Taking a souvenir of our trips for ourselves or our relatives is one of the most typical things we do. However, finding the perfect item from each place is sometimes a bit complex. That’s why one of the options favored by seasoned travelers, and which has become a trend, is to buy gastronomic products.
Málaga has a wide variety of local products throughout the province, and the richness of these lands has even led to the creation of their own brand for some of them, Sabor a Málaga.
The most discerning palates will have the opportunity to taste Málaga’s local products and enjoy a complete gastronomic experience. Bread in all its forms, wines, sweets, fruits, and seasoned olives are some of the native products of this land that you can enjoy and take home as an unrivaled gastronomic souvenir from across Málaga’s geography.
1. Malaga goat cheese
The Malaga goat is one of the breeds of goat with the tastiest milk in the country. Using this milk, cheese is made which is so famous that enthusiasts are drawn to the province. Depending on the degree of maturation, various categories, flavours, colours and textures can be distinguished. Do not leave without trying Malaga cheese curds, one of the most delicious, and do not forget to take one home. Look carefully because many of them are rated among the best and most environmentally-friendly cheeses in the world!
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2. Axarquía raisins
Axarquía raisins from Malaga have their own appellation and are known internationally for their quality. The collection process and dehydration of the grapes before reaching the final product is very laborious. Known as the black pearls of the South, they are a fountain of youth because they contain high levels of antioxidants such as Omega 6 and Vitamin E. If you have memory problems, take a handful of raisins because everyone knows that they help the mind to function in addition to sweetening your palate.
The Raisin Route, the delicacy of the Axarquía in a weekend
3. Malaga sweet wine
If you come to Malaga and don’t try its sweet wine, it’s as if you didn’t get to know the place. This is one of the most famous in Spain and its international prestige positions it as one of the most important in its category. In addition to its distinctive and delicious flavour, the wine from Malaga has other qualities. If you suffer from sore throats, drink a glass of this typical Malaga product and see how it relieves your pain and brings your voice back. Many flamenco singers do this before taking the stage.
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4. Alora olives
These are the first table olives with a protected appellation in Spain. There is a great tradition in Alora with these olives: they have always been stored in earthen jars and have been present in all homes. Grandmothers know the right way to season them. Water, salt, vinegar, thyme, fennel and oregano are the main ingredients for it and are always manipulated using wooden utensils. There is nothing better than sitting at a table in the sun with a good wine and a plate of Alora olives.
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5. Genal chestnuts
Autumn brings with it one of the most anticipated products from the province of Malaga: chestnuts. The Genal Valley is one of the most productive areas and walking through these lands is to enjoy the amazing smell of roasting chestnuts. Seeing chestnut roasters with their carts on the streets in the province of Malaga is traditional. Large pots are placed on coal and, once toasted, this delicacy is offered wrapped in a paper cone. Treat yourself: warm your hands during the winter with the package while enjoying the taste.
Chestnuts: The Finest Autumn Treat In The Genal Valley
6. Coín fig bread
Fig bread is a typical rural recipe from Coín, the origin of which comes from exploiting this fruit which occurs in the area. This local product is one of the most well-known and is now made so easily so that it can easily be transported. In fact, it is one of the most common gifts that people visiting Malaga bring their families and friends. The recipe comes from the Muslim period as they used a lot of these ingredients.
7. Algarrobo cakes
This ancient recipe is one of the best kept secrets in Algarrobo. Outside of this area, it’s hard to make the cakes exactly right. Olive oil, aniseed and almonds are some of the ingredients of this typical product from Axarquía. Don’t forget to try this treat, especially for breakfast. There is no better way to start the day than by waking up your palate.
8. Periana peach
The fertile clay-rich soil in Periana gives the peaches a characteristic richness. Its velvety skin and intoxicating smell makes it impossible to resist taking a bite. Its reputation is recognised throughout the province and the marketing was quickly successful given the quality of the fruit. Although originally an Argentinian, known there as a “durazno”, it has become a symbol of Periana. If you come to Malaga, always make sure you have one of these to hand and remember that, in addition to the fruit’s healthy properties, it never hurts to sweeten life a little.
9. Mistelle liquor from Arriate
Brandy, coffee beans, cinnamon and sugar are the basis for one of the most traditional spirits from the Serrania de Ronda region. Mistelle has a smooth aniseed flavour, making it the best companion for the typical traditional pastries. This drink is used as a digestive after a heavy meal. If you ever visit this region, try it with an almond-based sweet. These two products together are very comforting.
10. Molletes from Antequera
You cannot go to Malaga without trying the Antequera mollete. This bread roll is the best known from these lands and has acquired a deserved reputation over time. Its round shape and softness are the main features of this product which can be combined with all kinds of foods. Ham, cheese, pate, tomato or any other ingredients taste better with a mollete. It is such a famous product that there are even cookbooks which use this bread as a main ingredient.
11. Morá Carrot from Cuevas Bajas
The morá carrot was introduced by the Arabs last millennium and is especially typical of Cuevas Bajas, where its collection is celebrated with a great festivity. This carrot is a bit more bitter than orange and it is a delight to eat them grilled with a pinch of salt and oil.
12. Yemas del Tajo from Ronda
The already classic Yemas del Tajo is a typical dessert that is made with yolk and sugar. These delicacies are already so famous that they have become the typical gift to be taken when you visit the city, and that is small golden delicacies that match perfectly with a good glass of sweet wine.
13. Cane Honey from Frigiliana
Although Frigiliana has the only factory in Europe that makes cane honey in a traditional way, it is one of the most unknown local products in Málaga. Although this factory has been operating for three centuries, it was in 2014 when Caña Honey Day was created in the town, a festivity during which the process of making this fantastic product is revealed.
14. Ajobacalao from Vélez
The ajobacalo, ajocolorao or ajoporro is a typical product of Vélez-Málaga. Its origin is related to the Holy Week, because the ajobacalao is the lid that was given to the throne carrier when they made stops during the state of penance. It is made by mixing and beating all the products (garlic, cod, paprika, chilli, oil and bread) until you get a dough similar to the pate but with an orange tone. It is usually taken in toast and accompanied with cheese
15. Pestiños from Cañete
The pestiños of Cañete are an institution because the Carmelite Mothers have been doing them for centuries. These small sweet delicacies can be purchased in the traditional lathe of the convent of Santísimo Sacramento, located in the historic center of Cañete la Real.
16. Huevas de Caracol from Villanueva del Trabuco
One of the most unique and exclusive products of Malaga are sold in small bottles. These are the so-called White Pearls of Andalusia, which are no other than the roe of an autochthonous snail of the axarquía that are vacuum-packed, they are all a delicacy.
17. Roasted Almonds (Alfarnate)
One of the most typical things in Málaga and its province are the famous cones of almonds. It is very common to walk through the streets of any corner of Málaga while enjoying some toasted almonds.
This product from Málaga is one of the delicacies of the province, and you have probably also seen it in desserts, breads, and other delicious preparations. However, even though there are many types of almonds, the almond from Málaga, grown in the Alfarnate area, is considered the best in the province. In addition to the fruit itself, there is a traditional way of preparing it: toasted almonds. The locals from Alfarnate toast the almonds and add salt with a special touch, giving them a unique flavor for the palate.
18. Moscatel grape wine (Cómpeta)
The wine from Cómpeta is one of the most well-known in Málaga, made from Moscatel grapes. This type of grape, typical of the area, has unique characteristics that give it a distinctive flavor, influenced by the specific climatic conditions of Cómpeta and the Axarquía region.
From these grapes come Moscatel and sweet wines, which we recommend pairing with hearty, hot dishes like a good stew or as an aperitif. As you can see, this local product from Málaga’s lands makes an ideal gift for wine lovers.
19. Gin Malaka
The products of Malaga’s gastronomy are a true luxury that you can take home for yourself or your family from your trip to these lands. But perhaps what you didn’t know is that you could buy an authentic Málaga gin. This drink, inspired by 19th-century Málaga, is a premium beverage that has earned a place among the typical products of this city. Its production is carried out with the highest quality, and you can combine it with botanical spices and special tonics. Undoubtedly, it is a different and unique Malaga product that is already part of the history of this land.
20. Dehesa de Los Monteros 100% Ibérico Ham
We know that ham is one of the quintessential gastronomic products that everyone loves. And if it is acorn-fed Iberian ham, even more so. This 100% Iberian ham from Dehesa de los Monteros carries the Málaga seal, and it is a product of the Serranía de Ronda, where the exclusive breeding of acorn-fed Iberian pigs gives a high level of quality to this delicacy.
Tradition and the latest advances, as well as respect for the exclusive breeding of this type of pig, give this company an unequaled guarantee and seal of quality.
21. Sol y Sombra
The trend of tasting local and exclusive products makes alcoholic beverages have become one of the most demanded in the province of Malaga. Specifically, in Ojén, we find Sol y Sombra. It is a sweet anise liqueur of excellent quality and aged wine brandy.
The family that started the elaboration of this product in this village of Malaga in the 19th century devised a special recipe that has turned Sol y Sombra into one of the most exclusive and internationally successful brandies. In addition, it has received recognition and awards for its excellent quality, so much so that there is an exclusive room dedicated to it in the Molino Museum in Ojén.
What gift is better than a local product? Very often, we don’t know what to bring our loved ones when we travel. Here are 21 perfect souvenirs that will make you a king, but the most important thing is not to forget you also need to enjoy them because it’s impossible to go to Malaga without trying these treats for your taste buds.
Where to stay
El Fuerte Marbella
Fuerte Group Hotels is always the best option to stay in Andalusia, see its cities and rest. The chain has branches where you can enjoy the best of each area throughout the region, in addition to its services. Its more than 60 years of experience are the best guarantee. Marbella, or Torrox are some sites where you can find this amazing accommodation.