The city of Malaga, Hotels Malaga, Airport Transfers, Car Hire, Flights, Property developers Costa del Sol Andalucía, Spain

Malaga City

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By Dee McMath and Rebekah Thompson

It is easy to understand why Malaga City is dubbed the Capital of the Costa del Sol. Once considered the poor cousin of Andalusia’s Capital city, Seville, it now competes successfully for attention, thanks to its profusion of quirky museums, pedestrianised shopping centre, innovative restaurants and stylish hotels, many featuring trendy rooftop terraces with bar, pool and stunning views. Muelle Uno is the latest addition; a leisure complex in the port and a new grass roots art district call SOHO is fast developing. The opening of the Picasso Museum in 2003 triggered the city's cultural rebirth, and visitors are now flocking to this port city which boasts excellent transport, top-class cuisine and fascinating monuments, from Moorish and Roman times through to modern day - while retaining its authentic Andalucian feel. Whether you are visiting from a cruise, a weekend break or a curious Costa del Sol visitors you will be pleasantly surprised by Malaga City.

Malaga has more museums than any other city in Andalucia; over 30 at last count - and there are new ones opening al the time. Learn more about Malaga through its wine, at the Wine Museum; its social history and customs, from the collection of 19th-century paintings at the new Carmen Thyssen museum; and its famous local personalities, such as the painter Felix Revello del Toro. For more art and design delights, you can visit museums of contemporary art, archaeology or glass; while fashion is covered, together with cars (yes, seriously - it's a clever gender-balancing combination) at one of the city's latest openings.

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.

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), and the newly restored Roman theatre. High on the hill above the city is the Parador (state-run hotel), which is situated in the Gibralfaro, a Moorish castle of great historical importance. The Parador a wonderful place to either stay the night or have a long lunch in these fascinating surroundings with panoramic views over Malaga city and out across the port to sea.

Although there has been a certain amount of destruction in Malaga over the centuries, especially during 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 of great architectural and historic interest in and around the centre, which are well worth visiting.

Read the History of Málaga

Shopping

Malaga 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 an excellent 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 pedestrianised iwith marble in 2002 and lead improvements to Malaga city centre. The result is a bustling, pedestrianised chic area with many boutiques, designer shops and classy cafes, all surrounded by beautifully restored buildings.

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At the top of Larios is the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, which is centre of attention when cultural, traditional and religious events are celebrated. It is especially pretty in December, when a huge Christmas tree and decorations become the focal point. During Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), Malaga is taken over by extraordinary religious 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 returns to his home town to take part, as he has done since he was a young boy. Near the Plaza de la Constitucion square at the north end of calle Larios is the Room Mates Larios Hotel, where Banderas and his wife Melanie Griffiths often stay.

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. Continue up Calle Granada towards Plaza de la Merced.

There are also several indoor commercial shopping malls, one called Malaga Plaza is 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.

FESTIVITIES

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. Calle Larios is a good starting point. If you find yourself in a Malaga chiringuito (beach bar) in the El Palos district a few km east of the center, 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 and of the 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 also offers a free voucher for bus transport to the beautiful botanical gardens on the outskirts of Malaga, Jardines de la Concepcion, on the main road to Antequera. There are also many beautifully kept gardens in Malaga city also worth seeing.

Malaga Airport

Málaga - Costa del Sol International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, carrying 12 million passengers annually. It serves much of Andalusia and especially the ever popular area all along the Costa del Sol.