La Malagueta is the beach of Málaga’s city centre – sand and sea a short walk from the cathedral. It stretches east of the port, below a line of apartment blocks and the Paseo Marítimo, and it is where locals come for a swim before work or a long lunch on Sunday.
What to expect
- A long urban beach of grey-brown sand, with calm water most of the year.
- Showers, toilets and lifeguards, mainly in summer.
- A seafront promenade lined with palm trees, perfect for walking or cycling.
Espetos
The great ritual of the Málaga coast is the espeto: fresh sardines threaded on a cane and grilled over a wood fire, often in an old boat filled with sand. The beach bars (*chiringuitos*) of La Malagueta serve them at lunch and dinner – sardines are at their best in the summer months.
Tips
- Arrive early on summer weekends to find space.
- Walk east along the coast to the beaches of Pedregalejo and El Palo, the old fishermen’s quarters.
- Stay for the sunset over the port.
