Spain (Spring 2023) - Malaga (Day 3)
We decided to explore up the coast along the beaches on this day and rented bikes to head north up the Mediterranean coast.
We rented bikes from an outfit near the water. We booked it for a half day but wound up using the full day. If I recall correctly it was like 16 Euros per bike for the day.
Biking Along the Beaches
The owners of this place where we rented the bikes were super nice (and they were Brits). I was surprised when the daughter said that she didn’t speak Spanish
Playa el Dedo
Our destination was a popular seafood restaurant up a ways on the beach so we headed to El Dedo beach. Most of the way was on the boardwalk but you need to ride in the street for a little bit to get there.
We were told to get there early because everywhere gets extremely busy and they were right.
It was still relatively quiet as we got there in the late morning but by the afternoon, all of the places wouldn’t seat you even if they had empty tables (I think because the locals already had reservations for them or they were saving the seats for locals).
El Tintero
This is a beloved spot that people flock to, especially on a nice day or the weekends. We got there way early and were able to easily get a seat. So early in fact that we could get drinks but not food yet. By the time we left, there was a huge line waiting to find a table.
There is a menu but that mainly just tells you what is available - you don’t order from it. Instead, waiters walk around with food when it is cooked and just yell what it is that they have (in Spanish). You then flag them down and they bring it to you. A bit kind of like Dim Sum.
The exception is drinks, you can order drinks from them whenever you want.
I think people love this place for the festive chaotic atmosphere as much as for the tasty seafood.
Walking the beach after lunch
The espetos are sardines on a skewer grilled on an open flame (usually in a boat). I had wanted to try some after we ate at the restaurant but by that time, none of the seaside restaurants roasting them would seat you. All the places that were empty when we got there were packed.
Would get a chance to eat them later on in the week but no luck today.
Since we already had the bikes we figured we would stop a few more places and just pay for the full day on the bikes.
El Mercader
We decided to stop for beers. This place is next to El Gallo Rojo that we went to earlier. Again - the parked cars kind of ruin the beach view a bit.
Playa de la Malagueta
We also felt it was appropriate to dip our toes into the Mediterranean since we were there. It was mid-March so the water is still a bit cool but the weather was warm enough for people to flock to the beach.
Cathedral - Catedral de la Encarnacion Malaga
We walked by the cathedral again which is pretty often given where it’s situated. We actually did not go in. When you tour Europe, you can kind of get church fatigue as there are a lot of churches to see. One notable element of this place is that they never finished the construction as one of the bell towers in incomplete. The other reminds you that it’s there with the ever present ringing throughout the day.
Meson Mariano
This is a very popular spot and we got there when it opened to ensure a seat. We were able to snag some at the bar area. You can see the line of people waiting in the photo above.
They are known for their artichokes but I will admit I’m not much of an artichoke fan. What I did discover here is flamenquines. Apparently it is cheese rolled up in pork/ham and then breaded and deep fried. Yes please.
Packed streets of Malaga as we walked home