“Exploring the Enchanting Old Quarter: Discovering the Best-Kept Secrets in Málaga”
Just a short flight from most European destinations, and then a short taxi ride, and you can be on the Mediterranean’s Costa del Sol and its main town of Málaga for lunch.
Málaga stretches along the Spain’s Southern coast, one town merging into the next and many people fly into Málaga and head out again to a different location. But stick around and explore the best and often missed part of the city – the old quarter. Here you’ll find it’s compact and attractive streets and plazas worthy of a long weekend’s meandering…
Best-Kept Secrets in Málaga
Malaga, Spain at the Alcazaba citadel
…which is exactly what I did.
At the far end of the port, the big new shopping centre Muello Uno has been developed, but if you don’t fancy shopping head into the town from the port to the ornate and grandiose cathedral. Take a close look and you’ll see the stunning edifice is missing one of its towers, which is why it is nicknamed “La Manquita” (the missing one or one-armed lady).
La Alcazaba de Málaga
A short stroll away is the well-preserved Alcazaba, a hillside fortress and lovely place to rest and wander, with ornate decoration, tinkling fountains and far-reaching views. Behind it is the Castle Gibralfaro dating back to the 8th century. It sits 130 metres above sea level, with views out onto the Mediterranean and over Málaga’s city sprawl, a look from this perspective will help you get your bearings. It’s a steep climb or an easy ride on the hop-on-hop-off open-top tourist bus or local bus.
At the feet of the fortress is Málaga’s oldest monument—a Roman Amphitheatre, which after being buried for five centuries was rediscovered in 1951. After much reconstruction work, it opened to the public in 2011.
Málaga was the birthplace of renowned artist Pablo Picasso so don’t be surprised to see his sculpture sitting on one of the benches in the square. If you’re a fan of his, the Pablo Picasso Museum is home to more than 200 of his works.
After a day out discovering Málaga’s site, head to the 15-storey roof terrace and bar of the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio, especially at night when the harbour twinkles and the cathedral is bathed in light. The bar is open to non-hotel guests, so be sure to grab a seat on a warm sultry night—it will definitely be a holiday highlight.
Málaga for Foodies
For lunch one of the many Chiringuitos, aka beach bars, beckons. Most have small, old fishing boats now used to barbecue or smoke locally caught fish. That is a must – fresh fish on the sand with the ebbing of the waves nearby. As Málaga boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, plant yourself under a shade of a parasol – which means ‘for sun’ in Spanish.
In the winter months, Málaga’s climate is still mild and the city isn’t as crowded with tourists so its a good time to escape the cold and explore this Spanish city on the sea. My visit was in late September and we chose a beach bar table in the shade for lunch. We removed our sandals and dug our bare toes into the warm sand. Cold beer while sardines cooked on the open fire revived us for an afternoon of more exploration.
Another visit foodies will love is the attractive 19th-century metal and glass market – the mouthwatering Mercado Atarazanas, brimming with fresh produce stalls, hustling locals and wonderful smells. Head to the back and there’s a couple of small bars teeming with in-the-know locals nibbling freshly cooked tapas. The waft of home cooking is hard to ignore and sampling must be done.
A visit to the oldest bar in the city El Pimpi (founded in 1971 and named after a runner from the ships) has hardly been touched by modern times, except for a wall full of photos of famous visitors. Small meeting rooms, beamed ceilings and barrels are a real blast from the past. This is the spot to try the local Málaga wine and it’s great for lunch or dinner too.
Between beaches and bars, sun, shopping and sand, tradition, culture and history and fabulous food it really is true to say there is something for everyone in the heart of Málaga. And my favourite bit? It’s too hard to pick just one.
A hidden bench in a private niche in the Alcazaba; my first glimpse of the amphitheatre; the bustle and chatter of the market; and sipping a cold beer with my feet buried in the sand on a beach are among them.
What are you waiting for? Go find your favourites in Málaga.
Museo Picasso Fachada
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BeSeeingYou In: Málaga, Spain
Good To Know: Loads of great museums featuring anything from classic cars to art
WOW Factor: Views from the Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro and the Parador de Gibralfaro
TIP: Find out when the cruise ships stop in Málaga and avoid those dates, if possible
Images: Provided by the Malaga city council.
Author Bio: Rachel Webb
