Rooftops in Malaga: the Cathedral, the Alcazaba and the Mediterranean seen from above
A city between sea and mountains
Capital of the province of the same name and Spain's sixth-largest city, Malaga lies at the head of a bay on the Costa del Sol, between the Mediterranean and a ring of mountains. Founded by the Phoenicians, Picasso's birthplace enjoys a mild climate that invites you to live outdoors for much of the year, and many hotels in the centre have turned their roof into a bar or a restaurant open to the sky.
Seen from above, the old town can be taken in at a single glance. The Cathedral of the Incarnation, built between 1528 and 1782, dominates the tiled roofs; its south tower was never completed, which has earned it the nickname “la Manquita”. To the east, the hill is crowned by the Alcazaba, a palace-fortress built in the 11th century, extended higher up by the walls of Gibralfaro Castle. At their foot, the tiers of the Roman Theatre recall the age of Augustus.
From the port to La Malagueta
On the seaward side, the port now opens onto the city: the promenades of Muelle Uno and the Palmeral de las Sorpresas run along the quays where cruise ships dock, while La Farola lighthouse watches over the harbour entrance. Lined with palm trees, the Paseo del Parque links the centre to the La Malagueta district and its beach, which faces the open sea.
Where to get a view from above in Malaga
Around the Cathedral
This is where the most sought-after terraces are concentrated. On the 15th floor of the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio, Ático offers one of the highest viewpoints in the centre, with a glass-walled room open all year round. Right next door, La Terraza Molina Lario looks out over both the Cathedral and the port from the 8th floor of the Catalonia Molina Lario hotel. On calle Larios, two roofs face la Manquita: La Terraza de Larios, under its pergola, and El Taller de Larios 10, a seasonal restaurant on the top floor of the Vincci Larios Diez. On Plaza del Siglo, Terraza Catedral occupies the roof of the OXO museum building, a few steps from the tower, while La Terraza de San Juan sets out its white sofas at the foot of the bell tower of the church of San Juan.
Alameda and the port: facing the sea
At the entrance to calle Larios, the Only YOU Hotel Málaga brings together two venues, one above the other: Lolita Skyview, a cocktail bar around an infinity pool on the 8th floor, and Sonora Sky & Bites, opened in summer 2026 one floor below, with food to share and a music programme. A little further on, La Terraza de Valeria, on the roof of the Room Mate Collection Valeria, overlooks the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, Muelle Uno and the lighthouse.
Below the Alcazaba and in the narrow streets of the centre
On calle Alcazabilla, La Terraza de la Alcazaba faces the ramparts of the fortress, with the Roman Theatre below and Gibralfaro Castle at the top of the hill. Further north, near the Carmen Thyssen Museum, La Terraza de San Telmo cultivates a bohemian, intimate atmosphere above the domes of the neighbouring churches. Higher still, at the top of Mount Gibralfaro, the terrace of the Parador de Málaga, next to the castle, offers one of the most complete panoramas of the bay, the port and the old town.
Across the Guadalmedina and in La Malagueta
On the west bank, Áurea Rooftop, at the top of the Sallés Málaga Centro hotel, takes in the whole historic centre at a single glance, from the Cathedral to Gibralfaro. East of the port, on Paseo de Reding, Media Luna Chill-Out occupies the top level of the Gran Hotel Miramar, with La Malagueta beach and the Mediterranean on the horizon.
Gastronomy and cocktails up high
From tapas to seasonal tables
Iberian ham, local cheeses and croquettes are shared in front of the panorama. Some roofs are genuine restaurants, such as El Taller de Larios 10, Terraza Catedral or Ático; others focus on the end-of-day drink. Prices often remain gentle: cocktails cost around €9 to €10 on several roofs in the centre, around €12 to €15 in the large hotels, and up to €16 at the Gran Hotel Miramar.
A rooftop for every occasion
As a couple or with friends
For a sunset date for two, the sea view at Media Luna Chill-Out or the illuminated Cathedral seen from El Taller de Larios 10 offer a romantic setting. With friends, the DJ nights at Sonora Sky & Bites or the low-priced cocktails at La Terraza de la Alcazaba and La Terraza de San Telmo lend themselves more to drinks that go on and on. Several terraces can also be booked for private events.
Getting around easily
The historic centre is easy to explore on foot. Metro lines 1 and 2 stop at Atarazanas station, a stone's throw from calle Larios; Guadalmedina station serves the west bank. For La Malagueta, allow around twenty minutes on foot via the Paseo del Parque.
Tips for making the most of Malaga's rooftops
Choosing your time
Sunset is the most popular time: arriving early remains the best strategy, especially as several bars do not take reservations. Rooftop pools are almost always reserved for hotel guests, and opening hours vary with the season: check them before you go.
Photo : Ввласенко / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0