Coal Square: encounters in the old town

There are places you don't look for: they find you. That is what the Coal SquareAs you walk through the narrow streets of Malaga's old town, you suddenly find yourself in a clearing between buildings, a breath of fresh air amidst centuries of history. A corner of Malaga where the present sits in conversation with the past.

Between lively terraces, facades with character and the gentle bustle of Malaga's cafés, this small square has become a meeting point, a pause and the essence of the city.

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Coal Square: from market to meeting place

The Coal Square owes its name to its commercial past. Here, in the past, charcoal was stored and sold, a staple for heating homes and cookers. Today, however, you can no longer smell the embers or hear the crunching of the sacks, some of that hustle and bustle has been etched into its cobblestones.

Surrounded by historic buildings and next to other key squares such as the Plaza del Siglo and the Plaza del Obispo, this square is like a small open-air salon where Malaga takes a break. It has no grandiose monuments, but it does a captivating atmosphere.

Plaza del Carbón: a corner to savour the city

Those who sit on one of its terraces don't just have a coffee or a glass of wine: they enjoy the city. The Coal Square is one of those places where time seems to stand still. Where you can watch life go by: tourists getting their bearings with their maps, locals greeting each other with a "what do you say?", musicians who liven up the stroll and waiters who make recommendations with an accent and affection.

At night, the dim lights and murmur of conversation make it an intimate space. Ideal for a dinner under the stars or simply to let the atmosphere envelop you.

What to see near and how to get to Coal Square

📍 Location:
It is located in the heart of the historic centre, just a few steps from Calle Larios, the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. One of those squares that appear as a prize after getting lost for a while.

🚶‍♂️ How to get there:
From Calle Larios, just take the pedestrian streets that wind their way north. In five minutes you'll be in the middle of the charm of the square.

🍷 Local recommendations:
Have a glass of sweet Malaga wine or a tapa of porra antequerana on one of its terraces. Ask about the homemade desserts... and make room.

📸 Instagram or postcard?
Both. The facades, the lights of the bars, the relaxed atmosphere: everything invites you to capture a moment... or to leave your mobile phone in your pocket and just be.

And then what? Excursions from Malaga

Coal Square is not usually listed in guidebooks as a must-see.But it has that something that stays with you. And after savouring Malaga - its history, its beaches, its tapas - it's normal to wonder: What else can I see now?

At Visitanddo.com we take you beyond Malaga. Because Andalusia is full of squares that tell stories: the Plaza de las Tendillas in Cordobawhere the city beats between caliphs and guitars; the Plaza Nueva in SevilleThe Giralda and the Guadalquivir meet here; or the Plaza Bib-Rambla in GranadaThe city's fountains, flowers and the scent of spices wafting in from the Alcaicería.

From Malaga we organise day trips to destinations such as Cordoba, Granada and Seville, as well as other treasures such as Ronda, Setenil or the Caminito del Rey. All with transport included, guaranteed entrance tickets and the peace of mind of being accompanied by expert guides who help you see what others only look at.

So if after wandering around Malaga you're left wanting more, consider this: Andalusia is a mosaic of cultures, flavours and landscapes, and you've only just begun to explore it.