malaga
While Portugal is small and it's a quick to drive to Spain….I must say that it was quite a decision we made to start a 5-hour car journey at 7 pm….
We arrived late and tired in Malaga, but woke up to an incredible surprise—massive sweeping desert mountains as the backdrop to a great blue sea.
We had a quick breakfast at home - I finally next-level adulted, and packed a cooler with breakfast items so we could make a quick meal before starting the day (no one was hangry that day) — and then sprinted to the centro.
It was easy to navigate the city by car, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
The centro is spread along the Long Beaches - reminded me a lot of Rio de Janeiro in that way.
Renan had to see the port, since it was one of his first stops in Europe when he worked on a cruise ship. I’ve never been on a cruise, so I was stunned by the sheer size of these skyscrapers on the water.
I was hot and tired from the drive, so we found the closest park for some shade. And what a find - Parque Malaga is a long, winding park right on the main strip off the water, featuring massive birds of paradise and palms from all over the world. We were thoroughly entertained reading each placard, learning where the palms originated.
Of course, we had to catch sunset on our terrace before making our way back out for tapas, sangria, and nightlife.
Day two, we woke early and made it to one of Renan's birthday surprises — massages and spa time at a hammam. The architecture was phenomenal, the massages heavenly, and floating around in the baths was so soothing.
After some leisurely floats, we made it to Playa Malaguita, where we posted up for the following eight hours. The beach was jam-packed with tourists. I swear it reminded Renan of home - music on every speaker, vendors with drinks and food, and a sea of umbrellas.
On our last night, we made it to a Mexican restaurant for tacos and enchiladas so I could feel a piece of home too. This remains one of my most sought-after meals, being so far from spice.
We will definitely be back to Malaga soon - such an easy, gorgeous and fun beach town.
