Malaga Central and the Sherry Bar

There are only two platforms for the trains at Malaga Airport.

Nearly everyone takes the train to the beaches/costas, direct from here.  We however, and the occasional local, stand on the other platform and take the train to Malaga itself.  This is a beautiful city and as authentic Andalucian as they come.

You either exit at Malaga Maria Zambrano the main station.  Here you can get a taxi or bus or coach or train to just about anywhere OR stay on to the last stop Malaga Central.  Where you exit by the river in the heart of the city.  You then cross the main road on foot where all the flower sellers are and look for the Sherry Bar named Antigua Casa De Guardia.   I say look as there are no signs just iron railings on the windows and a wide open door if open. (it's near Burger King as a landmark).

Upon entry you take yourself up to the long bar and point to one of the huge selection of sherry barrels.

You will be asked "glass or bottle"  and they then chalk up your tab on the bar there in front of you.  If your lucky they often sell fresh mussels from the fish market located behind, as a tapa. This is the perfect start to any Andalucian Adventure.

However, if they are closed as they don't stay open late, carry on on foot towards the Cathedral and take an off shoot street (see your street map) and find Lo Gueno spanish for "the good stuff".

This has a top flight restaurant serving suckling pig on one side and an amazing tapas bar opposite.

I always go to this tapas bar every time we visit Malaga.  You wait impatiently in the small "L" shaped corridor of this busy bar and seize a bar stool when they become vacant.  The tapas selection is vast and the service openly friendly. The staff know me here, so I order a tapa and then Ask Them what I should drink with each small plate of warm, rustic and vibrant smelling food.

I have been given various wines, sherries and even brandy, all outstanding.

We have stayed in Malaga city centre many times.  Always advised to use Maria Zambrano station.  We have walked in the heat, booked taxis to and from the centre and even dragged our hand luggage with an intense hangover early the next day.  Not knowing the unmarked subway entrance in the city centre is in fact Malaga Central !  Only used by locals and not on any maps!  Probably Malaga's best kept secret !

The hotel receptionists and taxi drivers are all very good but I admire their sense of humour and code of secrecy !!