Shopping in Málaga
Shopping in Malaga is gratifying, not least for the variety of shopping experiences, from atmospheric streets and the Sunday market to modern malls and quirky stores.
Key areas
Smart, pedestrianised Calle Marqués de Larios is Malaga's main shopping street, lined with chic national and international brand name stores. The surrounding streets west of Calle Larios, namely Calle Nueva and San Juan, offer much of the same. North of Plaza de la Constitucion, there are numerous shops along Calle Granada and along the harbour at Muelle Uno. It's also worth exploring Soho neighbourhood for its small but quirky selection of stores.
Markets
For the freshest food in atmospheric surroundings, visit the daily market, Mercado Atarazanas. Once a Moorish ship repair yard and still with an original horseshoe archway, this is the place to pack for a picnic or find seafood snacks at their freshest. On Sundays, take the bus from the main Alameda Principal to the 'Rastro' market where bargain clothes, gadgets, shoes and antiques are to be found.
Shopping centres
You can find everything under one roof at the Malaga branch of El Corte Inglés, Avenida Andalucía 4-6, packed with Spanish fashion, homeware and a good supermarket that's handy for speciality food souvenirs. Another good bet is Vialia, the shopping mall attached to Malaga's main station, Maria Zambrano, and opposite is an El Corte Inglés outlet store.
Opening hours
Traditional shop opening times are Monday to Saturday 1000-1400 and 1700-2000, but several shops remain open throughout the siesta.
Souvenirs
Ideas to take home include Malaga's vino dulce (sweet wine), olive oil, Andalucian ceramics and traditional embroidered fabrics. If ceramics are your thing, try Alfajar at Calle Cister 1, for modern and traditional pieces.
Tax information
Spain applies a sales tax, known as IVA, on many goods. Non-EU residents can get a refund when they spend over €90.15 in shops with the Tax-Free logo and request a Tax-Free refund voucher. At the airport, before checking your luggage, present your purchases, receipts, passport and travel documents at the Tax Refund office.
