The Ultimate Promenade Coffee Trail – from Casares to Duquesa

From Casares to Duquesa Promenade Coffee Trail

Coffee in Sabinillas

Stretching from Bahia de Casares to La Duquesa port, the coastline offers a wonderful coffee trail for coffee lovers in the area. Be it a beachside chiringuito in Casares, a coffee shop on Sabinillas promande or a quaint coffee shop in Duquesa Port, you are guaranteed to taste some of the best of Spanish (and Belgian!) coffee here on our coast! To discover more about the chiringuitos on our coast, read our previous blog here.

Guide to Ordering Coffee in Spain

Before we get onto the trail… it’s first best to get your lingo up to scratch to make sure you’re not ordering the wrong thing! Keep reading to learn exactly how Spanish coffee works.

  • Café solo: small cup of strong, black espresso
  • Cortado: espresso mixed with a dash of warm milk to soften the taste
  • Café con leche: espresso mixed with more milk (50:50)
  • Americano: espresso topped up with hot water
  • Café con hielo: espresso with a side cup of ice (‘hielo’)
  • Carajillo: espresso mixed with whisky/brandy
  • Café bombon: espresso mixed with condensed milk 
  • Nube or Manchada: Nube actually means ‘cloud’  – in coffee speak it is a glass of milk with a dash of coffee.  Also known as ‘manchado’ – ‘stained’ milk i.e. a lot of milk, little coffee (approx 90% milk: 10% coffee)
  • Sombra: a nube with a splash more coffee (approx. 70% milk:30% coffee)
  • Descafeinado de maquina: decaffeinated coffee (‘de maquina’ simply means that it is from a coffee machine)

In Spain, decaffeinated coffee is often in ‘sobre’ which means that they will give you a cup/glass of milk and a sachet of coffee to put in it.

Now, when you order your coffee in Spain you can opt to have it ‘en vaso‘ (in a glass) or ‘en taza‘ (in a mug). You will find that the locals tend to drink their coffee ‘en vaso’.

Watch this short video which nicely summarises some of the coffees you’ve just read about. This should help you remember how to order coffee just like a pro!

The Casares – Duquesa Coffee Trail

This guide will talk you through coffee stops available along the coast.  Enjoy your coffee with a view!  Each venue in this blog has either a sea or a marina view.  Our starting point is La Sal chiringuito in Casares Costa, leading onto the  San Luis de Sabinillas promenade and right through to the coffee shops in La Duquesa Port. The trail spans over a 3km walk along the promenade and makes for the perfect Sunday morning stroll!  If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to resist having more than one coffee along the way…

Please call and check out the opening times before setting out. Due to COVID19, opening and closing times may change.  We have included phone numbers and contact details on each café /restaurant /chiringuito. Please note that many chringuitos will close for the Winter months.

#1 – La Sal Chiringuito

La Sal coffee

La Sal is a fantastic chiringuito located in Bahia de Casares. Although this is primarily a chiringuito (which we highly recommend for lunch or an evening meal – although you will need to book!), it is also a fabulous coffee spot in the day time. With beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea and friendly staff, this is a fantastic coffee stop either at the start or end of your Sabinillas promenade walk.

  • Call on: +34 952 89 07 89
  • Address: N-340, Km. 146.5, 29690 Bahía de Casares, Málaga, Spain
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olelasal/
  • Plus code: 9QHM+XM Bahía de Casares, Spain

Sadly, La Sal will be closing on the 27th September 2020 for the Season, and are not due to open again until March 2021.

#2 – Ramos

Continue your walk along the promenade, cross over the footbridge connecting Marina de Casares and Sabinillas and you’ll find yourself on the San Luis de Sabinillas Promenade.  There are lots of nice cafes in Sabinillas.

As you venture along the wide boardwalk, you’ll approach one of my family’s, all-time-favourite, chiringuitos – Ramos! This is one of our favourite spots in the summer and we cannot recommend it enough. Enjoy a meal to break up your walk and finish off with a ‘cafe con leche’ or a ‘cortado’ before walking to the port.

Ramos has a lovely interior as well which means that it is great to go to even on a breezy day as it is well-protected.  You can sit inside but still enjoy the views of the beach as they have floor to ceiling glass windows. The good news is that Ramos tends to stay open a bit longer into the Autumn months and they open from 11am – until 11pm so you can pop in for a mid-morning coffee,  lunch or dinner!

#3 – Chiringuito El Paseo

Coffee with a view at El Paseo Sabinillas

At the end of this portion of the boardwalk is the much loved Chiringuito El Paseo. This is the perfect place for a light bite or a coffee stop following a day on the beautiful Playa de Sabinillas. In the Summer months, there is seating on the beach, feel the sand between your toes as you sip on a cortado in the late afternoon sun.  El Paseo also has a good internal area for those breezier days.

  • Call on: +34 625 30 56 82
  • Address: Av. Velázquez, 3, 29692 San Luis de Sabinillas, Málaga, Spain
  • Plus code: 9QCG+3C San Luis de Sabinillas, Spain

#4 – Tahona de Chana

Tahona de Chana Sabinillas

Tahona de Chana is a lovely bakery and cafe located in San Luis de Sabinillas. They also have another store nearby in the centre of Sabinillas, near the Taxi rank. This patisserie style cafe offers a range of delicious cakes and sweet treats which are the perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee. I like going to this coffee shop as they do offer the option of lactose- free milk.  They also do takeaway coffees – we used to always get fresh morning coffee from here before our morning staff meetings.  It is very easy to get to as there is lots of parking opposite.

This is the perfect café to go to if you plan to visit the Friday Sabinillas market, which is located right opposite along the promenade.  It is also located opposite the kid’s park. It is a great stop off if you fancy taking the kids to the park.

One great thing about Tahona is that they open earlier than most coffee shops on the promenade.

Check out their Facebook page to get an idea of the sorts of food and drink that they offer and find out about their other branches. Also, check their page for opening times – as they do tend to close some of their cafés over the Winter months.

#5 – The Café – American Bistro

The Café, American Bistro in San Luis de Sabinillas

As you continue along the promenade, on the corner at Sabinillas beach, is ‘The Cafe’ an American Bistro, which have a range of excellent deals for drinks, coffees and food! I love the Bistro Café in the early morning.  The great thing about the Bistro is that they open early.  Many of the chiringuitos do not open till 11am, so if you want a nice coffee and breakfast before the rest of the world descends, this is a great choice.

The views are fabulous  – look straight out to the sea.  I love to sit here, and look right out to sea, first thing in the morning, as it feels like I am stretching my eyes.  It is a nice way to wake up and a good start to a day ahead.  The Bistro is also great, as, apart from British Breakfast Sandwiches and Full English Breakfasts,  they do have healthy options.  My favourite is the granola.  I like going there as many traditional Spanish style cafés only have bread options on their breakfast menus.

They have a great A La Carte menu with lots of our favourite dishes including quesadillas, fajitas or Chilli con Carne.  Alternatively, pop by for a very reasonable tapas-style ‘menu del dia’ (menu of the day) or visit later on in the evening to taste their range of cocktails in Happy Hour!

Check out their website for opening hours.  It is also part of a small chain – you can find out about their other cafés on their website.

#6 – Miel Patisserie

Sabinillas Phase One Lockdown

At the start of the section of the promenade which leads to Duquesa Port, you will find the Belgian patisserie ‘Miel’. Its friendly staff will ensure you have a wonderful experience drinking good coffee and quality food (you HAVE to try their waffles and crepes!!). I love the way they serve their coffee with a bite-size piece of cake – just makes it that bit more special.

This is my eldest daughter’s favourite breakfast spot for weekend brunches with her friends. Check out this feast from a couple of weeks ago!

Miel also has a great lunchtime menu.  It is very extensive. Believe it or not, I actually love the gambas pil pil here – I like that you can combine it with rice or chips.  If you like spicy food, order it with extra spice and pour the sauce over the rice.  Definitely one of my favourites!  They also offer a range of savoury pancakes which are delicious.  Usually, the problem with Miel is in trying to decide what to have – so much of it just sounds too good!

#7 Palms

Also on the San Luis Promenade, is Palms Beach Bar.  Another idyllic spot!  They do a delicious, freshly squeezed orange juice, as well as a great Spanish style coffee ‘en vaso’.  This is also a great place for tapas and cocktails. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

 #8 Bar Azul

Also just on the beachfront is the wonderful Bar Azul. This cafe/restaurant offers a wide range of choices to its customers. What’s more, is that it is open from 9am to 2am every day of the week so no matter what you’re after, at whatever time of the day, Bar Azul will have you covered.  From tapas, to cocktails, to coffees, to ice cream, to waffles – they cover ALL bases! This is a fantastic spot to sit and watch the world go by as you enjoy a late afternoon coffee in the sunshine!

#9 – Amaka Beach

The beautiful Amaka Beach chiringuito is one of Sabinillas’ more “Instagram worthy” spots. With its wonderful decor and fun interior, this makes for a fantastic lunch or dinner spot.  This Belgian, family-run chiringuito is located just before Duquesa Port and so could make for the perfect coffee stop before ambling over to the port. They also have a great range of juices and cocktails.

Sadly, Amaka Beach has closed for the Season but will be back again for the new season in 2021.

#10 El Varadero

El Varadero makes the perfect morning coffee venue.  Located right at the end of the promenade,  El Varadero is in a nice, quieter area of the promenade. the views are spectacular and the coffee is typical Spanish coffee.  It is quite easy to park as there is a small car park nearby.  El Varadero is opened through the day and is especially known for its ‘grilled sardines’ cooked on the BBQ.

#11 – La Marine Bar

La Marine Coffee Shop Duquesa

The promenade then links up to La Duquesa.  Located on the corner as you face the port, you will find La Marine Bar. This restaurant/bar/cafe offers a wide selection of culinary options and is the perfect spot to stop and have a coffee before walking around the port and over to Manilva beach!  I love La Marine because it is very chilled.  If you want to sip your coffee and watch the world go by, this is perfect for you.  I like to go here for some of my meetings as I am never rushed and the view of the Marina is gorgeous.

The only thing you need to do, is to make sure you have some cash on you! Unfortunately, they do not accept cards!

La Marine is located just across from the Scream Jet Ride.  It is the perfect spot if you want to watch people leaving and coming back.   Our team recently went on this fantastic boat ride and we actually chose La Marine as our meeting point.

  • Address: Calle Delfín, 6, 29692 Manilva, Málaga, Spain
  • Plus code: 9Q49+PX Manilva, Spain

#12 – Ocean Cafe

 

Visit Andalucia | Ocean Cafe & Bar, Duquesa Bar Restaurants, Restaurants in Manilva, Málaga province in Andalucia

As you walk on along the port, you will pass by Ocean Cafe. This cafe caters well to tourists, offering a range of different options including some traditional English cuisine (i.e. full English breakfast). With that said, they still offer delicious Spanish coffees.  It would simply be rude not to try it…).  They also offer a range of fresh juices, milkshakes, smoothies and frappés. They also have homemade cakes available to order (order at least 24 hours in advance).  This café opens early (8.30am), ideal for breakfast in the morning.  The Marina is also very tranquil and quiet at that time.  It is the perfect time to watch the world go by, read a paper or prepare for the day ahead.

Read more about this trendy cafe by clicking here.

#13 The Quays Irish Bar

The Quays Irish Bar in Duquesa

The Quays Irish Bar is another fabulous place to go to, if you are looking to have a good breakfast with that special Marina view.  Make sure you check out their Facebook page as they do lots of great offers.

At the time of writing,  they have introduced a fabulous brunch deal on Friday and Saturday mornings.  From 11:00 – 13:00, they are offering a ‘Bottomless Brunch’ at €19.90 per person.  This includes an amazing breakfast menu with a starter and main course to choose from.  Alongside they will provide unlimited Cava, Bucks Fizz and orange Juice.  Tea and coffee are also included. Sounds like a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning!  Booking is a must – so do call them to make a reservation.  Apart from this amazing brunch menu, they do Irish tapas through the week and a Sunday Roast.

  • Call on: 652 271 436 or 952 123 242
  • Address: Calle Delfin, Puerto De La Duquesa, 29692 Malaga Manilva, Spain
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quaysirishbar/
  • Plus Code: 9Q49+MR Puerto de la Duquesa

#14 The Café, American Bistro III

The Café American Bistro

This is part of the Bar and Cafe group of restaurants.  They have a number of restaurants including the Ocean Cafe in the Marina and The Café American Bistro in Sabinillas.  Check out their different venues on their website. They all also offer a kids menu. Check out their website for menus.

This branch is in Duquesa Port and has a fabulous Marina view.  It opens all day from 8.30am – 23:00.  They have a great English breakfast.  Also they do great lunches and dinners and the menu includes dishes like Lasagne, BBQ ribs, a range of salads and snacks.  They have a great promotion whereby you get a free coffee if you order a slice of homemade cake.  They also have a Happy hour every day which runs from 15:00 – 20:00.

#15 The Oasis Bar

Oasis Bar La Duquesa

Continuing on our walk around the Marina, you come to the Oasis Bar.  The Oasis Bar is a well-established Bar in La Duquesa and is known for its Happy Hour which runs from 16:00 – 21:00. Check out their Facebook page for more info.  They will often announce special offers and deals like their ‘cocktail of the week’.

#16 – Dolphin Cafe Bar

Coffee and breakfast at the Dolphin Bar

Kick back and relax at the Dolphin Cafe as you take in the stunning views of Duquesa Port. This is a wonderful spot for breakfasts as they do a range of dishes and fabulous smoothies too!  Many of my clients associate the Dolphin Bar with me and call it ‘my office’ as I often have meetings here.  It is very easy to find, so it makes it a perfect meeting place – just walk under the main arches at the main Port entrance, and its the first café to the left. They open early, do great coffee, and what better way to start the day than to look out at the stunning Marina view.

#17 Heaven Sports BarHeaven Sports Bar

 

Heaven Sports Bar is opened from 9am till late.  It serves an all-day full English Breakfast and also has outside seating with amazing sea views.  If you are a sports lover, they often show some of the great sporting events.  If you fancy some comfort food – they do delicious burgers too!

#18 Jimmy’s Kitchen

On the far side of the Marina, Jimmy’s Kitchen is a fantastic choice if you want healthy options.  Don’t just start your morning with a coffee – why not have a wholesome breakfast with it?  I like the fact that they have been really innovative and it is good that there are vegan options and a juice bar.  They recently released a new menu and vegan menu too.  They serve a delicious healthy breakfast. One of their signature dishes is a super health acai bowl – it is filled with antioxidants and fibre – what better way to start the day?  Apart from this they also do offer a traditional English Breakfast. Check out their Facebook page for more information! They have a lovely terrace with frontline Marina views.

#19 La Bodega Duquesa – Tapas Bar

La Bodega Cafe

Near the corner of the Portside of the Marina, La Bodega Tapas Bar is a great new find!  It just opened in May this year!  I have this one on my list of places to go to.  Whilst writing this post, I have been looking at the photos of their many delicious food dishes.  It looks fantastic. Take a look at the photos on their Facebook page!

It opens at 9am till late, and has a very extensive breakfast menu. Apart from a good selection of coffees, they offer a range of dishes from a full English to a Vegetarian English Breakfast.  There are many healthy options too.  they also have a fabulous tapas menu at lunch and dinner time.

And that concludes our coffee trail!

Due to COVID19 restrictions, many cafés and bars have had to change their opening hours.  We recommend that you call them or check out their Facebook or webpages prior to going, to avoid any disappointment.

To get a better idea of the route we have just covered, watch our fun bike ride tour of the local chiringuitos below:

 

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