Antigua Casa de Guardia

Established in 1840 by Don José de Guardia, Antigua Casa de Guardia holds a revered spot as Málaga’s oldest wine bar—a living relic of Andalusian tradition and wine culture. Located at Alameda Principal 18, this historic tavern retains its original décor, customs, and ambiance as if time has paused within its walls. Stepping inside reveals a long, narrow room crowned by massive oak barrels lining the walls. Wines—including Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel, Pajarete, dry añejo, and more—are served directly from these barrels into small glasses. The customary ritual of tallying your bill in chalk upon the worn wooden bar top adds to the bar’s nostalgic charm. Notice too the rhythmic clang of service bells and waiters dressed traditionally, all contributing to an atmosphere brimming with ceremony and local character. Despite its popularity with tourists, the bar remains a beloved local haunt—a no‑nonsense, standing‑room‑only space where visitors and natives alike gather to chat over rich fortified wines and simple tapas or seafood bites. Open daily from around 10 AM to 10 PM, it offers an unpretentious yet deeply authentic experience. More than just a bar, Antigua Casa de Guardia is a living piece of Málaga’s cultural tapestry—a place where history, conviviality, and tradition flow freely from barrel to glass.