Chiringuitos: Malaga’s iconic traditional beach bars
Did you know that, on average, a chiringuito can be found every 500 metres along the Costa del Sol?
They’re even more frequent in bustling tourist centres and in Malaga city, in particular, with one every 150 metres.
But what exactly is a chiringuito?
A Malaga invention
Typically, a chiringuito is a small establishment located on the beach, offering drinks and typically serving fish and seafood caught nearby.
What you might not know is that the chiringuito is a Malaga invention, with the first one in Spain appearing in 1882 in Malaga’s fishermen’s neighborhood of El Palo.
Even today, El Palo is renowned among locals for having some of the best chiringuitos to savour the local pescaito (fried fish).
The origin of the name “chiringuito”
However, while this type of beach bar may be a Malaga invention, the term “chiringuito” wasn’t coined until 1913.
That was when a journalist from Madrid named a small beach bar in Sitges, Barcelona, as a tribute to his visits to Cuba and their particular way of ordering coffee at the time.
The name stuck, and the concept then spread across Spain.
Are chiringuitos and beach clubs the same?
While both chiringuitos and beach clubs share the basic characteristic of being an outdoor spot by the sea where you can enjoy a drink, they are fundamentally different in style and atmosphere.
Chiringuitos are usually simple, unpretentious establishments with basic decor and furniture, often located directly on the sand. The atmosphere is casual, focusing on serving fresh seafood.
A hallmark of a traditional chiringuito is the presence of a boat in which the famous sardine espetos are grilled on an open flame.
Beach clubs, meanwhile, are more upscale and visually appealing with boho, Balinese or Ibizan decor.
These cater to a more international crowd and offer a varied menu that often includes fusion and international cuisine.
Generally, they feature chill-out and house music played by DJs, drinks, cocktails and luxurious amenities like Balinese beds, providing a more sophisticated beach experience.
What to eat at a chiringuito
If you want to experience the authentic life and gastronomy of Malaga, a visit to a typical chiringuito is a must.
The highlight of any chiringuito is undoubtedly its menu. Typical offerings include the aforementioned espetos, which are sardines skewered and grilled over an open flame; a variety of local fish, fried to perfection; and fresh and often locally sourced seafood.
These dishes are best enjoyed with a very cold beer or a refreshing tinto de verano (red wine mixed with lemon soda).
Beware, though. Many chiringuitos in Malaga are seasonal and, therefore, close throughout the winter months. Check before you set off!
Daryl is the co-founder of Malaga Guru. He is a copywriter, editor and translator who moved to Malaga a decade ago having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found this site in 2016.