Curiosities and Customs

The Mediterranean lifestyle and a friendly and welcoming character number amongst the distinguishing features of the inhabitants of the Costa del Sol. The great climate invites you to take to the streets, savour tapas in outdoor seating areas or enjoy traditional fried fish in beach bars.

However, if you want to get the most out of the Costa del Sol and become imbued with its customs and unique features, there is terminology that you must master. Don't miss:

The way of speaking in Málaga

The pleasant local accent of the inhabitants of Málaga is one of the most distinctive features of the Costa del Sol. The omission of a number of final letters and syllables, such as the final ‘s’ in plurals, is an aspect that you must bear in mind when speaking with the local people.

You may also discover words that do not appear in the dictionary, but which frequently crop up in the day-to-day activities of the inhabitants of the Costa del Sol. Amongst the most peculiar we find estar ‘aliquindoi’ (to be attentive), ser ‘perita’ (to have a pleasing manner, to be likeable), ‘chuminá’ (a silly thing), estar ‘ehmayao’ (to be very hungry) or ‘esaborío’ (unpleasant). An endless series of words and expressions have been passed from parents to children creating an amusing and characteristic vocabulary.

Asking for a coffee in Málaga

Another curious aspect that bewilders those who visit the province of Málaga for the first time is the peculiar manner of asking for a coffee. There are 8 manners of ordering, depending on the amount of coffee and milk. The most common are ‘nube’, ‘sombra’, ‘corto’, ‘mitad’, ‘largo’ and ‘solo’. To complete breakfast, coffee is accompanied by a small roll referred to as a ‘pitufo’.

Customs and traditions on the Costa del Sol

The influence and proximity of the sea has left its mark on many of the Costa del Sol's customs and traditions. Summer sees the arrival of the ‘moragas’, singular nocturnal soirees with fried fish or pescaíto and music that are celebrated on the beach as part of the festivities honouring San Juan (23 June) or the Virgen del Carmen (16 July).

The espetos rank amongst the most intriguing traditions  This entails a curious manner of roasting fish skewered on canes on a boat filled with sand on the beach. Watching this food being prepared is fascinating.