Malaga Promenade

The Málaga’s seafront promenade It isn't just one: there are two linked sections to the west of the harbour, and it’s worth knowing which is which because a lot of people get them mixed up.

The order, starting from the centre and moving westwards:

1. Antonio Machado Promenade, on the Huelin Beach.
2. Antonio Banderas Promenade, on the Misericordia Beach.
3. The Térmica Breakwater, which forms the western boundary of the complex.

Together, they form a pedestrian promenade stretching several kilometres, complete with a cycle lane, beach bars and palm trees.

The Antonio Banderas Promenade

2.5 kilometres which run the length of La Misericordia beach. It is named after the actor from Málaga and is the liveliest of the two stretches.

One detail you notice when walking along it: runs on two levels, one right on the beach next to the beach bars and another one on a hill.

What to look out for along the way

• The Monument to the Espetero, opened in 2006, a tribute to the craft of threading sardines onto a skewer.
• The Monoliths of the Film Festival, on the upper level: commemorative plaques honouring actors and directors who have worked at the Málaga Film Festival.
• The Térmica Breakwater, in the end. It was built in 1957 to cool the old thermal power station using seawater, and it was restored in 2008. It’s the place where people from Málaga go to watch the sunset.

To do sport

It’s where half of Málaga trains: long cycle lane, tracks from beach football y volleyball, gym equipment, tables table tennis and chess and play areas. You can hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

The Antonio Machado Promenade

It is the closer to the centre, about 4 kilometres, and it’s heading towards the Huelin Beach, between the San Andrés and La Misericordia areas.

The beach here is smaller: 700 metres long for a few 15 wide, consisting of very dark sand and gravel. The promenade shaped the Huelin neighbourhood as we know it today.

An interesting little nod: This walk, the poet’s walk, served as the setting for The Path of the English… the film he directed Antonio Banderas, which gives its name to the promenade next door.

Misericordia Beach

2 kilometres long by about 30 metres wide, dark sand, a family-friendly atmosphere and beach bars stretching the length of the seafront.

Where does the name come from?: of the House of Mercy, a former charitable hospice that was once in operation until 1978.

⚠️ The wave of the melillero

This is something you need to be aware of if you go near the shore in the afternoon.

About the 19:30 Suddenly, waves appear, flooding the shore and sweeping away towels and bags. It isn’t the sea: It’s the wake of the ferry arriving from Melilla.

The neighbours call her «the locust swarm», it lasts a while and you know when it’s coming. The locals pack up early; the visitors get caught in the rain.

Everything about the beach at Misericordia Beach.

The industrial past that is still visible

This was Málaga in its industrial heyday. Where there are beach bars and cycle lanes today, there used to be ovens, chimneys and smoke.

The baton is passed on: The Guindos Chimney, also known as Monica Tower, from the old lead foundry. And La Térmica, the old power station, now converted into a cultural centre hosting exhibitions and performances.

Nearby is the West Park, with gardens, playgrounds and sports pitches.

And the other seafront promenades

Al the other side of the harbour, to the east, are the others:

• The Farola Promenade, which starts at the harbour. You can find it at the Paseo de la Farola.
• The Pablo Ruiz Picasso Promenade, on La Malagueta.
• Further east, Pedregalejo and El Palo, the seaside neighbourhoods.

And to the west, past the breakwater, Sacaba Beach as far as the mouth of the Guadalhorce.

What’s nearby

Walking towards the centre, you’ll come to the port and the "Muelle Uno", with the Centre Pompidou under the Colour Cube. It’s right next to it Soho, with its murals.

And once in the historic centre, the Alcazaba y the Cathedral. They are sorted by The 8 must-see monuments.

How to get there and when

• Walking from the centre: It takes about 30 minutes to get to Huelin, crossing the Guadalmedina. It’s a pleasant walk.
• By bus: Several EMT bus routes go to Huelin and La Misericordia.
• When: at dusk, without a doubt. The Espigón de la Térmica is the natural viewpoint.

And it’s completely free. More free plans at free things to do in Málaga, and for lunch, traditional dishes from Málaga.

Excursions from Malaga

We are a local tour operator based in Málaga with over 50 years’ experience organising trips around Andalusia. If you’re staying for several days:

You’ve got the whole city at your fingertips What to see in Málaga in three days and destiny in The Malaga Guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Antonio Banderas Promenade and the Antonio Machado Promenade?

There are two adjoining sections to the west of the harbour. Starting from the centre, the first is the Antonio Machado, which runs along Huelin beach, followed by the Antonio Banderas, which runs the entire length of La Misericordia beach for 2.5 kilometres and ends at the Espigón de la Térmica. The Antonio Banderas is the longer and liveliest of the two.

What is the 'melillero wave'?

Waves that suddenly flood the shore at La Misericordia beach at around 7.30 pm and take those unfamiliar with them by surprise. They are not caused by the sea, but by the wake of the ferry arriving from Melilla, hence the name. They last for a while and are predictable, so it’s a good idea to move your towels and bags away from the shore if you’re near the water at that time.

How long is the seafront promenade in Málaga?

The Antonio Banderas Promenade is around 2.5 kilometres long and runs the entire length of La Misericordia beach, which is 2 kilometres long and around 30 metres wide. In addition, there is the Antonio Machado Promenade, which runs along Huelin Beach, a shorter stretch: 700 metres long and about 15 metres wide on average.

Why is it called Misericordia Beach?

Passing by the Casa de la Misericordia, a former hospice dedicated to charitable works which remained in operation until 1978. This whole area used to be the industrial heart of Málaga, with factories and foundries, and the Chimenea de los Guindos – also known as the Torre Mónica – from the old lead foundry still stands today.

What is there to do on the seafront promenade?

There is a cycle path, beach football and volleyball pitches, exercise equipment, table tennis and chess tables, and children’s play areas, as well as kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire. Along the way, you’ll find the Espetero monument, erected in 2006, and the monoliths honouring actors and directors of the Málaga Film Festival on the elevated section of the promenade.

Where’s the best place to watch the sunset?

The Espigón de la Térmica, at the western end of the Paseo Antonio Banderas. It was built in 1957 to cool the old thermal power station using seawater and was restored in 2008; it is one of the favourite spots for the people of Málaga to watch the sun set over the bay.