Cristina Hodgson
MALAGA’S culinary battleground comes alive every summer among beachfront restaurants, all vying to serve the best and most affordable sardines skewered, the famed ‘espeto.’
This cherished Malagueño delicacy has a seasonal tradition, with its peak enjoyment period falling between May and August. However, Malaga’s capital boasts eateries that proudly offer ‘espetos’ year-round.
Amidst the ‘chiringuitos’, the cost of this regional specialty can exhibit surprising variations, with certain coastal areas in the province charging a staggering difference of €10 or more.
For those seeking pocket-friendly indulgence, the capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga, proves more merciful on the wallet. Here, a mouthwatering ‘espeto’ of six fresh sardines averages at approximately €2, a stark contrast to the steep €12 charged in Marbella.
However, to truly savor the essence of ‘espeto de sardinas,’ a journey to El Palo, the birthplace of this cherished tradition, is a must.
Nestled in this coastal district are a plethora of establishments where ‘espetos’ take center stage. Along the promenade, diners can relish a delightful range of options catering to all budgets, with prices as low as €3 to €4, offering the most economical choices in the area.
Venturing further along El Palo’s promenade, some ‘chiringuitos’ may raise their prices to €6 per ‘espeto de sardinas,’ with the more exclusive establishments reaching up to €8.50.
While most beach bars in this zone experience a surge in prices, there is one exception – El Merlo Revuelo, where diners can savor the city’s most economical ‘espeto’ for a mere €2.
Traversing to the western coast of Malaga, in Huelin, the most economical price stands at €3.50. However, within a mere 200 meters, the range of ‘espeto’ prices stretches from €5 to €7, illustrating significant differences in this area, and Marbella reaches the pinnacle at almost €12.
Behind these diverse price tags lie the individual decisions of each establishment. It is important to consider the cost of a kilogram of sardines for the ‘espeto,’ which can amount to around €10, along with the expenses associated with preparing this beloved dish, with food enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike invited to explore Malaga’s beachfront restaurants to try this captivating culinary tradition.
READ MORE:
- Vejer de la Frontera’s foodie scene is deliciously competitive
- FOODTASTIC! Three restaurants in Spain’s Malaga among best in Europe
