Gastro

Tapas Weekend: what to do in Malaga?

We select the best plans to enjoy the weekend in Malaga.

Click here to read the Spanish version.
From Tapas we compile the best plans with which to enjoy the weekend in Malaga, and relegate ourselves to hedonism between cultural and gastronomic experiences, parties, events and museums. Take the agenda and take note of our weekly proposal.

FRIDAY 28

The Costa del Sol becomes one of the favorite destinations during the summer. From the capital Malaga, through Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena or Fuengirola. The gastronomic, leisure and beach offer is so varied that you have the possibility to squeeze a weekend enjoying authentic great plans. We suggest you start Friday lunch or dinner in an eighteenth century palace in the center of Malaga. It is the Balausta restaurant and the culinary proposal is in charge of the chef José Carlos García and the head chef Sergio Solano. Until August 22 they have organized the Chiringuito Days, to enjoy the purest Andalusian summer through gastronomic proposals such as the prawn salpicón with avocado and tomatoes, black rice with baby squid and white shrimp or grilled sardines moruna. For something more relaxed, you can also visit their cocktail bar and enjoy a vermouth with tapas, or try some of their delicious signature cocktails.

Where? At Hotel Palacio Solecio, calle Granada, 57-59, Málaga

If you feel like dinner and party, you can move to Marbella to make an exclusive route through its night clubs. The sophisticated offer of places that the city of Marbella has to offer is very wide. We recommend, for example, Vudu Marbella, in Puerto Banús, where you can enjoy a sensory gastronomic experience, drink selected cocktails and finish the night in its discotheque. There will be no better way to start the weekend.

Where? In Avenida José Banús, 29660 Marbella, Malaga, Spain

SATURDAY 29

For the last Saturday of July, we recommend a route through some of the best beaches of the Costa del Sol (the province of Malaga has 175 km of coastline). One of the hotspots you should visit is the Frida Pahlo beach bar, located on the Paseo Marítimo de Pedregalejo and chosen as one of the Bests Chiringuitos de Tapas Magazine this 2023. A magical corner of art and gastronomy by the sea, while you taste their Russian salad, totopos with guacamole, bravas with kimchi and brava foam or tripe in Andalusian deconstruction.

Where? At Paseo del Pedregal, 19, 29017 Málaga

For lovers of good music, the province of Malaga also offers plenty of festivals adapted to all tastes. This Saturday 29th takes place the Bella Festival in Marbella with a line-up headed by Leiva, which will also feature performances by Guitarricadelafuente, Dorian and Arde Bogota. It is held at Oasisss Marbella, a space of more than 80,000 square meters that has opened this year in the town of San Pedro de Alcántara. You can still get tickets here.

The Starlite Festival is another classic of Marbella’s summers, being the most important boutique festival in the world. This year it brings together artists such as Malú (Friday, July 28) or Andrés Calamaro (Saturday, July 29). During the month of August will pass stars like Iggy Pop, Eros Ramazzoti, Zaz, Sara Baras or The Black Eyed Peas, among others.

We have two other beach options to enjoy this Saturday. On the one hand, Barbillón Marbella, the beach bar that the Barbillón group has moved from Madrid to the city of Malaga and has 4,000 m2 with sea views, a bar-restaurant with capacity for 350 diners; the beach area with hammocks; and its swimming pool. The food menu is full of hits to share, such as prawn saam, nigiri with quail egg or red shrimp carpaccio.

Where? In the Urbanization Guadalmina Baja, C. 3, s/n, 29670 Marbella, Málaga

And on the other hand, you can not miss the beach club that Fendi has opened in the resort Puente Romano. The Maison has landed this summer in Puerto Banus with the opening of a new boutique, and has also created a unique space where guests can relax and enjoy sensational drinks.

Where? At Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga

SUNDAY 30

For the last day of the weekend, we propose a cultural plan with a visit to the Picasso Museum, located in the capital, and that this 2023 is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the death of the painter. It has prepared a lot of exhibitions and special activities, such as Picasso sculptor. Matter and body, which is the first major exhibition in Spain dedicated to Picasso’s sculpture. The joint ticket for Dialogues with Picasso + Picasso sculptor. Matter and body costs 12 € per person.

Where? Buenavista Palace, San Agustín Street, 8 29015 Málaga

For lovers of Sunday brunches, we bring you this unmissable plan. At the beach club By the sea located in Anantara Villa Padierna, in Marbella, they have organized this summer an irresistible brunch enlivened with live music. Among the delicacies that diners can taste there is a wide selection of salads, fried foods, rice, cold soups, skewers, fish and pastries.

Where is it? At Villa Padierna Golf Resort, Autovía del Mediterráneo, km166, 29679 Marbella, Málaga.

The final touch to this Malaga weekend will be in style: celebrating Cheesecake Day (July 30) with one of the best cheesecakes in town. You can try it at La Cheesequería with a lot of flavors -all of them delicious-. From the classic to Nocilla, Happy Hippo, pistachio, mango, Lotus and they have even made a special one in homage to Barbie. They have two locations in the capital. Each portion costs 3.50 €. How many flavors will you taste?

Where? At 44 Carretería St. and 26 Mayorazgo Ave.