6 Hours in Malaga
I’d always wanted to go to Malaga; it’s the perfect mix of history, sun, beaches, and nightlife. Whether you want a relaxing, cultural holiday or want to enjoy the Spanish bar scene, Malaga has it. While I would’ve preferred to spend more time in Malaga, wandering through its city centre in the span of 6 hours was enough time to enjoy and know that someday I’d return. Malaga was a lively atmosphere filled with shopping, food markets, tapas bars.
Malaga has ample parking for those looking to drive, with many parking garages a few steps away from the Centro Histórico. Within the heart of the city is Mercado Central de Atarazanas, a traditional, bustling market filled with local seafood, produce, and with stain-glass windows overlooking tapas and wine bars. This part of the city seemed busier than others, likely due to its proximity to parking, the train station, and plenty of hostels and hotels. Once we ventured out of the market — two glasses of wine and a plate of jamón ibérico later — and took a few turns down some random streets, it was quieter. Of course, there were still people strolling and shopping, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
Malaga is lined with good quality coffee shops, specifically Bertani Café, a small take-away coffee shop with excellent cappuccinos and espresso tonic. For those who want something sweet and relaxing, Churreria La Malagueña is the solution. With it’s patio sprawled on the sidewalk and perfect churros and chocolate, it’s the best place in Malaga to go to for a mid-afternoon jolt.
Our goal for the day was to see the Alcazaba, a Moorish castle atop Malaga with extraordinary views. However, it took longer than anticipated; every time we turned a corner, there was something new to see and a new shop to go into. It was in Malaga that I was introduced to Oysho, Spanish Perfumerías, Pull & Bear, and Mango. The main thoroughfare was filled with shops, lights, and buskers. The energy was happy and alive — the entire vibe of Malaga.
Soon we encountered the Catedral de la Encarnación de la Málaga, a massive cathedral in the centre of the city. The way the sun hit the cathedral made everything in its surrounding a stunning, golden hue. Around one side of the cathedral are numerous tapas bars, and on the other, is a quiet garden with people sitting on benches, either on their phones or nose-deep into a book. As I wandered around the cathedral, I ended up strolling down a small street with no particular goal in mind. Although I am well-traveled, the small side streets found in European cities always enthralled me; it’s like a maze and I don’t want to find my way out.
In the six hours I spent in Malaga, I drink two glasses of wine, half a pitcher of Sangria, plenty of tapas, good coffee, and spent an exorbitant amount of money on new clothes and perfume. Malaga is such an easy city to wander around with nothing to do but staying amused and entertained the entire time. There’s always something for someone. If you find yourself in Malaga for a day, you don’t have to have a plan in mind. Just meander your way through the city centre, enjoy the food, enjoy the wine, and maybe, if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe hike up some steps to see panoramic views of the Costa del Sol.
