Malaga is a historical jewel on the Costa del Sol. A Roman amphitheatre and a Moorish fortress provide the backdrop to more modern pleasures, including contemporary galleries, a revitalised port area, and the art district of Soho. The birthplace of Picasso also has gastronomy, parks, nature reserves, beaches… and third wave coffee.

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The inside of Cocóra Coffee, café and roastery. Credit: Cocóra Coffee

Why These Four?

Choosing the best coffee shops in any city is impossible, but I can list my personal favourites. These spots have been selected for the quality of their coffee and their unique ambience. There is something for every coffee-lover on this list.

Take away window at Mia Coffee Shop. Credit: Robin Van Calar for Mia Coffee Shop

1. Santa Canela

This specialty coffee roaster is in the artsy and central Soho neighbourhood. Take a seat in the cozy space and watch as they roast the beans they sell. Photographs and illustrations from artists all over the world add to the warm atmosphere.

Alternatively, sip a drink on the large street terrace, where you can sample the homemade products while people-watching in this vibrant area.

Santa Canela from the street. Credit: Santa Canela

Where	Calle de Tomas de Heredia 5, Barrio de las Artes, 29001
Atmosphere	Relaxed
Espresso Machine	La Cimbali M100 3Gr
Grinder	Ascaso i.bar
Coffee Offerings	Espresso-based drinks and filter coffees, all roasted in-house
Must-Try Drink	Orange coffee (coffee, orange zest, milk foam, and cinnamon)
Retail Offerings	Seasonal origins
Food & Other Drinks	Teas, smoothies, fresh juices, crepes, homemade cakes, and sandwiches
Nearby Sights	Soho neighbourhood, Centro de Arte Contemporaneo, galleries, shops, and restaurants

2. Bertani Café

Opened in 2012, this tiny place was the first specialty coffee shop in the city. Bertani serves up whole-bean coffee from nine different plantations or origins, and you can also buy bags to take home with you. It also offers barista tools, courses, and tastings.

The cozy interior of Bertani Café. Credit: Bertani Café

Where	Calle San Juan, 40, 29005
Atmosphere	Charming
Espresso Machine	Dalla Corte EVO2
Grinder	Fiorenzato EVO
Coffee Offerings	Finca San José in Honduras, Finca Montecristo in Brazil, and a decaf (Swiss Water process) Mexican coffee roasted by Café de Finca
Must-Try Drink	The Honduras San José as a flat white
Retail Offerings	Roasted coffee from various origins and barista tools
Food & Other Drinks	Baked goods and sandwiches
Nearby Sights	The historical centre; San Juan Church; Atarazanas food market; and the famous shopping street, Calle Larios

3. Mia Coffee Shop

Just five minutes from Bertani, this small coffee shop has outdoor seating, good coffee, and a cosy atmosphere with homemade decorative features. The family-run business is in a small square opposite the decorative Iglesia de los Mártires and is a great spot to take a break from the busy city centre.

The tiny but charming Mia Coffee Shop. Credit: Mia Coffee Shop

Where	Plaza de los Mártires Ciriaco y Paula, 4, 29008
Atmosphere	Relaxed
Espresso Machine	Wega Pegaso
Grinder	Compak E8
Coffee Offerings	Coffees from around the world
Must-Try Drink	House blend
Food & Other Drinks	Homemade baked goods with vegan and gluten-free options
Nearby Sights	The Iglesia de los Mártires and Carmen Thyssen Malaga Museum

4. Cocóra Coffee Roasters

Outside of the city of Malaga, in the resort town of Estepona, this a great option for a change of pace. Take a break in a charming city that features whitewashed buildings and a promenade lined with palm trees. In a central square full of orange trees, Cocóra Coffee Roasters is the ideal place to rest, relax, and contemplate life over a coffee.

Enjoy a drink among orange trees on the terrace. Credit: Cocóra Coffee Roasters

Where	Calle Lozano, 10, 29680 Estepona
Atmosphere	Relaxed
Espresso Machine	Sanremo Verona RS
Grinder	Mahlkönig EK43 and Compak E8
Coffee Offerings	Filter and espresso-based options, all roasted in-house
Must-Try Drink	Espresso or V60
Retail Offerings	In-house filter and espresso roasts
Food & Other Drinks	Croissants, organic cacao, raw vegan snacks, and chai
Nearby Sights	Barrio de la vila, marina, St Louis castle, and the clock tower of the Church of Los Remedios

Malaga may only have a handful of speciality coffee shops at the moment, but they each bring something unique to the scene. Take a trip to southern Spain and between the beach, the sangria, and the tapas, make sure to visit at least one of these local spots.

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All views within this opinion piece belong to the guest writer, who is a local of southern Spain, and do not reflect Perfect Daily Grind’s stance.

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