La Malagueta Beach

This semi-urban beach, which lines an upmarket district of the city, is, without doubt, the most popular choice for the Malagueños. It reminds me a lot of the regenerated beach in Barcelona. I love the fact that it’s a mere 15 minutes’ stroll (if you’re taking it very easy) from the main shopping district, but hate the fact that it often gets strewn with litter, which is probably just down to the sheer number of people here in the height of the season. The water though is remarkably clean for a city centre beach. I’ve spent many hours watching the microcosm of society on the beach and the cruise liners coming and going from the nearby dock. A lovely way to spend an afternoon!

There’s a huge selection of ‘authentic’ (read: loud and lively) chiringuitos (beachbars), seving locally-caught fish and seafood, including the mouth-watering Malaga speciality pescaíto frito (small, fried fish).