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Spain has been recognized as one of the top destinations for solo travelers.
Although Spain’s three major cities, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, are all fantastic and diverse metropolises, they only reveal a fraction of the beauty, mystery and charm of Spain.
In the region of Andalusia, there are eight provinces with their own unique culture and cuisine, but the same hospitable atmosphere. One area in particular attracts solo travelers.
It is a place of beautiful beaches and small towns with whitewashed buildings that shine like a pearl in the sun. It also offers a range of tapas and mainly sunny days all year round.
If a solo trip to Spain is on your radar, you’ll definitely want to visit Malaga, and here’s why.
What makes Malaga so magical?
When people talk about Malaga, they often say that it is part of the “Costa del Sol” or the sunny coast.
While many people come to spend their days soaking up the sun while relaxing on the beach, Malaga is much more than a beach holiday.
The Andalusian city offers history, archaeological sites, diverse cuisine, year-round festivals and, most importantly, friendly locals and expats.
When planning your trip, it is best to come before the peak summer season. Plan a trip in late May or September, when the beaches are not as crowded with locals and tourists.
If you want to experience culture, visit the Feria de Malaga or the city fair in the second week of August. During this time you will see locals dressed in their finest attire, experience local music and food, and experience culture firsthand.
Free things to do
If you travel alone in Malaga you will find many free things to do. The first free thing to check out is the free walking tours. It’s a way to get to know the city, get a little history lesson and meet other travelers.
Other free things you can do include:
- The Botanical Garden of the University of Malaga
- Visit the Cortijo de Torres flea market every Sunday
- Stroll through Parque del Oeste, which leads to Misericordia beach,
- Enjoy free entertainment as you stroll along Malaga’s Muelle Uno harbour
Lots of small towns to explore
The capital Malaga is usually the first stop for travelers. The city offers an assortment of restaurants and shops to meet the needs of tourists.
However, if you want to get off the beaten track, Malaga has many small towns accessible by bus or train. Here are some cities you can take a day trip to.
- Fuengirola
- Benalmadena
- Nerja
- Grenada
Enjoy delicious meals for less than $15
Because Malaga is close to the sea, the fish dishes are good and plentiful. However, Malaga has several dining options, from traditional Spanish to international cuisine.
Keep in mind that restaurants in the city center tend to have higher prices, so it is best to visit restaurants that are not centrally located.
If you want to feel like an experienced solo traveler, whether it’s your first trip or your 10th trip, you’ll want to know about the ‘Menu del dia’. Also called the daily menu, where you can get a three-course meal for $15 or less.
This, almost too good to be true, deal is a pre-arranged meal where you can choose a starter, a main course, a drink and a dessert for a fixed price of around 12 or 13 euros, which works out to about $15 or less . These offers are valid during lunch, starting around 1:00 PM and ending around 4:00 PM
Here are some bars known for their menus of the day
- Bar Los Locos
- Soca restaurant
- Café-bar Arriate
Opportunities to meet other travelers
Of course, as a solo traveler you enjoy your solitude. However, if you need company or want to meet new people, Malaga offers many opportunities to socialize with other travelers and locals.
Misericordia Beach is a popular beach where people play volleyball and other activities.
You can also meet people online through Meetup groups. Finally, you can check out the LGBTIQA+ scene in the bars of downtown Malaga.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
