Málaga, Spain: Beaches, Wine, and Unexpected Friendships
Málaga is a small city in the south of Spain that sits right on the Mediterranean. Known for its golden beaches, lively city center, and rich food and wine culture, it’s a place that blends relaxation with history and nightlife. What surprised me most? How many new friendships and adventures I stumbled into along the way.
Exploring the City Center
Málaga’s city center is full of charm, with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and plenty of places to eat. You can spend hours wandering through the pedestrian-only shopping area, popping into tapas bars, and enjoying a café con leche in the sunshine.
Hiking for the Views
One morning, I hiked up a mountain just outside the city with a friend. The climb was worth it for the sweeping views across Málaga — red-tiled roofs stretching into the distance, framed by the sparkling sea. It was a reminder of how perfectly this city balances beach life with outdoor adventure.
Meeting People on the Road
Málaga was also where I leaned into how easy it can be to meet people while traveling. Through the Hostelworld group chat, I joined a bar crawl and ended up running into travelers I’d met a few days earlier in Seville.
It feels like there’s a natural “route” people take through southern Spain — Seville, Málaga, Granada — so it’s no surprise to keep bumping into the same faces. Between Hostelworld and even Hinge, I found myself in a little travel crew. We rented a car, shared Airbnbs, and kept the adventures going.
Food, Wine & Market Mornings
The food in Málaga is reason enough to visit. One morning, I met my friends Chanely and Anzor at the local market for some quick bites. I tried anchovies for the first time — drizzled with olive oil and lemon, they were surprisingly refreshing.
From there, Anzor (a winemaker from Adelaide, Australia) brought us to what’s said to be the oldest wine bar in Málaga, maybe even in Spain. Inside, the walls were lined with giant barrels, and for just €1–5, you could order glasses of house-made wine. The pours were generous (basically two shots per glass), and the flavors were bold and delicious.
We sampled red, white, and port-style wines before heading to the beach to relax with friends from the hostel. Later that night, we gathered again for dinner — one of those easygoing travel days that feels both spontaneous and unforgettable.
An Unexpected Futbol Adventure
The next day, Anzor told us he was heading back to Seville to watch the home opener futbol match: Valencia vs. Sevilla. He offered to get tickets for the group, and we jumped at the chance.
We booked a BlaBlaCar ride, found an Airbnb, and the following night I found myself in the middle of a packed stadium. It was my first live soccer game, and the energy was electric. The chants, cheers, and pure passion for the game radiated through the stands.
After Sevilla’s win, the streets turned into one giant party. Dancing, singing, and celebrations spilled into every square. What started as a casual beach day in Málaga ended with one of the most exhilarating sports experiences of my life.
Where to Stay in Málaga
Málaga has something for every type of traveler — from boutique hotels to Airbnbs and social hostels.
✨ Boutique Hotels (Affordable Luxury)
Room Mate Valeria – A stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop pool overlooking the port.
Soho Boutique Colón – Trendy and central, perfect for shopping and nightlife.
✨ Airbnbs (For Slow Travelers)
Charming apartments in the historic center let you live like a local.
Beachfront stays in La Malagueta are perfect for sunrise walks and sea views.
✨ Hostels (For Meeting People)
The Lights Hostel – Known for its rooftop bar and friendly, social vibe.
Picnic Dreams Boutique Hostel – Smaller, stylish, and perfect for travelers who like community without the chaos.
👉 Tip: Book early in summer or around major events — Málaga is popular with both locals and international visitors.
Why Málaga Belongs on Your Spain Itinerary
Málaga is more than just a beach destination. It’s a city where you can wander historic streets, hike for panoramic views, eat and drink your way through local markets and wine bars, and meet people who might just turn into lifelong friends.
For me, it was a mix of beaches, wine, markets, nightlife, and an unexpected soccer adventure — the kind of travel experience that keeps you saying yes to whatever comes next. If you’re exploring southern Spain, make sure Málaga is on your list.
