Most tourists think of Malaga as a place to fly into to start their holidays on the Costa del Sol, but few actually take the time to explore this fascinating city.  The city is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and is a cosmopolitan and attractive city – ranging from modern streets and buildings, to the older narrow winding streets of typical Andalucian buildings, with many seafood restaurants and tapas bar to relax and rejuvenate during your tour of the city.

Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is situated in a sweeping bay, with golden sandy beaches, and is surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery. Visit the port to see many cruise ships visiting the city. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year and benefits from the highest average temperatures in Spain.

Malaga has many attractions for the tourist and here is a selection of the main tourist “must visits”: 

Calle Larios:
A wide and modern boulevard through the centre of the city with many smart shops and coffee bars and well worth a stroll.  You will see many human statues (or street performers) – reminiscent of the famous Las Ramblas in Barcelona. From Calle Larios, you can take many of the smaller, narrow winding streets and plazas to view other attractions of the city.

The Cathedral of Malaga:
A beautiful Renaissance cathedral with a Baroque and beautiful façade – and well worth the visit to this gorgeous piece of architecture.  However, beware of the gypsies haunting the entrance to the cathedral, who will try their best to take a few Euros from you.

Birthplace of Picasso:
Close to the Cathedral is the Plaza de la Merced – a huge square surrounded by restaurants and bars, and including the house in which Pablo Picasso was born.  Not much to see in the house, but it is interesting to see photos of Picasso as a child, and the clothing he wore when he was christened.  No cameras are allowed in the house – if they catch you they actually take your camera and lock it in a locker until you are ready to leave!  (I speak from experience!).

Picasso Museum:
More interesting is the Museo Picasso – which displays many of the fine works of this famous artist – close to the Cathedral.

La Alcazaba
Further on you can visit La Alcazaba – built during the Moors occupation of Malaga in the mid fifteenth century.  Fascinating architecture and definitely worth a visit.  The Alcazaba is on the hillside, and you can get some wonderful views from up there.
An interesting note is that there is a well preserved Roman amphitheatre in the grounds of La Alcazaba – unfortunately as it is undergoing renovation, it is only possible to view the ruins through the fence.

Gibralfaro Castle

At the very top of La Alcazaba is the Moorish Castillo Gibralfaro – with astounding views of the city below and the surrounding areas.  Right next door to the castle is the Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro, one of the famous Paradores of Spain, which also enjoys the wonderful views.  Well worth a stay for at least a night.

Calle Alameda and the Botanical Gardens
Running through the centre of the city, and close to La Alcazaba are the beautiful botanical gardens – a lovely and leafy place to relax and catch your breath (also just adjacent to the Port of Malaga).

Teatro Cervantes
The main theatre in Malaga is the Teatro Cervantes, which is where another famous son of Malaga once performed – Antonio Banderas – and he still appears there from time to time.

Cuisine
Malaga has many excellent restaurants, cafes and tapas bars where you can enjoy a variety of local dishes, ranging from tapas to full menus.  Most are very affordable and offer Andalucian specialities including “pescaito frito”, a selection of small fried fish including sardines and red mullet.  Enjoy the catch of the day and wash it down with a fine Spanish wine. As Malaga goes to sleep during the siesta period, this would be the perfect time to relax and refuel for the late afternoon activities.

Incidentally, if seeing Malaga with limited time, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is a great option as it takes you to all the main sights of the city in comfort... get on and off as often as you like during the day.

In closing, Malaga is definitely worth at least a day and a night of your visit to the Costa del Sol.  Tag it on to the beginning or ending of your holiday and you will not regret it! 

Author: Anne Sewell