Exploring Calle Andrés Pérez

If you’re looking for unusual things to see in Malaga you usually need to get off the beaten track and take yourself away from the well-trodden tourist haunts. In this post we recommend a visit to Calle Andrés Pérez where a treasure trove of unusual sights await you.

Why Calle Andrés Pérez?

We love this hidden corner of Malaga because it offers an insight in the old city and gives you the chance to take in several unusual things to see in Malaga within a very small radius. Plus there are some great shops to browse and several excellent places to eat.

A bit of history

This long narrow street that runs between Plaza de los Mártires and Carretería is now 1 of Malaga’s up-and-coming areas. But if you’d walked along Calle Andrés Pérez just a few years ago you’d probably have taken a mental note never to visit again. But an antique business (Casa del Cardenal – see Best shops below) that set up shop in 2011 and a big refurb by the council since then have brought the street back to its former glory.

The area’s oldest residents claim that Calle Andrés Pérez used to be home to over 70 shops and business, and that it was such a busy thoroughfare that locals knew it as “Larios la chica” (the small Calle Larios) and “Larios la estrecha” (the narrow Calle Larios).

There aren’t quite as many shops nowadays, but this is a buzzy street once again and one that’s definitely worth checking out when you’re on holiday in Malaga.

Unusual things to see in Malaga – the highlights

Keep your eyes open as you wander around and if you see a side street duck down it – you never know what you’ll discover… These are our highlights (in alphabetical order):

Artists’ square

The buildings in this square are designated artists’ ateliers. They include a lutier (repairer of stringed instruments), a vintage clothes designer, a small art gallery, papercraft shops…

How to find this square – take the first right in Calle Andrés Pérez (opposite Casa del Cardenal) and the square is round the corner on your left.

Churches

There are lots of lovely churches in Malaga but it just so happens that two of the best religious sights in Malaga are nearby.

Don’t miss the Iglesia de los Mártires (open weekday mornings and some afternoons) in Plaza de los Mártires. Must-sees include the life-size images that form part of the Holy Week processions in Malaga.

And don’t miss the Oratorio de Santa María Reina either. The inside is entirely decorated in brightly coloured frescos that, although they’re very recent and not at all historical, are lovely. This church is supposed to open on weekday mornings, but we’ve found it closed a couple of times. If you’re not lucky the first time it’s worth returning for.

This church is in Plazuela Virgen de las Penas – take the second left from Calle Andrés Pérez into Calle Arco de la Cabeza and see the church at the end of the street on your right.

Façades

The buildings in this part of Malaga are among the oldest in the city, so when you’re wandering around the streets take in the different styles and colours of the façades.

Medieval walls

Malaga was once an entirely walled city (read our post about walking the walls in Malaga), but today few stretches remain. One of the best preserved can be seen from Calle Carretería (in full restored glory) and from Calle Arco de la Cabeza (in less than restored glory). Look out for other signs of walls as you walk around.

Vertical garden

This is one of our favourite places in Malaga. It’s right off the beaten track and can be difficult to find but it’s worth seeking out. Below the verdant plants, poetic words have been carved into the metal façade. And best of all, there’s usually no one there!

How to find the vertical garden – turn into Calle Pozos Dulces (left off Andrés Pérez) and take the first right. The plant-covered wall is round the first corner on your left.

How to get there

The best way to reach Calle Andrés Pérez from Malaga city centre is to take Calle Granada from Plaza de la Constitución and turn first left into Calle Santa Lucía. Follow this street until you reach Plaza de los Mártires and continue straight on into Andrés Pérez.

Or get to this hidden corner of Malaga via Calle Carretería – second right after you enter Carretería from the river.

Best places to get a little something

There are some goodies round here including 1 of the best vegetarian restaurants in Malaga, a great brunch venue and delicious afternoon tea. Here’s our pick in and around Calle Andrés Pérez:

• Casa La Invisible – a semi-abandoned patio, but a favourite with Malaga’s alternative cultural scene and a fun place to soak up some funky vibes while you enjoy a drink. Open evenings only.

• Brunch-it – yummy pizzas and burgers plus some excellent breakfast deals. Organic too so it’s good for you as well as delicious.
  
• Taberna Las Merchanas – listen out for the Holy Week-themed music to find this atmospheric bar. Traditional tapas, solemn marching music plus Holy Week memorabilia.
  
• Perro viejo – stunning interior design in a fully restored mansion, with good tapas and sharing plates. On nearby Calle Mártires 16.
  
• La casa del perro – a small venue, serving delicious home-cooked food and organic wines. The menu changes daily. Book ahead.

Best shops

The best shops here are almost too many to list but our absolute favourites are:

• Casa del Cardenal – antiques galore in a beautifully restored palace. Don’t miss the view of the patio through the railings.
• Mahatma – art gallery and workshop, and there’s always something interesting going on here.
• Scrappiel – a must for scrapbook and paper art fans, this is 1 of those craft shops that’s so difficult to find nowadays.

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