I've reviewed 12 Málaga hotels with a rooftop pool, with the views, access details and what to expect before you book. Still tracking down any others.
Málaga has hundreds of hotels, but only a handful have a rooftop pool.
If a pool matters to your trip, that narrows things down fast. I've reviewed twelve of them here, so you can see what each pool is actually like, who can use it, and whether it's worth booking a stay for. I'm still tracking down a few more, so the list keeps growing.
Most are hotel guests only. Only one sells confirmed day passes. I've noted access clearly under each entry.
Here's every Málaga hotel with a rooftop pool at a glance, with who can use it and the view from the water.
| Hotel | Access | Pool & view |
|---|---|---|
| ME Málaga | Guests only | Infinity, Alcazaba & Gibralfaro |
| Parador Gibralfaro | Guests only | Saltwater, whole city & sea |
| B-Heaven (Barceló) | Guests + day pass | Plunge, city skyline |
| Hotel Molina Lario | Guests only | Heated plunge, cathedral |
| AC Hotel Palacio | Guests only | Plunge, port, sea & cathedral |
| Lolita Skyview | Guests only | Infinity-edge, sea, port & cathedral |
| La Terraza de Valeria | Guests only (14+) | Plunge, harbour & cathedral |
| Palacio Solecio | Guests only | Plunge, cathedral |
| H10 Croma | Guests only | Plunge, city skyline |
| Soho Boutique Equitativa | Guests only | Plunge, cathedral & rooftops |
| Aurea (Salles) | Guests only | Plunge, cathedral & Gibralfaro |
| Well and Come | Guests only | Infinity, city views |
ME Málaga
Pool access: Hotel guests only
ME Málaga has the most dramatic pool setting in the city. The infinity pool sits at eye level with the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, giving you a view from the water that no other rooftop in Málaga can match.
Access is for hotel guests only and that is part of the appeal. The pool area stays calm, the service is attentive, and the loungers face the fortress directly.
If you're choosing a Málaga hotel on the pool alone, this is the one I'd book.
Best for: The most impressive pool view in the city. Book this hotel if you want the Alcazaba from the water.
Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro
Pool access: Hotel guests only
The Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro is unlike any other hotel on this list. It sits on the hill above the city, next to Gibralfaro Castle, with panoramic views that take in the whole of Málaga, the port, and the Mediterranean.
The pool is saltwater and open year-round. It's not a flashy rooftop with DJs and bottle service. It's a quiet, historic parador where the view does the work.
Best for: Anyone who wants a pool with a genuinely panoramic view of the whole city, away from the noise below.
B-Heaven at Barceló Málaga
Pool access: Hotel guests and day passes available (18+)
B-Heaven at Barceló Málaga is the only hotel rooftop pool in the city that also takes day pass bookings. You don't need to stay at the hotel to use it.
The pool is plunge-style with sleek loungers, city skyline views, and poolside drink service. Day passes start from around €45 per person and include a sunbed, towel service, and a two-course Málaga lunch. Adults only.
If you're not staying in Málaga but want a pool day, this is your only confirmed option in the city.
Best for: Day visitors who want pool access without booking a room. Also a strong hotel pick if you want the flexibility of staying in.
Hotel Molina Lario
Pool access: Hotel guests only
The Hotel Molina Lario rooftop pool has the best cathedral view of any hotel pool in Málaga. The dome sits directly beyond the terrace edge. You can see it from the water.
The pool is a small heated plunge pool, the only heated one on this list, designed for relaxing rather than swimming lengths. No music, no DJs. Just the cathedral, the sky, and a quiet terrace in the centre of the old town.
Best for: Guests who want the cathedral view from a pool. Central location, calm atmosphere.
AC Hotel Málaga Palacio
Pool access: Hotel guests only
AC Hotel Málaga Palacio has its pool on the 15th floor, facing the port. The views take in the sea, the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, and the cathedral. It's the same panorama that makes the rooftop bar the most visited in Málaga, but experienced from a sun lounger in private.
The pool is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Access is strictly for hotel guests, which keeps the terrace quiet even when the bar below is busy.
Best for: Guests who want the definitive Málaga panorama with pool access and a central location right on the port.
Lolita Skyview
Pool access: Hotel guests only
The Lolita Skyview pool is at Only YOU Hotel Málaga on Alameda Principal, the main boulevard between the port and the old town. The terrace looks out over the port, the cathedral, and the Mediterranean in one sweep.
It's a slim plunge pool with sun loungers and poolside drink service. Quiet and refined, with no day pass option.
Best for: Guests who want a central location with sea, port, and cathedral views from the pool.
La Terraza de Valeria
Pool access: Hotel guests only (14+)
La Terraza de Valeria is the rooftop pool at Room Mate Valeria in Soho, Málaga's arts district. Views stretch over the harbour and cathedral. The pool is plunge-style, surrounded by Balinese beds, and the vibe stays calm and grown-up throughout the day.
The rooftop bar opens at 11am, earlier than most, so it suits guests who want a full pool day from the morning.
Best for: Guests who want harbour views and the option of an early start. Good value for Soho location.
Palacio Solecio
Pool access: Hotel guests only
La Terraza Solecio sits at the top of Palacio Solecio in the heart of Málaga's historic centre. The cathedral is right in front of you. It's a plunge pool rather than a full swimming pool, designed for slow afternoons with chilled rosé rather than lap swimming.
The hotel itself is one of the most beautiful boutique properties in the city. The pool reflects that.
Best for: Guests who want a luxury boutique stay with cathedral views and a quiet pool terrace in the old town.
H10 Croma Málaga
Pool access: Hotel guests only
The H10 Croma Málaga rooftop pool is a design-forward space with clean lines, soft loungers, and city skyline views. The pool is compact and plunge-style, good for cooling off between sightseeing.
It's one of the better value options on this list, with a modern hotel aesthetic and an attentive pool terrace.
Best for: Guests who want a design hotel with rooftop pool access at a solid price point.
Soho Boutique Equitativa
Pool access: Hotel guests only
Soho Boutique Equitativa is in Málaga's historic centre with a plunge pool that looks directly over the cathedral and city rooftops. Smaller and quieter than the big hotel rooftops, with attentive poolside service and drinks on request.
One of the most central options on this list, so combining a pool day with walking the old town is easy.
Best for: Guests who want a quiet, central pool with cathedral views and immediate access to the historic centre.
Aurea at Hotel Salles
Pool access: Hotel guests only
The Aurea Rooftop Pool at Hotel Salles Málaga is a compact rooftop pool with panoramic views including the cathedral, Gibralfaro Castle, and the city skyline. Smaller than some on this list, but refreshing and well-positioned for the views.
A quieter, less visited option, which keeps the terrace calm.
Best for: Guests who want a peaceful rooftop pool with city and landmark views, without the crowds.
Well and Come
Pool access: Hotel guests only
The Well and Come rooftop pool is a smaller, well-kept pool with city views and poolside bar service. The setting is modern and the atmosphere is relaxed. A good perk if you are staying at the hotel, without being the main reason to book it.
Best for: Guests who want rooftop pool access as part of a comfortable city centre stay.
Which Hotel Should You Book?
After working through all twelve, here's where I'd point you depending on what you're after.
For the best pool view: ME Málaga. The Alcazaba from an infinity pool is hard to beat.
For a day pass without a hotel stay: B-Heaven at Barceló Málaga. The only confirmed day pass option in the city.
For the cathedral view from the water: Hotel Molina Lario. The dome is right there at the edge of the terrace.
For something completely different: Parador Gibralfaro. A saltwater pool on the hill above the whole city.
Book early for summer
The hotels on this list fill fast in July and August. ME Málaga, Molina Lario, and AC Palacio in particular book up well in advance. Aim to reserve at least 2 to 3 months ahead for peak summer dates.
Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle
Málaga's 11th-century Moorish fortress is a 15-minute walk from the port and takes about an hour to explore. Combined entry with Gibralfaro Castle is €5.50. The views from the top over the city and sea are worth the uphill walk.
“Go early in the morning before the heat builds and the crowds arrive. Most hotels on this list are within 20 minutes on foot.”
ME Málaga - The closest hotel to the Alcazaba with a rooftop pool that looks directly at the fortress.
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ME Málaga
Infinity pool with direct Alcazaba views. The most dramatic pool setting in the city.
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Barceló Málaga
The only hotel in Málaga offering rooftop pool day passes. Hotel guests and day visitors welcome.
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FAQ
How many hotels in Málaga have a rooftop pool?
I've reviewed twelve so far, and I'm still finding more, so this list keeps growing. Most are for hotel guests only. B-Heaven at Barceló Málaga is the only one with confirmed day pass access for non-guests.
Can I visit a rooftop pool in Málaga without staying at a hotel?
Yes, but only at one. B-Heaven at Barceló Málaga offers day passes from around €45 per person, bookable in advance. All other rooftop pools in the city are for hotel guests only.
Which Málaga hotels have a rooftop infinity pool?
At least three. ME Málaga has the most dramatic, sitting at eye level with the Alcazaba. Lolita Skyview at Only YOU Hotel has an infinity-edge plunge pool over the port. Well and Come has a smaller infinity pool with city views. The rest are plunge or saltwater pools.
Are Málaga's rooftop pools heated?
Most are unheated plunge pools, built for cooling off in summer rather than year-round swimming. Hotel Molina Lario is the exception, with a heated plunge pool. Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro has a saltwater pool open year-round.
When are Málaga's rooftop pools open?
Most are seasonal, running roughly April or May through September or October, since they're built for cooling off in the summer heat. The two exceptions are Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, whose saltwater pool is open year-round, and Hotel Molina Lario, the only heated pool on this list. Exact opening dates shift each year with the weather and vary from hotel to hotel, so if you're travelling outside high summer, check directly with the hotel before you book.
Which hotel in Málaga has the best rooftop pool view?
ME Málaga for Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle views. Hotel Molina Lario for the best cathedral view from the water. Parador Gibralfaro for the most panoramic view of the whole city.
Which rooftop pool hotels in Málaga are the most central?
Hotel Molina Lario, Soho Boutique Equitativa, Palacio Solecio, and La Terraza de Valeria are all in or close to the historic centre.
Are Málaga rooftop pools suitable for families?
Most rooftop pools on this list welcome older children but are plunge-style pools designed for relaxation rather than swimming. La Terraza de Valeria admits guests aged 14 and over. B-Heaven is 18 and over only. Check individual hotel policies before booking.
Featured Venues in This Guide
ME Málaga Rooftop Pool
Infinity pool with Alcazaba views at ME Málaga — hotel guests only
The Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro Pool
The rooftop pool at Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro: saltwater swims, panoramic bay views, and sun loungers. Hotel guests only — here's what to expect.
The B-Heaven Rooftop Pool at Barcelo Malaga
Intimate rooftop plunge pool, city skyline views, and a chic, laid-back vibe + the only rooftop pool day pass in Malaga
La Terraza Molina Lario Pool
Small rooftop plunge pool, partial cathedral views, and a calm, sunny escape above the city.
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio Rooftop Pool
Exclusive 15th-floor rooftop pool with panoramic views of Malaga's cathedral and Mediterranean Sea - for hotel guests only.
The Lolita Skyview Rooftop Pool
A slim plunge pool, with sweeping sea and city views, and a serene, upscale rooftop vibe.
La Terraza de Valeria Rooftop Pool
Room Mate Valeria's rooftop pool sits above Málaga's Soho with harbour and cathedral views. Guests only, plunge pool, Balinese beds, age 14 and up.
La Terraza Solecio
Elegant rooftop plunge pool atop Palacio Solecio, with tranquil vibes, refined cocktails, and views over Málaga's old town and cathedral. An intimate escape above the historic centre.
The H10 Croma Malaga Rooftop Pool
Rooftop plunge pool with sweeping city views and a sleek, design-forward vibe perfect for quiet moments above Málaga
The Soho Boutique Equitativa Rooftop Pool
Cosy rooftop plunge pool with sweeping city and cathedral views, offering a serene and stylish urban retreat
Áurea Rooftop Pool at Hotel Sallés Málaga Centro
Intimate rooftop plunge pool with sweeping city and cathedral views, offering a relaxed and stylish Mediterranean escape.
Well&Come Rooftop Pool Málaga
Hotel rooftop pool with city views, hotel guests only
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.
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.