Location: Costalita, C. Trajano, 16, 29688 Estepona, Málaga

Budget: €240-€480 / night

Date of Stay: April 2024

4* Flag Hotel is located on the ‘Costalita’ part of the Costa del Sol – between Marbella, Estepona and Benahvis – with easy access to all three towns of the ‘golden triangle’.

We checked in on a Sunday morning after a busy work week of tours with some fabulous clients. Immediately we were hit by the tranquility that exudes from the spacious lobby. Check in was friendly and efficient and we were shown to our corner suite, overlooking the pool with views to the med. The suite is more akin to a small studio than a hotel room, with a huge terrace and multiple seating areas. Mdern and sleek, it was equipped with everything we could wish for, from a nespresso machine to corkscrew 😉

We spent the afternoon relaxing by the gorgous heated saltwater pool, surrpunded by the beauifully landscaped tropical gardens.

The next morning we enjoyed the amazing a la carte breakfast. Personally, I prefer a la carte breakfast as I generally find the offerings to be of a much higher standard (prepared to order) and it also prevents me from overeating!

The Flag Estepona is well situated on the Costalita: Equidistant between and just a 15 minute drive to Puerto Banus, Estepona and Benhavis. The hotel has bicycles available for guests to rent – I recommend taking advantage of this and heading along the beach promenade/path to explore the coast to the east and to the west. 

The Flag Gallery

The festivities extend beyond the religious aspects, as the streets come alive with various cultural activities. Visitors can enjoy lively music performances, traditional dances, and street vendors offering delicious local cuisine. The celebration also includes exciting fireworks displays, adding to the festive spirit and creating a mesmerizing spectacle for all to behold.

La Virgen del Carmen celebration in Malaga is a time of immense joy, faith, and community spirit. It is a cultural extravaganza that allows locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of the region. Whether one is religious or not, the festive ambiance and the sense of unity during this celebration make it a truly unforgettable experience in Malaga.

La Virgen del Carmen, Sunday July 16th

Malaga, Spain

All of the local fishing ports towns and villages will be celebrating. A few of our favourites are:

El Palo
Pedregalejo
La Carihuela (Torremolinos)

Generally the figure of the Virgin Mary exits the church and starts her procession towards the beach/port between 18h-20h (6-8pm) and will embarc around 2 hours later. The timings vary from town to town so consult the local town hall’s website or local press for the schedule for your town. if you get to the beach for around 8pm you should see all the action on the water.

Location: Cruz del Humilladero, Malaga

Budget: €70-€120 / person (for the tasting menu without/with wine pairing)

Date of Visit: June 2023

When it comes to dining out in Malaga, ‘downtown’ restaurants are the obvious choice. But what if I told you that one of the best places to eat in town is just a short walk or taxi ride away from the hustle and bustle of Malaga’s touristic old town? Welcome to La Alvaroteca, located in the La Cruz del Humilladero district. We believe it’s the ultimate non-historic centre gem in Malaga.

Chef Álvaro Ávila, a local lad from this very district – located near the mainline train station, aims to bring you the finest local cuisine with his own imaginative twists. La Alvaroteca is all about the food. Chef Álvaro may not have had formal culinary training, but he has worked with big names in Spanish gastronomy, including Aznak. And more importantly, he grew up surrounded by food. His mother, hailing from Jaén in northern Andalusia, is an incredible cook—one he attributes a great deal of his passion and skill to. 

Mix the influence of his family roots in Jaén, and his upbringing in this very district of Malaga, and you have the recipe for Álvaro’s unique cooking style. Over the past decade, he has evolved from traditional tapas to create exquisite fine dining experiences.

La Alvaroteca takes pride in using fresh, seasonal ingredients that take center stage on their ever-changing menu. Álvaro keeps things interesting by changing the tasting menu on a weekly basis, often themed around a specific type of food or style of eating, such as tapas. This unique approach ensures that each visit to La Alvaroteca is a fresh experience, and you’ll likely never encounter the same dish twice.

You can opt for à la carte dining or go all-in with their tasting menu. Both options offer a delightful culinary adventure where the dishes are never quite what you expect – even if they sound familiar.

GYOZA DE CALLOS, SU GAZPACHUELO Y HABITAS DEL TORCAL

COCHINILLO CONFITADO, MANGO Y JENGIBRE

If you prefer to explore the à la carte menu, it offers a wide array of options. From lighter options such as tantalizing tacos, through various seafood, fish and meat options, to hearty stews, as well as Álvaro’s irresistible rice dishes (paellas!) that are a must-try.

Of course, no extraordinary meal is complete without a selection of excellent wines. La Alvaroteca boasts an impressive wine cellar with over 200 labels, showcasing wines from Malaga and beyond.

If you opt for the tasting menu at €67 per person, you can choose from pairing options for an additional cost. For €35, you’ll enjoy five carefully selected wines, or you can upgrade to the premium selection for €50. Alternatively, trust the knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff to recommend the perfect wine to accompany each dish—they truly know their stuff.

As I mentioned, La Alvaroteca is away from the hustle and bustle of the historic centre. It’s accessible on foot from the old town in around 30 minutes, but I recommend taking a taxi at around 5€, which will get you there in air-conditioned fashion, in around 7 minutes!

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Malaga that goes beyond the tourist hotspots in the city center, La Alvaroteca should be at the top of your list. With its imaginative cuisine, constantly evolving menu, and reasonable prices, it’s a hidden gem that’s sure to delight your taste buds. ¡Buen provecho!

La Alvaroteca Gallery

Music, Dance, and Festive Atmosphere:

La Noche de San Juan in Malaga is characterized by a lively atmosphere, where music and dance are central to the celebrations. Beach parties, live performances, and traditional folklore fill the air, inviting everyone to join the revelry. Flamenco music, rhythmic beats, and the sounds of laughter create an ambiance of joy and unity. The beaches start filling up from late in the afternoon, and people come together to share delicious food and drinks, fostering a strong sense of community.

La Noche de San Juan in Malaga is a mesmerizing celebration that combines tradition, folklore, and a touch of enchantment. As the city comes alive with bonfires, music, dance, and joyous gatherings, locals and visitors alike experience the magic and power of this unique night. The sense of unity and the belief in the transformative qualities of fire and water create an atmosphere of hope, renewal, and celebration of life. If you find yourself in Malaga during the summer solstice, immerse yourself in the enchantment of La Noche de San Juan and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Location: Calle San Juan, Malaga

Budget: €40-€60 / person

Date of Visit: June 2023

Discover the Finest Culinary Delights at Bendito Restaurant in Malaga. Malaga-born Chef Mario Rosado Segado leads a passionate and talented team in the creation of internationally-inspired dishes, using the freshes, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Indulge in a gastronomic journey at Bendito, one of the best restaurants in Malaga, renowned for its exquisite cuisine and unforgettable dining experience. Read on to explore the mouthwatering delights awaiting you.

Introduction: In the heart of Malaga, a city brimming with culture, history, and culinary excellence, lies Bendito Restaurant—a hidden gem that beckons food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience. Boasting a blend of traditional and innovative dishes, impeccable service, and a charming ambiance, Bendito has earned its well-deserved reputation as one of the best restaurants in Malaga. Join us on a virtual gastronomic journey as we delve into the delectable offerings and unique charm of Bendito.

A Gastronomic Extravaganza: Bendito Restaurant takes pride in its dedication to culinary excellence. Led by Malaga-born Chef Mario Rosado Segado and his talented and passionate team of chefs, the menu showcases a harmonious fusion of local Andalusian flavours and global influences. From fresh seafood delicacies to succulent meat dishes and vegetarian delights, Bendito’s diverse menu caters to every palate. Prepare to embark on a culinary extravaganza, where each dish is meticulously crafted using the finest locally-sourced ingredients, resulting in an explosion of flavours that will leave you craving for more.

Bendito Restaurant Gallery

Location: Calle Tomás Heredia 11, Soho

Budget: €120-€180 / night

Date of Stay: September 2021

4* Hotel Icon Malabar opened its doors in July 2020 in the heart of Malaga’s trendy Soho district. I’ve been walking past the iconic building for the past couple of years, thinking what a shame it was that it wasn’t looked after, so when I saw works happening here I was delighted. 

And the end result doesn’t disappoint. With major kerb appeal, as well as stunning interior design, the place has the wow factor.

I stayed with two girl friends in a Junior suite – perfect for 3 adults. We arrived on a Friday afternoon and basically hunkered down in our fluffy robes for a relaxing girls’ night in! The junior suite was fabulous, with a huge bath tub in the room we had a real pamper party. Room service and reception took care of our every whim, from bringing us drinks and snacks, to arranging a late checkout. On Saturday morning we enjoyed the amazing breakfast buffet. My friend, who says she never takes the brekkie option, was blown away and said she would stay here JUST for the breakfast – praise indeed! (Breakfast €20 pp/pn) We booked our stay on a new opening deal and so we paid just €120/night. I believe at the time of writing, the junior suite starts at around €140/night for members of Icon’s ‘Tripster Club’.

Hotel Icon Malabar is perfectly situated: Just a 5 minute walk to Malaga’s historic downtown area; 5 minutes on foot from the cercanias trainline which links to the airport and to the west; 2 minutes to all main inner city bus lines; 10 minutes to the stunning port area, 15 minutes to the beach; and less than 10 minutes walking to most of Malaga’s 34 (and counting) museums! They also have bicycles available for guests to borrow – I recommend taking advantage of this and heading down to the local fishing village of Pedregalejo on the east side of the city to have some traditional seafood such as ‘espetos de sardinas’ – sardines cooked over a log fire on the beach. 

Icon Malabar Gallery

Location: Calle Barroso, Soho, Malaga

Budget: €40-€50 pp

Link to Map: Antxoeta Art Restaurant

If you’re looking for classic Spanish cuisine, but are after something a bit more special than your typical Ensaladilla Rusa and Croquetas, you simply have to try La Antxoeta Art Restaurant. Nestled in trendy Soho, chef Pablo and his wife Cristina have created a concept that is like no other, in town.

Dining at La Antxoeta is an unforgettable experience, not just for the incredible food and wonderful wine selection, but for the exceptional service and warm welcome. Nothing is too much trouble. The experence is 5* from start to finish. From the moment they put the home made bread and selection of local olive oils on the table, you know you’re in for a treat. The menu is seasonal and every time I go, there is something new to try. One thing that is consistent though, is the use of fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, and the rock & roll vibes.

La Antxoeta Art Restaurant is situated just 10 minutes on foot from the heart of Malaga’s historic downtown area. This part of Malaga often gets overlooked, in favour of the prettier side of the Alameda principal, but as well as some amazing dining opportunities, Soho offers an edgier side to Malaga and is famous for its incredible street art. It’s a great place to stay, with access to the beaches, public transport and cultural spots like the cathedral and Malaga’s many museums, all within 10-15 minutes walking distance. We recommend Icon Malabar as a great place to stay, and it’s on the neighbouring street to La Antxoeta!

Antxoeta Art Restaurant

A Virtual Date With Malaga

Getting tourism back on track after lockdown in Malaga, Spain, is no easy feat but two women who live and work in the city think they’ve come up with a pretty savvy solution.

Experience Malaga is a three day virtual lifestyle festival inviting you to take part from your home.

Hanni Martini (40) from Plymouth, England and Jessica Baker Daza (32) from Dublin, Ireland will be taking you on a virtual tour of Malaga with wine, beer and coffee tastings, show cookings and tapas tours, live music and traditional flamenco to get you in the spirit of Andalusia.

Entertaining visitors to the Costa Del Sol’s capital cosmopolitan city is what these girls about town do for a living, or at least they did until lockdown.

“Our businesses collapsed overnight,” says Hanni. “The whole city is built on tourism and we lost everything we had prior to Spain’s 11 week lockdown. Now we are trying to rebuild.”

The event isn’t even about making money. It’s about spreading the word to the people back home in England and Ireland and raising money for our chosen charity – Ronald McDonald House, Malaga.

Jess said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the city but right now we’re doing our bit and inviting you to Malaga online. Trust me, it’ll be just as much fun! Well, almost.”

Editor’s Notes

Hanni and Jessica are available for interview

Contact details: hanni@foodexperiencemalaga.com; jessica@yourplanner.eu 

Website: Experience Malaga Festival: https://foodexperiencemalaga.com/experience-malaga-festival/

Website: Food Experience Malaga (Hanni Martini) www.foodexperiencemalaga.com 

Website: Your Planner (Jessica Baker Daza) www.yourplanner.eu

Website: Casa Ronald McDonald https://casaronaldmalaga.org/

Press: Hanni Martini’s food tours have been previously featured in Best Magazine, Chat Magazine, Sunday People, TV Life, HuffPost UK

Fried Almonds

Anyone who has been on one of our market tours will have tried this local delicacy. It’s hard to describe just how moreish your average almond can become, when fried in olive oil and dashed with crunchy salt. If you can’t get to Malaga right now to join us on a fabulous food tour, you can make your own ‘almendras fritas’ at home.

This step by step recipe and beautiful photos have been adapted from Ana Maria of  cocinandoentreolivos.com with her kind permission.

Ingredients

Almonds
Good extra virgin olive oil (Ana uses picual from Jaen)
Coarse salt

Method

Heat your extra virgin olive oil in a medium sized pan on a medium heat. As the oil starts to warm, add your olives. You don’t want the oil to get too hot. Keep them moving continuously with a slotted spoon until they turn a nice golden brown colour.

When they are golden brown, remove them from the pan, on to a plate covered with a couple of layers of kitchen paper. Add a few good pinches of coarse salt and shake the paper to evently distribute the salt all over the almonds.

They’ll last a few days stored in an airtight, glass container – that’s if nobody gets their hands on them! Once you pop, you can’t stop! Everybody loves these salty snacks.