A quick guide to exploring Malaga’s beach promenades on foot
Malaga offers a plethora of options for those who enjoy long walks with continuous scenic views.
From the eastern district of El Palo, you can walk all the way to the new Paseo in the Huelin district along the coast, passing through the city centre and the port.
Start in El Palo, in the east
For an extended walk, take bus line 11 to Playa Virginia at the end of El Palo and start at the well-known eatery El Tintero, where singing waiters ‘auction’ off their dishes.
From here, head in the direction of the city centre, passing many typical fish restaurants such as Restaurante Antonio (pictured below), renowned among locals for its fresh fish and sardine skewers.
The walk continues through the district of Pedregalejo with its colourful houses, leading to the popular former spa, and now restaurant, El Balneario at Baños del Carmen.
Recently declared a cultural heritage site by the Andalusian government, it offers particularly stunning sunset views.
Pedregalejo is a favourite among locals and visitors, thanks in part to the many bars and chiringuitos (beach bars) where you can enjoy typical fish dishes.
Throughout this part of the walk, you’ll have continuous views of Malaga Bay, which often hosts cruise ships during the summer months.
Touring Malaga’s harbour
After Pedregalejo and Baños del Carmen, the route leads towards La Malagueta (below) with its high-rises and Malaga’s port.
On this stretch, you’ll pass the luxurious Hotel Miramar, where Michelle Obama once stayed. By this point, you’ll have covered about five kilometres.
The walk takes you past the La Farola lighthouse and Antonio Banderas’ restaurant La Pergola, through the port of Malaga, and along the Palmeral de las Sorpresas walkway directly into the city centre.
Throughout this part of the route, particularly in the port, there are numerous opportunities to pause or enjoy tapas.
Modern charm in Huelin
Leaving the port and crossing Avenida de Manuel Agustín Heredia, you’ll find yourself in the Soho district, home to many small tapas bars where you can either end your walk or take a break.
To continue on another beach promenade in Malaga, return to Avenida de Manuel Agustín Heredia and head west. This stretch, though less picturesque due to traffic, improves as you reach Huelin, an old fishing district that has retained much of its original charm.
The expansive Parque de Huelin (below) offers an alternative to the beach, especially during the hot months.
Here, you’ll also be close to the Russian Museum and the Automobile Museum, both worth a visit.
Huelin boasts numerous tapas options, with Pichi de Cai, known for its specialties from Cadiz and its authenticity, being a notable recommendation.
For those still energetic, continue westward to the new, modern Paseo Marítimo Antonio Banderas at Playa de la Misericordia. This 1.2-kilometre stretch features wide bike paths and plenty of space, attracting locals and visitors in the evenings for volleyball and sunset views.
If you continue all the way to Sacaba Beach, the most western part of Malaga, bus number 40 will return you to the city centre. For a complete overview of buses in Malaga, click here.
Sabine is a German journalist based in Spain and runs cdspress, an agency specialising in content creation (article writing, blogging, and news reporting) for German and Spanish online media and small to medium-sized businesses. Sabine has 20 years of editorial experience, including as editor-in-chief currently of Costa del Sol Online and formerly of SUR deutsche Ausgabe.