Tapas, wines, and cheeses: a very tasty plan by the sea

March couldn't end better in Torre del Mar and Estepona. These two towns on the Malaga coast, separated by more than 120 kilometers (by road), coincide this weekend with a very tasty plan, both for shopping and eating. In both places, cheeses, wines, and other artisanal products can be purchased at markets set up in very emblematic and central areas. At the same time, you can enjoy tapas routes through the bars and restaurants in the area.

The festival calendar in the province has aligned to make these similar proposals coincide on the eastern and western coasts of the province, although they can perfectly complement each other, as Estepona's market lasts throughout the weekend, while Torre del Mar's is only on Sunday.

The tenth edition of the Popi Sabor a Málaga Cheese Fair will be located in the heart of the Costa del Sol Garden, at the intersection of Calle Real and Paseíllo. An artisanal producers market will be set up there from this Friday to Sunday. Between the emblematic Plaza de las Flores and the grand boulevard that Avenida de España has become, various stalls will be located. Many of them will feature cheese, but wineries and small companies that produce extra virgin olive oil, pâtés, or nuts will also be very present. Although Malaga producers will be very present, there will also be others from different parts of Andalusia or even from Spain or abroad, such as Zamoran, Galician, or 'buffalo' cheeses (Italy).

Before or after visiting this market in the center of the coastal city, you can enjoy tapas on the gastronomic route that has been organized for more than a decade to welcome spring, framed within the 'Estepona vive sus calles' cycle.

Thus, in this fourteenth edition of this tapas route, more than thirty bars and restaurants, both from the urban center of Estepona and the outskirts, will participate, offering a tapa and drink (beer, soda, or water) for 3 euros, with wine, for 4 euros, from Friday afternoon to Sunday night.

Additionally, throughout the weekend, other parallel activities will take place, such as live music, the National Ham Cutting Contest 'Popi Trophy, City of Estepona', a Flower Power party, a flamenco fashion runway, and children's activities.

Meanwhile, on the Axarquía coast, Torre del Mar has been celebrating its own tapas route since the 10th of this month, in which 28 establishments participate, offering consumptions – tapa and drink – for 4 euros. This Sunday will be the last day of this culinary itinerary. Like in Estepona, prizes will be drawn among participants who vote for the best tapas.

The final stretch of the Torre del Mar tapas route coincides with an event that is traditionally held in March, the Goat Cheese and Axarquía Wine Market, a commercial and gastronomic meeting focused on a good pairing. As the title of the fair suggests, the focus will especially be on artisanally made goat cheeses and Axarquía wineries.

Moreover, on Sunday, there will also be many other products from the province, such as the García Agua Malaga roll, or the raisins from El Borge. This municipality will be the special guest of this event. It will be represented by its muscatel products, but it also has a surprise planned to enliven the day.

Additionally, at this market, which will be located on the emblematic Paseo de Larios, very close to the Torre del Mar seafront promenade, there will be a demonstration by the National and International Professional Ham Cutting School Academy, which will soon open its doors in Vélez-Málaga.

Mirador del Carmen

Cultural. Next to the Carmen neighborhood of Estepona stands this building, also known as the 'cultural lighthouse', for its strong commitment to being a benchmark of art and knowledge. Where: On the Estepona seafront promenade (near the port).

Lighthouses

History. On the Levante seafront promenade, the current and the old lighthouse of Torre del Mar stand. The former is striking for its blue and white colors, while the latter is smaller and rectangular in shape. This last one replaced another older one that now lies among nearby buildings and holds a tragic story related to the Civil War. Where: In Torre del Mar.

Clock Tower

Past. This old bell tower is what remains of a former church demolished by an earthquake. Where: Clock Square.

San Luis Castle

Remains. In the heart of the historic center of Estepona, remains of the fortress walls can be seen. Where: On Castillo Street.

Sugar Museum

Ingenuity. Old sugar factory located where sugar was extracted from cane grown in the area. Where: Calle Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Torre del Mar.

La Cueva

Tradition. Since its beginnings, the menu of this restaurant has been linked with local cuisine. Here, you can find a great selection of fried 'pescaíto' fish, from the most classic, such as anchovies, small squids, cuttlefish, or octopuses, to others less common, such as spider fish or skate. Among its specialties are monkfish and shrimp skewers, onion-stuffed tuna, or tiger mussels. To this, they add dishes of their own creation, like the 'periana', a unique trompe l'oeil made with pork.

Where: Paseo de Larios, 12. 29740 Torre del Mar (Vélez-Málaga). Phone: 952 544 034. www.freidurialacueva.es

Taberna Diez

Variety. This central restaurant offers a wide repertoire of options for lovers of Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine, but also those who want a fusion with more exotic cuisines. Here, you can order dishes ranging from cuttlefish and shrimp meatballs to tuna tataki. Its menu features original dishes such as a small squid sandwich with homemade aioli, crispy prawns with basil, pork piripi, or squid ink croquettes.

Where: Calle Real, 68, 29680 Estepona. Phone 689 435 537. www.tabernadiez.es

Laguna Playa (Camping). In addition to apartments and hotels, in the Vélez nucleus of Torre del Mar, there is the option to stay at campings, like Laguna Playa, located next to the delta of the Vélez River. There, in addition to spacious camping areas and spaces for motorhomes, there are comfortable bungalows available for four and six people throughout the year.

Where: Extension of the Seafront Promenade, s/n. 29740 Torre del Mar (Vélez-Málaga). Phone: 952 540 631.