ME Málaga Rooftop Pool

Luxury
Rooftop PoolHotel Guests Only
ByHeidi·Published January 20, 2026·Updated August 19, 2026
Rooftop infinity pool and lounger overlooking the Malaga city skyline at ME Malaga

Infinity pool with Alcazaba views at ME Málaga, hotel guests only

The rooftop pool at ME Málaga offers one of the most luxurious poolside experiences in the city, perched atop the former Cine Andalucía building on Plaza de la Merced.

This infinity pool provides eye-level views of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, a perspective that sets it apart from other rooftop pools in Málaga.

Important: The pool is for hotel guests only. No day passes are available. If you're not staying at ME Málaga, Cañitas Maite rooftop bar is open to the public from 12pm.

Best For

  • Hotel guests at ME Málaga wanting luxury poolside time
  • Couples celebrating special occasions with Alcazaba views
  • Anyone staying at ME Málaga who wants to make the most of the rooftop
  • Guests who want to combine pool access with Cañitas Maite dining

Not Ideal For

  • Non-hotel guests (pool is hotel guests only, no day passes)
  • Families with young children (adults-only after 8 PM)
  • Those seeking sea views (views focus on Alcazaba/Gibralfaro)
  • Large groups looking for a party atmosphere

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Pool Access: Hotel Guests Only

No, ME Málaga doesn't sell a rooftop pool day pass. I checked Meliá's own site and pooldaypass.com, the aggregator that tracks every bookable day pass in the city, and neither lists one for this hotel. The infinity pool stays reserved for guests staying at the hotel, with no walk-in or online way to buy in separately.

  • ✅ Hotel guests have full pool access included
  • ✅ Pool towels and loungers provided
  • ✅ Poolside service from Cañitas Maite
  • ❌ No day passes for non-guests

If you're not staying at ME Málaga and want a rooftop pool day pass, B-Heaven at Barceló Málaga sells a €60 day pass, including a two-course lunch, booked in advance online. For a full pool-club day, Isla Pool Club at La Hípica sells event tickets from €10 in summer.

Opening Hours

Pool Hours:

  • Daily: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Bar/Restaurant Service:

  • Bar: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Lunch: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Dinner: 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Important: Children welcome until 8:00 PM. Adults-only policy after 8:00 PM.

Best Times to Visit

  • Mid-morning (10:00–12:00): Loungers are free and the pool is quiet before the lunch crowd.
  • Early afternoon: Full sun on the Alcazaba, busiest stretch, book a lounger early in summer.
  • Pre-sunset (around 7:00 PM): The fortress catches golden light and the terrace cools off.
  • After 8:00 PM: Adults-only, when the pool deck shifts into a calmer evening mood beside Cañitas Maite.

The Pool Experience

Rooftop pool with Malaga cathedral and city rooftops in the distance at ME Malaga

The infinity pool at ME Málaga is a stunning centerpiece of the rooftop. Designed for lounging rather than swimming laps, it provides a serene escape above the city with unobstructed views of the Alcazaba fortress.

Pool Features:

  • Infinity edge framing the Alcazaba straight ahead
  • Heated during the cooler months
  • Compact and shallow, built for cooling off rather than swimming laps
  • Intimate footprint that keeps the deck calm even when full
  • Clean, well-maintained water

Poolside Amenities:

  • Premium loungers with cushions
  • Shaded areas available
  • Towel service included
  • Attentive poolside service
  • Direct access to Cañitas Maite bar/restaurant

The atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxation and sophistication. It's quiet without being stuffy, with background music creating ambiance without overwhelming conversation.

Food & Drink Service

Full service from Cañitas Maite rooftop bar and restaurant is available poolside.

Poolside Menu:

  • Light bites and tapas: €8-18
  • Salads and fresh dishes: €12-20
  • Sandwiches and burgers: €14-22
  • Cocktails: €15-20
  • Premium spirits: €12-25
  • Wine by the glass: €8-15
  • Soft drinks and juices: €5-8

Full Restaurant Service: Available if you want to move to covered dining area for lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended for restaurant seating.

Hotel guests can charge poolside food and drinks to their room.

The View

From the ME Málaga rooftop pool, you're eye-level with the Alcazaba fortress and Gibralfaro Castle. This perspective is unique among Málaga's rooftop pools, offering intimate views of the illuminated stone walls.

What you'll see:

  • North: Alcazaba fortress rising directly ahead
  • Behind: Gibralfaro Castle perched on the hillside
  • Below: Plaza de la Merced with palm trees and historic architecture
  • Surrounding: Old town terracotta rooftops creating classic Málaga panorama

Best times for views:

  • Morning: Soft light on the monuments
  • Afternoon: Full sun highlighting the fortress details
  • Sunset: Golden hour glow on ancient stones
  • Evening: Illuminated Alcazaba creating dramatic backdrop

The infinity edge frames the Alcazaba perfectly, creating Instagram-worthy photos throughout the day.

Dress Code & Pool Etiquette

Appropriate poolwear:

  • Swimwear at the pool (required)
  • Cover-ups when moving through hotel/restaurant areas
  • Flip-flops or pool-appropriate footwear
  • Sunglasses and sun hats welcome

Not appropriate:

  • Street shoes at poolside
  • Fully clothed swimming
  • Glass containers (provided by staff in approved drinkware)

Pool Etiquette:

  • Towels provided, don't reserve loungers
  • Keep noise levels considerate
  • No smoking at poolside (designated areas nearby)
  • Respect adults-only policy after 8 PM

Access & Getting There

Finding the entrance: ME Málaga occupies the former Cine Andalucía building on the corner of Plaza de la Merced. Enter through the main hotel lobby on Calle Victoria, 6.

For Hotel Guests:

  • Pool access is included with your stay
  • Towels available at the pool
  • Elevator to rooftop level from the lobby

Parking: Limited street parking nearby. Recommended public parking:

  • Parking Plaza de la Merced (2-minute walk)
  • Parking Alcazaba (5-minute walk)

Public Transport:

  • Multiple bus lines to Plaza de la Merced
  • 15-minute walk from María Zambrano station
  • Central location easily accessible from old town

How to Visit ME Málaga Rooftop Pool

Pool access comes with your room, so visiting the pool means booking a stay. Here's how to do it.

  1. Book a room at ME Málaga. Check rates and dates through the ME Málaga booking page. Summer weekends sell out two to three months ahead.
  2. Head to the rooftop. Take the lift from the lobby on Calle Victoria, 6. Towels are waiting at the pool.
  3. No stay booked? You can't use the pool, but Cañitas Maite rooftop bar is open to the public from 12pm and shares the same Alcazaba views.
  4. Want a pool without a hotel stay? Book a day pass at B-Heaven at Barceló Málaga for €60, the only confirmed rooftop pool day pass in the city. It has to be booked in advance.

Location & Map

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Calle Victoria, 6, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Our Verdict

The ME Málaga rooftop pool delivers a genuinely luxurious experience. The combination of infinity pool, Alcazaba views, and access to Michelin-starred dining creates something special.

The pool is hotel guests only, with no day passes. If you're staying here, it's an excellent bonus. If you're not, the Cañitas Maite rooftop bar is open to the public and still gives you the views.

Book here if: you're staying at ME Málaga and want a luxurious poolside day with Alcazaba views and Michelin-starred dining access.

Look elsewhere if: you're not staying at ME Málaga, since the pool is for guests only.

If you're staying at ME Málaga, combine your pool time with dinner at Cañitas Maite rooftop restaurant for the complete luxury rooftop experience.

Want Málaga's most luxurious rooftop pool? Book ME Málaga for included pool access and Alcazaba views.


Contact Information

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Information last verified: 19/08/2026

What are the ME Málaga rooftop pool hours?

The pool is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Children are welcome until 8:00 PM, when the deck switches to an adults-only policy for the evening. Cañitas Maite's bar and restaurant keep going well past that, serving drinks and dinner until 1:00 AM.

Is food available at the ME Málaga rooftop pool?

Yes. Cañitas Maite serves full poolside service, from tapas and light bites at €8 to €18 up to cocktails at €15 to €20. Hotel guests can charge everything straight to their room, and the covered dining area is available for a proper lunch or dinner.

Can I use the ME Málaga pool if I'm staying at the hotel?

Yes. Pool access, towels and loungers are included with any room booking at ME Málaga, no extra charge or reservation needed. Take the lift from the lobby on Calle Victoria, 6 up to the rooftop, where staff have towels waiting and poolside service from Cañitas Maite.

Where can I get a pool day pass in Málaga?

B-Heaven at Barceló Málaga sells the city's only confirmed rooftop pool day pass, €60 with a two-course lunch, booked in advance online. For a ground-level option, Isla Pool Club at La Hípica sells summer event tickets from €10, with sunbeds from €15.

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.