Pedregalejo
On a sunny weekend afternoon, there is no better place to see how malagueños enjoy themselves than the charming former fishing village of Pedregalejo.
Located on the eastern side of Malaga city, 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. There are many sandy or grassy spots where you can snooze after having eaten a big lunch.
In general, Pedregalejo is far less crowded than the touristy La Malagueta; but, having said that, from about 2pm onwards, the place comes alive as hundreds of people flock there for lunchtime.
Fantastic seafood
There are no shortage of options for food, and if you are a seafood lover, Pedregalejo boasts some of the best chiringuito beach bars 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.
If you want to guarantee a table for lunch, it’s best to arrive early or make a reservation.
How to get to Pedregalejo
If you’re 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.
Alex is an NCTJ-trained reporter and editor who has worked for national newspapers in the UK, covering high-profile events. A one-time resident, Alex immersed himself in the Malaga experience head-first, touching down in a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops with the word ‘guiri’ (metaphorically) stamped across his forehead.