In this entertaining season opener of Travel Man, host Joe Lycett and fellow comedian David O’Doherty embark on a whimsical 48-hour adventure through Malaga, Spain. The episode perfectly balances historical exploration with comedic banter, beginning with Joe’s characteristically dry humor as he explains missing “arm-wrestling training” with Kirstie Allsopp to host the show.

Setting the scene with typical Travel Man flair, Joe shares some foundational facts about Malaga: its ancient origins as one of the world’s oldest cities, its current population of 593,000 as of 2023, and the etymology of its name from the Phoenician word “Malac” meaning “to salt” – a reference to its fish-salting history. David’s deliberately unimpressed reaction to these facts sets the tone for their playful dynamic throughout the episode.

Day one kicks off with a cultural deep dive into Malaga’s historical landmarks. The pair explore the 1st century BC Roman Theatre and the 11th-century Alcazaba, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich architectural heritage. Their visit to the historic Atarazanas market showcases local seafood, while their stop at the cathedral reveals an intriguing historical tidbit – its incomplete status supposedly stems from funds being diverted to support the American War of Independence.

A highlight of their first day comes from an unexpectedly mundane source – Malaga’s oldest crisp shop, where Joe’s Spanish ordering skills become a running joke throughout the episode. The real adventure begins as they head inland to tackle the Caminito del Rey, once infamous as the world’s most dangerous pathway. Built 120 years ago as part of a hydroelectric project, this 100-meter-high cliff-face path has been transformed by a €4.6 million renovation, though the decrepit original path visible below serves as a sobering reminder of its dangerous past. Their guide Jorge adds local color with his playful warning about vultures that “only hunt British tourists.”

The mountain expedition provides some of the episode’s most memorable moments, as the comedians share Malaga cake (complete with wine) while discussing their mutual ophidiophobia. David proudly credits St. Patrick for Ireland’s snake-free status, contrasting it with Joe’s snake-inhabited Birmingham. The walk’s climax comes at a glass balcony and hanging bridge, where windy conditions test both their nerve and wit.

In a delightfully unexpected detour, they visit the International Museum of Nativity Scene Art in Mollina, featuring an impressive collection of 70 scenes and over 2,000 figurines. A particularly amusing display setting the nativity in London provides fertile ground for British comedy riffs. The first day concludes at Malaga’s oldest bar, Antigua Casa de Guardia, where they sample wines directly from century-old barrels in a traditional standing-room-only establishment where bills are chalked up and tips celebrated with bell rings.

Day two begins with an invigorating cold morning swim, followed by an amusingly unsuccessful dolphin-watching expedition from Marbella. Despite the lack of dolphin sightings, Joe’s factoids about dolphin longevity and pleasure-seeking behavior keep the segment entertaining. Back in Malaga, they receive a masterclass in traditional sardine preparation, learning the art of skewering and grilling them in boat-based fires.

The artistic portion of their journey takes them to Picasso’s birthplace, where they participate in a Cubist workshop led by Silvia. Their attempts at self-portraits in Picasso’s style provide ample opportunity for jokes about nose sizes and artistic talent. The final stop at Colomares Castle offers a peculiar twist – a 1980s construction by a Spanish-American gynecologist honoring Christopher Columbus, despite the explorer having no connection to Malaga.

With a total spend of £182 per person, the trip proves both economical and enriching. In their final reflection, David highlights the memorable crisp-ordering experience (jokingly attributed to Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s scriptwriting), while Joe singles out the sardine cooking as his favorite activity. Both agree that their exploration revealed a deeper, more authentic Malaga beyond the typical “Costa del Sol” tourist experience of British pubs and football screens.

The episode succeeds largely due to the natural chemistry between Joe and David, whose comedic timing and shared sensibilities transform standard tourist activities into entertaining sequences. Their journey effectively showcases both Malaga’s traditional attractions and its quirky hidden gems, all filtered through the lens of characteristically British humor.

Throughout the episode, the show maintains its signature style of combining genuine travel information with comedic elements. The pair’s willingness to engage with local culture while maintaining their slightly awkward British charm creates an engaging viewing experience that both entertains and informs. Their final humorously scripted hug, allegedly directed by their imaginary scriptwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge, provides a fitting conclusion to an episode that successfully balances tourism with comedy.

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