Cathedral and port views, creative cocktails with light bites, and a relaxed yet cosmopolitan rooftop vibe
La Terraza Molina Lario (formerly known as "The Top") at Hotel Molina Lario occupies one of the most enviable positions in Malaga, perched directly opposite the cathedral with unobstructed views of its towers and the port beyond.
Located on Calle Molina Lario in the heart of the historic centre, this rooftop bar delivers some of the most photogenic views you will find anywhere in the city.
The terrace is open to both hotel guests and the public, making it accessible to anyone looking for a sophisticated spot to enjoy creative cocktails with a view.
What sets La Terraza apart is its prime cathedral-facing position, quality cocktail programme, and a relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere that feels distinctly Malaga.
Best For
- Couples seeking a romantic setting with cathedral views
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate creative, well-crafted drinks
- Visitors wanting one of the best view spots in central Malaga
- Travellers looking for a relaxed yet sophisticated rooftop atmosphere
Not Ideal For
- Those wanting a full dining experience (drinks only)
- Groups looking for a lively party atmosphere
- Budget travellers seeking cheap drinks
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The Vibe
La Terraza at Hotel Molina Lario has a relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere that draws a mix of hotel guests, locals, and visitors who know about this prime spot. The energy here is calm and conversational, perfect for lingering over cocktails while the cathedral towers glow in the evening light.
Sunday afternoons are particularly special, when live music occasionally adds to the ambience. But even on quieter evenings, the setting speaks for itself. There is something almost theatrical about sitting eye-level with the cathedral, watching the city move below while you enjoy a well-made drink.
The crowd tends towards couples, small groups of friends, and travellers who appreciate a quality rooftop experience over volume. Staff are attentive without being overbearing, and the overall feeling is one of relaxed sophistication. This is a place for taking your time, not rushing through drinks.
Nearby Hotels & Accommodation
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Opening Hours
- Monday - Sunday: 16:30 - 01:00
Hours may extend or vary seasonally. The terrace is at its best during golden hour, so plan to arrive around 18:00-19:00 in summer (earlier in winter) if you want to catch the sunset.
Menu & Prices
La Terraza at Hotel Molina Lario is renowned for its creative cocktail programme, featuring drinks filled with interesting textures, flavours, and presentation.
Drinks:
- Signature cocktails: 11-15 euros
- Classic cocktails: 10-13 euros
- Spanish wines by the glass: 5-10 euros
- Premium spirits: 9-15 euros
- Champagne and sparkling: 12-18 euros per glass
- Beer and soft drinks: 4-6 euros
Food:
- Note: The rooftop bar does not serve food. It focuses exclusively on cocktails, wines, and premium drinks. If you are looking for a meal, the hotel restaurant is available at street level.
The cocktail menu is where La Terraza shines. Each signature drink is thoughtfully created, often incorporating local ingredients or Spanish influences. The bartenders take their craft seriously, and it shows in every glass.
Compare prices for La Terraza Molina Lario Malaga
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The View & Seating
This terrace offers one of the most photogenic views in central Malaga. From your seat, the cathedral feels almost within reach, its towers rising just beyond the bar's edge. To the south, the port and distant sea glint under the Andalusian sun. On clear days, you can trace the coastline stretching towards the east.
Seating options include:
- Prime spots at the terrace edge with unobstructed cathedral views
- Comfortable lounge seating for longer stays
- Bar seating for those who enjoy watching the cocktail preparation
- Quieter tables set slightly back for more intimate conversations
The best seating is along the edge facing the cathedral, where you have front-row views of both the historic landmark and the harbour. These spots fill up quickly around sunset, so arriving 30-45 minutes before golden hour is recommended.
How to Make a Reservation
For the bar terrace: No reservation is required. Walk-ins are welcome, and the rooftop operates on a first-come, first-served basis. That said, sunset hours can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early ensures you get a seat with good views.
Important: There is no restaurant service on the rooftop, so dining reservations are not applicable. If you want dinner with your visit, plan to eat elsewhere before or after.
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
La Terraza maintains a smart casual standard appropriate to its upscale setting.
What works:
- Smart casual evening wear
- Elegant summer dresses and linen shirts
- Well-fitted trousers and quality footwear
- Relaxed but polished casual outfits
What does not work:
- Beachwear or swimsuits (pool area is separate and for guests only)
- Sports clothing or athletic wear
- Flip-flops or very casual sandals
- Overly casual shorts or ripped jeans
During daytime hours, the dress code is slightly more relaxed, but evening visits call for a more put-together look.
Access & Getting There
Finding the entrance: Enter through the main entrance of Hotel Molina Lario on Calle Molina Lario, 20-22. The hotel is located directly opposite the cathedral, making it easy to find. Take the elevator to the top floor, where you will find the rooftop bar. It is open to both hotel guests and the general public.
Parking: Street parking in the immediate area is extremely limited and metered. The nearest public car parks include Parking Plaza de la Marina (5-minute walk) and Parking Alcazaba. We recommend using public transport or arriving on foot if possible.
Public transport: The rooftop is in the heart of the historic centre, about a 15-20 minute walk from Maria Zambrano train station. Multiple bus lines stop along Alameda Principal and Paseo del Parque, both within easy walking distance.
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Location & Map
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Calle Molina Lario, 20-22
Our Verdict
La Terraza Molina Lario at Hotel Molina Lario delivers one of the most memorable rooftop experiences in Malaga. The cathedral views are genuinely exceptional, the cocktails are creative and well-crafted, and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and welcoming.
Best for: Romantic evenings with cathedral views, cocktail lovers who appreciate quality, and anyone wanting to experience Malaga's skyline from one of its best vantage points.
Skip if: You want a full dinner experience (no food served), prefer a lively party atmosphere, or are looking for budget-friendly drinks.
This is the rooftop to choose when you want something special. Whether you are celebrating an occasion or simply treating yourself to a memorable evening, La Terraza delivers the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave.
P.S. If you want to stay at the hotel, don't forget to check out the Hotel Molina Lario rooftop pool!
Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the rooftop bar is open to the public. Hotel guests and non-guests are welcome to enjoy drinks on the terrace.
No reservation is required for the bar area. Walk-ins are welcome, though it's recommended to arrive early for sunset seating.
No, the rooftop bar does not currently offer food. It focuses on cocktails, wines, and premium drinks.
La Terraza offers a creative cocktail menu, including signature drinks, Spanish wines, and premium spirits. You can view the full menu [here](https://www.hotelmolinalario.com/assets/themes/www.hotelmolinalario.com/docs/contenttwocol/1716809680_THE%20TOP%20ML_COCKTAILS.pdf).
Have another question about La Terraza Molina Lario 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.
