The people of Southport are no strangers to Malaga. The popular holiday destination on Spain’s glorious Costa del Sol is one of the most popular year-round destinations for travellers from John Lennon Airport, with pensioners, families, young couples, and stag dos all hoping in the daily flights that operate from there. When most people think of Malaga, they often think of the boozy beach resorts that surround the city, home to dirt-cheap dive bars, questionable nightclubs, and ‘English-themed’ pubs called The Red Lion.
However, there is so much more to Malaga than that. The actual city of Malaga is one of the oldest cultural hotspots in Spain, a thriving cosmopolitan epicenter of history, architecture, cuisine, and art. If you’re thinking of a winter getaway to Malaga and are on the lookout for a more refined experience, read this grownup’s travel guide on the best way to travel, stay, and spend there in 2020.
1. Where to Go, Where to Stay
The compact nature of this city of 500,000 means that any of the central districts make a great place to stay. To get there, your best bet is to use a service that allows you to hire cars from Malaga Airport and simply drive into town from there. An advantage of this is that you will be able to use your hire-car to explore the gorgeous countryside and vineyards that surround the city. While there are many hotels to choose from, those looking for a refined, boutique experience should check out the artsy Dulces Dreams Hotel, which doubles up as a contemporary art gallery.
2. Where to Eat
Many tourists from the UK make the mistake of overlooking Malaga’s rich culinary traditions in favour of the hotel buffet. Malaga has been a center of Spanish gastronomy for decades, with ensalada malagueña, gazpacho, and boquerones all featuring as staple dishes. To taste the Malaga cuisine at its very best, elbow your way to a table at the quaint and crowded Antigua Casa de Guardia, the oldest tavern in town. For something a little more upscale, head to Amador, a sleek restaurant perched atop the hills overlooking the city, where you can enjoy award-winning Spanish cuisine with a modern twist.
3. Where to Party
Once the sun sets over the terracotta rooftops of the old town, skip the beer-soaked streets of the strip and unwind in a true local fashion. It’s all about the red wine and generous helpings of free tapas in this part of the world, and few places do it better than El Pimpi. This local institution is housed in a former mansion in the heart of the old town, meaning there are plenty of seats at all hours of the night. If you’re in the mood for something a little more off the beaten track, a trip to the Odisea Wine Bar, which offers over 200 different types of local wine, is an absolute must-do.
If you’re looking for a truly memorable Malagan experience, this is the way to do it. Consider booking for the low season, before the crowds arrive for summer.
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