Muelle Uno

What makes it special

Muelle Uno opened in 2011 as an open-air shopping centre on a quay of Málaga's port. A superyacht marina lines it, and the cruise ships dock out by La Farola lighthouse.

Almost at right angles to it, the Palmeral de las Sorpresas lines the neighbouring quay with palms. Its white concrete pergola runs along the water and gives you shade on the walk in summer, with a play of light and shadow on the paving beneath it. Between the palms are fountains, small sunken gardens and play areas.

The restaurants have terraces facing the water. At the Zoco artisan market, the stalls under the awnings sell ceramic houses lit with LEDs, plates and jars painted after Picasso, local goat cheese and clothes.

Visiting

A walk down from Plaza de la Marina through the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, under its pergola, brings you to the water. At the Centre Pompidou's cube, on the corner, turn onto Muelle Uno.

Follow the promenade out past the shops and the yacht berths toward La Farola lighthouse. Go up to the raised garden above the quay, beside the Paseo de la Farola, for the clearest view back to the Alcazaba and the cathedral.

From the lighthouse end, La Malagueta, the city's main beach, is a short walk on. Then walk back along Muelle Uno as the light goes.

Guided or on your own

The boats meet on Muelle Uno itself, on the Paseo de la Farola side, a few minutes' walk from the Pompidou cube. The standard trip lasts about an hour, sailing close to the coast and out to open sea, with La Malagueta and the skyline behind you.

Departures run from about midday to sunset. A sunset sailing and a night trip with music on board each run an hour and a half.

Give yourself half an hour at the meeting point before you sail. Every trip depends on the weather, and from about October to April you will want a warm layer for the evening. Stay off the net area on a catamaran if you want to stay dry.

Tips

The terraces on the quay are touristy and cost more than you would expect, so come for a drink and eat elsewhere. For a cheaper lunch, walk on to the beach bars on La Malagueta, which serve local fried fish.

Keep your phone and wallet zipped away while you walk, since pickpocketing can happen in busy areas like this one. In summer the beach end fills with swimmers and sunbathers, so go early in the day if you want a spot on the sand.