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Ten places to shop in Málaga and the surrounding area, sorted by what really matters: whether you’re travelling by car or without one, whether you’re looking for discounted brands, or whether you just want to escape the heat.
The best press release of all, without a doubt: is inside the station, with AVE, local trains, the underground and buses all in the same building.
It has fashion, technology, perfumery, a supermarket, a cinema and a hotel. It’s the obvious place to go if you’re arriving or leaving by train and have an hour to spare.
And one use that almost nobody takes advantage of: this is where the Commuter services to El Chorro, for the Caminito del Rey.
The leading department store, with several departments: fashion, homewares, electronics, perfumery and gourmet food. In terms of floor space, it is the largest shopping centre in the city centre.
A useful tip if you’re coming with us: Our meeting point is 300 metres away, in 10 Avenida de Andalucía. A four-minute walk.
The most compact of the three, also on Avenida de Andalucía. Fashion, services, food and a few places to eat.
Its advantage lies in its scale: You go in, have a browse, and leave. If you’re walking through the city centre, pop in without it taking up the rest of your afternoon.
It is the largest in the metropolitan area and it is outdoors, laid out like a village with pedestrianised streets. Close to the airport.
Fashion, an outlet area, plenty of places to eat, cinemas and family entertainment. Y free parking, which makes a difference on a day out shopping.
As it’s open-air, it’s rather uncomfortable at midday in August. It’s better in the afternoon.
It’s right next to Plaza Mayor, so you can do both at once. It’s the go-to outlet: discounted national and international brands all year round, in an open-air venue.
If you’re looking for a brand at a better price, this is the stop, and it’s worth setting aside some time for it.
Next to Avenida de la Aurora, near María Zambrano and just a stone’s throw from the city centre. A closed building with several floors, featuring Primark, technology, supermarkets, cinemas and restaurants.
It’s the most balanced one: You can get there by bus; it has everything you need and you don’t need a car.
To the north, next to the stadium. It’s one of the city’s classic shopping centres and the one most frequently visited by the people of Málaga: affordable fashion, a supermarket, electronics and cinemas.
These three are not in Málaga city, and it is worth bearing this in mind before planning your trip:
The pedestrianised area of Calle Larios and the surrounding area It’s home to fashion boutiques, local brands and traditional shops. If you fancy a stroll and a spot of shopping, this beats any indoor shopping centre.
The seasonal tip: in winter, the street; in midday in August, those with air conditioning.
We need to be clear on this, as there is some outdated information doing the rounds.
With the Treaty between the European Union and Gibraltar now in force, the tax regime on the Rock is changing. Physical border controls at land borders have been abolished, but in return Gibraltar needs to gradually increase its tax rates: tobacco, alcohol and fuel are becoming more expensive.
To put it another way: Gibraltar is still well worth a visit for Main Street, the Rock and the monkeys, but That bargain shopping opportunity isn’t what it used to be.
During the first three years of the agreement, there are excesses per passenger, and if these limits are exceeded, the following must be declared at customs:
And specific limits on tobacco and alcohol, which are charged separately from the main amount:
Three conditions that are often overlooked:
Check the current limits on the Tax Agency’s website before you go: the scheme is temporary and subject to change.
It’s the opposite of an outlet: luxury boutiques, high-end brands and a seafront promenade with boats in the foreground. You can enjoy it just as much without buying anything, which is what most people do.
It can be combined with a visit to Marbella’s old town and Mijas Pueblo on the same day:
On another note: This is where you haggle. Handicrafts, leather, spices and textiles in the souks of Tetuan, crossing the Strait.
It is a cultural event rather than a commercial one, and it’s worth bearing this in mind. Departures from Málaga or Algeciras:
And if you fancy getting out of the city: All excursions from Málaga o What to see in Málaga in three days.
Plaza Mayor is the largest shopping centre in the metropolitan area; it is also an open-air centre and is right next to the McArthurGlen outlet. Among those in the city centre, El Corte Inglés on Avenida de Andalucía is the largest shopping centre by floor area.
Vialia, because it’s located inside María Zambrano station itself, with AVE, local trains, the underground and buses all in the same building. El Corte Inglés, Málaga Plaza and Larios Centro are also within easy reach without a car, all in the vicinity of Avenida de Andalucía.
Less than before. With the Treaty between the European Union and Gibraltar now in force, Gibraltar must gradually increase its tax rates, meaning that tobacco, alcohol and fuel are becoming more expensive. There are still price differences for some products, but it is best not to take for granted the savings that existed a few years ago.
During the transitional period, up to 300 euros per person for those crossing by land and 430 for those arriving by sea or air, with around 175 for children under 15. In addition, there are limits on tobacco — 200 cigarettes, or just 80 for residents and workers in the 15-kilometre border zone — and on alcohol: four litres of wine, sixteen litres of beer and one litre of spirits with an alcohol content of over 22 per cent. All of this is for personal or family use, or as gifts only.
Yes. McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, next to Plaza Mayor and close to the airport, brings together national and international brands offering year-round discounts in an open-air complex. Plaza Mayor also has its own outlet area, so you can visit both in a single trip.
Málaga Nostrum is in the east, at the exit towards Rincón de la Victoria; the Bahía Shopping Centre is already in Rincón de la Victoria; and El Ingenio, the largest in the Axarquía, is in Vélez-Málaga, some 40 kilometres away. All three require a car, but are well worth the trip if you’re staying overnight in that part of the coast.
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