Malaga is a favourite destination for countless British tourists seeking a bit of sun, sand and beautiful sights at the heart of Spain’s world-renowned Costa del Sol. The buzzing seaside town is loved for its beaches, nightlife, historical and cultural activities and unique centuries-old Moorish architecture.
Some less-publicised aspects of the city however, are the fantastic opportunities available for foodies looking to sink their teeth into some of the best dishes Spain has to offer. Malaga specialises in fish and seafood, but there are plenty of options for carnivores and vegetarians, too. Below you’ll find some of the food markets you shouldn’t miss on your next trip to Malaga.
Atarazanas
This is one of Malaga’s oldest and most traditional markets. The stunning arch of the entrance is hundreds of years old, dating back to the period of Arabic domination over Spain in the fourteenth century. Back then, the Mercado functioned as a massive shipyard, boasting seven of these impressive arches. Today it’s known for its mouth-watering fish dishes, best enjoyed in the traditional ‘Malagueño’ style – fried and served with a lemon wedge. Naturally, there are also tapas bars aplenty.
Mercado de la Merced
The Mercado de la Merced is quickly becoming one of Malaga’s trendiest hotspots to catch a bite to eat or enjoy a relaxing drink. Located just a five-minute walk from the historic Old Town, the Mercado also functions as a hub of creativity and innovation. It houses over 20 stalls from which you can buy products such as cured hams, tapas, sushi and fresh vegetables. Just renovated, the Mercado provides a brilliant contrast with the nearby old city for those who want to appreciate an eclectic blend of Spanish architecture.
Mercado de Salamanca
If it’s local flavour you’re after, you really can’t do better than the Mercado de Salamanca. Like the Atarazanas market, its gorgeous Moorish architecture offers up plenty of visual feasts for culture-hungry travellers. Locals claim that the market’s colourful stalls actually house the city’s highest-quality and freshest fish, seafood, meat and other produce.
Once you’ve had your fill, be sure to walk through the city’s most cheerful residential neighbourhoods on your way to the City Centre just ten minutes away – you’ll have plenty of stories to tell when you return after haggling with the market’s vendors!
How to Get There
You’ll definitely want to fly from the UK into Malaga directly to save yourself the hassle of needless connections. Once you arrive in Malaga, airport transfers are generally seen as the most cost-effective and convenient way to get to your hotel. There are many different types of Malaga Airport transfers available to you, so there’s no need to stress.
If after your flight you’re feeling a bit peckish, you might want to direct one of your Malaga Airport transfers directly to our recommended food markets instead of your hotel – you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers in various countries across the globe. If you’re looking for affordable Malaga airport transfers, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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