Let’s do an exercise. Answer without thinking, what is the first thing that comes to mind if I say “Málaga” right now? If I had to bet, I would say that the beach, high-rise hotels, sardine skewers and luxury are on the list. Nevertheless, this port city on the Costa del Sol is much more. So, we have asked locals and travelers for the essential places to see and where to eat during a getaway.
Walk through the historic center
The capital of Malaga houses authentic treasures in its historic center and the Cathedral of the Incarnation of Malaga is the jewel in the crown. However, the people of Malaga call it “the little man”. This is because, although its works lasted 250 years, the building was left unfinished, being the most significant the lack of the south tower.
The Roman theatre It is the most important vestige of the Roman period in what was the old “Malaca”. It is at the foot of the Alcazaba and it has an interpretation center through which you can access the interior of the theater for free. It also has a small museum.
Precisely, the Alcazaba is a Muslim fortress from the 11th century and the most visited monument in Malaga. It is considered as the little sister of the Alhambra in Granada. It is located on the emblematic Alcazabilla street, at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro.
The Larios Street is the main one in the center, there is the flower square where some of the places to eat that the locals point out to us as worthwhile are found: they are El gallo ronco, el Kraken and el Beluga.
of museums
Malaga has a wide range of museums but the one that tops the list of visitors is the Picasso. One of only three in the world. However, unlike the one in Paris and Barcelona, this one is located in the artist’s homeland. It is located in the 16th century Renaissance palace of the Counts of Buenavista, very close to the cathedral and the Mercy Squarethe place to be when you look for terraces.
If you are not so into the cultureta vibe as to visit more museums, stick with this one but if you want to continue enjoying the Malaga offer, do not miss the Malaga Museum, nicknamed by the locals as the “Museo de la Aduana”. It houses the collection of Fine Arts of Malaga at the same time as it is the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Malaga.
Behind are the Dark Gate Gardens-Coracha, uphill so they have points from where the view of the coast of Malaga with the port is very beautiful. Especially at sunset. Once there you can get to the Gibralfaro viewpointthe most famous in the city and where the Castle is also located.
Boardwalk and beach
In a coastal city like Malaga, it is mandatory to go to the beach. For this, those who know Malaga best recommend is the Pedregal promenade. in the heart of fishing district of Pedregalejois one of the liveliest seaside walks on the entire Malaga coast.
Vincci Posada del Patio Selection
The Pedregalejo Beach It is made up of six small coves with fine, dark sand and you can find many beach bars where you can eat very good little fish like thyme fishChiringuito Gabi or Miguelito the affectionate, among many others. Taking advantage of the fact that you are in the area, you can also go through the Baths of Carmenan old spa that is currently a restaurant known as Terraza El Balneario, with views of one of the best sunsets on the Costa del Sol.
Another beach option is Raven’s Rocka protected biological enclave that takes its name from the rock formation that, like an isthmus, divides the beach into two zones.
Eat and drink in Malaga
Speaking of an Andalusian city like Malaga, there is no shortage of places to eat well. In addition to those already mentioned, we recommend a traditional Malaga breakfast of toast in La Recova.
The Pimpi is a must. It is one of the most traditional wineries in Malaga, where you can always find great wine and a better atmosphere. However, other recommended places to enjoy the gastronomic offer of the city are Casa Lola, Asador La Cabrera, The MerchantsVermuteria La Clásica or Antigua Casa del Guardia.
But let’s not forget the night either. To take advantage of the nightlife that Malaga has to offer, we must have a drink on a terrace. In that sense, that of Hotel Malaga Palace It has very nice views but also the Terrace of Larios at the Room Mate hotel in Plaza de la Constitución. Other options are San Juan or Pasaje Chinitas are also very good.
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio by Marriott
Cover photos | unsplash