If you get the chance during your stay at your Marbella holiday home, do visit some of Malaga's amazing rooftop terraces, each offering a unique ambience and spectacular views of this great city.
A trend that seems to have spilled over from the USA, where urban developers discovered the value of rooftop terraces a number of years ago, has finally hit Spain. No longer do visitors simply come to rooftop terraces to enjoy the views; they come for the special atmosphere each of these venues offers.
Some rooftop terraces attract more locals than international tourists, such as the imposing AC Malaga Palacio Hotel for example. Others, like the slightly bohemian Oasis Hostel, are frequented by a younger, less formal clientele.
Here are five of the best rooftop terraces in Malaga:
1. Alcazaba Premium Hostel (Batik). Calle Alcazabilla, 12
It's not just one of Malaga's newest, but also one of the more exotic rooftop terraces. Overlooking the Roman Theatre and Alcazaba, the terrace sits above a hostel and the Batik Restaurant. Guests can enjoy a varied menu on different levels of the terrace, some offering indoor, others outdoor seating. All are are cleverly illuminated, offering amazing cityscape views that show Malaga's different stages of development through the ages, from the ancient Romans building the amphitheatre to the Calle Alcazabilla, one of Malaga's most vibrant streets for shopping, nightlife and typical Spanish city ambience.
2. Terraza del Hotel Larios Room Mate. Marqués de Larios, 2
This is a brilliant venue for events and parties, located on Calle Larios where visitors can enjoy birds eye views of Malaga's main pedestrian zone. It's sheer size and decor make it one of the city's most elegant terraces and a cleverly chosen entertainment programme with DJ sets means casual visitors can meet a wide range of clientele.
3. Hotel Sallés Málaga Centro. Calle Mármoles, 6
It may take a little longer to reach this rooftop marvel, located next to the Guadalmedina River on the western side, but it boasts a younger crowd than the others. They come here for the indie music and the fact that the swimming pool is open to clients during the day.
4. AC Málaga Palacio Hotel AC Málaga Palacio. Calle Cortina del Muelle 1
This was Malaga's very first rooftop terrace and it's also the city's most famous. It boasts the finest city views, overlooking Muelle Uno for a start. Although its cocktails are rather expensive and visitors get a little buffeted by the winds, it's the best place to be during Malaga Cinema Festival.
5. Oasis Lounge, Oasis Hostel Málaga. Calle San Telmo, 14
For a budget rooftop terrace experience in Malaga there's none better than the Oasis Lounge, a comfortable terrace close to the famous Thyssen Museum. The small hostel attracts mostly young European travellers, who have made the hostel and terrace a hip place to be with a continental European vibe and some of the cheapest terrace prices in Malaga. Better still, every drink comes with a free piece of liquorice!