Málaga is neither Madrid nor Barcelona. The little sister of the big Spanish destinations is still in its infancy, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. Here you can take a deep breath without a tight three-day program constantly dictating the time. The Costa del Sol has beaches that don’t require an eight-hour plane ride, where you can stroll through alleyways that have stories to tell and celebrate strolling, which is all the easier the more the sun shines on your face. Diego Martín knows about the beauty of his homeland and knows the best spots that you shouldn’t miss here.
Hotels in Málaga
The Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio is not for the faint-hearted, but you will be left salivating when you enter the lobby. As if the building, built on the ruins of the city wall, wasn’t highlight enough, the stylish interior is even more impressive. The apartments at Visionapartments at Alameda Principal 36, which offer more privacy than hotels. The pretty boutique hotel Boutique Teatro Romano is another jewel on the streets of Málaga, with minimalist rooms that almost make you forget you’re in the south of Europe.
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio, Pasillo de Sta. Isabel, 7, www.vincciposadadelpatio.com
Visionapartments, Alameda Principal 36, www.visionapartments.com
Boutique Teatro Romano, Calle Alcazabilla, 7, www.booking.com
Restaurants in Málaga
Churros are a must in Málaga, and the best ones can be found at Casa Aranda – no queuing excluded. Hidden in the old town is the Astrid, a small taperia that doesn’t take too much money out of your pocket for its fresh dishes. Only tourists eat dinner before half past nine, which is why it is better to make a reservation for the late evening hours for an authentic feeling. The Bodega Bar El Pimpi serves local dishes, but you pay a little more for the view of the Roman amphitheater from the terrace. If you like tapas, you have to go to Matahambre, and ice cream fans get their money’s worth at Gioelia.
Casa Aranda, Calle Herrería del Rey, 3, www.casa-aranda.com
Astrid, Calle Calderón de la Barca, 6, www.taperiaorganica.com
Bodega Bar El Pimpi, Calle Granada, 62, www.elpimpi.com
Matahambre, Calle Franz Kafka, 8, Paseo Marítimo el Pedregal, 74, Plaza Costa del Sol, 1, 29620 Torremolinos, www.matahambre.com
Gioelia, 18, 29640 Fuengirola, www.gioeliacremeria.com
Shopping in Málaga
Calle Larios is home to all the well-known brands and in between many small stores with local handicrafts that make better souvenirs than the hundredth fridge magnet.
Party in Málaga
After a late dinner, we head up to the AC Hotel, where there’s always something going on in the rooftop bar. Cool tunes and tasty drinks are the perfect way to start the party, not to mention the magnificent view of Málaga’s alleyways. People here prefer to party on the street rather than in a club – in the city center around Plaza Mitjana and Plaza Uncibay, tapas bars and wineries selling the typical sweet wine of Malaga can be enjoyed outside. La Botellita and Urbano are the best-known addresses.
AC Hotel, Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1, www.marriott.com
Plaza Mitjana, Pje. Mitjana, 2, 3º – 2, www.mitjanaplaza.com
Plaza Uncibay, Plaza de Uncibay,
La Botellita, Calle Lazcano, 5, www.labotellita.com
Urbano, Calle Beatas, 32, www.m.facebook.com
Place to be in Málaga
On Málaga’s city beach La Malagueta, young people meet old people and tourists meet locals. Here you can pass the time strolling, eating, drinking and – most importantly – being.
Must-do in Málaga
The city was built on Roman ruins, which can be visited everywhere. The Alcazaba fortress towers over Málaga, from where the panoramic view is breathtaking. Incidentally, the city is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the museum dedicated to him is a must for every art fan.
Diego Martín
is a bartender.
loves seafood and wine.
hates bad weather.
Here you can find our travel tips for Sintra.