Things to do in Malaga for couples

With its captivating atmosphere, you couldn’t ask for a more romantic setting than Malaga. This southern Spanish city, located in the dreamy Costa del Sol region of Andalusia, has plenty of couple-friendly activities, landmarks and restaurants. There are endless vantage points, thanks to historic remains of hilltop castles, and you can escape the crowds with a stroll through the park or head up to Cloud Nine - sorry, we mean a rooftop bar - with incredible views to boot. Browse our selection today to find your next romantic getaway.

1. Enjoy lunch by the sea at El Balneario
2. Stroll along the ramparts of Castillo de Gibralfaro
3. Chill out in Parque de Malaga
4. Go for tapas on Plaza de la Merced
5. Enjoy the views from a rooftop bar
6. Scoot around Muelle Uno
7. Eat ice cream by the Roman Theatre

Kick-start your romantic holiday in Malaga by dining at El Balneario. Positioned overlooking the sea, choose from one of the many outdoor tables to admire the fantastic sea views. As the waves lap over the walls, which might lightly sprinkle you on a windier day, tuck into a variety of traditional Spanish dishes. You can’t go far wrong with the lobster speciality of arroz con bogavante, croquettes or plenty of fried fish.

Reached via an uphill zigzag road on the hill, the Castillo de Gibralfaro boasts some of the finest views in Malaga. Take in the different viewpoints of this 14th-century castle: one side offers sweeping views of the sea - on a clear day, you might see the shadowed outline of Africa - while another viewpoint stretches across the building-heavy landscape of churches, apartments and new developments.

Once you’ve covered the ramparts, walk around the rest of the site and discover more about the castle’s history and wildlife through its informative placards. With history, nature, and fewer people, this is a peaceful spot to spend some quiet time with your partner.

When the sun sets, make the most of the balmy evenings on Plaza de la Merced, where the lively atmosphere enhances the experience. The centre of the square is dotted with benches, and you should keep an eye out for the bronze statue of a seated Picasso, the legendary artist born here, which makes for a perfect photo opportunity.

There’s a stretch of tapas restaurants that occupy the tall, honey-coloured buildings that line the square; take your seat (preferably outside) and watch the world pass by, get chatting to the other tables, or enjoy each other’s company while you tuck into a selection of shared tapas dishes.

The views from Malaga’s various rooftop bars are as impressive as the drinks, allowing visitors to admire the stunning cityscape. There’s plenty to choose from that is incredible on both the inside and out; the classy Terraza Chinitas is located right next to a beautiful 16th-century church and affords gorgeous views of the Baroque church tower, while the equally chic La Terraza de la Alcazaba overlooks the Moorish ruins of Alcazaba. The bars themselves are decked out pretty stylishly, too; let your legs dangle at a high bar table of the bar or kick back on a white sofa.

With wide-set walkways, modern architectural designs and stand-out art installations, you and your partner can enjoy an adventure in Muelle Uno in a number of ways. Looking to amp up your date-night game? Hire an e-bike and zip around this seaside area, which spans the port (where cruise ships dock) and around to where the 16-metre-high glass Cube is.

If you’re feeling peckish, take a respite at one of the many restaurants that line the area serving international cuisine, or treat yourself at one of the many shops here.

Málaga’s Roman Theatre, built in 1 AD, still sits proudly down on ground level in front of the Alcazaba. One of the most romantic - and tastiest - ways to admire it is with an ice cream! Buy a couple of scoops of your favourite flavours from a nearby parlour and sit on the walls that look towards the Roman ruins. It all looks even more ambient at night, when the place is lit up.

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