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By Dee McMath
It is easy to understand why Malaga City is dubbed the Capital of the Costa del Sol. Whereas it was once considered to be the poor cousin of Andalusia’s capital city, Seville, it now competes successfully for attention. Since the opening of the already well acclaimed Picasso Museum in 2003, cultural tourists have been flocking to this and the now beautifully refurbished birthplace of the great artist, all in the heart of the historic centre of the city.
Malaga – European Capital of Culture 
The spotlight is expected to shine on Malaga for some years to come since Malaga City Council decided in 2004 to present a bid to the European Union requesting it be given the title of European Culture Capital in the year 2016. This bodes very well for work and improvements to continue over the next decade to achieve this goal.
Climate
Sea breezes from the Mediterranean coastline regulates the summer heat to a more comfortable levels than the inland Andalusian towns and the Malaga Mountains form the perfect barrier to protect the city from the colder weather in winter. It can still be very hot in July and August and it can be colder (minimum of around 13 °C) between December and February. Some much needed rainfall is to be expected in the colder months, but it usually does not usually last for long.
History and Monuments
As well as homage to the great Picasso, other great historic monuments include the imposing Baroque Cathedral, popularly known as ‘La Manquita’ (One Armed Woman), referring to its rather lopsided appearance due to the missing east bell tower. High on the hill above the city is the Parador (state run hotel) of great historic importance. It was once a Moorish castle and is a wonderful place to either stay the night or have a long lunch enjoying these privileged surroundings with panoramic views over Malaga city and out across the port to sea.
Although there was much destruction in Malaga, especially during the time of the Spanish Civil War, there is still plenty of proof of the Moorish occupation. Today you can visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, dating back to 1065, which also now features a very interesting archaeological museum.
There are also many churches in and around the centre, of great architectural and historic interest well worth visiting.
(Click here for a more detailed text on the history of Málaga)
Shopping & Festivities & Things to do
Malaga centre is not only the perfect place to explore the many historical monuments, atmospheric little streets and squares with delightful café culture, but it is also a wonderful shopping centre. The main street to head for runs perpendicular to the stunning tree lined avenue, the Alameda, and starts at the Plaza Marina, near the port. Calle Marqués de Larios (often simply referred to as ‘Larios’) was made pedestrian in 2002 as part of the overall improvements being made to Malaga centre. The result is a busy chic area with many boutiques, designer shops and classy cafes, all surrounded by beautifully restored buildings. At the top of Larios is the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, which is centre of attention throughout the year when cultural, traditional and religious events are being celebrated. It is especially pretty in December, when a huge Christmas tree and decorations are the focal point. During Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), Malaga is taken over by incredible religion processions and the square is decked out with tiers of seats for spectators. Notably during this very important week of religious celebration, Antonio Banderas often continues to take part as he has done since he was a young boy.
Also a the main square at the north end of Larios is the entrance to the five star Larios Hotel, whose visitors include big names such as Malaga born Antonio Banderas and wife Melanie Griffiths. There is a very sophisticated cocktail bar on the six floor of the Larios Hotel, from which there are stunning views across to the top of the Cathedral – especially spectacular at night when it is floodlight. As well as cocktails and other drinks, the bar has food and snacks and there is often live music on – a magical venue at any time of year and especially on a balmy summer night.
Off Calle Larios, in the melee of tiny streets and interesting tapa bars, restaurants and even teterías (Moorish tearooms) you will find other interesting shops and also the bustling main fresh food market, Mercado Central de Atarazanas.
There are also several indoor commercial shopping malls, one just behind the landmark building of the huge quality department store, El Corte Ingles. Whereas previously, Malaga centre used to live up to the southern tradition of keeping the siesta time sacred, more and more shops are now open all day. Some of the smaller, family run businesses may still lock up for a long lunch. But the commercial shopping centres, El Corte Ingles and many of the shops in Calle Larios stay open all day, to meet the demand of the resident or tourist who enjoys the freedom of longer shopping hours. During the summer months and leading up to Christmas and Kings Day (January 6 th) many specialist shops, such as El Corte Ingles department store extend their hours to open on certain Sundays.
The urban sprawl around the city is undergoing expansion and development as the population of Malaga grows year on year. Included in the many on-going Municipal projects is the construction of a Metro (underground) system to link up key areas including the large University Campus and the International Congress Centre to the West.
There are many festivals celebrated throughout the year in Malaga, such as the International Jazz Festival (at the beginning of November) and Film Festival (held early in March) and much more. The main theatre and location these and many such events as well as excellent theatre and music is the beautiful Teatro Cervantes (Cervantes Theatre)
Eating and Drinking in Malaga
In Malaga there is no shortage of places to eat and drink. From top notch, Michelin rated restaurants to the most humble tapas bar, there is everything in between. If you find yourself in a Malaga chiringuito (beach bar) then the traditional ‘espeto’ sardines cooked outside on a skewer is not only delicious, but also an integral part of the healthy Mediterranean diet. There are many other delicious fresh fish dishes to choose from on most menus and generally at a very reasonable price.
Sightseeing
A great way to get a good overall impression of Malaga is to hop on the Official Malaga Tour Bus. The whole tour takes under one and a half hours and is well worth it at around 15 euros per adult. The Tour Bus ticket not only allows the enjoyment of taking in all the sights of the city, but it also offers a free voucher for bust transport to the beautiful botanical gardens on the outskirts of Malaga, Jardines de la Concepcion, on the main road to Antequera.
There are many beautifully kept gardens in Malaga also worth seeing.
Malaga Airport
Pablo Ruiz Picasso Málaga International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, with up to a staggering 16 million passengers annually. It serves much of Andalusia and especially the ever popular area all along the Costa del Sol.
For further reading about Málaga we suggest a story from an Andalusia magazine: Málaga City.
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