The Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro are next to each other, but we went back to the Gibralfaro the next day.

It was a real workout to get up there but the 14th-century castle had sweeping views of the port, the city, and the mountains beyond. The castle itself is mostly walls and watchtowers.

Two men smiling for a selfie with a panoramic view of Málaga in the background. They are standing on a stone terrace lined with bricks and trees, with the city and surrounding hills stretching into the distance under a clear blue sky. Both wear patterned shirts and sunglasses.View from the Gibralfaro showing the historic and modern cityscape of Málaga, with the port, a large Balearia ferry, and the iconic Málaga Cathedral visible among dense urban buildings. The Mediterranean Sea and distant mountains create a scenic backdrop.Coastal view from a high vantage point showing a stone turret in the foreground and a lighthouse at the tip of a long breakwater in the distance. Below, high-rise buildings border the sea, framed by lush green trees.A peaceful courtyard surrounded by stone walls and cypress trees, with patterned brick walkways and trimmed greenery. Several people walk or rest under the clear blue sky, adding a sense of scale and serenity to the historical setting.Elevated view of Málaga’s port area with deep turquoise waters, yachts, ferries, and shipping cranes. The city’s architecture extends inland toward mountains, with the lush greenery of parkland in the foreground.Tourists gather along a high stone rampart under three waving flags—Andalusia, Spain, and Málaga—on a clear sunny day. A small turret stands at the corner, evoking the structure’s defensive history.A sweeping view of Málaga’s harbor with ships docked along the waterfront and a tree-lined hillside leading down to the city. The azure sea meets the skyline under a pristine blue sky, framed by fortress walls.A detailed architectural scale model showing the layout of Málaga, featuring the hilltop fortress, historical buildings, and organized avenues lined with miniature trees. The model offers a top-down perspective with fine detail in terrain and structures.View through trees of the Mediterranean Sea and Málaga’s coastal skyline, with a large circular bullring among modern apartment buildings. The calm, blue water stretches to the horizon beneath a cloudless sky.

2025-05-27

I’ve already confessed my love for alcachofas (artichokes), so Mesón Mariano was heaven: we tried half of their six artichoke dishes.

We loved them “a la plancha” the most, followed by with jamón ibérico and Montillana-style. We also enjoyed their seafood soup, prawns, jamón ibérico, and fried cod.

A plate of grilled artichokes sliced thin, beautifully seared to a golden brown with slightly crispy edges and tender centers, glistening with olive oil and served with a wedge of lemon for brightness. The rustic presentation emphasizes the earthy, rich flavor of the artichokes.Tender artichoke hearts bathed in olive oil and topped with silky slices of jamón ibérico, creating a luscious contrast between the delicate vegetable and the savory, cured ham. The oil pools on the plate, adding a glossy finish that makes the dish look indulgent and rich.Halved artichoke hearts swimming in a light, creamy broth speckled with chopped ham and diced leeks. The broth clings to the vegetables, and the tender leaves show subtle layering, suggesting a soft bite and deep flavor.A chalkboard menu on a brick wall titled “La Alcachofa” (The Artichoke), featuring a list of house specialties centered around artichokes—confited, Montillana-style, salad with tuna belly, grilled, fried, and battered. The vibrant chalk colors and hand-drawn artichoke illustration give a cozy, welcoming feel.A bowl of thick, white soup with visible pieces of seafood—shrimp, white fish, and poached egg—floating in the rich, velvety base. The edges of the bowl are slightly rimmed with soup foam, indicating a warm, freshly served dish.A chilled plate of pink prawns neatly arranged in rows around a lemon wedge. Their glistening shells and slightly translucent appearance suggest freshness and a clean, briny flavor, typical of expertly prepared cold seafood.A circular arrangement of thinly sliced jamón ibérico fanned out across a white plate with a blue rim. The deep reds and glossy fat edges on the ham shimmer under the light, making it look tender and luxurious.Golden, lightly battered cod pieces topped with crispy slivers of garlic, served alongside a fresh tomato and lettuce salad with red onion. The contrast between the crunchy garlic, juicy vegetables, and flaky fish makes the dish look satisfying and well-balanced.A vibrant interior scene with diners in the foreground and a wall full of wine bottles organized in vertical lines against rustic brick. Colorful ceramic plates and a central chalkboard listing daily specials add charm, while fresh fruit on the counter brings a pop of natural color to the cozy, bustling restaurant atmosphere.

2025-05-27