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A Girl's Guide to

Malaga, spain

june 24, 2018

Keep me from the sea for too long and I start to dry up, and not in the lack of moisture kind of way, but in the void of idea, dull thoughts, and off-color inspiration kind of way. Not to mention my pale complexion craved some rays and my locks could use some of that wavy texture gifted from the Mediterranean’s salty tides. So I booked a last minute flight to the hub of Andalucia Spain, Malaga.

 

This coastal city serves as a cultural capital and transport center for nearby, relaxed, vacation towns such as Marbella and Nerja. With so much to do in Malaga in such a short stay, I didn’t make it out of the city center, yet I am already anticipating a return to Andalucia, where I intend to post up on the beach of one of these sleepy towns with a book and nothing on my “to do” list for at least seven days. Until then, here’s what I got up to in Malaga.

sEE // Do

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  • Playa Malagueta located within walking distance from the Old Town is a surprisingly stunning beach. I’ve noticed that on the European side of the Med, one must often leave the bigger cities to access the nice beaches. Yet this one is lovely with views of the surrounding mountains, sea, and Spanish architecture.

 

  • The Centro de Arte Contemporaneo (CAC) of Malaga is colorful and inspiring. This FREE museum is a lovely respite from the hot sun with very cool exhibits.

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  • Urban street art near the CAC, known as MAUS, showcase local muralists and graffiti artists.

 

  • Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a bustling covered market in the historic old town. It;s worth popping in to see the colorful displays of produce and daily catch from the Med. Grab a fresh juice to go or some olives to munch.

 

 

  • The grand architecture of Cathedral of Malaga dominate the Old Town Center. One may peak inside at the ornate interiors or stroll through the adjacent, peaceful gardens.

 

  • Parque de Malaga gives a bit of shade and lush color with local flora and fauna creating a tunnel of a path through this green space.

 

  • Along the seafront, Paseo del Muello Uno stuns with it’s overhead, shading installation. Walk the length of this strip for full impact.

 

  • Le Centre Pompidou of Malaga serves as an outpost to the original based in Paris. This contemporary art museum is housed below a magnificent, colorful, glass cube located at the eastern end of the Paseo del Muello.​

Eat // Drink

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  • Eboka Restaurante has excellent service to match its elevated Spanish cuisine. Don’t miss the yummy croquettes as a starter.

 

  • Bodega Bar El Pimpi is a tapas institution. While I personally felt the food was artificial tasting, their coffee did the trick, and you can’t beat the view of adjacent Alcazaba. Additionally, the interiors are incredibly colorful and traditional.

 

 

  • ATICO Rooftop Bar and Restaurant at AC Marriot offers sweeping city and sea views shared amongst swanky patrons over cocktails and cava.

 

 

  • L’experience serves tapas at the foot of the grand Cathedral of Malaga.

 

  • Astrid Tapas is located in an artsy area, just outside of the Old Town. They specialize in organic and farm-to-table tapas.

sHOP // sPLURGE

 

  • Calle Marques de Larios is the primary commercial shopping street with big names like Zara and Mango. Even if you’re more interested in boutique shopping (like moi), it’s worth passing through to enjoy the more ritzy architecture and interesting mix of people.

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gETTING tHERE // GETTING AROUND

 

Upon landing in Malaga one can take the bus (30 minutes, approximately 2 euros) or taxi (15 minutes, approximately 15 euros) into the city center.

 

While staying in Malaga, I walked everywhere, as it is a small enough city and everything worth seeing is relatively close in proximity. Additionally, one can rent a bike or take a taxi.

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