Pete says that we should always have a holiday booked, something to look forward to after the current one is over, even if it’s just a weekend away somewhere. It’s definitely a mantra I can get on board with. Despite our recent Vegas sojourn, we don’t always hit far-flung destinations and love to explore closer to home too. One of the places on our list is Malaga – lots of sunshine for me, great food for him and a lot of history and culture for us both. What’s more, it’s pretty easy to get to and negates some of the stresses around having to plan for travelling further afield.
Plan Ahead
There’s nothing worse at the end of a flight than having to work out how to get to your final destination or the next part of the journey. Is there public transport to where you need to get to? How much does it cost? Is it more cost-effective to take a taxi? Are transfers included? It’s possible to book Malaga airport transfers well in advance so it’s all taken care of and you can relax as soon as your feet hit solid ground.
Research Freebies
It’s always good to find ways of economising, even on holiday. Saving somewhere means you then have the opportunity to splurge somewhere else if you want to. In Malaga, whilst many of the historical attractions are free to get into, this sometimes only applies at certain times. A good example of this is the Picasso Museum which is free only on Sunday afternoons. Planning ahead means you may be able to take advantage, and I also love to ask Instagram as I tend to find the best recommendations that way. Also chat to locals – over the years we’ve been to amazing little restaurants not in the guidebooks necessarily but packed out with residents. They know their stuff!
Beach Bound
Malaga is of course famous in part for its beautiful beaches but with that fame comes a whole heap of people in summertime which neither of us are overly keen on. Plan ahead to be savvy and get off the beaten track. There are several more remote, less-visited playas. Sacaba, Pedregalego, and El Palo are all ones for the list, with the latter apparently serving fantastic seafood (something for Pete rather than me obviously! I have to say the only time I miss seafood is when we visit an area famed for it!)
Foooooooood!
Tapas is among the most popular ways to eat in Malaga and I am SO there for that. I always lose my appetite in warmer weather and tapas is perfect for grazing plus taking advantage of delicious vegan options. Be mindful also of the more relaxed way of service, especially compared to the UK and US. Asking for the bill rather than waiting for it is a necessity otherwise you may be waiting so long it will be time for more tapas!
Siesta Time
In Malaga (and in Spain more broadly), lunch is an important meal. Most of the city will therefore take a break for a few hours starting at around two. I think my best bet will be sightseeing in the morning and then relaxing in the afternoon – it’s been a long time since I’ve been to Spain but certain elements of the culture are so different to ours that I can’t just sleep in the middle of the afternoon.
Late Nights
One element of the Mediterranean lifestyle that I do adapt to very easily is their healthy attitude to eating and prioritising these important mealtimes. We’re so used to rushing around over here, grabbing something on the go here and there. I love their attitude to gathering with family and friends late into the evening for a meal and have always been amazed that even little children stay up so late when we’re fastidiously rooted to a certain routine. Malaga, I can definitely get on board with your way of being.
Have you got a holiday bucket list? Where are you planning your next travels?
Post in collaboration.
