Liceo Facebook.
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] => Looking to get off the beaten track in Andalucia? We’ve scratched beneath the surface of this exciting, historic area of Spain, asked local experts and come up with a list of little-known things to see and do for our guide to hidden Andalucia...
Malaga Province
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Visit Malaga Cathedral's Roof
If the bird's eye view of the inside of the cathedral looks spectacular, then to cap it off you emerge outside with 360-degree rooftop views of Malaga.
[email protected]
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RELAX IN A HAMMAM
The top tip of Lindsay Gregory, Director of The Luxury Villa Collection: “Stroll around Malaga historic centre, take a hammam at Mammam Al Andalus and finish with cocktails at a rooftop bar.”
https://malaga.hammamalandalus.com/en/
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Meander in Antequera
A rather lovely town with a Moorish fortress complex and no fewer than 30 churches. Don’t miss having tapas in the impressive Plaza de los Escribanos.
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Visit Three 5000-year-old Dolmens
Just outside Antequera, these are some of the largest and most complete megalithic structures in Europe.
Museosdeandalucia.es
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Wonder at a 9TH Century Church – Bobastro
The ruins of a 9th-century church carved out of rock are the highlights of a larger fortified town complex. Anything 9th century and still standing is incredible in our books.
Granada Province
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Nose Around the Carmens of Granada's Albayzin
A house with a garden in the Albayzin (the oldest part of Granada city) is known as a Carmen. These Carmens look out towards the Alhambra Palace, often have wooden balconies, plant-filled patios, babbling water features and decorative tiles.
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Visit the Abbey of Sacromonte, Granada
This 17th-century abbey and college comes complete with holy caves/ancient catacombs. The view of Granada alone is worth the walk.
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Take a day trip to Alhama de Granada and its Natural Hot Springs
This village has stately houses gripping onto the edge of a gorge, cobbled streets and spa credentials. Our top tip is to escape the summer heat in Granada and visit Alhama – it has a unique microclimate where summer nights cool to a comfortable level.
Cadiz Province
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Find Out the Mysteries of the Island of Sancti Petri, San Fernando, Cadiz
Once part of several fortifications, the castle that sits on this tiny island dates back to the 13th century.
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Experience the Beautiful Light in Vejer de la Frontera
This pristine white village, sitting high on a rocky hilltop, really comes into its own at sunrise and dusk. Aside from the dramatic light, there are lovely boutique shops, great restaurants and, during the summer, look out for their candlelight festival.
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Surf and Sip in El Palmar
While it's got a great beach with some decent Atlantic surf, it’s the laidback-hip bar vibe in El Palmar that makes it stand out from other stretches of southern Spain's coast.
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HIRE A Private Chef
David, chef at De Tako's top tip is, “One of the best ways to experience a country is through its food and an even better way is to enjoy perfectly cooked food is in an incredible setting surrounded by friends". We entirely agree – hire a private chef at your villa for the ultimate in convenience.
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Taste Riotinto Beef
One of our top hidden foodie treats in Andalucia is delicious Retinto beef from Cadiz. Much is spoken about fried fish, olives and olive oil, jamón ibérico and Sherry but this meaty option is also a real gastro-standout.
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Take to the Sea – Dolphin Watch
Hire a boat and hit the sea - you’ll almost inevitably come across a pod of dolphins in the Mediterranean.
Seville Province
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Puerta de Macarena/Walls of Seville
This forgotten about 12th-century arched gateway and wall was the main entrance into Seville, and is certainly off the beaten path.
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Drink at a Bar Dedicated to Easter in Sevilla
You'll never have experienced a bar like Garlochí, a homage to Easter in Spain. All year round there's incense burning and procession music playing – they call it the cathedral of bars. Don’t miss their signature cocktail: Grenadine, whisky and Cava.
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Wild Swimming at Cascadas de Hueznar in Seville Province
There’s a succession of beautiful waterfalls running over some interesting limestone formations in Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park.
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SEE LIVE MUSIC IN THE ALCAZAR PALACE
Fiona Flores Watson, Telegraph Travel Writer and Seville resident recommends: “The summer outdoor concerts held in the Alcazar Palace… a magical setting for live jazz, flamenco or classical music by moonlight.”
Alcazarsevilla.org
Cordoba Province
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Visit Highgarden, the Tyrell’s House in Game of Thrones
The castle of Castillo de Almodovar del Rio was built in 740. You can join theatrical tours, do some medieval combat training or spooky storytelling.
Castillodealmodovar.com
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TRAVEL TO EAT AT TRES CULTURAS
Manni Coe of Toma & Coe Tours' top tip is: “One of the most consistently excellent restaurants I know in Andalucia is located on a little-known street, in the little-known town of Lucena. It's called Tres Culturas and it's also a handy stop off en-route to Cordoba."
Tresculturasrestaurante.com
Jaen Province
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Marvel at the Castle of Iruela, Jaen
In the Sierra de Cazorla natural park this castle was built at the start of the 16th century. A beautiful monument in an even more beautiful part of the world.
Huelva Province
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Reconnect with Nature and See Autumn in Aracena
The colours of autumn over the vast landscape of rural Huelva is the perfect way to disconnect. Local people flock here to experience the change of the season.
Almeria Province
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Genoveses beacH in Cabo de Gata, Almeria
This breath-taking beach near the charming village of San Jose feels like another world.
A bit of a cheat but do a tour…
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See Andalucia through its Bullrings
Our top 5 are: Most unusual is in Segura de la Sierra in Jaen province: this square bullring is the old courtyard of a castle and was built in the 18th century. Ronda bullring is the second oldest and the biggest. Seville bullring is the oldest; Antequera's is famed for appearing in Madonna’s Take a Bow video; Mijas has spectacular views and is simply charming. Archidona usually erects a bullring inside its eight-sided main square during the summer season.
Like this and want to know more about visiting southern Spain? Check out our 50 things to do in Andalucia and our guide to the five best cities to visit in Andalucia
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[post_content] => (As of Nov 2020)
Since the global pandemic reached our countries in early 2020 there has been restrictions in one way or another on the way we live our lives. With the sheer amount of press on Covid-19 it’s difficult to see the wood from the trees. So we wanted to reach out to our guests and give you a clear idea of what it’s really like to be in southern Spain in 2020.
As we become used to Covid-19 not going away we’re getting better at carrying on with our lives but with safety measures in place. Obviously, those who are at high risk may adopt a more stringent approach to their activities but for the rest of us we’re getting out and about responsibly. While we at The Luxury Villa Collection welcomed guests during 2020 we realise that clarity on what it's like in southern Spain is needed.
What restrictions are there in southern Spain?
Shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, events, museums and art galleries all have capacity limits to ensure social distancing can be adhered to safely. Businesses all have hand sanitizer at the door so customers can clean their hands upon entering and leaving an establishment. As of 25th October there is a curfew between 22.00hrs and 07.00hrs. Further restrictions have been put in place to limit the movement of people outside their municipalities.
Face coverings must be worn at all times if over 6 years old, other than:
- People playing sports do not have to wear a mask whilst engaged in the sporting activity.
- Masks do not need to be worn by customers who are eating, drinking, or smoking.
- In the sea or swimming pool.
- In a designated household sunbathing area on the beach.
Do I have to wear a face covering?
The use of face coverings is mandatory for anyone over the age of 6 years old at all times unless during one of the points stated above. This includes in all forms of indoor and outdoor public spaces even if social distancing can be applied. For countries that haven’t adopted this measure, face coverings seem a huge inconvenience but what they have allowed people to do is enjoy their holiday as normal with face coverings and social distancing being the only restrictions.Are restaurants open?
Yes, restaurants and cafes are open with limitations place upon their capacity to ensure tables are spaced out enough so customers can remove their face coverings while drinking or eating. Serving staff and chefs must wear masks at all times.
Are Beaches open in Andalucia?
Yes. Once on a beach in your own sunbathing area and in the sea you may remove face coverings. The sunbathing areas must be 2 metres apart and social distancing must be adhered to in the sea. Some beaches have allocated sunbathing areas others are flexible but there are personnel checking that people adhere to social distancing rules while enjoying the beach. No distancing is necessary within your family unit. The norms that local governments put in place over summer 2020 worked to great effect and people could enjoy the beaches of the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz and Costa Tropical.Are tourist sights open?
Yes. Restrictions on numbers being allowed into famous landmarks, tourist attractions and galleries has meant some sights have never been so quiet. Achieving the perfect photo of the Alhambra Palace or Real Alcazar de Sevilla without other sightseers is actually possible.
Does a face covering need to be worn while driving?
When driving alone or with your household no face covering needs to be worn, but if there are passengers or a driver from a different household then everyone must wear a face covering.What’s the general mood in southern Spain?
Summer 2020 saw fewer parties for sure: the dancing all night in a club and watching the sunrise from a buzzing rooftop bar was and is not on the cards at the moment. However, long lunches beside the sea, visiting theme parks, historic sights, galleries and museums, beach days and outdoor activities are all there being enjoyed. It's really business as usual with the some sensible parameters in place. Some of our guests used our villas with entertainment rooms, cinemas, spas and abundance of space to organise private experiences from chefs to talks to spa treatments and live music. Bringing the wonderful Spanish culture into the safety of their private villa.What is State of Alarm and What Does it Mean?
The phrase state of alarm sounds very official and, well, alarming however, it is really just an administration step for the government and helps regional governments put in place restrictions. This phase allows the government (if necessary) to limit the movement of people at specific locations and times, temporary use private industries (such as private hospitals), limit the use of services and ensure the supply of necessary goods and services. In 2020 during Covid19, the state of alarm has meant limiting the movement of people between different provinces and curfews been implemented (from 23.00-06.00hrs). In no circumstances does state of alarm mean visitors aren't permitted to travel back to their home country.Air travel – Is it safe?
So far there has been little evidence of in-flight transmission of coronavirus, but there have been a couple of examples of transmission early on in the pandemic before more stringent controls were in place.
Shaun Fitzgerald, Royal Academy of Engineering visiting professor at the University of Cambridge said, aircraft ventilation systems are unique, the “replacement rate” - the number of times a volume of air equivalent to the volume of the cabin is removed each hour - can be four minutes in a aircraft. Compare this to 20 or 30 minutes in an indoor environment on the ground and it’s very brisk. The air filters themselves on aeroplanes are sophisticated and much more effective than filters found in indoor venues on the ground.
Most airlines say face coverings are mandatory, limit food and drink services and don’t allow queuing for the toilet. The airports themselves are being diligent ensuring social distancing is in place as well as temperature controls in some.
As from October 2020 if traveling from Europe or the UK:
- You must complete a health control form - which includes a HCF - a negative PCR test within 72hrs of your arrival to Spain.
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Is it Safe to Travel to Southern Spain?
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