Seek and find
Málaga is a must-see for a city break! Find out why here!
If you're traveling to Andalusia, chances are you'll fly into Málaga. It's a charming city on the Costa del Sol coast that's definitely worth a visit. In Málaga, you'll find authentic Spanish hospitality, many charming restaurants, and shopping streets where you can shop to your heart's content. And the best part is that the city is so compact that everything is easily walkable or bikeable. During my trip in Andalusia i am especially for Sunweb Secrets I went to the best cities on the Costa del Sol to create hotspot travel guides, such as this Malaga Travel Guide. I stayed in Hotel Rural Almazara Nerja, and from there it's about a 45-minute drive to Malaga. Perfect for a day trip! But if you prefer to be a little closer to Malaga, the beaches around the city are also perfect for an urban beach holiday. Enjoy the tranquility of the beach, yet still have the liveliness of the city nearby for a pleasant evening meal. Always check the opening hours before you eat, as many restaurants have a siesta and are closed between lunch and dinner.
Málaga is the second-largest city in Andalusia and has a beautiful old town where you can wander for hours. A long, palm-lined boulevard runs along the city, and one of the city's main highlights is the Alcazaba fortress. I was particularly pleased to see that, besides authentic Spanish restaurants, there are also several great hotspots in Málaga. In that respect, Málaga is perfect for a short three-day city break. Or four days if you also want to relax on the beach in the summer!
Andalusia truly surprised me with its beauty. On one side, snow-capped peaks, and on the other, the Mediterranean Sea and sandy beaches. A perfect combination of culture and nature! Enjoy the tips in this Málaga Travel Guide if you're headed there soon.
Brunchit
15 Hotspots in Málaga not to be missed
Pez Tomillo: This restaurant near Pedregal beach is a must-see if you're visiting Malaga. The terrace is filled with wooden furniture and brightly colored accessories. The sea view and the menu of delicious tapas (which are truly excellent) complete the evening!
Julia Bakery Málaga: Craving a delicious cake? Then Julia Bakery is the place to be. This hotspot is located in the up-and-coming Carmen Thyssen neighborhood and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Brunchit Organic: This cute coffee shop/pizza joint/bakery is definitely my favorite hotspot in Malaga. Everything at BrunchIT has an Italian twist, and the interior is definitely Instagram-worthy!
BrunchIT
Soca Restaurante: This modern restaurant is the right place for Mediterranean food and delicious sushi!
Dulces Dreams: A lovely terrace on a small square, and it's just as cozy inside. Sink into the Chesterfield sofa for a good cup of coffee or a fresh juice with a treat.
Picnic Soho: Craving a delicious burger? Then you need to go to Picnic in Malaga. A cozy little place that's also great for just a coffee.
La Madriguera Craft Beer: This is the place to sample a wide variety of craft beers. Order a burger with it!
Restaurante Noviembre: A great restaurant for an all-day breakfast! They also serve international dishes, such as burgers, wraps, and more!
November
Kipfer & Lover: This hip spot attracts a young and artistic crowd. Art and food meet here, and the interior reflects that. It's the perfect spot for delicious cocktails and bite-sized national and international snacks, from gyoza to classic croquettes!
Café Con Libros: A living room café like every city has. Here you can quietly read a book while sipping your cappuccino. They also have a nice terrace!
Drunk-O-Rama: A hipster hotspot where you can enjoy drinks and where they serve daily specials that change every day. Check their Facebook page to see what they're serving that week!
Recyclo Bike Café: We've spotted them before, hybrid concepts with a bike shop and cafe under one roof. Always fun!
Jose Carlos Garcia: This restaurant is definitely one of the best in Malaga for a more extensive meal. From the terrace, you have a lovely view of the harbor!
Restaurante Toro – Muelle Uno: This modern Spanish restaurant is located by the harbor and serves Spanish dishes with a twist. Just like the interior! Above the bar, for example, hang wooden skeleton-like bull heads instead of the ones you see in a traditional tapas bar.
El Último Mono Juice & Coffee: Anyone craving good coffee or fresh juice shouldn't miss this hotspot. The menu is entirely in Spanish, but thankfully they speak good English, and you'll be enjoying a healthy beetroot juice in no time!
Ultimo Mono
9 of the best tapas bars from this Málaga travel guide
- Bodega Bar El Pimpi: A Malaga institution and a must-see. Nothing special from the outside (though it does have a lovely terrace), but the bar area is very cozy inside!
- Mesón Ibérico: For the most delicious hams and tapas, choose from the display case. At this tapas bar, the ceiling is covered in ham!
- Vinería Cervantes: good wines and tasty local Spanish dishes and tapas in a warm and light interior.
- Casa Lola: A typical Spanish tapas bar with a dark interior, tables made from old wine barrels, and a large bar. Delicious and affordable!
- La Tranca: This taproom is the perfect place for drinks and delicious snacks. It's small and always busy!
- Pepa y Pepe: This shop has several branches in Malaga and serves southern Spanish tapas, many of which are fried.
- El Tapeo de Cervantes: A cozy bar in a street with other great tapas bars. Here they serve tapas that are just a little more culinary than most other places!
- Mesón de Cervantes: an authentic Spanish interior and a separate menu for the tapas bar and the restaurant area.
- Garum Casual Restaurant: a modern tapas bar with tapas+ if you know what I mean and set tables.
PS: Keep in mind that most tapas places don't open until late at night!
The Pimpi
Alcazaba
4 x Shopping in Malaga
- Málaga is very well-organized when it comes to shopping. Calle Marqués de Larios is the city's main street, where you'll find all the high-street brands and well-known Spanish chains.
- In the neighborhood known as “Carmen Thyssen” (named after the museum of the same name), you will find a maze of streets with many small boutiques in the small streets between Calle Compania and Calle Carreteria.
- Flamingos Vintage Kilo Málaga: Do you love unique vintage items? Then Flamingos is the place to be. Here you'll find the best vintage finds for next to nothing, and you'll pay by the kilo!
- Are you a fan of a healthy lifestyle and do you prefer to use organic products? Then you've come to the right place. RawAttitude In the SOHO district, you'll find the perfect spot. Also for healthy snacks and juices!
Raw Attitude
Centre Pompidou
12 Things to Do // Málaga Travel Guide
- From the Castillo de Gibralfaro castle you have a beautiful view over the city of Málaga.
- Stroll along Calle Carreteria where you will find several nice restaurants, shops and tapas bars!
- Rent a bike and cycle from Malaga city center to the suburb of Pedregalejo (which feels more like a village!). A lovely beach and nice restaurants with sea views.
- During your bike ride along the beach, stop at one of the beach shacks where they grill fresh sardines on skewers, straight off the fishing boats. It doesn't get any fresher than this!
- Prefer an organized bike tour? Malagabike offers four hours of cycling and a chance to get to know the city well.
- Climb the Alcazaba fortress for beautiful views of the sea and the city!
- The SOHO district, just off Málaga's boulevard, is the city's hipster neighborhood. This up-and-coming neighborhood is home to several great hotspots and plenty of street art.
- Like Paris, Málaga has a Centre Pompidou where everything revolves around modern art. A fun activity when it's so hot the sparrows are falling off the roof, or especially when it's raining.
- Just outside the city, you'll find Málaga's botanical gardens. This 150-year-old garden is an oasis of tranquility and a must-see if you enjoy green spaces.
- A visit to the Mercado Central Atarazanas is a must during any city break in Málaga. It's the perfect spot to pick up treats for a picnic on the beach or along the promenade, or to enjoy a snack at the various market stalls.
- Fancy some tapas? There are several delicious tapas restaurants throughout the city, as you've read earlier in this guide. But if you're looking for a street with several great spots, you should head to Calle Cárcer.
- Málaga's port area, where you'll also find the Centre Pompidou, consists of Muello Uno and Muelle Dos. This is a more modern part of the city where you can stroll along the boulevard and marvel at the enormous yachts moored in the harbor. There are several restaurants and shops, but if we had to recommend one, it would definitely be Jose Carlos Garcia Where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Great for an extensive fine dining lunch.
Market
MÁLAGA TRAVEL GUIDE AND MORE TIPS FOR ANDALUSIA
If you're traveling to Andalusia, there are many other charming towns and villages to visit besides Malaga. Rent a car and explore the region! Don't miss beautiful Granada. And in the summer, spend a decadent day in Marbella. Prefer smaller towns? Then head to Frigiliana, Almuñecar, Istan, Miljas, Ronda, Tarifa, Salobreña, and La Herradura, which Your Little Black Book readers also recommend.
TIP: Via Sunweb Secrets Book your affordable, unique hotels, often run by families. Away from the crowds and enjoying authentic Spanish hospitality.
Have a great time traveling to Andalusia! And if you have any other helpful tips, please let us know.
And have you seen my other blogs for Málaga and Andalusia?
- Granada Travel Guide with the best tapas bars
- Marbella Travel Guide with 29 hotspots and tips
- Nerja Travel Guide with 17 restaurant and activity tips
- Hotspot BrunchIT in Málaga
- Check-in: Hotel Rural Almazara
HAPPY TRAVELS
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
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