Hola! 💃🏻💃🏻

I’m officially behind on my “Where Are We Now” blog posts. It’s been a hectic few weeks, and keeping up with our travel stories—especially with spotty WiFi—hasn’t been easy. Yes, first-world problems.

But honestly? Paris was freezing in January. So, why not chase the sun somewhere warmer? Since Rob needed to flex his Spanish, Spain was the obvious choice. The big question: where exactly? We debated between Málaga and Marbella, weighing the pros and cons. In the end, Málaga won. Bigger city, more amenities (a must for this city girl), yet still packed with the charm of a historic coastal town.

Good old Airbnb (always interesting),came through, landing us an apartment just a 10-minute walk from the old town. While the place lacked character, it made up for it with a massive sundeck—where we happily lounged every day, soaking up the sun. The neighbourhood, Trinidad, was super convenient. A little sketchy? Maybe. But that’s part of the charm. We came to experience the real Málaga, not some Disneyland version of it… right?

That said, if I were to plan again, I would 100% stay in the old town, I loved its charm and convenience. If you’re looking for a great spot, check out I Loft Malaga, a lovely selection of rental apartments for your next trip to Malaga. After seeing our friend’s beautiful place, I’ll admit…there may have been a little apartment envy. And the best part? The pricing was on par with Airbnb!

The Atarazanas Market

If you’re a local, it’s Mercado de Atarazanas, and one of my favourites. It’s a vibrant, historic market known for its fresh seafood, produce, meats, and local delicacies. We ate at a few different spots inside the market; it’s a lot of fun and the energy! Not to mention, there’s a lot of beer and wine being poured too. Pull up to one of the many stalls—it’s standing room only. Or grab a table outside, where the servers keep the freshest, most incredible seafood coming your way!

Beaches and Coastal Vibes

A little beach time or shopping on the promenade? Why not both? Each offers a unique experience. If you’re in the mood to relax on golden sands with gentle Mediterranean waves, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. And if you’re looking for a bit of a workout, there are several areas on the beaches with gym equipment. I use the term loosely; it’s nothing fancy, but it does the job.

Just a short stroll away, Muelle Uno offers a different vibe—a modern waterfront promenade with shopping, dining, and bars set against the backdrop of a bustling port.

The promenade and beach walk stretch for miles, making it easy to soak in the scenery. Grab a coffee—plenty of options—or stop for a little aperitif afterward, all while getting your steps in!

Old Town

Málaga’s Old Town is a must. I love wandering its narrow streets, soaking in the history, beautiful architecture, and lively cafés. And the tapas—endless tapas on every corner! But honestly? I think I’ve reached my limit—I can’t eat another bite! More on food below…

Did you know Málaga is the birthplace of the legendary Picasso? Museo Picasso Málaga houses an impressive collection of his works, offering a glimpse into his creative genius. You can also visit Casa Natal de Picasso, his childhood home, to learn more about his early life and inspirations.

Another must-see is the Málaga Cathedral. Dating back to the 14th century, its stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles makes it a true architectural gem.

Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro offer stunning city views and are worth visiting. But instead, we opted for Mirador de Gibralfaro, a free walkway leading up to the Castillo. The views—and the steep climb—were just as impressive. Our reward? Burger King. Yup!

Good Eats

We mostly cooked for ourselves, but there were still several opportunities to sample the local cuisine, hence my “I’m done with tapas…” There are so many restaurants, some good, some “What the heck did I order?” Here’s a list of a few of our favourites, all in the Old Town.

Bugio, we discovered this restaurant on our first night and ended up eating there three times. It offers a fusion of Spanish, Italian and Asian cuisine. Is that a thing? It is here, and we totally enjoyed it!

Bar La Tranca, Yes, it’s a bar, but everyone, including kids, is welcome. Our Airbnb hosts recommended this little spot to us. Packed with locals and tourists, it was fun and lively. And, most importantly, the tapas was delicious. Ok, the wine was too!

Bodega El Pimpi, Situated in an 18th-century historic home, is divided into various rooms and patios, oozing with character and charm. It’s a fun spot and very popular, so reservations are recommended for dinner.

We had a lovely stay in Málaga; three weeks was plenty. Our goal was to escape the cold—mission accomplished! The weather was mild, and the crowds were minimal. I can’t imagine how crazily busy it must be in the high season. It was easy to get around; we walked everywhere, and the train station was very convenient. While a car was needed for a couple of day trips, it wasn’t mandatory.

Málaga is a lively city, and I’d like to think we got a real taste of local life. Would I trade my beloved Paris for Málaga? Not quite. But I’ll definitely be back—for the sunshine, the friendly locals, and maybe, just maybe, to finally learn some self-control around tapas.