Pedregalejo
On a sunny weekend afternoon, there is no better place to see how malagueños enjoy themselves than the charming fishing village of Pedregalejo.
The seafront is jam packed with restaurants and bars, and attracts all types of people, from families with children enjoying a meal out to groups of young people gossiping over a beer.
The beach itself is divided into small, charming coves and is generally far less crowded than La Malagueta. There are many sandy or grassy spots where you can snooze having eaten a big lunch.
From about 2pm onwards the place comes alive, and it is advisable to arrive early if you want to guarantee a table for lunch.
How to get there: If you are feeling energetic, a lovely walk from the Malagueta beach heading east along the seafront will take around 45 minutes. Along the way you can pause for breath at a number of rest stops, armed with benches and some delightful views of the city.
Alternatively, catch the number 3 or 11 bus going to El Palo from Alameda Principal or Paseo del Parque. Get off at Baños del Carmen, a big outdoor restaurant on the beach. From there, follow the road for around five minutes and head right at the first opportunity to take you to the start of Pedregalejo’s famous Calle Bolivia.
Where to eat: There are no shortage of options for food, and if you are a seafood lover, Pedregalejo boasts some of the best Chiringuitos around, with chefs often frying fresh fish on the beach before your very eyes.
The most famous option is El Balneario but if fish isn’t your thing, Mafalda is an unfussy economical option, serving tasty burgers and sandwiches at low prices.
After lunch be sure to sample an ice cream at Heladería Cremades (a dulce de leche and white chocolate combination is particularly recommended) before finishing off with a cocktail at La Machina, a relaxed, surfer-style bar which is a great spot for taking in the sun and people-watching.
