Shopping in Malaga

Where to shop and what to buy in Malaga

Malaga is well set up to meet the souvenir buying needs of departing tourists, although there are abundant opportunities to pick up quality craftwork and delicious, authentic Spanish foodstuffs. Note that your shopping excursions will be affected by the sacrosanct siesta and national public holidays.

Where to Shop

Best Areas
The main shopping streets in the town are Calle Marqu�s de Larios and Alameda Central which are flanked by clothing boutiques and other shops. If you're after the best shopping experience in Malaga itself, head straight for El Corte Ingl�s. Spain's leading department store chain is in every major city and stocks everything from local produce to imported goods from around the world. They always have a good wine selection and fresh food from around the country.

Venture along the coast to find small villages and pick up some of the locally produced pottery and craftwork. If you fancy really making a dedicated shopping trip head for Mijas. It's not a shop, but a small village. It is easily reached by bus from the Fuengirola railway station and consequently is crowded, but is nevertheless a shopping paradise. The village itself is quaint with winding streets and views down to the coast, but most people come here for the leather and artwork both of which are distinctively Spanish and great value, even after they've been marked up for tourists.

There is also a good local market on Sundays near the football stadium.

What to Buy

The Malaga area is known for its artisan work and in particular ceramics, beaten copper and cane work. Local foodstuffs include sweet dessert wines - Malaga Virgen - and pork products. Malaga is now also producing a number of white table wines.

Always keep an eye out for leatherwork wherever you are in Spain. Belts and accessories are widely available and extremely cheap when compared to prices elsewhere. Some items carry fake designer labels but this will normally be indicated, or the logo used will be slightly different from the real thing. It doesn't really matter to the purchaser as quality is usually excellent, particularly considering the knockdown price.

Opening Hours

You should be aware that practically everything in Spain closes for siesta for at least two hours during the hottest part of the day. In general shops will open from 09h30-13h30 and open again from 16h30-20h00, Mon-Sat.

Large shopping centres tend to stay open all day, from 10h00-21h00. Sunday opening isn't widespread but is starting to occur with more frequency.

Tax Refund

After visiting Spain tourists from outside the EU can apply for a tax refund on goods bought within the country.

A sales tax (VAT) of 16% is levied on most goods and services in Spain. Most countries offering a tax refund specify a minimum amount that must be spent in a particular shop to claim a refund. In Spain, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is EUR90.16. To reclaim tax you need to request a VAT refund request form when you make a purchase, which states the amount of refund due. These documents must be stamped by customs officials as you leave the country and the refund will be processed and sent to you.

Alternatively, you can purchase goods from shops participating in "Europe Tax-free Shopping" programme (look out for the ETS logo displayed in the window). Simply show your passport when you make a purchase and you will be given a Tax-free Shopping Cheque showing the refund you are owed. As you leave the country, customs officials will stamp your cheques. You can claim your refund from the Europe Tax-free Shopping desk or have it sent to you.