Malaga: The shopping capital of Spain

Shop till you Drop is a phrase that justifies Malaga. Apart from lovely beaches, world-class art museums and great food. There are endless options whether your choice is a Spanish chain store or quirky boutiques, Malaga is the place for you. Here is a list of top shopping places in Malaga that will leave you awestruck. We’ve divided the article into two sections listed under streets and shopping centres so that you can pick out the best pick for you. 

Malaga Shopping Streets

Calle Larios 

This street was Spain’s most exquisite when it was constructed at the turn of the 20th century, and it continues to rank among the most opulent today. Make this marble-lined pedestrian strip in Malaga your first visit when looking for clothing.

Main Stores: The Swedish brand COS joins the main retailers, which include Spanish chains like Mango, Massimo Dutti, Woman’s Secret, Bimba, and Lola (with a massive location at the south end of the street). As you ascend Calle Larios, turn onto Calle Liborio Garcia on the left if you’re searching for Zara (which has recently expanded). There are many options for women shopping for lingerie because Larios is home to Victoria’s Secret, Oysho, Tezenis, Etam, and Women’s Secret.

Pro Tip: The majority of stores are open all day from 10 am to 9 night. Visit the shops at a less busy hour, such as during Spanish lunch (2-4 pm).

Time out: Take a break and grab a terrace table at Lepanto to have afternoon tea and a French patisserie-style cake while watching the shoppers pass by.

Calle Nueva

Calle Nueva runs along Calle Larios and is a small pedestrian street with a fair selection of shops, including both national chains and speciality retailers located solely in Malaga.

Main stores: Danish home goods shop In addition to Footlocker and many other shoe stores, Flying Tiger is located at the top of the street. Both the British retailer Marks & Spencers and Decathlon City have a modest outlet here. Despite your excitement at the food halls, the branch solely sells intimate apparel. We particularly enjoy Natura, a store with three floors of home goods, unique gifts, and fashion accessories. Don’t miss the flamingos on the terraces!

Pro tip: this is one of Malaga’s busiest retail areas. Go early in the morning or during Spanish lunch to avoid the throng.

Time out: Pop in La Bella Julieta in Puerta del Mar for a coffee and a fresh bagel.

Calle Especeria

This street, which runs perpendicular to Calle Larios and Calle Nueva, is a veritable goldmine of traditional Spanish clothing.

Best stores: a wide variety of establishments specialising in fashion and accessories. Excellent selection of stores selling flamenco clothing, authentic espadrilles, and a vintage Spanish hat.

Pro tip: Visit these family-run businesses close for lunch, which is typically from 2 to 5 pm.

Time out: Take a break and visit El Almacén del Indiano at the intersection of Calle Fernán González and Calle Cisneros. Before you buy, try traditional Malaga produce.

Calle Compania

This lengthy street to the left of Calle Larios contains an excellent selection of independent shops, pubs, and cafés. 

Best stores: The Carmen Thyssen Museum shop has wonderful, quirky presents, Mapas & Compaa along the river sells a tonne of maps as well as puzzles and games, and the Cudeca charity shop for the cancer hospice has fantastic vintage finds. 

Pro Tip: Get lost in the side streets to find some fantastic little businesses. 

Time out: Take a break and reward your pocketbook with wonderful low-cost tapas at Las Merchanas bar on Calle Mosquera after using up all the available credit on your card.

Malaga Shopping Centres

Muelle Uno

This is a fantastic location for shopping because it’s on the port between the Pompidou Center and the lighthouse (fashion, sports and accessories mainly). Weekends feature an art and craft fair. 

Pro Tip: shop in the late afternoon, then find a seat to watch the sunset over Malaga’s cathedral and Ferris wheel. 

Time out: Take a break and treat yourself to a fine dining dinner at Malaga’s sole Michelin-starred establishment, JCG Restaurante.

Centro Larios

This 2-story shopping centre, which is 15 minutes walk from Calle Larios and northwest of the bus and train stations, features Malaga’s lone Primark and Dunnes Store in addition to the usual Spanish brands. The mall recently underwent a complete refurbishment, making it lighter and brighter. The top floor is where the restaurants are. 

Pro Tip: Avoid going here on Saturdays when many people visit these Malaga establishments. 

Time out: Block House serves tasty steaks; however, to avoid waiting in line, arrive early (1.30 p.m. or 7.30 p.m.).

Centro Vialia

This is one of Malaga’s newest retail centres and is a part of the major railway station. It has a large selection of Spanish and foreign clothing stores, Media Markt, and a variety of restaurants and cafés. 

Pro tip: A pleasant place to pass the time while you wait for a bus or train. 

Time out: Take a break by leaving the mall and walking across the street to D’Cuadros, which has a lovely terrace and is a fantastic place to get a morning coffee and a cake.

Mcarthurglen Designer outlet

On the east side of Plaza Mayor, the largest luxury fashion retailer in southern Spain opened its doors in February 2020. There are about 80 shops in the complex, and they all have discounts on 100 major brands of clothing, accessories, sportswear, and home goods. Four eateries are located there as well. 

Pro tip: You may travel here using public transportation. Take the No. 5 bus from the Alameda Principal or the local rail (cercanas) from the Alameda station (trains depart every 20 minutes, travel duration 15 minutes) (buses every 40 minutes, journey time around 40 minutes). 

Time out: Take a break and select a pub or café in the square for a relaxing beverage by the fountain.

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