El Palo – The beach of poets, art and little squares 📷 Málaga – Spain

Whenever I think I’ve seen everything a particular place has to offer, I find that new things, views, places, beaches, art and much more keep cropping up. I thought I knew this beach inside out, but that wasn’t the case.

I’d been through this neighbourhood, El Palo, and its beach several times, but not always from the beach side, so I’d unwittingly missed out on a lot. So I decided to walk the entire length of this beach in a single go. A while ago, I explored part of this beach, thinking the walk had ended and that what followed was Pedregalejo beach, but that wasn’t the case. So I set out on a new walk, starting from a beautiful gazebo that provides shade along part of the seafront promenade, a street called Banda del Mar.

What lay ahead of me was even more wonderful than the little I’d seen so far. The beach stretches for 1,200 metres, and after each section of the walk there are always information boards detailing the part of the beach where we are, as well as signs with messages and numerous tributes to notable figures from the city.

Walking from east to west along the left hand side, there are many buildings; some are homes of local residents, restored from earlier eras particularly the old fishermen’s cottages but there are also many holiday flats. This area isn’t characterised by large hotels or tall, multi storey buildings dedicated to tourism; rather, the buildings are quite different in style, offering tourists a different kind of experience, one that feels more authentic, more relaxed and brings them into closer contact with the locals.

If I were a tourist, this would be one of the places I’d choose to stay, away from the city centre and the hustle and bustle, in search of a relaxing holiday. But of course, for anyone looking to visit historical sites or museums, the city centre is the best option.

I don’t know if it’s actually the case or just my own perception, but this beach seems to be dedicated above all to the city’s poets, because every so often I came across verses by one of them, displayed on mosaic covered signs, verses so beautiful and always dedicated to the sea, the fishermen and the life of this distinctive neighbourhood, one of the fishing districts where people once devoted themselves to this noble trade.

“The boats in pairs, like the wind’s sandals laid out to dry in the sun.”
Altolaguirre Bolin, Manuel (1902–1959)

The area offers incredible views of the beach, with the green grass amidst the clusters of palm trees, several of which create that typical beach atmosphere, whilst the entire stretch is dotted with numerous beach bars. At the time I passed by, many were closed, others were setting up, and others were in full swing. Many of them belong to the numerous restaurants situated opposite, and it is there that the town’s traditional fried fish is prepared.

A walk that offers those sea views and the sand, but it’s also great for children because there’s always a playground with plenty of play equipment to keep them entertained. I always like it when, wherever I go in the city, there are special places for children; they’re always taken into account, and above all, there are real games rather than phone screens, games where they can interact.

The walk along this seafront promenade offers plenty of shade, with trees on one side shielding us from the sun, especially in summer. As well as people walking, there are lots of cyclists, and there are also plenty of benches where you can sit, rest, read a book or simply close your eyes and listen to the sea.

In the distance, I could see lots of boats on the sand; further on, I’d find out what they were all about. But as art always makes its presence felt wherever I go, these painted boats appeared on one of the many public toilets on the beach.

Walking a little further, I got closer to the boats and could see some facilities belonging to the local sailing school, featuring large illustrations and sponsored by everyone from the Andalusian Rowing Federation to the local council and various companies.

I saw more and more boats until I reached another special spot for hiring boats and enjoying water sports. Everything was very well organised and set up. You can practise a huge variety of sports there. That came as a surprise to me.

Right next to all that space dedicated to sports, I came across what I consider to be the most beautiful part of this walk: a huge square called Plaza del Padre Antonio Ciganda SJ.

Surrounded by boats, a wide variety of restaurants, residential buildings and the sea, with a lovely spot for a stroll right by the water’s edge, this square, which is indeed enormous, is one of the most striking features of the seafront promenade and the beach itself.

It has huge flowerbeds with trees, plants, cacti, palm trees and flowers. I also found a gym with plenty of equipment for those who enjoy or need to exercise, and I think being outdoors and close to the beach is the best it gets.

Within this beautiful square there are two fountains surrounded by lawns, with a blue barrier around them, no doubt to stop people getting too close. In one corner, there are numerous white-painted gazebos with blue benches that make a perfect combination; I’d say it has a nautical style.

There were also plenty of street lamps, so I imagine a night-time stroll here would be truly magical. I saw areas set up for various sports, such as basketball.

And walking a little further, I came across the huge stones shaped like the name of the place, ‘El Palo’, also surrounded by palm trees, beach bars nearby and wooden walkways leading down to the beach.

On my walks, I always make a point of going right down to the water’s edge to admire the foam washing ashore, then looking back at the buildings.

Standing at a particular spot and letting my gaze take in everything I can see in every direction is the most wonderful thing.

I know I’ve still got a long way to go, and that’s the best thing about exploring this lovely city, it’s got everything, or at least everything I like. Thank you very much for joining me today; I send you my warmest regards. See you soon.
Amonet.