I’m back … this time it’s to talk about the fun and cultural stuff to do in Malaga city centre . There’s so much I kinda guess we only touched the surface …

We called at a few roof-top bars but I’m going to start with my favourite Atico which is situated on the 15th floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott Málaga Palacio. It came highly recommended by a few people and I can see why.

Entry will set you back 8 euros ; for this you get your first drink free which conveniently costs 8 euros . We had a large Gin & Tonic each which was so good we had a couple more!

The views from the terrace are absolutely stunning.

You can see right out across the whole of Malaga city, the Port , the Castle and the beautiful Cathedral, which is so close you feel if you reached out far enough you could almost touch it.

Isn’t she beautiful.

There was a very chilled atmosphere.

There are a few overhead heaters along the wall adjacent to the bar. It can get quite cold [ and windy] if your not near any of these so it’s advisable to take a light cardigan / coat with you… Typically it gets far too hot if your sat underneath one of the heaters . You could literally feel your makeup melting off !

The DJ played some great old school dance tunes [the type that got us tapping our feet, reminiscing and singing along]. The aqua-blue pool looked very tempting … in-fact the whole set-up was extremely beautiful and dreamy.

I keep showing the BF photos … you know in the vein hope he’ll pick up on my hints. So far I’m hitting blanks. I would love to pop across for another long weekend and stay at the actual hotel. From what I saw it looked equally as impressive as the bar.

I really want to go back !

Located at : Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1, 29015 Málaga

Other recommended roof top bars –

La Terraza de la Alcazaba – Calle Alcazabilla, 12, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Has great views of the castle and city.

A lively bar on the top floor of a Hostel with a great selection of cocktails. It took us forever to find it but it was worth it!

[ photo below courtesy of La Terraza de La Alcazaba Facebook page]

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In total contrast we also paid a visit to the oldest sherry bar in Malaga – Antigua Casa de Guardia. It dates back to 1840!

It was very busy, authentic, no airs and graces … it’s reminiscent of a cellar with sherry in barrels at the back of the bar. Everything is on draft.

We plumped for a glass of Traditional Malaga Sherry which cost us 1.20 euros each. I love sherry so I was in my element. Some of the others weren’t so keen so I got to finish theirs off too. Bonus.

There’s no till … the bartender writes what you owe on the bar in chalk and when you’ve paid wipes it off.

Love it .

You must pay a visit to feel like a local and to try and muster a smile from the very stern looking bar men ! We didn’t succeed …

Located at : Alamenda Principal 18, 29005 Málaga

The Smallest Irish Pub in the World

It’s basically a box [ it’s so tiny! ] with a small exterior drinking area. Don’t cross over the green line , which is obviously the perimeter of the drinking area; it sends the head waiter into a state of panic !

Always packed there is a great, lively atmosphere and the staff are good fun.

It’s a great place to sit and people watch.

Located at : · Centro Histórico, Malaga

Carol and I called in the next morning while ‘sight-seeing’ . We had just walked the hour and abit from the beach house to Malaga city centre and a beer was well deserved.

We left the other ladies at the beach sleeping. They’re obviously not hard core like us.

Anyway I digress , I was rather fascinated by this old Spanish guy …

Does anybody else do that … wonder what he’s called, whether he’s on a date and been stood up , how long it took him to get his moustache like that ??

Perhaps it’s just me but I drank and pondered.

The Cathedral

Is stunning both inside and out. I urge you to pay a visit if only to stand and appreciate its beauty.

It’s full name is  Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Our Lady of Incarnation) although in Málaga it is simply known as “the Cathedral”

Its foundations were laid around 1530 and work ended in the 17th century, although it remains unfinished. It lacks coping on the main façade and the south tower.

She still looks beautiful to me.

We were lucky enough to be allowed entry during mass on the Sunday morning . There was no charge but out of respect they ask you dress respectively .

I had a few moments … the hymns and general atmosphere sent me all goosey.

We lit a candle for my mum; well I say that. Due to Health & Safety / the world generally gone crazy , we placed a euro in a slot and a plastic candle lit up. Bizarre , a little bit naff , but I guess it holds the same sentiment.

I’m sure it would have made mum chuckle.

Located at : Calle Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Puerto de Malaga

We only had time for a leisurely stroll through … again it’s somewhere I’d love to return to and explore more. Three days really wasn’t long enough to do everything We wanted to.

There were lots of bars and restaurants that looked very welcoming and it was spotlessly clean.

Alcazaba

Situated on one of the many high hills near Malaga the Alcazaba is more than a castle.   Built as a defensive structure, the Malaga Alcazaba  is also an architectural marvel.

From the Arab word ‘al-qasbah’ meaning ‘fortress‘, the Alcazaba was constructed over a period of several hundred years.

Some of the earliest sections date back to the late 8th century after the Moors first conquered Spain. Parts built on still older Roman foundations are still visible.

We only managed to walk part of the perimeter wall. The sun came out in full force , and combined with our hangovers we thought we were going to melt .

The views however towards the Port , over the gardens and Town Hall where fabulous. Well worth the blood, sweat and tears

Located at : Cl Alcazabilla 2 29012 Malaga

I’m going to end on something a little fun. The Public Toilets in Malaga made my heart happy …

just look at them

Aren’t they just wonderful.

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Malaga you were beautiful , you were beaming with history … you surprised me. I would love to come and see you again some day.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my little guide. Obviously we visited a lot more bars and restaurants but I would be here forever if I mentioned them all. [What can I say … we love a drink ] These for me were the stand out places ; places I would recommend.

I can’t finish without mentioning my fabulous holiday buddies – Karen, Rachel, Leigh and Carol. I always say that when you are with the right people … you can be absolutely anywhere and have a blast .

And that’s just what we did !

Until next time, Tracey x

Part 1 – Accommodation and Beach // HERE