Beer in Málaga is one of the most highly regarded and well-crafted beverages. With several commercial brands and a multitude of small craft breweries, the province offers some delicious options that surprise even the most discerning palates.
In this article, you will learn about the history of beer in Málaga, the different types and brands you can find, as well as some notable breweries, so you can enjoy the vibrant beer scene during your visit to the capital of the Costa del Sol.
During your stay, we recommend opting for luxury car rental at Málaga Airport to comfortably reach your destination. However, if your goal is to explore the local breweries, it’s best to park the car and use the city’s excellent public transportation options.
Table of Contents
History of Beer in Málaga
The brewing tradition in Málaga dates back centuries. Although this city on the Costa del Sol is famous for its sweet wines, beer has also made a significant impact on its culinary culture.
During the 19th century, Málaga experienced a boom in beer production, primarily influenced by the arrival of British immigrants who introduced their brewing techniques and styles.
However, it was in the mid-20th century that beer began to gain popularity in Málaga. The Franquelo family was the first to establish themselves in the business with Victoria Beer, whose slogan “Malagueña y exquisita” (Malaga-born and exquisite) speaks volumes about the attachment of the people of Málaga to this brand, recognizing it as “the beer of Málaga.”
Since then, this beverage has become an integral part of the city’s social and cultural life, with major beer producers in Málaga such as San Miguel and Victoria, as well as small craft breweries.
Types and Brands of Beer in Málaga
During your visit to Málaga, you can enjoy both commercial and craft beers, with various local brands offering a wide range of varieties that will impress both discerning palates and those looking to refresh themselves with a well-poured pint.
Commercial Beers
Málaga is home to large beer factories that are distributed throughout Spain, with a long tradition among locals and visitors, offering diversity in varieties and affordable prices among their products.
Victoria Beers
This Malaga beer is known for its smooth and balanced flavor. It’s a popular choice among locals and perfect for enjoying on any occasion. Visitors can find it in virtually any bar or supermarket in various formats.
Victoria Beer’s history began with the Franquelo family on September 8, 1928, when they inaugurated their first factory in the El Perchel neighborhood, coinciding with the feast day of the Virgin of Victory, the city’s patron saint, from whom it gets its name.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Pale Lager (Classic Victoria)
- Taste: Fresh beer with medium sweetness and body
- Presentation: Keg, small bottle, liter, or can
- Varieties:
- Victoria (Pale Lager)
- Victoria Sin (0.0% alcohol)
- Victoria Pasos Largos (with lemon)
- Victoria Marengo (dark)
- Victoria Malacatí (wheat beer)
- Victoria Vendeja (IPA with a hint of mango and citrus)
- Price: €1.17/third of a liter
San Miguel Beers
San Miguel is another major beer brand in the region. Starting its journey at the Málaga factory, where it is currently headquartered, the company merged with an Asian brewery, resulting in unique beers in this country.
Its classic offering is the San Miguel Especial, known for its consistent foam and golden hue, with a slightly bitter and refreshing taste. However, this brand continues to innovate, offering a variety of options for curious palates and catering to the needs of its audience, with 0.0% alcohol, gluten-free, and organic beers.
Technical Details
- Type: Pale Lager (San Miguel Especial)
- Taste: Slightly bitter beer with a fresh flavor
- Presentation: Barrel, small bottle, liter, or can
- Varieties:
- Especial Range (Pale Lager): classic, radler, gluten-free, and organic
- 0.0% Range: classic, tostada, radler, and manzana
- Magna Range (Golden Lager): magna and magna tostada 0.0%
- Specialties Range: Selecta (Märzen), Manila (IPL), Yakima Valley (American IPA)
- Price: €0.92/third liter
Craft Beers
With the growth of the beer culture in the province, various craft breweries have emerged, creating unique proposals full of flavor and an unmistakable Malaga signature in their tastes and designs.
Gaitanejo
Originating from Ardales, a small town in Málaga, Gaitanejo beer had its beginnings in 2014 as a homemade production in the founders’ garage, producing at external factories until they established their own brewery in their hometown in 2017.
Currently, they offer more than 7 beer varieties, including the popular Caminito del Rey, and related products like Beer Jam and Beer Cream. They experiment with seasonal beers and collaborations in their brewery, also organizing events to introduce their products to customers.
Technical Details
- Type: American Pale Ale (Caminito del Rey)
- Taste: Aromatic citrusy craft beer with consistent bitterness
- Presentation: Barrel or third liter
- Varieties:
- Caminito del Rey (APA)
- Bobastro (Golden Ale)
- Turón (IPA)
- Grund (Stout)
- Red (Irish Red)
- Lager
- Beer Cream
- Amanecer (Belgian Dubbel)
- Price: €2.50/third liter
La Axarca
Hailing from the region of La Axarquía, which gives its name to this beer, La Axarca is a craft beer that captures the essence of the area with its tropical aromas and flavors.
With a bright orange body, fine white foam, and notes of mango, it offers a fruity sip with a slight final and dry bitterness. This brand has only one variety.
Technical Details
- Type: Tropical Pale Ale
- Taste: Fruity beer with a slight bitter finish
- Presentation: Barrel or third liter
- Varieties:
- La Axarca (APA)
- Price: €3.30/third liter
La Catarina
Another well-known craft beer from Málaga, known throughout the province, is La Catarina, produced in Marbella. It stands out for its focus on organic ingredients and sustainable production.
Their commitment to quality and innovation has led to the creation of surprising and memorable beers, with a variety of different references that have earned them awards and recognition throughout Andalusia.
Technical Details
- Type: Pale Ale (Border Q)
- Taste: Slightly bitter beer with a fresh flavor
- Presentation: Barrel or third liter
- Varieties:
- Border Q (Pale Ale)
- Golden Mile (Golden Ale)
- Cruz de Juanar (Cascadian Dark Ale)
- Muelle de Hierro (Mosaic Amber Ale)
- Altos Hornos (American India Pale Ale)
- De Pedro (Double India Pale Ale)
- Price: €1.80/third
3 Monkeys Craft Beer
This Malaga-based microbrewery was born out of the passion of three friends for beer and cinema, offering exclusive products both in taste and design. Thus, all their names and label designs are based on international cinema classics.
3 Monkeys is known for its research and innovation, traveling to factories and international fairs to produce their best beers. This brand has numerous references, both in bottled commercial varieties and in the taprooms they often host in their factory and other locations throughout Spain, presenting new varieties.
Technical Specifications
- Type: American Pale Ale (Monkey Business)
- Taste: Balanced beer with hints of biscuit, cookie, and fruity aromas
- Presentation: Keg or third
- Varieties:
- Monkey Business (APA)
- Dirty Harry (IPA)
- Monkey Python’s (New England IPA)
- Hop to the Future (Juicy IPA)
- Lost Planet (DDH IPA)
- Lara Craft (South Coast Pale Ale)
- Vito Hopleone (Double Red IPA)
- Black Soul (Imperial Coffee Stout)
- Price: €2.50/third
Breweries in Malaga
In addition to the local beers, Malaga has a series of breweries that are must-visit stops for beer enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of references of all kinds and the opportunity to pair their beers with some tapas.
La Fábrica Cruzcampo
Located in the heart of Malaga, La Fábrica Cruzcampo is an iconic place for beer lovers. Besides enjoying their latest beers and a wide menu of dishes, you can get to know the brewing process and delve into the history of this iconic brand.
The Factory usually has an active events schedule for beer enthusiasts, such as tastings, pairings, workshops, guided tours during production, but also activities like concerts, stand-up comedy, or artist markets.
Useful Information
- Hours: Every day from 12:30 PM to 1:00 AM
- Price Range: €3-€25
- Location: C/ Trinidad Grund, 29
- Phone: 952 12 39 04
Central Beers Craft Beers
With a diverse selection of local and international beers, Central Beers has become a meeting point for craft beer lovers. With modern decor, every detail is focused on providing a welcoming experience.
This Malaga brewery has over 150 references of beers from around the world in bottles, as well as 15 rotating taps offering the best international drinks, with a special focus on 100% Malaga beers.
Useful Information
- Hours: Monday to Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Thursday to Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM, with extended closing hours until 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays
- Price Range: €3.50-€20
- Location: C/ Cárcer, 6
- Phone: 636 82 97 00
El Rincón del Cervecero
In the bohemian neighborhood of El Soho, El Rincón del Cervecero is a true beer gem in Malaga, offering a range of craft beers with almost 182 references from around the world.
This establishment has a charming terrace on a pedestrian street, just a few meters from Muelle Uno, where you can enjoy their beers and the sea breeze. In addition, the brewery has a menu of reimagined typical dishes and internationally inspired bites, including vegan options. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance due to the size of the venue to ensure the best experience.
Useful Information
- Hours: Monday to Thursday from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Price Range: €2-€15
- Location: C/ Casas Campos, 5
- Phone: 624 20 58 56
La Madriguera
This craft beer pub located in the heart of Malaga’s old town surprises visitors with a small and cozy venue where the owners offer the best recommendations from their menu of draft and bottled craft beers, featuring new arrivals every week on their 8 taps.
In addition, La Madriguera also has a carefully crafted menu of reimagined typical dishes and internationally inspired bites, including vegan options. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance due to the size of the venue to guarantee the best experience.
Useful Information
- Hours: Monday to Thursday from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Price Range: €3-€20
- Location: C/ Carretería, 73
- Phone: 744 61 34 93
La Botica de la Cerveza
La Botica de la Cerveza is a specialized craft beer shop in Malaga, featuring a small bar where you can taste their products. The owners guide even the most inexperienced customers through their different styles and varieties, boasting 8 taps and a multitude of options in bottles and cans.
In this small brewery, you can feel the passion for beer, as they organize all kinds of events, such as tastings and pairings, catering to both the most discerning palates and those new to the world of hops and malt.
Details of Interest
- Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and from 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM, extending their opening hours until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays only in the afternoon, from 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM
- Price Range: €2-€15
- Location: C/ Victoria, 13
- Phone: 684 30 86 42
Birra Deluxe
Birra Deluxe stands out for its focus on innovation and experimentation in the world of beer. Here, you can try unique and surprising beers, crafted with passion and creativity.
Located in Plaza de la Merced, just a few meters from La Alcazaba in Malaga, this establishment specializes in beers from around the world, with over 270 options on tap, in bottles, and in cans. Birra Deluxe also offers a food menu to complement its diverse range of beers.
Details of Interest
- Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday from 6:00 PM to 12:30 AM, and Saturday from 7:00 PM to 1:30 AM
- Price Range: €3-€18
- Location: Plaza de la Merced, 5
- Phone: 620 21 87 65
Map of Beer Bars in Malaga
In recent years, Malaga has become a reference in Spain for its various craft and eco-friendly beer options that strive to balance innovation and brewing tradition. In this map, you can find the different breweries in the city to plan your tasting and pairing journey.
