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!
