When you visit Malaga, you’ll notice the number of ice cream shops everywhere in the city. The locals adore ice cream and the sweeter the better – as well as traditional vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, you’ll find a world of flavours ready to go in your cornet (cucurucho) or tub (tarrina).
But not all venues serve quality products so we’re been out and about to find the best ice cream shops to cycle to in Malaga and discovered five worth seeking out. Read on to find out where to go for your next ice cream fix.
The oldest and most traditional taste – Casa Mira
Something of an institution in Malaga, Casa Mira has been scooping delicious ice cream into cones in Malaga since 1890. But this family-run business is mostly about turrón, the Spanish version of nougat made with honey and almonds.
Casa Mira arrived in Malaga literally on the backs of donkeys when Severino Mira (the great, great grandfather of the current owners) brought his home-made turrón to Malaga from Alicante in south-east Spain. The sales were so successful he decided to make a second trip, this time with the more ‚modern‘ horses and carts plus his entire family.
Because turrón is traditionally a Christmas sweet, the Mira family needed something to tide their business over from season to season so they turned to ice cream. Using snow brought from the Sierra de las Nieves mountains near Ronda, Casa Mira produced Malaga’s first ice cream. Much has changed in the almost 130 years, but the family still uses the original recipes and their turrón ice cream is still one of the most famous things to try in Malaga.
Best flavour to try: turrón (obviously) or if you fancy something a little stronger coffee, ask for their famous blanco y negro (black and white) – crushed iced coffee with turrón ice cream.
Where to try it: Casa Mira has four locations in Malaga but the best one to cycle to is on Calle Compás de la Victoria 1.
While you’re there: Check out the Basilica de la Victoria and its crypt-one of the most unusual things to see on a bike ride in Malaga.
A nutty heaven
A more recent addition to the Malaga ice cream scene, Heladería Inma is a firm favourite among lovers of nut flavours. Since its beginnings in 1972, this small parlour has been making the best pistachio and pine nut ice cream in town.
The secret to its success (the queue stretches far along the pavement) lies in the ingredients. The shop brings in pistachios from Sicily – apparently, those grown on the foothills of Mount Etna have the best flavour in the world and they certainly make the greenest ice cream you’ll find in Malaga!
And the pine nuts come from Valladolid in northern Spain. If nuts aren’t your thing in ice cream, don’t worry because Heladería Inma produces lots of other flavours too.
Best flavour to try: Pistacho or pine nut.
Where to try it: Calle Moreti 15, on the west side of the city. Ask our staff for full directions when you pick up your Malaga rental bike.
While you’re there: Combine your delicious ice cream with a trip to the Russian Museum and Car Museum, just around the corner. Find out more about museums to see on your bike in Malaga.
Sweet sensations
If you like your ice cream a little bit different, head for one of the two Heladeria Mardels in Malaga. This parlour specialises in gluten-free and lactose-free ice cream that comes in unusual flavours. Think millefeuille with fudge or chocolate cheesecake… They also produce sugar-free flavours if you fancy something a little less sweet.
Best flavour to try: Emperador ( white chocolate ice cream mixed with vanilla ice cream, Nutella and chocolate chips).
Where to try it: Mardel has two locations in Malaga. One is in Avenida Imperio Argentina and the other is on Avenida Simon Bolivar 15, not far from the Malaga Football Stadium.
While you’re there: If you fancy trying the Mardel in the west, this is a good cycle ride along the seafront and en route to the Guadalhorce River, part of our west coast route.
The other Mardel makes a good stop after a tour of Malaga Football Stadium.
Ice cream at the Port
If you like your cornet with views of boats, head for Conico on Muelle Uno. This parlour isn’t one of the oldest in Malaga and actually forms part of a chain, but the flavours are absolutely delicious and come in some interesting combos. Plus you get to enjoy your ice cream sitting next to the yachts with great views of the Malaga skyline.
Best flavour to try: try the mango and cheese or the pomegranate yoghurt.
Where to try it: Conico is on Muelle Uno, just next to the Mariner’s Chapel.
While you’re there: take a tour of the Malagueta area with the bullring and Pompidou Centre, head for the beach or continue cycling along the eastern seafront. If you’re feeling really energetic, why not cycle all the way to Chilches?
A well-earned ice cream
If you decide to get out and about in the countryside when you hire a bike in Malaga, you may well choose to cycle up to the mountains. The Montes of Malaga make up one of the most challenging bike rides in the city and after making your way up and down you’ll more than deserve an ice cream treat.
Heladeria Bajocero serves the usual range of flavours plus some new takes on traditionals such as their banana split that comes with dulce de leche or the gold caramel with white chocolate ice cream. Vegans have a good choice here too and gluten-free ice cream is available.
Best flavour to try: we like the refreshing avocado, made with fruit grown locally in the eastern part of the province.
Where to try it: Camino de Colmenar 23 – ask our staff to pinpoint it for you on the map.
While you’re there: continue back down to the city for a well-earned rest after your ride up to the Montes!
Get your bike
Now you know where the best ice cream shops are in Malaga, you need the wheels to get there. Our MALAGA BIKE rentals provide everything you need and bikes for all the family.
Contact us to find out more about bike hire in Malaga and for more recommendations on where to cycle to find the very best ice cream. Just click here or call us on +34 606 978 513.
