Top 10: Malaga Edition

Hi everyone!

In my last post I talked all about my trip to Lisbon, but that wasn’t the only city that I visited when I traveled to Europe over Thanksgiving. I also swung by Málaga, Spain to soak up some sun and check out what this beach town had to offer. I am happy to say that Málaga has quite a bit to offer, including historic and modern museums, stunning architecture and delicious spanish and mediterranean cuisine! It was tough to narrow down, but here are the top 10 highlights of my Málaga trip that I wanted to share with you. I hope you enjoy!

1. AC Hotel Málaga Palacio – I stayed at the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio on my last day in Málaga, and true to it’s name, I felt like royalty. I grew up in a Hilton household, but this AC Hotel completely changed the game for me – from the wood floors and marble bathroom, to the balcony, to the rooftop pool and bar, I loved everything about this hotel!
   

   luxury in Malaga! My hotel room at the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio

   

   #bathroomgoals at the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio

   

   View from the AC Malaga Palacio rooftop!
2. Centre Pompidou Málaga – I was so excited to visit this museum because I had been to the original in Paris when I was in high school and loved it. Unfortunately, a lot of the installations were being switched out so I only saw a few pieces, but they were still very interesting! I am not an art aficionado by any means, but I do enjoy the cultural insights that art provides, so I always try to visit at least one museum when I’m traveling.

   

3. Museo Picasso – Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, so I couldn’t leave the city without visiting the museum that holds some of his original works. Photos are prohibited inside the museum, but since I’m a rebel at heart I had to sneak a few (shhh don’t tell!)
   

   Museo Picasso

   

   Painting inside the Museo Picasso

   

   Sculpture inside the Museo Picasso
4. Castillo de Gibralfaro – This magnificent 14th century castle overlooks both the city and port of Málaga, but to get those beautiful views you have to work for it. As Miley Cyrus once said “it’s #theclimb.” But as brutal as those steep inclines were for me, it was all worth it when I got to top and got to explore the Gibralfaro castle and see the city of Málaga from above.
   

   Views from Castillo de Gibralfaro

   

   Views from Castillo de Gibralfaro
5. Alcazaba of Málaga – Next door to Castillo de Gibralfaro is another historic monument, the Alcazaba of Málaga. This palatial fortification was built in the 11th century, and as I explored the expansive fortress grounds, I was in awe of it’s beauty.
   

   Outside of Gibralfaro

   

   Taking in the beauty of Gibralfaro (okay actually I was taking photos!)

   

   serene corner of Gibralfaro
6. Parque de Málaga – If I’d had more time in Málaga I would have blocked out 2-3 hours just to sit in the park and read, have a little picnic and do a sudoku puzzle or two. Parque de Málaga is so beautiful, it looks like it is straight out of a painting. The park is enveloped in lush greenery and orange trees, and I was enamored by this gorgeous public park.
   

   The prettiest park in Malaga!

   

   park perfection

   

   orange trees everywhere!
7. Osteria Angelino dal 1899 – This charming Italian restaurant is tucked away on a small side street in Málaga, and has delicious offerings including tasty bruschetta, flavorful spaghetti carbonara (my favorite), and mouth-watering tiramisu. I’d recommend going to this restaurant for a romantic date night, and sharing plates!

   

8. Port of Málaga – Málaga is known for it’s beaches, but I actually enjoyed the Port more than the beach! Watching the cruise ships and yachts sail on the coast of the Mediterranean while drinking a glass of rosé had me feeling like the queen I aspire to be.

   

9. Mercado Central Atarazanas – The city’s central market, Atarazanas has everything you need for a delicious home cooked meal. From fish to meat to fresh fruits and vegetables, I loved watching shoppers barter with the vendors, and I even got some cheese from a stand for myself!
   

   fruit stand at the market

   

   meat and cheese stand at the market

   

   beautiful window at Mercado Central
10. Taberna Uvedoble – With delicious food and a lively atmosphere, Taberna Uvedoble was perfect restaurant choice for my last night out in Málaga. The bustling tapas bar has some the most amazing small bites I think I’ve ever had! I indulged in traditional spanish croquettes, salmon tartar, foie gras and veal burgers, and was so full by the end I thought they were going to have to roll me out. I highly recommend eating at Taberna Uvedoble if you visit Málaga, and if I ever return to the city I will definitely be first in line.