Oasis of tolerance

Málaga is a gay paradise on the Costa del Sol, where locals and international tourists flock, especially over summer. As one of our proud hosts, David unveils the secret beauties of this city, which is also close to another gay mecca, Torremolinos. Follow the paths of Picasso's art, Spanish hospitality and of course your inner-rainbow. Explore Málaga, experience your pride. 

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Málaga and the Costa del Sol have historically been one of the most open-minded places in Spain for gay people. Lots of gay poets and artists, who arrived from the hinterland looking for a more relaxed morality, fell in love with the sensuality that this city inspires. Without a doubt, the fact of being a port city has encoded some kind of cosmopolite character, but the main charm comes from the open-mindedness and cheerfulness of the people.

Jean Cocteau lived in the Costa del Sol, and Hans Christian Andersen, who suffered from his non-accepted homosexuality, was delighted by Málaga during his trip to Spain. A sculpture in the city center pays tribute to the Danish writer's stay in 1862. Despite gay people being considered “dangerous” and being inprisoned during the Franco dictatorship, the Costa del Sol became a little oasis of extreme tolerance that attracted gays from all over the world.

Today, Spain is one of the most tolerant countries in the world for gay people, and Málaga still maintains that allure of a sensual, open-minded, and cosmopolite city. Gay life is expressed in streets and squares, and it is particularly rich in spaces like the nudist beach of Guadalmar, Merced Square and Torremolinos - especially in the Nogalera area or the gay beach Poseidón.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

The most important gay event in Costa del Sol is Gay Pride in Torremolinos, which is actually the most significant Pride in Southern Spain. Despite this, there are still plenty of other festivals throughout the year including The Wonder Gay Festival Torremolinos or MadBear.

© IG/nunocorr

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

On the first day, have a drink on a gay terrace in Merced Square, then visit the castles and palaces of Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, which are dramatically positioned on a mountain in the city center. Here, you will find the gardens of Jardines de Puerta Oscura, which is one of the oldest cruising areas in the city.

You must see the cathedral, but I suggest visiting the roofs because going up this incredible building is a wonderful experience. And of course, you should visit the Picasso Museum. For day two, I suggest visiting the seaside town of Torremolinos and going for a walk along San Miguel Street. Visit the Poseidon gay beach and if you have the chance, enjoy the gay pubs and discos in the Nogalera neighborhood.

© IG/ricardofrance9

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner? A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Merced Square is home to two of my favourite tapas places, El Carmen and Café Calle de Bruselas, as well as  a delicious restaurant called Citron. On Bajondillo Beach, the gayest area of Torremolinos, try these restaurants: Poseidón, Gato Loung and Edén. Apart from tapas, you can have seafood from Málaga as well as international cuisine dishes. There are also lots of gay bars and restaurants in the narrow streets of popular Torremolinos neighborhood, Pueblo Blanco. This is a great spot to have dinner before going out for drinks in the bar area.

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Everyday is a good day to go out to explore and enjoy. Although Fridays are perfect to go out in the city center, and Saturdays in Torremolinos. Beer is cheap everywhere. When in Málaga, go to El Carmen and Peter Pan in Merced Square. In the Nogalera area of Torremolinos, there are many bars where you can have your first cheap drink on a terrace before going out to a popular club. There are also many fun places for drag shows, especially in Eden.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

After dancing at Peter Pan, go to D’Sastre Club and after that, to Onda Pasadena which is a gay-friendly club that is open until sunrise. In Torremolinos, it is harder to choose, you can go to Partenon, Centurión or Aqua but there are many other options.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

The Crypte of Santuario de la Victoria impressed Picasso during his youth because of its piled-up decoration of skulls and skeletons that covers everything. Today it freaks out and attracts people at the same time. Another little known place is the Jardines de Picasso, a charming garden with a huge 100-year-old ficus tree and a wonderful monument dedicated to Picasso.

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill-out?

The gay zone of Poseidon in Bajondillo Beach or the nudist beach in Guadalmar, between Málaga and Torremolinos. I also recommend visiting the garden of El Parque and El Palmeral de las Sorpresas, in the harbor. But the most beautiful garden in the city is in the botanic historic garden of La Concepción.

Where you can we get the best view of Málaga?

Without any doubt, from the Gibralfaro Castle and the roofs of the cathedral. There are also several terraces with good views in the center and a panoramic big wheel in the harbor. From the zone of Muelle Uno in the harbor there is also a nice view of the city skyline, especially at sunset. From El Balneario, in the Baños del Cármen district, there is a romantic view of the bay of Málaga.

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