Last Updated on November 1, 2020
This past December, JC and I spotted 50 EUR round trip tickets to Málaga, Spain, which is in the region of Andalusia, in the south of Spain. Since Berlin is freezing in December, while Málaga is around 19 degrees Celsius on average, we didn’t have to think too hard before hitting purchase. Read below to find out our top picks on how to spend a weekend in Málaga.
What to do in Málaga
Walk the Caminito del Rey
By far the top attraction when visiting Málaga is walking the Caminito del Rey (‘little path of the king’). This walkway is 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River in Málaga. King Alfonso XIII inaugurated the path in 1921, hence the name Caminito del Rey. The path is 3 km long and only one meter in width. If you are afraid of heights it is definitely not the activity for you! We booked our guided tour of el Caminito del Rey with Smart Holidays Andalusia. Our guide, José, was excellent, we can only highly recommend! Ask specifically for him when you book! Definitely plan on spending the majority of your day, including transportation, on this activity (9:30 am to at least 3:30 pm). Helmets are provided; however, we brought our own trekking shoes.
Head to the Beach
If you are going to Málaga, you have to head to the beach, or in this case, the Playa de la Malagueta. Even when we went in December, it was 19 degrees Celsius and sunny, and we regretted not bringing our swimsuits. We saw plenty of locals sunbathing! Even if you don’t go in the water, it is nice to take a stroll along the sea and take a picture with the Malagueta sign.
Visit the Picasso Museum in Málaga
Famous artist Pablo Picasso was actually born in Málaga, although he spent most of his life in France. While in Málaga we decided to make a visit to the museum. It is a small exhibition but well worth the visit, and audioguides are included. You can find more information about opening times and ticket prices here.
Where to Eat & Drink in Málaga
Eat tapas at El Pimpi
When visiting Málaga, you MUST go to El Pimpi, sit at the bar, and order tapas. And you must especially order the ensalada rusa, which is a potato salad with tuna. We came back to this bar/restaurant again and again in the span of one weekend, it is that good. It is also incredibly well-priced. I would highly recommend you sit in the lively and crowded bar area as we did, instead of at a proper table, for a more ‘local’ experience.
Drink at Antigua Casa de Guardia
You do not want to miss Antigua Casa de Guardia, a traditional taberna that is over 100 years old, while staying in Málaga. This vinoteca was a popular place for sailors to drink back in the day, and today, it retains its old world charm and rustic atmosphere. Wine barrels are stacked upon one another behind the bar, and the bar tenders track your drink orders with chalk marks on the bar counter. A real local gem that you do not want to miss. Try the sweet wine and order the mussels for 5 EUR while you drink – the cheapest (yet delicious) mussels we’ve ever eaten!
And that’s it for our recommendations on how to spend a weekend in Málaga. Have you been to Málaga? Tell us about your favorite spots in the comments below!
