I went to Malaga, on the sunny southern coast of Spain, without Judith on a work trip, but had some days off to take some photos still. As it was early May, the tourism wasn’t crowding up the place too much, the beaches had lots of empty spots and the heat was not too de-abilitating over noon and early afternoon.

We stayed a little east of the main city at Rincón de la Victoria, which had a beach promenade and most of the gastronomy was open as well.

Victoria Beach

The sunsets were stunning and fit incredibly well into dinner time. Just after getting the drinks and while waiting for the meal, someone painted the sky for us.

Watchtowers were deserted, few dared to enter the still chilly waters, the most frequent excersise was a simple run along the beach or some yoga in the shade of the still closed beach bars.

The small local fish speared and prepared for the various lunch and dinner opportunities.

Torre Vigía de El Cantal Tunnel

If you want to hear waves clashing into the rock of the shore or just require some shade, the tunnel is well worth the walk and you can alternate between shadow and sunny bits on the outside walkway along the shoreline.

The seafarer saint of Malaga is the Virgen de Carmen, which has a shrine with fresh flowers at the coast.

Some houses and doorways have elaborate tiles and the occasional depiction of a saint.

Caminito del Rey

We didn’t venture too far into the mountains or partook in proper hikes, but just hung out at a lake and had some lunch

The camp sites around El Chorro and Caminito del Rey were almost empty, the boats docked and ready for the season.

The meal was had near El Chorro at Caracuel Meson Carrion, which also did try to sell us some overpriced slabs of meat, but as the suspicious and experienced travellers we were, we stuck to the menu.

Malaga Old Town

Malaga is a buzzing city, packed to the brim with restaurants, shops of all facettes, contrasts between old and new, nature and technology. Construction noise sometimes tears through the wild mix of languages and it’s a great place to be- for a little while.

Bright and warm tones dominate the facades of the busy streets.

This is actually one of the first trips where I included some shots from my phone, because I liked them too much to throw them out. Mostly I got lucky and got the shot again on the camera, sometimes I didn’t. Doesn’t matter either way.

Malaga is busy, the musician is on their way, the backpacking tourist is taking a breather, as is the dog, wondering why the humans are sitting at the bar, where there is no prey, food or love for them.

A ramen place sporting life sized Son Gokus and Zorros.

More dogs, a common sight in all varieties.

Creative places and characters, definitely an encouragement to return.

Setting sun and cloudy weather always create interesting light for photographers in the city. Towers still struck by the sun, while the shadows slowly devour the streets every day.

Thank you Spain, thank you Malaga for the lovely sights and some hours well spent with fantastic travel companions.

Bonus: an african collared dove, which is as frequent as the common wood pigeon in this part of Spain.