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7 Great Things to Do in Málaga

December 28, 2021
Málaga right before sunrise

Málaga is a city with a great climate, one church tower, sweet wine, divine tapas, and a mixture of culture, history, and religion. And yes, it is also Picasso’s birthplace. I had 48 hours in Málaga City, and then I went on a day trip to Nerja, Frigiliana, and El Acebuchal, the lost city of Andalucia, and maybe, Spain? My long weekend in Malaga was perfect and everything I needed for an easy winter escape from cold Norway. 

1. Breakfast at Café Madrid in Málaga 

When you are in Málaga, you should stop by the lovely authentic charming Café Madrid, and everyone comes for their morning coffee, workers, grandmas, and even the tourists. Have yourself pan con tomate! Which is toasted bread with fresh tomato puree with some olive oil, a glass of orange juice, and coffee with milk. That is Spanish breakfast as it should be, enjoy.

 Breakfast at Café Madrid in Malaga 

2. Free Walking Tour in Málaga 

Important sights as well as some good history telling with some fun facts. Did you know that the citizen of Málaga decided to upgrade the shopping street instead of building the second tower of the church? They do know how to prioritize.

Cafe Central in Málaga

Highlights of the Free Walking Tour in Málaga 

  • The Cathedral of Málaga
  • Calle Marqués de Larios
  • Market Ataranzas
  • San Juan’s Church
  • Flowers’ Square
  • Constitution Square
  • Café Central 
  • Alcazabilla Street

3. Antigua Casa de Guardia in Málaga

It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere in the world, right? People from Spain don’t matter so much about the clock. If midday is the right time for a sweet wine, don’t worry about it. Because in Casa Antigua, you will find yourself surrounded by locals, as well as a tourist taking a sip of the famous sweet wine of Málaga. The establishment was running in 1840 was opened by the renowned winemaker Don Jose de Guarida. Queen Isabel II also approved the wine house. New owners have come and gone, but the original charm has stayed alive for people to enjoy a time machine. How do they keep track of the order? They write it down with chalk on the table, right before you. I talked with the old lady bringing in her glass bottles for a refill to bring back home. At this moment, hand luggage was a bummer. 

Antigua Casa de Guardia in Málaga

4. The Food Market of Atarazanas in Málaga 

All Spanish cities with respect for themselves do have a food market. Madrid have San Miguel, and Málaga has Mercado Central de Atarazanas. It contains lovely fresh fruit, meat, fish, and more things you did not know existed, explore and indulge. Perfect lunch spot. 

5. The Cathedral of Málaga, Alcazaba & Castel of Gibralfaro 

Depends on your time and energy for historic sites? If you find a time slot for going up in the tower of the Cathedral of Málaga, please do! If not, maybe visit Alcazaba or Gibralfaro? Of course, if you are a museum lover, you visit Piccasso’s museum. 

The Cathedral of Málaga

6. Casa Lola for Málaga’s Best Tapas 

Who does not love Jamon Iberico on a slice of bread with perfectly fried quail egg? And a perfect well-balanced glass of tempranillo, Spain’s national grape, that is full of flavor and red berries. Casa Lola has everything you need to eat for the love of Tapas in Málaga. 

Casa Lola for Málaga's Best Tapas 

Hasta Los Andares for the Nightcap 

Hasta Los Andares is a great local spot for wine and tapas. If you want a steak dinner, I do recommend La Cabrera which is basically like Buenos Aires, Argentina in Spain

7. Morning Walk & Churros at Casa Aranda 

I do have to say; I’m more about walking the cities than sights. When I can combine, I’m happy. The morning walk should start right before 08:00 (December). Walk past Alcazaba and then further up the viewpoint at the Castel of Gibralfaro. Enjoy the view and the tiny sounds of the city waking up for a new day. Well, when hiked to the city-hill for breakfast, it is more than right to have Churros for breakfast. The best and most famous place is Casa Aranda! So could you do it? Have two or have five. I prefer dipping in hot chocolate, how about you? 

 Churros at Casa Aranda in Málaga

Accommodation in Málaga 

I stayed at ICON Malabar, which was everything a princess needed! A great king-size bed with no less than four pillows. A silent room so I could sleep like Sleeping Beauty. And a fantastic design that was very easy to indulge and relax right away entering the room.

Icon Malabar in Málaga
Icon Malabar in Málaga

Beaches in Málaga 

Choose the one you like! Most importantly, enjoy and go with the flow. Ask the locals about great places to go. 

Safe Travels!

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7 Things to Do Around the World  / Europe  / Spain

Pauline
My name is Pauline, and I'm a Norwegian girl who started to explore the beautiful world for some time, and now I can't stop. I have to see what's out there. I love discovering new places, meeting new people, have crazy experiences and unique stories to tell. Life is for living, and I like living in adventures.

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