Visit Baelo Claudia - 2nd C. BC Roman City near Tarifa on the Costa de la Luz, Spain

On the outskirts of Tarifa, close to the village of Bolonia on the Costa de la Luz, lies a fascinating Roman city dating back to the 2nd century BC called Baelo Claudia.

The ancient Roman town is located 22 kilometers (14 miles) outside of the city of Tarifa, right on the dunes of the village of Bolonia. On the shores of the Straits of Gibraltar, the town was originally a fishing village and also a North African trade link, settled around 2,000 years ago.

At the time of Emperor Claudius the town was thought to be very prosperous, as it was a major port for Tangier in Mauretania Tingitana (now Morocco) and also supplied salted tuna fish, garum and other products to various other Roman cities close by.

In fact, the city was so successful that it was granted the title of "municipium" by Emperor Claudius.

However, over the years the town declined, mainly as a result of several earthquakes, damage from which is evident in the ruins today. There were also problems with hordes of pirates, both Celtic and Barbary and the town was eventually abandoned in the 6th century.

Around the city:

On arrival, guests enter through the museum building, where there are impressive displays of various Roman artifacts and also information about the ruins themselves.

You can then do a walking tour of the major attractions in the Roman city. The first thing you will come across one of three aqueducts in the city, used to bring water into the town.

Next visit is to the Forum Square, pretty much like town squares today.   As you walk along the pathways, you come across the residential areas, Roman baths, shopping areas and pretty well preserved Roman roadways, which make you wonder if our roads could stand up so well after 2,000 years!

Near the beach can be found the fish salting factory, with its many bins. This area was also used for the production of garum, a fermented fish sauce used as a condiment in the cuisines of ancient Greece, Rome, and Byzantium.

Next stop is the Roman amphitheater, the heart of the city's entertainment area, which has been partially restored.

Close by are various temples. one to the Egyptian goddess Isis, as well as temples to Juno, Jupiter, and Minerva. Each god has its own individual temple, instead of one temple dedicated to them collectively, although they shared an altar; the only other Roman town believed to have a similar arrangement is Sbeitla in Tunisia.

In the museum:

Either at the beginning or end of your tour, the museum is a worthy browse, containing many well preserved artifacts and plenty of information about the site.

You can see a mock-up of how the city would probably have looked 2,000 years ago.

More photos are included in the video above, and more information on the area can be found here.

To the source: http://digitaljournal.com/article/361751

Marbella: Destination of choice on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain

One of the Mediterranean's most representative tourist venues and a top favorite for travelers, Marbella was once a small white fishing village. It is now one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.

Digital Journal reported recently that Marbella (pronounced "mar-bay-ya") had been announced the second-most expensive beach destination in Spain. The city is also the second-largest in the area.

Expensive, yes, but thousands would tell you that the town itself is well worth the money. If you can't afford to stay in Marbella itself, any of the surrounding towns would be more affordable. With easy, luxury air-conditioned bus access available regularly to the town there is no problem getting there and enjoying all the benefits, without the high-cost overnight stay....

Continue reading, see more photos & video: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/354835

Spanish Room Mate hotel chain offers free WiFi to go

For those who need their Internet while travelling, a Spanish hotel chain is offering a brand new free service, allowing guests to access the Internet not only in the hotel, but also while out and about in Spain.

The new service was started on Monday and is being offered by Room Mate hotels under the title "WiMate".  According to the company, it lets people access the internet wherever there is coverage 24 hours a day. 

Anyone booking online can reserve this service, and by hooking up to a small mobile router, guests sat 11 of the Room Mate hotels in Spain can access the Internet, using six different devices including laptops and iPads. 

A spokesman for the company said that guests can even use the gadget when travelling between participating hotels.  So, if you stay at a Room Mate hotel in Toledo, and then travel to Barcelona, staying in a Room Mate hotel there, the device travels with you, for the upmost convenience.

"One of the big problems when it comes to travelling is the lack of (internet) connection and the high fees you pay on the road," said Room Mate Hotels founder Kike Sarasola in a statement.

"With this service we are offering our customers an essential service and a new way of travelling," he added.

At present the service is available at Room Mates Hotels in Toledo and Barcelona, but the company does plan to roll out its WiMate services in its other Spanish hotels at a later date.

Google Doodle celebrates millennium of Granada in Spain

Sunday's Google Doodle celebrates the millennium anniversary of the birth of the ancient Kingdom of Granada in southern Spain. 

The logo shows a drawing of the town, with the imposing Alhambra in the background.

Google's latest contribution is to celebrate the creation of the Kingdom of Granada, which happened one thousand years ago.

The Andalucian city will celebrate its anniversary on Thursday, with initiatives such as street parades and audiovisual concerts, reflecting the emblematic city. Events will also be held in other areas of the surrounding province.

The Google Doodle on Sunday, June 16 illustrates the majesty of the Alhambra and the Albayzín (a historic district of Granada), giving an interpretation of the intricate Moorish streets to recreate the famous letters of the search engine.

It turns out the mayor of Granada, José Torres Hurtado, introduced a proposal a year ago to Google that the search engine should celebrate with a doodle relating to the Granada Foundation and its important anniversary in 2013.

To quote Wikipedia with details of the Alhambra:

The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It was originally constructed as a fortress in 889 and later converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada.

The Alhambra's Islamic palaces were built for the last Muslim emirs in Spain and its court of the Nasrid dynasty. After the Reconquista by the Reyes Católicos ("Catholic Monarchs") in 1492, some portions were used by Christian rulers. The Palace of Charles V, built by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1527, was inserted in the Alhambra within the Nasrid fortifications.

After being allowed to fall into disrepair for centuries, the Alhambra was rediscovered in the 19th century by European scholars and travelers, with restorations commencing. It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions, exhibiting the country's most significant and well known Arab-Islamic architecture, together with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden interventions. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the inspiration for many songs and stories.

The city of Granada and its accompanying Alhambra complex are essential viewing on any trip to southern Spain.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/352394

UK's 'Paella Prisoners': English & Spanish media stories differ

In a UK tabloid story, we can read about a British couple who were unfairly imprisoned and fined while on holiday, for refusing to pay a restaurant bill. In the Spanish media, we can read about what actually happened?

What the Daily Mail is saying is that Geoff Cox and Bridget Keys were "mistakenly charged" €15 ($20) for an extra portion of paella at a restaurant in Granada in southern Spain, which they visited on their recent cycling holiday.

They apparently told reporters that when they offered to pay €105 instead of €120, the waiter "went off like a firecracker."

The UK's Daily Mail newspaper ran a feature on the paella incident in which a British couple told of their arrest, imprisonment and fine as a result of an allegedly erroneous restaurant bill.

Police were then called and the couple were apparently taken straight to jail, then stripped of their shoes and left without food and water for the night.

However, the Granada daily newspaper, Ideal, decided to contact the local police and were given a very different version of the events.

Ideal reported in their article titled "The paella of discord", that police spokesman, Mariano Valbuena told them, "Our services were required in a restaurant because two people didn't want to pay part of their bill."

"The owner said that he wanted to prosecute the couple so we needed to identify them."

When asked for their identity papers, the British couple told the police that their documentation was in the hotel. Police ordered them to return to their room and collect their passports, in the company of an officer.

This is apparently when the problems really started.

Reportedly Cox was said by police to have "lashed out at one officer", while his partner, Ms Keys, kicked another in an incident that was described by the Daily Mail as "some shoving and pushing."

It was at this point (around 2 am) that the couple were arrested for attacking law enforcement officers and taken to the police station.

Cox and Keyes insist in the Daily Mail that they first found out about the assault charges when they were given access to a translator and a lawyer the morning after their arrest.

Then the Granada newspaper contacted the restaurant owner himself, who eventually decided not to prosecute the couple, but explained the whole story.

"They asked for a paella but, as it says on the menu, it's for a minimum of two people, €15 per plate, so €30 in total."

"They had a lot to drink then they went to leave without paying."

The whole thing led to a court hearing on May 20, where the couple avoided custodial sentences, but were ordered to pay €78 in fines plus damages of €250.

In the UK version, they were fined despite the charges being dropped, but in the Spanish version, charges were dropped because the couple agreed to pay the fine.

While the restaurant owner mentioned that the couple had had a lot to drink, the Mail made no mention of their alcohol consumption. The tabloid quoted Cox as saying, "I'm an ordinary, middle class, respectable citizen who has never had any trouble with the police".

He apparently added: "It's a bloody outrage."

According to Cox, who is in his late 50s and from Newdigate in Surrey, the total cost of the incident, including travel and legal expenses, is in excess of €700 and the couple are now demanding compensation for this amount, for the inconvenience caused.

"That messed up our holiday plans as we were off to Seville," said Cox. "We came back to Granada at a cost of €200 to have our day in court."

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/352380

The latest news in and around Spain as at June 12, 2013

Spain's 'angel of death' found guilty in 11 nursing home killings

Joan Vila Dilme, a security guard at a Spanish retirement home, has been found guilty of the killing of eleven elderly residents, which, according to him, was to "end their suffering." Prosecutors are looking at a 194-year sentence for his crimes.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/352081

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Spanish police gear up for 'summer of crime' with extra staff

Spain is a pretty safe country to visit, with only one in every thousand tourists likely to be affected by petty crime. However, the country is deploying over 29,000 police officers to ensure tourists' safety and security during July and August.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/352092

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Man with fake leg tripped up for drug smuggling in Madrid

Narcotics agents have been busy in Spain, as a passenger from Panama was caught at Madrid's Barajas Airport, attempting to smuggle 750 g of cocaine into the country in his prosthetic leg. On another flight from Peru, 11 kgs of the drug were captured.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/352119

Turkey's ongoing protests could benefit Spain's summer 2013 tourism

While Turkey insists that all is well and safe in that country for tourists this summer, people are changing their vacation plans and thinking of heading to Spain instead.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey is trying to reassure tourists that Turkey is a "safe" country to visit, according to the British newspaper Daily Mail.

All sounds well and good, but with the ongoing protests in Turkey, where police are attacking demonstrators with tear gas and water cannons in the streets, it is all rather off-putting to tourists looking for a safe and relaxing summer vacation destination.

Read more:  http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351995

or visit: All Spain Accommodation

Spain's Rafa Nadal apologizes for accidental Mandela death tweet and Ajax the police dog gets prestigious award

On Monday, after reading a fake message from someone who claimed to be the British journalist Piers Morgan, Spanish tennis star Rafael (Rafa) Nadal tweeted news of the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela.

As the people of South Africa pray for the health of Nelson Mandela, who is back in hospital in intensive care suffering from a recurring lung condition, someone sent out a fake tweet saying that he had passed away.

Rafa Nadal, the Spanish tennis star, saw the fake tweet and reacted by sending his own message:

"Today we lost one of the most important and relevant people in our world. Rest in peace Nelson Mandela".

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351988

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Life-saving Spanish police dog receives top award from PDSA

 The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) in the UK has awarded a prestigious international prize to a German Shepherd dog named Ajax, who works with the Spanish Guardia Civil bomb squad.

Ajax will receive the award for detecting bombs placed by the Basque terrorist group ETA on the Spanish island of Mallorca in July 2009.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351990

BASE jumper in trouble in Benidorm and singing pilot en route from Madrid does aerial tours

Video: BASE jumper lucky to live after hitting hotel in Benidorm

Austrian Maria Steinmayr, one of 17 competitors taking part in Benidorm's annual World Championship BASE jumping competition, was lucky to survive after crashing into the building on her way down.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351915

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Singing pilot takes passengers on sightseeing tour from above

A pilot working for Spanish airline Iberia asked his passengers for permission to change his flight plan, so he could take them on a tour of the historic Galician city of Lugo from the air. He accompanied the tour with song.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351924

Spanish politicians to lose booze discounts, and new way to cure doggie poo problems

Spanish MPs to lose subsidy on 'gin & tonics' in Parliament cafés

Turns out Spanish politicians have had access to discounted booze at the café and restaurant in the Spanish Parliament in Madrid. Public outrage has prompted a committee to put a stop to the benefit.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351691

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Small town near Madrid solves doggie poo problem in unique way

 Brunete is a small town of only 10,100 inhabitants, situated on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain. It may be a small town, but it had a big dog poo problem. The town hall came up with some novel solutions, including mailing the "deposit" back to the owner.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351741

The latest in Spanish news at June 4, 2013

Sleeping British Airways crew delays flight to Barcelona, Spain

Early bird passengers, who had already checked in for a British Airways (BA) flight from Aberdeen to Barcelona, were kept waiting for over three hours on Sunday morning, while their cabin crew snoozed on...

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351504
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Cost cutting: Spain's national police buy own bullet-proof vests

Due to lack of government funding, many members of the Spanish national police are being forced to cough up around €1,000 each for bullet-proof vests and slash-resistant clothing...

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351505
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Royal mistake: Spain's Infanta Elena fined for driving a tractor

A rather amusing case of mistaken identity caused the eldest daughter of Spain's King Juan Carlos to receive a fine for a traffic infraction involving a tractor in Valladolid. Well, amusing for everyone except the Spanish royal family of course!

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351508

Latest news from sunny Spain

Coca Cola completes a study: Spain, the Spanish and their pubs

According to the Coca Cola company, a study they have just completed shows that there are 350,000 catering establishments in Spain, meaning on average there is one bar for every 132 inhabitants.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351033

UK tourist throws boiling water from balcony in Canary Islands

A tourist from the UK, visiting the Playa del Inglés resort on the island of Gran Canaria in Spain, has been on a rampage, pouring boiling water onto passersby from the balcony of his holiday apartment.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351021

Spanish twins' first touch goes viral on YouTube (video)

Daniel and María joined hands shortly after their birth in a hospital in Guipúzcoa in the Basque Country of Spain. The result of this union took the Internet by storm.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351013

Spain to face coldest summer for 200 years?

Spring in Spain has so far been very changeable, with warm sunshine, but chilly to cold winds and cloudy days. Seems like that trend will continue into summer, according to a French weather channel, Meteo.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/351008

Photo essay: Between a rock and a hard place in Setenil, Spain

The Spanish town of Setenil de las Bodegas in Cádiz Province, Spain, or Setenil for short, is an unusual place to visit, with around 3,000 inhabitants living, quite literally, under an enormous rock.

This typical white Andalucían village (or pueblo) is located 157 kilometers (87 mile) northeast of the city of Cádiz and close to Ronda in Malaga province, and is a place of utter fascination....

Read more and see more photos at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/350277

Escape to a rural bed & breakfast in Spain this spring

Holidays on the coast can often turn into a "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" kind of scenario. Yes, its great every now and then to visit the coastal resorts, but how about finding out more about the real-life Spain by venturing inland?

Just a few kilometers from said golden beaches are many quaint, unspoiled and beautiful villages, and surrounding these villages many treasures can to be found.

Here are a few featured examples of what is available, but there is, of course, so much more on offer for your Spanish vacation....

Read more at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/348708

Review: Mister Noodles — Oriental temptations on the Costa del Sol

What started as a small restaurant with a few tables is now about to grow into a group of tasty food venues on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. 

The local Fuengirola branch of Mister Noodles opened some years ago, and has always been popular with both local residents and holidaymakers. 

This branch has since doubled in size, and further branches are soon to be opened in Riviera del Sol in Calahonda and also in Arroyo de la Miel, thus extending the range of this popular and delicious cuisine...  

Read the full article and see all that lovely food at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/348167

Photo essay: Fuengirola, Spain — A springtime beachfront stroll

Spring officially sprang (or is that sprung?) around a month ago, but it was hard to know it. With endless rain, cold winds and chilly nights, it seemed to have gone forever. But now, it seems spring is officially back!

Read more and view photos at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/347445

Bioparc Fuengirola, Spain revisited (video)

After months of wintry weather, spring has arrived on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. The spring weather tempted the writer to take a stroll to the Bioparc Fuengirola to catch up with the residents there.

As spring gradually creeps in, along with quite a few tourists, and with Semana Santa (Saint Week) holidays leading up to the Easter weekend, the writer decided to sneak out of the office today.

Bioparc Fuengirola is literally just around the corner, and it has been a while since the last visit to the former Fuengirola Zoo.
The first thing this writer noticed was that expansion work is going on with some of the animal enclosures, and it was quite strange to actually see the surrounding apartment blocks from within the Bioparc. 

These are normally hidden by walls and trees to keep the feeling of being in a jungle environment. Apparently the construction work will be concluded soon however.

Besides the work going on, the animals appear to be happy and healthy. A visit to the chimpanzees caused much amusement, as this fellow sat on a rock and blew "raspberries" at the surrounding audience, interspersed with huge toothy grins.

A visit to the orangutans from Borneo was surprising. Dad wasn't there. It seems the father orangutan has moved along to another Bioparc in the country, and a youngster has turned up in his place.

Mother and daughter are still doing fine, and it looks like the new addition is a young male. Possibly the Bioparc is thinking ahead to breeding with the young female who is a couple of years old now.

There was an addition of a rope climbing set up in the orangutans' enclosure, and as can be seen in the photo and video above, they were taking full advantage of it, swinging and climbing around.

These Northern Talapoin monkeys appeared to be a new addition, shown here with a baby Colobus monkey in the background:

The buff-cheeked gibbons were a little more outgoing - they have always been very shy, but last year had a baby, who is now an adult:

If you are planning a spring or early summer trip to southern Spain, Fuengirola and its lovely Bioparc are well worth the visit. However, if you prefer not to stay over in this seaside city, there are many lovely villages in the surrounding countryside where you could spend the night in a charming bed & breakfast.

Bear in mind that the weather will be pleasant for the next two to three months before the crazy summer heat sets in.

Read more and see more photos at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/346037

Spring is the time to visit the south of Spain!

After what feels like an endless winter, spring is finally creeping up on us, with some gorgeous warm, sunny days on the way!

As we know, southern Spain can be incredibly hot in the summer months, especially July and August, so springtime is probably the very best time for a relaxing holiday in the warm sunshine.

Had enough of the coastal towns, crowded beaches and English pubs?  Maybe take a different route this spring and visit the more rural areas.  Sheer beauty, incredible views, and yet still within easy reach of the major attractions.

The hillsides are gradually covering with their spring plumage, making it a pleasure to drive along, visiting the many small villages inland from the Costa del Sol.

All Spain Rural Accommodation has recently added some wonderful new charming and rural bed & breakfast options in the countryside:

1.  In Axarquia - mountainous land of white villages, olive and almond trees and wonderful country views, lies Casa Colina, a beautifully renovated farmhouse, run by Paul and Niki.


A great place to stay if you are looking to explore the sites of Andalucia or just relax by the pool in beautiful surroundings.

Lunches and dinners are prepared daily from locally sourced produce, including fresh eggs from their 12 hens and home-reared chickens. All meats used at Casa Colina are free range and where possible organic.

Guests can choose from 4 individually styled suites, all of which have a drinks fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.  And just look at the view!

2.  Near the historic and fascinating mountaintop town of Ronda, we can find Montejaque, an intriguing and typical Andalucian village in the mountains, surrounded by wonderful views.

If you would love to visit Ronda, but prefer to stay somewhere a little quieter, the perfect bed & breakfast option is Casa el Corchito:


Located in the village of Montejaque, near Ronda, Andalucia, Spain, enjoy a relaxing stay in a friendly and smokefree environment. Clean, comfortable and affordable.

Casa El Corchito is located in the Andalucian mountains on the edge of Grazalema Natural Park, only 15 km from the historic town Ronda.

The surrounding area will attract you to experience a mixture of a relaxing, a sportive and cultural holiday.  You can enjoy a good climate, all year round, many interesting sites (historical, cultural and natural, easy travelling distance to the beaches and cities and many sports opportunities, including climbing cycling and walking, especially with 3 natural parks close by.

Of Dutch origin, the owners, Rob and Coby will ensure a pleasant stay and will assist with all your touring, walking, and watersports needs.

So consider southern Spain for a warm break in springtime.  You will not regret it!

Spain is officially healthiest country to live in Europe

Despite its economic problems, Spain is still the healthiest place to live in Europe, and possibly the world, according to the medical journal Lancet, with an average of 70.9 years of healthy living, and a life expectancy of 81.4 years.

The medical journal, Lancet, states that according to the European League Table, which is comprised of data collected over a 20 year period, the healthiest place to live in Europe is Spain, which also beats many other countries in the world.

The country ranks number one for life expectancy with an average of 81.4 years, which is two years longer than people living in the UK. Spaniards' years in good health are also higher at 70.9 compared to 68.6 years in Britain. In fact the UK is way down the list in 12th place, behind Greece, Ireland and Germany.

The BBC quotes Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer of Public Health England, as saying, "Despite some enviable recent success, for example on smoking, we in the UK need to take a hard look at what can be done to help people in the UK achieve the levels of health already enjoyed by other some countries. Central and local government, charities, employers and retail businesses all have a part to play."

The US isn't doing too well either, and is listed at number 17, with on average 67.9 healthy years and a life expectancy of 78.2 years.

Lancet has attributed a combination of factors to Spain leading in the results, including healthy eating (with the Mediterranean diet), the warmer climate and more walking.

The Guardian also said that the fact that Spanish families still care for ailing relatives is probably a major factor, with relatives taking daily meals to those in hospital. They say that premature deaths from falls are also low.

The BBC lists the full table of countries in order of healthy years and life expectancy at the end of their article. However, taking the top six healthiest countries we can see:

1. Spain: average healthy years - 70.9; life expectancy - 81.4

2. Italy: average healthy years - 70.2; life expectancy - 81.5

3. Australia: average healthy years - 70.1; life expectancy - 81.5

4. Sweden: average healthy years - 69.6; life expectancy - 81.4

5. Canada: average healthy years - 69.6; life expectancy - 80.6

6. France: average healthy years - 69.5; life expectancy - 80.9

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/345370

Incredible time-lapse views of Barcelona and the Sagrada Familia

Barcelona and views of the Temple de la Sagrada Familia, as you have never seen them before.

Visit Barcelona

Málaga city, gateway to the Costa del Sol, southern Spain

Málaga is one of those cities that you fly into, and of course, out of, when arriving for a vacation and flying off home again.  However, the city is so much more than an airport!  Take the time to visit before setting off on your beach or rural Spanish holiday.

The second largest city in Andalucia, southern Spain has a lot to offer.  A cosmopolitan and attractive city, with its contrasts of ancient and modern, there is something for everyone to explore.

The city is the birth place of a couple of famous people including the artist Pablo Picasso and another son of Málaga, a certain Antonio Banderas, still "treads the boards" there from time to time.

In the newer section of the city, you will find modern department stores, like El Corte Inglés, and shopping malls full of temptations. 

You can stroll Calle Larios and view the best of fashion along the way, plus enjoy the human statues (street artists), reminiscent of Las Ramblas in Barcelona.



However, for many people, the older, narrow and winding streets are far more interesting, with little seafood restaurants and tapas bars dotted here and there, and fascinating little shops hiding just around the corner. 

If you follow Calle Larios you can find these fascinating little streets as side-shoots of the main "drag", sometimes even finding an artist at work.



In the older area, you will also find the Cathedral of Málaga - a beautiful Renaissance building with a baroque and very lovely façade. However, when visiting, beware of the gypsies haunting the entrance to the cathedral, who will try their best to take a few Euros from you.



The interior is fascinating with its curves and high ceilings.



Close by is the Plaza de la Merced, a huge town square surrounded by restaurants and bars and a great place to take a rest on your tour.  Here you will also find the house in which Pablo Picasso was born. Worth a visit, although there is a little to see except the clothing worn by Picasso when he was christened!  Also you are not allowed to take photos inside the house - if you try, your camera will be confiscated and locked away until you leave - I speak from experience and was surprised I didn't get my knuckles rapped too!



More interesting in the Museo Picasso (or Picasso Museum), where you can view many of the fine works of the artist as well as other famous artists:



Around the corner is La Alcazaba, a Moorish creation from the mid fifteenth century.  The architecture is fascinating and if you have a bit of energy, you can climb right to the top where the Gibralfaro Castle is located, with amazing views across the bay and countryside. 



A note of interest is that there is a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the grounds of La Alcazaba.  However, this is undergoing renovation at present and can only be seen through the fence.

Right next door to the castle is the amazing Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, one of the famous Paradores of Spain - a range of luxury hotels, most of which are in converted castles, palaces and convents.  Luxury with great food, and amazing views!  The photo below was taken from the writer's balcony at the hotel, showing the bull ring and port.



Back down the hill, we find Calle Alameda and the Botanical Gardens, which run through the centre of the city.  A beautiful, restful and leafy place to relax and catch your breath.
Getting back to Antonio Banderas, if you enjoy theatre, Teatro Cervantes is worth a visit, and Antonio still appears there from time to time.



Wherever you go in the city, you will find a range of excellent restaurants, cafés and tapas bars.  Enjoy a range of both local and international food, but especially try the 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.

Lest we forget!  Yes, Málaga also has sandy and beautiful beaches to catch a tan, and you can also visit the Port of Málaga to see the incoming cruise ships and ferries from around the world.



If you don't have the time to stay in Málaga longer, try and make a plan to tag a day on to the beginning or end of your holiday to explore this fascinating city.  Jump into a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the ride - you will not regret it!