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Dear guests,

We have tried to put together some hopefully useful information here,

but we cannot guarantee that the information (apart from that about the house) is always up to date.

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Basic information for your stay:

  • bed linen and towels incl. beach towels are at your disposal free of charge

  • cleaning service during your stay is available on request against payment

  • you will find some things for your arrival such as coffee, milk, water and toiletries, otherwise there are  shopping facilities in the immediate vicinity and until late at night

  • check-in is from 3pm (also possible at night) and check-out anytime until 11am, earlier/later possible depending on how the house is booked (please ask). You are welcome to leave your luggage in the house on arrival or until your departure by prior arrangement. 

 

Casa Valparaíso is located in the El Palo district, in a quiet one-way street at the beginning of a cul-de-sac (stairs at the end) with  free parking in the streets of the residential area and possibility to unload next to the house (please read below regarding parking).

 

In a short walking distance you will find many cafés, restaurants and all kinds of services and shops, among others:

 

  • The market hall (Mercado Municipal) is only 150 meters away and always worth a visit. We like its fishmonger "Navarrete" (who also prepares/dissembles the fish like everyone, fish stalls closed Mondays) and its bar with very good quality fish. Here you can also buy a few things from 8am for breakfast. Or you can have a first cup of coffee in the nice lively café.

  • Very close supermarkets in Calle Villafuerte: Small supermarket but open until late Coviran 130m walk and Carrefour Express 220m, Mercadona  (maybe cheaper Maskom, Día) 

  • The closest "bazar" (bargain shop with things e.g.for beach) with also some groceries is in Calle Villafuerte in front of Coviran: opens approx. 9/10 am- 12pm every day. There are several  large "bazar": e.g. "Superchollo" https://maps.app.goo.gl/piRM3j8tYuzCUe8s9 (closed lunchtime) o "Hiper j.y." ,https://maps.app.goo.gl/hM3ejcPM6UFqD8Bp6

  • Post Office

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From the airport:

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by taxi (20 min drive): next to the arrivals hall approx, these do not  always have child seats available (or you have to ask/wait for one). There are sometimes large taxis (up to 8 persons) at the same price available, but it's not certain that one is available.

Private taxi online in advance, especially if you need several child seats or a large taxi, e.g. https://www.suntransfers.com (choose "El Palo" as destination) or www.mytransfers.com

uber, cabify etc.

 

by public transport:

The train station is next to the arrivals hall. Line C1 takes you to the city center in 11 minutes, stop "Málaga - Centro Alameda" (€ 2.50, very punctual, runs every 20 minutes (the ticket is needed again at the end, or you can pay directly at the turnstile by credit card). Then walk about 50m to Alameda Principal, from where the buses to El Palo (lines 3,8 and 11) depart. Get off at "Juan Sebastián Elcano-Iglesia” next to church/market hall in El Palo. The stairs leading to Calle Valparaiso are opposite the market hall. https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/suburban-malaga/timetables

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Car rental:

​When booking through platforms with very cheap prices, pay close attention to the conditions, the companies often charge an unforeseen surcharge when picking up the car. We have good experiences e.g. with www.allincarhire.com (airport shuttle). Depending on your travel plans, think about whether you really need a car; if in doubt, please feel free to ask.
Both public and private transport are very reliable.  

 

Parking in the residential area:

is free of charge. Often you have to do a few laps, but you can always find something after a few minutes or if you accept a 5-7 minute walk, you can also park directly. Unloading/getting out just next to the house is no problem as it is a dead-end street. Then stay around Calle Valparaíso and Calle Villafuerte and their small and quiet side streets. A little higher up in Calle Francisco Guillón you can almost always find a parking space (in July and August, of course, like everywhere else on the coast, it can be very difficult).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qmRpmZc7ppS8W2sQ8

https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1LWgNWp37wbaABq6

Do not drive Calle Luis Taboada  all the way down to Avenida Juan Sebastián Elcano, but turn into Calle El Palustre beforehand, otherwise you would have to take a detour down the street.

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​Unfortunately it is not possible to rent a parking space close to the house. A parking space under the market hall costs approx. €18 for 24 hours, there are no weekly prices.

 

Parking in the city centre of Málaga:

preferably in one of the underground car parks, for example at the port (best option).  

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3zokU1d9oSCckCTn9

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Bus to the city centre of Málaga

The next bus stop is down the street next to the church " Juan Sebastián Elcano-Iglesia” (150m from home) and the lines 3, 8 and 11 take you every few minutes to the old town of Málaga in about 20 minutes. Price per trip €1.40 from the age of 3 years. You don't need to tell the bus driver where you want to get off, the price is always the same. You can also buy a rechargeable bus card for all lines (except airport) at the kiosk, which you have to recharge with at least 10 trips (price  €6.90 for 10 trips including card, 10 trips 5 €). Pushchairs (pram, stroller) can easily be placed in the centre section of the bus. 

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Bike rental

​​The shop "MYS BICICLETAS" in Calle Girasol (80 m from home) offers bicycle rental at a good price. www.mysbicicletas.com/

 Also in Kayak & Bike El Palo (on the seafront) you can rent bikes, canoes, Paddle www.kayakybike.es

Cycling on the beach promenade in El Palo and Pedregalejo is no longer permitted, but tolerated if you drive carefully and if it’s not too busy, at worst you’ll just have to get off. In Pedregalejo it is also possible to drive in the second row between the houses, parallel to the beach promenade (officially, it is not permitted either).  Alternatively, you can cycle along the road – where the speed limit in the right-hand lane is 30 km/h specifically because of the cyclists – as far as El Balneario, where the cycle path begins on the promenade, running along the harbour to the town centre. See, for example, the link below for details of where cycling is permitted.

https://malagabiketours.eu/malaga-cycle-routes-going-east-coast/

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 Boat trips / watersports:

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In El Palo:

www.kayakybike.es

https://www.malagaseaexperiences.com/

​Other options (examples):

https://www.clickandboat.com/en

https://www.checkyeti.com/en/v/11/boat-tours

https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=boat+trip+malaga&searchSource=3

https://city-sightseeing-spain.com/en/24/malaga/2400/boat-tour-malaga

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Padel tennis: just a short walk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qGjX5RNnMQ7YDK1R6

https://sportmiraflores.com/

Book a court via App VOLA

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Restaurants, cafés and bars 

​The seaside promenade of El Palo and Pedregalejo is characterized by its low houses and restaurants (“chiringuitos”) where the most relevant of the local gastronomy is prepared: espetos (a traditional dish and cooking technique from the coastal region of Málaga, where fresh seafood—most famously sardines—is skewered on a thin wooden cane and roasted over an open fire of olive wood) and fried fish (e.g. boquerones and calamaritos fritos). (Of course, there are also other dishes like fish “a la plancha”, meat etc.) (Please note: Tourists are sometimes asked if they would like to order a whole fish, but are not told that the price on the menu is per kg, which can end up being very expensive.)

There are restaurants, bars and kiosks both to east (until the marina Puerto El Candado) and to the west (until El Balneario).

  • Restaurante Gabi. The closest on the beach from the house. Usually good quality and service. In summertime you can order directly from the beach loungers. Depending on the time of day, a booking may be required (particularly at 2/3 pm)  opening hours in high season all day, in off-saison depending on weather. https://gabirestaurante.com/carta_ing.pdf

  • Bar Al Sur (next to Gabi).  Open almost all day, good for breakfast or a drink at the beach

  • Hamburguesería La Maruchi popular for its good “camperos” (a typical, oversized, and generously filled sandwich), good prices

      https://maps.app.goo.gl/dxKvJLbrcUhqT3TA8

      https://maps.app.goo.gl/irL5uggu25GDt4aK6

      A legendary, chaotic and unique seafood restaurant. It operates without a menu; instead, waiters parade fresh seafood from            the  kitchen while shouting out the names of dishes, and guests simply raise their hands to claim what they want.

 in Pedregalejo:

There are also numerous restaurants, bars, cafés and ice cream parlours in the streets of El Palo, particularly in the ‘Echeverria del Palo’ district, e.g.:

  • Cortijo de Pepe tapas and dishes in 300m distance, Avenida Pío Baroja, 25, 29017 Málaga. 

       https://cortijodepepe.es/carta-el-palo/      https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ec8dqkcm8WwYx8m6A

  • Er Pichi de Cái (next to Cortijo de Pepe), tavern with specialities from Cádiz region https://erpichidecai.com/

  • Bar Zurich. Good traditional tapas and portions of Galician Octopus (Pulpo a la Gallega) and Rabo de Toro (ox tail). Good quality, generous tapas and portions and good service. Small terrace. Think about booking or getting there early. Closed Saturday and Sunday. https://maps.app.goo.gl/BU4yt6UX4eeivvjn6

  • El Pimpi Florida:  In 20 m2 along the bar this “Marisquería” serves a spectacular squid and much more but it is visited for its unique atmosphere given by the mixture of proximity and good songs. It is famous and there is always a long queue. But once inside it’s great (not convenient for kids...).   https://maps.app.goo.gl/FdCi6vZZJb6MnPp69

And many others!

For breakfast and churros:

Málaga Old Town

There is a huge range of restaurants and bars on offer; here are just the oldest bodegas:

  • Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia. Last bodega where Malaga home produced wine is served from the barrels.

       https://antiguacasadeguardia.com/

       https://maps.app.goo.gl/oFUrpzjrPfayhqFKA

  • Bar Restaurante El Pimpi. visited by locals and tourists, always worth a visit, but you should definitely book here in advance for a group. Very nice ambience. https://www.elpimpi.com/

Childrens playgrounds

There are many playgrounds both in the neighborhood, along the seaside promenade and on the beach to the city centre, or east direction, for example in the Peñón del Cuervo and several on the beaches of Cala del Moral, etc. In the centre of Malaga there are also several parks, e.g. in the port in Parque Alameda.

Going up the street, small playground with soccer and basketball: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fJHEgyKo9Ut2Vumn9

Just before the beach, next to Restaurante Gabi: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P5sbimfgcHw5xf139

 “Alberto Suárez Pipi Park” with shade of Ficus trees: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZrbaPi3XZemaks368

  https://maps.app.goo.gl/QqCrNoiKYda6wExLA

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6c2gKQMrGbcPM75u7

You don't necessarily need a car, as there is a lot to do in the surrounding area.

From El Palo you can do great walks along the sea, e.g. to the city centre of Malaga, 5 km (you could also walk partly and then take the bus, there are bus stops every few hundred m), or go by bike or also towards the east /Cala del Moral, here you pass the small port El Candado at the end of El Palo (bar with good tapas and  dishes) and then you could walk or cylce to the nice bay El Penón del Cuervo (there is a playground) to the villages La Cala de Moral and El Rincon de la Victoria, where there is a bike path in the sand and a wide promenade. We recommend to stop at Antonio Moreno restaurant in the small neighborhood of La Araña (opposite the cement factory) with its sea-view terrace and good food.

After crossing the bay of La Cala del Moral (the new “playground” for young and old “Parque Balumba” is really great!), the cycle path goes through a series of tunnels carved out of the rock. It is also great to walk as there are beautiful paths with stairs that go up and down the cliff edge.

The nearest mountains - Pinares de San Antón

Going up with the car through "Los Pinares de San Antón" (Residential neighborhood and mountains that begin above the motorway access) and turning at the beginning left into Calle Almendros you reach the recreation area of "Lagarillo Blanco" where you can park and enjoy views of the Bay or follow trails around the hill (good climbing site). You can take easy walks with children that we have always done.

Since it is part of the urban area, you can also go by taxi there (“San Anton, Cortijo Lagarillo Blanco, zona de barbocoa”), you may be dropped off 100 m before, if the taxi driver is not supposed to drive up the last rocky path. But preferably not on Saturdays and Sundays, because there are many people going there from noon, otherwise during the week there is rarely anyone there. You would then only have to organise a taxi for the way back or walk down…https://maps.app.goo.gl/gx88MZQaQJpzzMhe8

Los montes de Málaga

The nature park "Los montes de Málaga" with numerous hiking and biking trails of all levels of difficulty and views over the whole of Málaga can be reached in about 45 minutes by car  (Carretera de Olías starts in El Palo).

There are several "Ventas" (countryside restaurants) along the road that are worth visiting. In winter the chimneys are lit and the most famous dishes are the migas and the “plato de los montes”. Especially beautiful in the winter months and during the almond blossoms.https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/malaga-costa-del-sol/green-nature/natural-park-montes-de-malaga-p21171

​E.g. a short hike that is easy to do with children and offers beautiful views: There is a small viewpoint next to the Ecomuseo Lagar de Torrijos. If you walk a little higher from there, you will come to a nice hiking trail.

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Totalán

The nearest white mountain village for a short trip is Totalán, about 20 minutes by car/taxi and a wide road leads up.

Antequera and El Torcal 

We also recommend a trip to the spectacular El Torcal Natural Park (good with kids) and to the nearby beautiful town of Antequera. Just don't arrive too late  at El Torcal to get a parking space. After a short hike in the Torcal we recommend a visit to the town of Antequera, here are the coordinates of a well-located car park (please turn left when you have driven down the road from the Torcal car park): Aparcamiento Alcazaba

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TsUBuYr4iNbmWWjS9

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The “pantanos del chorro” / Conde de Guadalhorce / El chorro reservoirs

are about 50 km northwest of Málaga and a great alternative to the beaches in summer, as it is always quiet even in midsummer and there is natural shade from the pine trees. It is also a nice starting point for discovering archaeological sites and for hiking. But due to the drought there may be little water left at the moment. From the “Restaurante El Mirador Ardales”, you have a beautiful view.

https://www.fincagrancerros.com/el-chorro-lakes/?v=3a52f3c22ed6

https://maps.app.goo.gl/j8WxLu3FBq7bTZpP7

 

Caminito del Rey Trail (from 8 years, needs reservation)

If you are not afraid of heights, one hour from Malaga, this route is spectacular from beginning to end, running through cliffs, canyons, and a large valley. It crosses the landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge carved out by the river Guadalhorce, with walls 700 metres high.

https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/

​Maro Cliffs Nature Reserve (Maro - Cerro Gordo)

A natural landscape situated about 40minutes to the east. It offers a rugged landscape where small coves alternate with cliffs and terraced farmland. Its marine life is particularly rich, making it an ideal spot for diving. As the area is so sparsely developed, access to some beaches can sometimes be a little more difficult. We like Cala Torre del Pino (not with young children), Playa de las Alberquillas (easy access) and Playa Molino de Papel (very different). You park at the top, next to the road; in summer, you need to arrive early. When we go in October, there are very few people. In summer, there are minibuses that go down to the more faCala del Cañuelo and Cantarriján Beach, which are more popular. 

https://www.visitcostadelsol.com/malaga-costa-del-sol/green-nature/maro-cerro-gordo-cliffs-beauty-spot-p3511?_ga=2.28222652.1468494266.1654452112-200061059.1625412020

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FfVD7MXxXmoQHcm6A

https://maps.app.goo.gl/s5B6KwJTLf21zwhr6

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gqf2DZA6v14dBZwD7​

Río Chillar river walk

The river hike in the Río Chillar is a popular destination in Nerja. The trail goes through the Chillar River, which flows through the Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama National Parks. On your journey you will go through a marble gorge, you can swim in natural pools that were created in the river and you will meet a great waterfall. Check before whether it is open, it has been closed once due to drought.

https://www.survivingmalaga.com/hiking-in-malaga-rio-chillar-river-walk/

alhama.jpg

Alhama de Granada - Natural Hotspring (great durig the winter months)

Hot pools that run alongside the Alhama river, just below the bridge and before the entrance of the

official spa. The thermal water comes out of a cave and has formed a two natural pools (each with their own distinct temperature) and at final leading to the river that runs parallel to it. 

https://www.exclusivegranada.com/tourist-guide/natural-hot-springs/thermal-baths-of-alhama/

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Fiestas and Ferias 

 

23 June: Night of Juan

The night of San Juan in Malaga celebrates the summer solstice.All-night celebrations on the beaches in Malaga. https://www.malagaweb.com/espanol/blog/eventos/noche-san-juan-malaga/

Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen in July and El Palo Feria

On July 16th, the towns and fishing villages along the southern coast of Spain honor La Virgen del Carmen, the protector of seamen. An effigy of the virgin is paraded through the streets and taken for a sail on one of the colourfully adorned boats in the harbor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALqXg5e0cVk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbHdjyeaiJk&t=87s

Málaga Fair - Feria de Málaga  (August)

One of the biggest events in Malaga takes place in August and for many locals and tourists, August means feria time. The annual city fair is an exuberant week-long street party with plenty of flamenco and 'fino' (sherry). 

https://www.guidetomalaga.com/events-in-malaga/summer-in-malaga/all-the-fun-of-the-malaga-fair/

https://www.andalucia.com/festival/malaga-feria.htm

Semana Santa / Easter

One of the biggest events of the year, Easter in Malaga offers a week of processions. Known as Holy Week in Spanish (Semana Santa), it’s one of the most unusual events in Malaga of the year and well worth seeing.

Casa Valparaíso Logo(2).jpg
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