Coffee in Málaga is more than just a beverage; it’s a part of social life and a pleasure enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. Whether in the corners of its historic center or on sunny terraces overlooking the sea, you’ll always find a welcoming spot to unwind with a good cup of coffee.
If you’re planning a visit to this city and need mobility, remember that car rental at Malaga Airport is a perfect option for those looking to experience it like a local.
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How to Order Coffee in Málaga
From traditional black coffee to modern innovations with international influences, Málaga offers a wide range of styles and flavors that reflect its diversity and openness to new trends.
Typically in Spain, coffee is ordered in two ways: black or with milk, with café con leche (coffee with milk) being the favorite of many. It’s usually prepared with equal parts coffee and milk; however, Málaga has its own tradition for serving café con leche.
In the capital of the Costa del Sol, it’s not the waiter who decides how much milk or coffee goes into your drink, but you! This custom dates back to the post-war period, a time when coffee was scarce and expensive.
The owner of Café Central, an iconic place in Málaga that closed at the end of 2023, noticed that a lot of coffee was being wasted because not all customers wanted the same amount.
To solve this, he devised a list of coffees that vary in the amount of coffee and milk, from the strongest to the mildest: black, long, semi-long, half, cortado, shade, and cloud.
Today, two of the most popular options are the “shade” and the “cloud.” These have less coffee and more milk, with the “cloud” being similar to what is called a “manchado” in other parts of Spain.
Types of Coffee in Málaga
Among all the coffee options in Málaga, Cafés Santa Cristina stands out, a brand that has conquered the palates of Malagueños over decades.
Founded in 1930, this brand is not only one of the oldest and most respected in the region, but it has also become the favorite among locals as it has been synonymous with quality and tradition since its inception.
Cafés Santa Cristina offers a wide variety of blends and origins, including beans from Colombia, Brazil, and Ethiopia, each carefully selected and roasted to ensure flavor and aroma. Additionally, the brand has been innovating over time, introducing roasting and repair methods that enhance the coffee experience.
Best Cafés in Málaga
Málaga offers a rich and varied selection of cafés, each with its own personality and style. From charming traditional establishments in the historic center like Café Madrid or Café Central to more cosmopolitan design cafes like Santa Coffee, there is something for every taste and occasion.
Generally, these cafés not only offer an excellent selection of locally and internationally sourced coffee but also stand out for their pastry and sandwich menus, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
Santa Coffe Soho
Located in the Soho area, Santa Coffee offers a carefully curated selection of specialty coffees and homemade pastries and is also known for its breakfasts and snacks, making it a perfect place to relax at any time of the day.
Details of Interest:
- Opening Hours: Every day from 8:00-20:00
- Price: 2 – 5 € per coffee
- Phone: 952 02 52 35
- Location: Calle Tomás Heredia, 5, 29001, Málaga
Café Madrid
Café Madrid is a classic in Málaga known for its well-crafted coffee and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, its central location near the Roman Theater or some of Málaga’s most famous museums makes it an ideal meeting point for both locals and tourists.
Details of Interest:
- Opening Hours: Every day from 9:00-13:30 / 17:30-21:30
- Price: 1.50 – 4 € per coffee
- Phone: 952 22 21 02
- Location: Calle Calderería, 1, 29008, Málaga.
This café is well-known among many Malagueños as one of the few establishments in the city where “churros madrileños,” known in Málaga as “loop churros,” are served.
El Ultimo Mono & Coffee
This place is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Málaga that not only offers excellent coffees but also a wide variety of cold-pressed natural juices and options for healthy and nutritious food. This café is the ideal place for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without giving up the pleasure of a good coffee.
- Opening Hours: 9:00-19:30. Closed Sundays and holidays.
- Price: 2 – 6 € per coffee or juice
- Phone: 951 00 00 00
- Location: Calle Duende, 6, 29005, Málaga
Café Berlin
This small café located in the heart of Málaga is very popular for its unique style that combines art and coffee. It often hosts cultural events, from art exhibitions to small concerts, making it the ideal place for those seeking more than just a coffee, providing a perfect space to enjoy local culture.
- Opening Hours: Every day from 9:00-23:00
- Price: 2 – 5 € per coffee
- Phone: 952 22 30 96
- Location: Calle Afligidos, 2, 29015, Málaga
Café Central Malagueta
Located near the famous Malagueta beach (one of the most well-known beaches in Málaga), Café Central is part of Málaga’s coffee history and is known for its traditional churros and chocolate, a perfect combination for winter days by the sea.
This picturesque café had its historic predecessor in Plaza de la Constitución. This café was the pioneer in adopting unique names for the different ways of serving coffee in Málaga.
Unfortunately, in 2023, this iconic establishment closed its doors to make way for an Irish pub, thus closing an important chapter in the city’s history forever. However, Café Central in Malagueta continues the legacy, keeping alive the traditions that made it famous.
- Opening Hours: Every day from 8:30-20:30
- Price: 1.50 – 4 € per coffee
- Phone: 952 02 43 25
- Location: Calle Cervantes, 13, 29001, Málaga
Librería Café Q Pro Quo – Café with Books
Although a bit further from the historic center, this bookstore-café is a unique space in Málaga where the love for books and the pleasure of coffee merge. It is definitely worth a visit to this particular place where you can acquire the latest literature while enjoying an excellent coffee.
- Opening Hours: Every day from 8:30 – 21:30
- Price: 1.50 – 4 € per coffee
- Phone: 952 61 28 71
- Location: Avenida Jorge Luis Borges, 65, 29010, Málaga
Coffee Shops in Málaga
Málaga stands out not only for its cafés and coffee culture but also for having a variety of specialty coffee shops that satisfy both enthusiasts and professional baristas.
In addition to selling products, some of these shops organize workshops and tastings that allow customers to learn more about coffee making and discover new varieties.
CAFEMOKA
Located in the Ciudad Jardín neighborhood, about a 30-minute walk from the center of Málaga, CAFEMOKA is a popular destination for coffee lovers, known for its selection of high-quality beans and friendly guidance in choosing the perfect product for every palate.
Details:
- Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
- Price: Varies depending on the product.
- Phone: 627 93 12 71
- Location: Calle Jerez Perchet, 24, local 27, 29014, Málaga.
La Hacienda, coffee micro-roaster
La Hacienda specializes in roasting small batches of coffee, ensuring freshness and quality. Here, enthusiasts can find a wide variety of origins and flavor profiles, and also participate in tasting sessions and workshops.
Details:
- Opening Hours: 8:00 – 14:00 / 16:00 – 19:00. Closed Sundays.
- Price: Varies depending on the product.
- Phone: 616 54 05 55
- Location: Calle Esperanto, 5, 29007, Málaga.
Golden Tips
This establishment, located in the city center, is another gem for coffee and tea enthusiasts in Málaga. In addition to offering a careful selection of coffees, they also have a range of exotic teas and all kinds of accessories for their preparation.
Details:
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 14:00 / 17:00 – 20:30. Closed Sundays.
- Price: Varies depending on the product.
- Phone: 952 22 57 32
- Location: Calle Especería, 26, 29005, Málaga.
Map of Coffee Shops and Stores in Málaga
In this map, you’ll find all the establishments mentioned throughout this post so you can enjoy excellent coffee during your visit to Málaga, making your planning easier and ensuring a memorable coffee experience.
