Lorraine Williamson
Few figures embody the spirit of Málaga quite like Antonio Banderas. For all his Hollywood fame, the actor, producer, and cultural visionary remains deeply rooted in his hometown’s rhythms, flavours, and traditions on Spain’s Costa del Sol. His presence here isn’t just symbolic — it’s a living, breathing part of the city’s identity.
Follow Banderas through the city and uncover a Málaga rich in scent, colour, and nostalgia. His mornings often begin at Casa Mira — a historic pastelería known for its artisanal turrón and coffee. For lunch, he heads to El Pimpi, the iconic bodega-style restaurant in the heart of the old town, overlooking the Roman Theatre. As co-owner, Banderas has helped turn it into a showcase of Andalucian hospitality. El Pimpi is one of my favourite restaurants in Málaga. It is a “must-visit” destination.
From there, he may stroll down to the harbour and lose himself in the vibrant exhibits of the Centre Pompidou — a cultural outpost where contemporary art meets Mediterranean light. For moments of reflection, he prefers the golden sands of La Malagueta, where the sea speaks a language he’s understood since childhood.
Toasts and tempranillo
Banderas’ ties to Málaga extend to the bottle. His personal wine, Anta Banderas A10, blends Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon — full-bodied, with notes of dark berries and spice. Meanwhile, his signature cocktail, the “Goya de Honor” (named for the lifetime achievement award he received), fuses whiskey, Pedro Ximénez, and syrup in a nod to tradition and flair.
He also serves as the face of Larios Gin, a Málaga-born brand. Their ongoing collaboration goes beyond advertising; it’s part of his wider mission to celebrate the art of living well in his native city.
A culinary visionary
While most know him for his films, Málaga locals see him as a driving force behind the city’s gastronomic revival. His restaurant group, Grupo Tercer Acto, spans a growing number of refined yet soulful establishments:
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El Pimpi (Calle Granada): A Málaga classic, part of the city’s living heritage.
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Doña Inés (near the port): Romantic Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting.
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La Barra de Doña Inés (Alameda Principal): Where traditional tapas are reimagined.
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Tercer Acto (inside Teatro del Soho): An inventive blend of Japanese and Andalucian flavours.
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Atrezzo (Calle Casas de Campos): Lively, family-friendly Neapolitan pizza and pasta.
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La Pérgola del Mediterráneo (Real Club Mediterráneo): Sophisticated rice dishes and seafood with sweeping sea views.
Each venue reflects his artistic approach — thoughtful, expressive, and rooted in Málaga’s personality.
Teatro del Soho: Málaga’s cultural beacon
Opened under his direction, the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank has brought Broadway standards to the Costa del Sol. Here, flamenco shares the stage with musicals, and established stars perform alongside emerging talent.
Banderas is hands-on — from directing productions to mentoring performers. More than a vanity project, the theatre represents his vision of Málaga as a cultural capital that nurtures creativity and offers opportunity.
Espacio Sohrlin Andalucía: From grain to greatness
In 2024, Banderas took his ambitions a step further by transforming a derelict grain silo into Espacio Sohrlin Andalucía — a vast multidisciplinary centre dedicated to the performing arts. Spanning 8,000 square metres, it hosts everything from theatre and circus to music and audiovisual production.
Masterclasses, artist residencies, and a 1,000-seat auditorium cement its role as a training ground and performance hub. The Orquesta Sinfónica Larios Pop del Soho rehearses its genre-defying “Sohrlinfonía” here — proof that Banderas doesn’t just dream; he builds.
Semana Santa: A sacred return
Despite his international schedule, Banderas never misses Semana Santa in Málaga. As mayordomo of the Lágrimas y Favores brotherhood, he helps carry the ornate religious float through the narrow streets every Palm Sunday.
For him, the event goes beyond tradition. It’s about solidaridad — the social aspect of Holy Week. Through his Fundación Lágrimas y Favores, he supports university students, families in need, and non-profits like Cáritas and Cudeca. His film contracts even include a clause guaranteeing his presence in Málaga for this spiritual pilgrimage.
A poet’s city
In one of his writings, Banderas captures his bond with the sea — and the city it embraces:
“Aquí aprendí a mirar el mar.
A escuchar su memoria,
a encontrar mi voz en su latido.”“Here, I learned to watch the sea.
To hear its memory,
to find my voice in its rhythm.”
Málaga through his eyes, and ours
Antonio Banderas may travel the world, but Málaga remains the anchor to his soul. Whether through the arts, cuisine, or community, he has helped shape its global identity while preserving its intimate charm. For visitors and locals alike, his version of Málaga offers not just places to visit — but a way of seeing, feeling, and truly living the city.
Source: Vida Economica, Malaga Hoy, Tapas Magazine