If you ask any of your colleagues at a British office where they’re going for the summer holidays, chances you’ll hear somewhere in Andalucia or another hotspot in southern Spain. But why wait until the busiest time of the year, while you can escape the cold – and the crowds – on a weekend getaway to Málaga in the quiet season?
A dazzling blue sky, golden sunlight, stunning sea views and the warmth of 18 C in February should be enough reasons to hop on a less than 3-hour flight from London. Add historical sightseeing, art, and delicious local gastronomy and wine, and you should be convinced to go on a trip to Málaga, on the beautiful Costa del Sol.
Plan your trip to Málaga
You can easily find Ryanair return flights from Stansted and Luton airports to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Once you arrive, one of the most convenient ways to get to Málaga City is the A Express Bus, which runs every 25-to-45 minutes from 7 a.m. to midnight.
The journey takes about 30 minutes, and the ticket costs 4 euros, paid via contactless payments on the bus. Digital QR code tickets are also available on the EMT Malaga app.
Where to stay in Málaga
Hotels in the Old Town (Centro Historico) can be quite pricy. Considering that getting around Málaga is fairly easy by foot, bike, scooter and public transport, a good idea is to go for accommodation along the coastline in areas such as La Malagueta, La Caleta and Pedregalejo.
For instance, the Hotel Soho Boutique Los Naranjos in La Malagueta offers a comfortable stay for two guests from 80 pounds per night, it’s a walking distance from the beach and well-served with bus lines.
Other areas worth looking for stays include Soho, La Merced, La Victoria, and Lagunillas. The Spanish authorities have taken measures to control the number of short-term rental properties, but tourists will find a number of hotels in Málaga, especially during the quiet season.
Weekend getaway itinerary in Malaga
With a rich history, vibrant culture and stunning Mediterranean vibe, Malaga is a mid-size city with plenty to see. As most of the attractions are in the Centro Historico, those on a weekend getaway will be surprised by all that can be done in a short trip to Málaga.
On this two-night itinerary, you will discover how to make the most of your time.
Day 1: Friday afternoon arrival
Let’s begin the first day in Málaga with something the Spanish do superbly: Tapas!
• Go for tapas at Muelle Uno
Once you’re settled in your accommodation in Malaga, make your way to Muelle Uno, a famous open-air shopping and restaurant area in the Port of Málaga. Go for a quick glass of tinto de verano or sangria and some tapas in one of the many bars while marvelling at the calm waters.
• Experience the sunset at Mirador de Gibralfaro (viewpoint)
Although you will feel like lingering for a few hours at a tapas bar, remember to make the most of this weekend getaway to Málaga. It’s time to go on a 30-minute walk to the Mirador de Gibralfaro, an inspiring viewpoint that will move you along the city’s historic area and award you a memorable sunset.
• Have dinner (or another round of tapas) at Bodegas El Pimpi
One of the most famous wine & dine spots in Málaga, Bodegas El Pimpi will take you through memory lane. A charming 18th century building is home to this wine cellar founded in 1971, beautifully decorated with posters from the old days and pictures of celebrities, including Málaga-born actor Antonio Banderas.
The long queue shouldn’t let your hopes down, as the restaurant has plenty of tables across different areas including outdoor seating (with heating). Here’s where you can indulge in a proper dinner or go for another round of tapas – the patatas bravas and the Iberian pork tenderloin with mustard sauce are highly recommended. Seize it with a glass of Baron de Rivero and call it a night with a Turron puff pastry for dessert.
Day 2: Saturday of art and “tapas crawl”
This will be a day of pure indulgence.
• Savour breakfast at local cafés
Begin your Saturday with a delicious breakfast at one of the many cafés in Málaga. Mi Cafecito is lovely for eggs and a bowl of yoghurt with granola. Or, to start the day with a whole Malaga experience, Tejeringo’s Coffee is the ideal spot for a variation of churros called – you guessed it – tejeringos.
• Visit the Picasso museum
After your replenishing breakfast, make your way to the Museo Picasso Málaga, where you’ll be mesmerised by the stunning work of Málaga-born painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso. Even those who are not so familiar with him know his importance to the Cubism movement. The museum in his honour goes beyond it and shows more of his incredible contribution to the world of art, including Surrealism.
• Feed your soul at the Mercado de Atarazanas
Experience colours and flavours in one of the most lively places in the whole of Málaga. The Atarazanas Market gathers local and fresh products from the region. Mouthwatering fruit, cheese, ham and so much more. It’s a must-go attraction for getting a real vibe of Malagueta life and trying pescaíto, a small fried fish cherished by locals and visitors.
If you’re more of the meat type, El Capricho offers one of the most delicious pork sandwiches you will ever try!
• Taste vermouth at the Antigua Casa de Guardia
Let’s hope you save some space in the belly because the gastronomical journey in this short getaway to Málaga is far from the end. The next stop is at the Antigua Casa de Guardia, where you’ll get to taste delicious wine right from the barrels and, of course, the famous vermouth (vermut), a fortified wine flavoured with herbs and spices, served with ice and a slice of lemon.
• Go for a stroll on the beach
Now it’s time to boost your vitamin sea (and D). Going for a stroll on the coastline, marveling at peaceful Mediterranean waters, is all you need to feel rested and refreshed. Feel the warm touch of the sun without melting away – one of the wonders of coming to Málaga in the quiet and cooler season.
If you get tired, you can sit for a while in a chiringuito, a typical beach bar.
• Get ready for a “tapas crawl”
The best thing about this tapas culture is that you can try delicious Spanish food in small portions, so there’s always room for more. Now that you’re replenished from the walk on the beach, make your way back to the Centro Historico and begin a “tapas crawl” at Colmado 93, a small bar with an authentic Spanish vibe.
Then, the laid-back tavern La Tranca is your next destination for a glass of wine, a Russian salad and some croquetas de jamón while listening to classics of the Spanish – as well as Latin American – music.
Before calling it a day, if you’re still up for an outdoor nightcap, Carreteria 111 is your final stop for this second day on a weekend getaway in Málaga.
Day 3: Sunday of historical sightseeing
Before feeling sad about leaving the sun behind and making your way to the airport, save your last morning in Málaga for a history and culture lesson. Visit the Castle of Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba, a palatial fortification from the Muslim-ruled Al-Andalus period. A combined visit to both historical sites should last around three hours, and a ticket costs 5.50 euros.
Create lasting memories in Málaga
While indeed a magical summer destination, Málaga is also a true gem in the quiet season. A weekend getaway is all you need to enjoy a sunny Mediterranean vibe and discover an impressive culture, a beautiful historic centre and delicious tapas and wine for a replenishing holiday.
–––––––––––
Read more about Málaga here in Dispatches’ archives.
See more about Andrea here on her LinkedIn profile.
Andrea Juste is a writer and editor covering health, psychology, travel, productivity, thought leadership, and more. Andrea was born and raised in Brazil, where she worked for a decade as a journalist before moving to Italy in search of her roots, then the UK, to connect with different cultures. Based in London, she manages content marketing projects for clients worldwide.
