Catalonia Molina Lario 🏛️ Málaga old town
Steps from the cathedral, with a rooftop pool for warm days ☀️
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The setting
The Catalonia Molina Lario Hotel is in the centre of Málaga, next to the pedestrian zone, from where the cathedral, the Old Town’s cafés, and the tapas bars are all within easy walking distance. This neighbourhood charms visitors with its historic charm and is perfect for strolling. The port and the Muelle Uno promenade are also nearby and perfect for evening strolls. With a local bus route running nearby and most attractions within walking distance, you can enjoy a relaxing stay in the city here.
What to expect
The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a bathtub, a bathrobe, slippers, a desk, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. In addition to the pool, the hotel has a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy drinks and light meals between sightseeing trips. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and a shuttle service can be arranged. Families aren’t forgotten either: after a busy day exploring the city, guests can take advantage of the game room, where children can have fun.
Things to do nearby
The Episcopal Palace (Palacio Episcopal) is right at the entrance, and Málaga Cathedral is just a two-minute walk around the corner. Nearby is also the interactive music museum “MIMMA,” and right next to it, in the same historic district, is the Revello de Toro Museum. A short walk will take you to the Port of Málaga. From here, it’s easy to reach the waterfront restaurants, the lighthouse, and the Pompidou Centre on Muelle Uno.
Best for
It’s perfect for couples who want to explore all the sights on foot, as well as for travellers interested in culture. Families with children are always welcome; the hotel has a playroom for kids. This is the perfect place to stay for anyone who wants to visit Málaga’s museums and cathedral, as well as the waterfront, without needing a taxi to get from one attraction to another.
How to get to the hotel
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel and is connected to the city centre by the C-1 commuter metro line. This line will take you to the María Zambrano train station in about 12 minutes. From there, you can reach the Old Town by taxi in a few minutes or on foot in about 20 minutes. The hotel’d be happy to arrange a private transfer for you when you make your reservation.
Choose your room
✓ Your selectionStandard Double room
Elegant room with a comfortable bed, a safe, minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities.
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+£650Double Junior Suite
Spacious room with a separate living room and a private balcony with views of the cathedral.
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+£1080Deluxe Double room
Stylish room with a Nespresso coffee machine and beautiful views of the harbour or the city.
View room →- Free Internet
- Swimming pool
- Next to the beach
- Sun deck
- Hiking
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews
Just perfect
Our go to. Incredible location, amazing roof top bar with views of cathedral and the harbour. Rooms are well set out with fabulous sleep quality. Parking available by… Read full review on ZenHotels →
amazing staff
my daughters partner was seriously ill in hospital after being taken ill while on holiday and i had to fly out to support her. we managed to get a room at your hotel and… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Great location Hotel
I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Molina Lario in Málaga. The location is absolutely unbeatable, right in the heart of the city and close to everything. The rooms are… Read full review on ZenHotels →
A week, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Arrival and cathedral quarter wander
Once you’ve checked in and dropped off your luggage, head straight to the Old Town. Right across from the hotel is the Episcopal Palace, and just around the corner is Málaga Cathedral. After strolling around the cathedral, enjoy a refreshing drink on the shaded terrace at Plaza del Obispo. Stroll through the narrow streets back to Calle Larios, enjoy an evening walk along the Paseo, and finally, end the day at a small bar near the hotel with some tapas.
Inside the cathedral and music museum
Book an early-morning ticket to Málaga Cathedral, explore the choir, and climb up to the roof to admire the view of the vast terracotta-tiled roofs. Then head to the MIMMA interactive music museum across the street and try your hand at playing various instruments there. Have lunch at a café on Granada Street and spend the afternoon—as the gentle September sunshine streams in—relaxing by the rooftop pool at your hotel.
Port promenade and Pompidou
Take a stroll to the Port of Málaga, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, and walk along the “Muelle Uno al” promenade. After visiting the Pompidou Centre, where you can admire a special exhibition, stroll to La Farola Lighthouse—and if the water temperature is warm enough, you can take a dip at Malagueta. Return to the hotel and enjoy a drink at the harbour bar at sunset, taking in the view of the illuminated yachts in the background.
Alcazaba and Roman theatre
Before the real heat sets in, consider that you head up to the Alcazaba in the morning to admire the terraced gardens in the Moorish style and the inner courtyard in a peaceful setting. At the foot of the fortress is a Roman theatre that you can visit for free. If you climb even higher and make your way to the Gibralfaro Fortress, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the harbour, and the bullring. After lunch in the Old Town, you can relax by the pool in the afternoon.
Museums and Revello de Toro
Let’s dedicate this day to art. The “The Revello de Toro Museum” Museum, located just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, is a converted former studio of the artist Pedro de Mena, where figurative portrait paintings are displayed in a cozy atmosphere. How about also visiting the Picasso Museum, which is within walking distance, as well as Picasso’s birthplace on Plaza de la Merced? Between museum visits, enjoy a cozy lunch of espetos and a glass of local muscatel.
Day trip along the coast
To add a little variety to your itinerary, consider taking the C-1 train on the “Cercanías” line from María Zambrano Station and travelling to Fuengirola or Benalmádena. Or head inland to Antequera to see the dolmens there, as well as the bizarrely shaped rock formation known as “La Peña de los Enamorados.” If you’re heading to the coast, don’t forget to pack your swim gear. When you return to Málaga in the early evening, take a stroll down to the harbour, listen to the creaking of the masts, and enjoy dinner there.
Slow morning and farewell tapas
On your last morning, enjoy whatever you liked best. Take one last stroll around the Palacio Episcopal neighbourhood, have a coffee in the Plaza de la Constitución, or take one last swim on the rooftop terrace. Pick up some olive oil, turrón, and wine from Málaga at the shops on Granada Street as souvenirs for your loved ones. After you check out of the hotel and drop off your luggage at the front desk, be sure to enjoy another serving of jamón and a glass of fino wine before boarding the shuttle bus.
Where you'll be
Malaga, Spain
FAQ
Is the hotel suitable for families with children?
Yes. Catalonia Molina Lario is recommended as an ideal place for families with children; it features a playroom where kids can have a good time between excursions. Thanks to the hotel’s central location, all the attractions are within walking distance. In addition, after a hot day, you can cool off at the pool located next to the cathedral.
When is the best time of year to visit Málaga?
September, when this tour takes place, is one of the most pleasant times of the year. Daytime temperatures are usually around 20 degrees, the sea is still warm from the summer, and the hustle and bustle of the high season in August has already subsided. Spring and early fall are generally the best times of year for strolling through the Old Town, allowing you to avoid the midday heat.
What is there to do at the hotel itself?
The hotel features not only a pool and a sun deck where you can relax between excursions, but also a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy drinks and meals. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and there is also a playroom for children. If you’re having trouble arranging your own airport transfer, the hotel’d be happy to book this service for you.
Can you walk to Málaga's main sights from the hotel?
Yes, that’s one of the main advantages of this hotel. The Palacio Episcopal is right across the street, Málaga Cathedral is literally just around the corner, and the MIMMA Museum, the Revello de Toro Museum, and the Port of Málaga are all just a few minutes’ walk away. During your stay, you’ll hardly need to take taxis or buses.
Do you need to book cathedral and museum tickets in advance?
As for the cathedral in Malaga—and, in particular, the rooftop tour—the hotel recommends booking your tickets online 1–2 days before your visit, since spots sell out very quickly in September.You can also avoid lines at the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum, and the Pompidou Centre if you buy tickets in advance. At smaller venues, such as MIMMA or Revello de Toro, admission is usually available without a reservation.
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