Málaga – from the port to the citadels on the hillside, the sun shines brightly on this city of the Costa del Sol. A weekend away is ample time to savour the warmth of the Spanish climate and hospitality.
Follow bike rental service Donkey Republic‘s cycling Malagueño, James, as he shares his tips for exploring the best of the city by bike. ¡Vamos!
Day 1
Waking up in Málaga
Prepare yourself for a cycle around this gorgeous Andalusian city
As early as the sun rises in the Mediterranean sky, you’ll encounter people in the streets shuffling to cafes for some coffee bean bliss.
Head to the café El Artesano to do as Malagueños (Málaga locals) do. Enjoy a pitufo catalana (ham sandwich) or order the more indulgent Spanish favourite of chocolate con churros: delicious donut-like treats with thick chocolate sauce for dipping. Yum!
En route to the city centre, explore Soho’s small, irregular streets. Carefully winding between pedestrians, take in the varied mix of architecture, and boutiques. Look out for thrift stores and even the urban market where you can trade items instead of using cash!
Cruising along the Costa del Sol
A cruise past the street art in the city centre is a must
Check out the Recyclo Café – a favourite spot for bicycle-loving culture vultures. Live music and alternative fashions are on display while you munch on healthy food choices. The area of Barrio de Las Artes retains the charm of an old neighbourhood which, based on a private citizens’ group initiative, hired some globally acclaimed street artists to create art on the sides of whole buildings, creating a very funky, vibrant vibe.
Take a slow ride down El Paseo Marítimo Antonio Banderas – the most famous Malagueño, after Picasso. Rustling palm fronds and crashing waves create a relaxing soundtrack to your pedal-powered coastal cruise. Continue into Parque del Oeste, where bikes are welcome, to cool down in the shade or by the ponds.
Take a short ride to La Térmica. Formerly a hospital and then a school, this building was recently reopened as a cultural centre, with often free exhibitions and performances.
Cooling off
Fresh roasted sardines – a local delicacy served right on the beach © gavilla
As the day comes to an end, follow the bike paths down El Paseo Marítimo de Torremolinos along the boardwalk lined with chiringuitos – bars and cafés right on the beach! Small fishing boats converted into fire pits roast Málaga’s traditional dish of freshly-caught sardines.
The combination of wood smoke, the salty sea air, and the sound of the waves should soothe your tired legs enough for day 2 of cycling.
Day 2
Rolling in the old city
The sun glows on La Manquita, the one-towered cathedral © Danielmlg86
Set off in the elegant old Calle Marqués de Larios street, with its unusual round-cornered buildings and local artists exhibiting their work. Don’t miss the historic Café Central, at the origin of 10 different quirkily-named versions of café con leche which are ubiquitously used across Málaga… but nowhere else!
See the Renaissance cathedral, lovingly called la Manquita or “the little One-Arm” by locals. After more than 250 years of construction, exhausted funds left the second tower unfinished, giving the building its unique charm and nickname.
Although the cobblestone streets are inconvenient, they are the best way around to see the juxtaposition of many different cultural influences due to the region’s countless invasions in its history. Where else can you find a Roman theatre with a Moorish fortress, La Alcazaba, built on top?
Take a break, it’s free!
Spend hours at the CAC de Málaga admiring the contemporary art © Leo Hidalgo (@yompyz)
Cruise on over to Plaza de la Merced – one of the city’s largest squares, and perhaps the most culturally significant. Here, you will find both the former home and the museum of famous abstract artist Pablo Picasso. Admission to the museum is free two hours before closing on Sundays. The Carmen Thyssen Museum offers free entry on Sundays after 5pm, and the CAC Málaga‘s admission is always free. With frequent exhibitions from local and international artists, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
For an authentic Spanish market experience to enrich your senses, pedal over to El Mercado de Atarazanas. An atmospheric world of colours, sounds, smells, and activity overwhelm the authentic food stands. Don’t miss the giant Arabic arch doorway used to move ships in and out of this old naval factory.
Reaching for the sky
The best view of the city is from Gibralfaro
Cycling up the weaving streets of the Gibralfaro mountain will reward you breathtaking views of this beautiful Spanish city against the backdrop of the sun on the Mediterranean Sea. While the Moorish castle on the mountain is fascinating, the balcony you’ll find just before it offers the spectacular view for free.
See the busy port with container and cruise ships alike, the mix of Spanish and foreign architecture old and new, the traditional bull ring, with golden-white sand stretching out along the coastline. On a clear day, you’ll even see Africa on the horizon!
Enjoying the sunset
Muelle 1 makes for a lovely sunset backdrop © NationalMac
Make your way back down the mountain and along Muelle 1 – the port area with plenty of restaurants, live music and rides. As you enjoy the area you’ll pass La Farola de Málaga, one of only two lighthouses in Spain to be named in the feminine, and even locals don’t know why! Inevitably you’ll cruise along the picturesque boardwalk to Los baños del Carmen, a 1920s high-society spa-cum-restaurant. You’ll experience the most beautiful sunset in the city – looking back at Málaga with the coast behind and mountains above.
¡Salud! A toast to Spain
Keeping Spanish tradition alive and well – cheers!
After the sun goes down, life really gets started in Málaga! Keep heading east to take in El Paseo Marítimo de Pedregalejo, a charming old fishing neighbourhood lined with traditional one- and two-storey Spanish homes. The sea air and salty smell and the colourful buildings will delight you as you pick from the selection of great eateries and order traditionally prepared paella with fish caught the same day. Order tinto de verano (the local alternative to Sangria) like a true Malegueño, and toast to good life and good health in the sun: ¡Salud!
Where to stay?
In a city as alive and vibrant as Málaga, you’ll particularly enjoy being connected with the social atmosphere, and you can’t beat the Hostel Chinitas for the friendly vibe, like-minded explorers and travellers in an authentic Spanish setting. Make your way to the rooftop café and bar area for the most spectacular view of the cathedral and old city. When the sun sets, the city lights up, subliming its architecture.
