Aurea Rooftop Bar in Malaga

Upscale
Rooftop Bar
ByHeidi·Published May 22, 2025·Updated October 9, 2025
Aurea Rooftop Bar in Malaga

360° views of the Cathedral, Alcazaba, and port, with Mediterranean tapas and a chic yet laid-back atmosphere.

Áurea Rooftop Bar sits on the 6th floor of Hotel Sallés Málaga Centro, offering one of the city's most intimate rooftop experiences.

Open to non-hotel guests, this is where locals and visitors come for sunset cocktails with panoramic views of Malaga's cathedral, the Alcazaba fortress, and the port beyond.

Best For

  • Couples seeking a romantic setting with sunset cocktails and city views
  • Visitors who enjoy Mediterranean-inspired small plates paired with creative drinks
  • Those looking for a chic yet laid-back vibe, away from loud nightlife scenes
  • First-time Málaga visitors eager to take in panoramic views of the cathedral and city rooftops

Not Ideal For

  • Groups wanting a high-energy party or loud music scene
  • Families with very young children (better suited for adults and older teens)
  • Budget travellers looking for inexpensive, casual rooftop spots

The Vibe

Áurea strikes that perfect balance between refined and relaxed. The space is designed with cosy lounge sofas, sleek high-top tables along the terrace edge, and intimate low tables perfect for sharing tapas. During the day, it's calm and family-friendly. As sunset approaches, the mood shifts - soft music plays, cocktails flow, and the cathedral lights up against the evening sky.

It's popular for good reason. Arrive early if you want a prime spot for sunset.

Nearby Hotels & Accommodation

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Opening Hours

  • Monday - Sunday: 11:00 - 00:00

The bar serves drinks and light bites throughout the day. Peak hours are around sunset (7-9pm in summer).

Menu & Prices

The Áurea menu features classic cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Here's what to expect:

Drinks:

  • Signature cocktails: €9-13
  • Wine by the glass: €5-10
  • Premium spirits: €8-14
  • Beer: €4-6
  • Soft drinks & coffee: €3-5

Food:

  • Mediterranean tapas: €8-14
  • Cured meats & cheese boards: €12-18
  • Fresh seafood: €10-16
  • Light bites & olives: €5-8

Pro tip: Try the local Malaga sweet wine paired with olives - a perfect aperitivo combination.

Compare prices for Hotel Sallés Málaga Centro

Check multiple sites - prices often vary by €20-50/night

The View & Seating

From Áurea, you're eye-to-eye with Malaga's historic heart. The cathedral's bell tower rises dramatically to the west, while the Alcazaba fortress crowns the hillside. Turn around and the port stretches out toward the Mediterranean.

Seating options:

  • Lounge sofas for intimate groups
  • High-top tables along the terrace edge (best views, first to fill up)
  • Low tables perfect for sharing tapas
  • VIP corner seating (reservations recommended)

The rooftop isn't huge, which keeps it feeling exclusive rather than crowded.

How to Make a Reservation

For the terrace bar: No reservation needed. Walk-ins welcome.

For VIP seating: Reservations recommended, especially for:

  • Weekend evenings
  • Sunset time slots
  • Groups of 4+

Book directly:

My advice: For weekend sunset drinks, arrive by 7pm or book the VIP area ahead.

Sunrise at Gibralfaro Castle

Watch the sun rise over Malaga from the highest point in the city. The views stretch from the bullring to the port and beyond.

The castle opens at 9am, but staying at the Parador gives you access to the terrace at dawn - before anyone else arrives.

Where to Stay

Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro - The only hotel with direct castle access. Wake up and walk straight onto the terrace for sunrise.

Check Availability

Dress Code

Smart casual is the norm, especially in the evening.

What works:

  • Summer dresses, linen shirts, chinos
  • Clean trainers or sandals
  • Casual but put-together

What doesn't:

  • Very casual beachwear after dark
  • Sports attire

During the day, the dress code is more relaxed.

Access & Getting There

How to get in: Enter through the main lobby of Hotel Sallés Málaga Centro on Calle Mármoles. Take the elevator to the 6th floor and follow signs to the rooftop.

The rooftop is open to everyone - you don't need to be staying at the hotel. Just walk in and head for the lifts.

Nearby parking:

  • Parking Camas (5 min walk)
  • Street parking in surrounding streets (limited)

Public transport:

  • Alameda Principal bus stop (5 min walk)
  • Malaga Centro train station (12 min walk)

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Our Verdict

Would we go back? Absolutely. Áurea is our pick when we want a relaxed rooftop experience without the crowds. The views are stunning, the cocktails are well-crafted, and the vibe is effortlessly chic.

Best for: Romantic sunset drinks, impressing visitors, quiet catch-ups with friends.

Skip if: You're looking for a party atmosphere or want to bring young children.

The combination of cathedral views, quality drinks, and intimate atmosphere makes Áurea one of Malaga's most underrated rooftops.


Staying at the hotel? Check out our review of the Áurea rooftop pool - available to hotel guests.


Contact Information

Information last verified: 23/05/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Áurea Rooftop Bar is open to the public. You don't need to be staying at Hotel Sallés Málaga Centro to visit.

Walk-ins are welcome at the bar area. Reservations are recommended for the VIP seating area and during busy periods or special events.

The rooftop bar is open daily from 11:00am until midnight. Hours may vary seasonally.

Children are welcome during the day, but the atmosphere is more adult-oriented, especially in the evening.

Yes, the rooftop serves Mediterranean-inspired small plates and snacks designed to pair well with cocktails.

Pets are not permitted on the rooftop.

Have another question about Aurea Rooftop Bar in Malaga? Feel free to contact us.

Heidi Hein

About the Author

Heidi Hein

South African travel writer living in Málaga, Spain. I personally visit and review every rooftop bar and pool featured on this site.

  • Based in Málaga since 2020
  • Visited 100+ rooftop venues across Andalusia
  • All content personally verified and updated seasonally

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we genuinely love and believe are worth your time.

Heidi Hein

Note: I personally visit every rooftop featured on this site, and all opinions are based on my own firsthand experience. If, in the case of private hostels where I can't get access, I will make a note of it. Any external images or details sourced from others are always clearly credited.