Cathedral and city views, Spanish drinks and bites, and a relaxed rooftop vibe.
El Corte Ingles Rooftop Terrace sits on the 6th floor of Spain's iconic department store, right in the heart of Málaga's historic centre.
This Gourmet Experience space offers sweeping panoramic views that stretch from the cathedral spires to the distant Mediterranean and the mountains beyond.
The rooftop is open to everyone, no purchase necessary to take the elevator up and enjoy the terrace.
What makes this spot special is the combination of incredible central location, multiple food and drink options under one roof, and views that rival any dedicated rooftop bar in the city, all without the pretension or high prices you might expect.
Best For
- Groups of friends wanting a casual meet-up spot with lots of food and drink options.
- Shoppers who want to wind down with a glass of wine or a cocktail after browsing the store.
- Families looking for a central, convenient place with flexible seating indoors and out.
- Foodies who enjoy variety, from tapas and Spanish wines to sushi and international bites.
Not Ideal For
- Those seeking a quiet, romantic hideaway, it's more lively than intimate.
- Party-goers chasing DJs, dancing, or late-night energy (closing time is 22:00).
- Travellers hoping for a budget rooftop, prices are mid-range to premium.
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The Vibe
The Gourmet Experience rooftop at El Corte Ingles is a modern, lively space that buzzes with energy throughout the day. It is a far cry from the stuffy department store dining rooms of old. Instead, you will find a food hall concept with multiple vendors, an open terrace with spectacular views, and a mix of locals and tourists enjoying everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for groups who cannot agree on what to eat since everyone can choose from different stalls. During weekday afternoons, you will find shoppers taking a break and business people grabbing lunch. Evenings and weekends bring a livelier crowd, with families, friend groups, and couples all sharing the space.
There is background music but no DJ or dancing, the focus is firmly on food, drinks, and that incredible view. The indoor area offers climate-controlled comfort with large windows, while the outdoor terrace is the place to be when the weather cooperates.
Nearby Hotels & Accommodation
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Opening Hours
- Friday - Saturday: 10:00 - 22:00
The terrace tends to get busiest during lunch (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM) and early evening (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM). For the best chance at a prime terrace table with views, arrive outside these peak times.
Menu & Prices
The menu offers remarkable variety thanks to the food hall format, with multiple vendors serving different cuisines and specialities all in one space.
Drinks:
- Spanish wines by the glass: 4-8 EUR
- Premium wine bottles: 15-45 EUR
- Craft cocktails: 8-12 EUR
- Local and imported beers: 3-6 EUR
- Coffee and soft drinks: 2-5 EUR
Food:
- Tapas and small plates: 6-14 EUR
- Gambas pil-pil, Ensalada Rusa, and Spanish classics: 8-16 EUR
- Sushi rolls and Japanese bites: 10-18 EUR
- Fusion pizzas and international options: 12-20 EUR
- Octopus with orzo and gourmet mains: 14-24 EUR
- Desserts and pastries: 4-8 EUR
The beauty of this rooftop is choice. Whether you want traditional Spanish tapas, fresh sushi, or something more international, you can mix and match from different vendors without leaving your table.
Compare prices for El Corte Ingles Rooftop Terrace Malaga
Check multiple sites - prices often vary by €20-50/night
The View & Seating
The views from El Corte Ingles rooftop are genuinely impressive, especially considering this is a department store. From the terrace, you can see:
- The cathedral and its distinctive unfinished tower
- The old town rooftops and historic centre
- The port and Mediterranean Sea in the distance
- The Gibralfaro Castle and Alcazaba on the hill
- The mountains framing the city to the north
Seating options include:
- High-top tables perfect for drinks and casual bites
- Traditional dining tables for full meals
- Cosy corner spots ideal for groups
- Terrace seating with direct views
- Indoor seating with air conditioning and large windows
The layout is flexible and accommodating, with enough variety to suit couples, families, and larger groups. If the sun gets too intense or the weather turns, the stylish indoor area provides a comfortable alternative without sacrificing the experience.
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations are generally not required for the Gourmet Experience, as seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis across the various food stalls and terrace areas.
However, for the best experience:
- Evenings and weekends fill up quickly, especially terrace seating
- Larger groups should contact individual vendors in advance
- Walk-ins are welcome any time during opening hours
- Arriving 30 minutes before peak times improves your chances of a good table
There is no central reservation system, so simply head up to the 6th floor and find your spot.
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.”
Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro - The only hotel with direct castle access. Wake up and walk straight onto the terrace for sunrise.
Check AvailabilityDress Code
El Corte Ingles keeps things relaxed when it comes to attire.
What works:
- Casual daytime wear
- Shopping-appropriate clothing
- Smart casual for evening visits
- Comfortable shoes for browsing
- Light layers for air conditioning indoors
What does not work:
- Nothing particularly restrictive
- Beachwear might feel out of place
- Very casual swimwear would raise eyebrows
The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, so dress for comfort and the weather.
Access & Getting There
El Corte Ingles enjoys one of the most central locations possible in Málaga, making it incredibly easy to reach.
On foot: Located on Plaza del Siglo, right in the heart of the shopping district. Walk from Calle Larios, the main pedestrian street, in under two minutes.
By public transport: Multiple bus lines stop nearby, and the Alameda Principal is a short walk away. The future metro expansion will make access even easier.
By car: The store has underground parking available for customers. Street parking in the centre is extremely limited, so using the garage is recommended.
Finding the rooftop: Enter through the main doors on Avenida de Andalucia or Plaza del Siglo. Take the escalators or elevators up to the 6th floor, where you will find the Gourmet Experience and access to the rooftop terrace.
The rooftop is fully accessible, with elevators going directly to the 6th floor. The terrace and interior areas have wide aisles and step-free seating options.
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Location & Map
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Pl. del Siglo, 2, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga
Our Verdict
Would we go back? Yes, we have, multiple times. The El Corte Ingles rooftop is one of those genuinely useful spots that works for almost any occasion. Need to meet friends who cannot agree on food? Come here. Want a drink with views after shopping? Perfect. Looking for a family-friendly terrace in the city centre? This is it.
Best for: Groups wanting variety, shoppers needing a break, families seeking convenience, and anyone who appreciates good views without the fuss.
Skip if: You are after a romantic, intimate setting or want a late-night party atmosphere.
The combination of great views, plenty of food and drink options, and unbeatable central location makes this rooftop a reliable choice. The service is smooth, the vibe is relaxed, and the convenience factor is hard to beat.
Contact Information
- Website
- Visit website
Information last verified: 06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — elevators inside El Corte Inglés go directly to the 6th-floor Gourmet Experience. The terrace and interior areas are **wheelchair accessible**, with wide aisles and step-free seating options.
Reservations are not required, but they're recommended for evenings and weekends.
Have another question about El Corte Ingles Rooftop Terrace Malaga? Feel free to contact us.

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.


