Malaga is an underrated destination when it comes to backpacking. The city itself is the Costa del Sol’s largest and boasts a varied range of interesting sights from Moorish castles and a Roman theatre to a wide variety of museums, including one dedicated to the city’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso.
But some of the most exciting opportunities here can be found in exploring the larger Malaga province which hosts excellent hiking trails, stunning sunny beaches, and unforgettable Andalusian culture. This makes the region absolutely perfect for throwing your essential items in a backpack and getting out to explore it on foot.
If you are planning a backpacking jaunt around Malaga, it is important to understand the most important things that you’ll need to pack. Yes, of course, many items are readily available – but if you are going to be hiking and want to make the most of your time without having to spend unnecessary hours locating shops, you’ll want to have the key things with you.
In this article, we take a look at some of the prime things that you will need to pack for your backpacking adventure around Malaga.
The essentials
It can be all too easy to get carried away when planning any kind of adventurous holiday and forget that fundamentally you need to ensure you have all the basics covered. You’re probably not going to forget your passport – but have you remembered travel insurance? This is essential on any adventurous holiday, and it’s useful to have a paper copy for ease of access.
Also, you might be used to using cards or your phone to pay for things. But there are still plenty of restaurants and shops operating that will only take cash, so you will need to make sure that you have some available. No, you probably don’t want to be carrying around your entire holiday budget – but having a decent stash of Euro available is a good idea.
Clothing
When you come to packing clothing, have two key ideas in mind: they should be lightweight and they should be versatile items that can be layered depending on the weather. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring on foot. Trainers or hiking shoes are ideal, but make sure you break them in before your trip to avoid blisters. Sandals or flip-flops are also great for the beach or for casual wear.
Pack several pairs of comfortable, moisture-wicking socks, and quick-drying clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops, which are perfect for the warm weather in Malaga. A long-sleeved shirt or lightweight jacket is also recommended for cooler evenings or for visits to religious sites that require modest clothing.
Don’t forget to pack swimwear for the beach, and a sarong or cover-up can be useful for the walk to and from the beach. A hat or cap to protect your face from the sun is also essential, as well as a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Technology
Part of your adventure might be an interest in getting away from the technology items that you use every day – but it’s definitely important to pack some. You’ll definitely want to remember your charger and a portable power bank, in addition to your phone. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, you can even invest in a solar-powered power bank.
Given all of Malaga’s stunning scenery, you’ll probably also want to bring a camera. This will get you to the debate of whether to bring a hard case or a soft case for the camera. Ultimately it is a decision between protection and flexibility.
And don’t forget that you’re going to need at least one travel adapter for the plug sockets over in Spain. These are items that are not so easy to find without going to a specialist store, so it really is essential to remember them.
Personal care
To ensure that you are prepared for all eventualities on your backpacking adventure around Malaga, it’s important to pack a few personal care items. One of the most important things to consider is sun protection.
Malaga can get very hot and sunny, so you will need a high-factor sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing to help protect yourself from the sun.
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in Malaga, so pack a good quality insect repellent to keep them at bay. You might also consider bringing an anti-itch cream, in case you do get bitten. A basic first-aid kit is also a must, including plasters, antiseptic cream, pain relief medication, and any prescription medicines that you need.
Entertainment
It is important to remember that no matter how busy you are during your adventure in Malaga, you’re going to have some downtime too. You will need something that you can do to relax when you aren’t out and about exploring. In fact, it can be extra valuable to have some sociable activities ready, so you can enjoy some leisure time if you meet new people during your travels. For example, a deck of cards or a miniature chess set can easily be carried around with you and can offer you the chance to have something without a language barrier to play.
You might also want to take something like a travel journal around with you so that you can write down your experiences and remember more for later.
A backpacking adventure around Malaga can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to pack smartly and efficiently to make the most of it. By including essential items such as comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and toiletries, you can ensure that you are prepared for anything that comes your way. Remember to pack lightly and to only bring what you need to keep your backpack manageable and easy to carry.
