Málaga, Spain

Introduction

Málaga, as the capital of the ‘Costa de Sol’ (Sun coast), offers visitors an awesome combination of historic architecture, beautiful beaches with open and friendly locals eager to help. The city was founded by the Phoenicians, although there are some prehistoric remains such as painted caves and standing stones. Málaga was ruled by a number of different cultures such as the Romans, Visigoths and the Moors, something which is reflected in its monuments and historical legacy. Perhaps the most important influence were the Moors whose influence is clearly seen in parts of the city such as the historic quarter.

Things To Do

• Take a day trip to Tangier in Morocco.
• Discover the World Heritage Site at Alhambra and Generalife
• Gardens.
• Take in the views at the baroque town hall.
• Visit Gibralfaro Castle.
• Explore the Cathedral.
• Go to the Roman Theatre.
• The Picasso Museum is a must. 47.

Entertainment

If you like going out at night Málaga is the perfect place to be if you don’t mind a late start. As a top holiday destination, there are various kinds of discos, pubs and bars, which make it possible for everybody to find something they like. In and around Málaga you can find all the bars and discotheques you desire. There are traditional Spanish bars, reggae bars, funk bars, jazz bars to gay and techno clubs. Going to the theatre is a good way to experience another part of the Spanish culture and the Cervantes Theatre is the most famous. You should also make the effort to see a classic flamenco show – with its roots in the gypsy population the music and the passion of the dancers will leave you spellbound.

Shopping

Shopping in Málaga is a fascinating mix of the old and the new. You can go to contemporary and chic shopping centres, with international chains where you can buy anything from shoes and perfume to fashion items. If you’re serious about your shopping, head to Marqués de Larios, Málaga’s ultra shopping street – it’s trafficfree and luxurious with glossy marble pavements and expensive shops. You’ll also find a charming mix of shops all together like the smaller speciality shops, many of which have been in the same family for several generations, right next to a cutting-edge designer boutique that’s next to an old-fashioned haberdashery. In addition there is an increase in enterprising individuals opening interesting and unusual new shops that would be quite at home in New York or London.

Inevitably, however, the Coast is home to the souvenir strips. If you do plan on shopping on the Costa del Sol, then head for the weekly markets where you can still pick up inexpensive souvenirs and gifts, including ceramics and leatherwear. Or if you’d like to go a little father afield, go to Ojén for wines and liqueurs; Marbella for wood and jewellery; while Fuengirola has a tradition for craftsmanship and Ronda is good for antiques.

Culture

There’s no better way to get the feel of a place than by talking a walking tour. Buy a map and start off in Constitution Square situated in the heart of the historic quarter and you’ll find the city’s most important historic buildings within close reach. Make sure you see the remains of the Roman Theatre. It was originally built during the reign of Emperor Augustus and used until the 3rd century. During the 8th century, the Moorish invaders used the site to build the Alcazaba palace which can also be visited. Take in the spectacular views from Gibralfaro Castle built by King Yusuf I in the 14th century to defend the Alcazaba. If palaces are what you’re after, visit the Buenavista Palace, a 14th century renaissance building that now houses the Picasso Museum. There is the Miramar Palace, the Marqués de Valdeflores Palace, the Villalcázar Palace and the recently renovated 19th century La Aduana Palace, home to the Bellas Artes Museum.

Cathedrals and churches abound in Málaga thanks to the overzealous building campaign of the Christians when they took over the city from the Moors in 1489. A selection include: Nuestra Señora de la Victoria Sanctuary, Encarnación Cathedral, Santos Mártires Church, San Lázaro Chapel, the Convent de San Agustín, Santa Ana Abbey and one of the oldest churches, Santiago Church which was built on the foundations of a mosque in 1490.

Museums

The Pablo Ruiz Picasso Public Foundation is located in the house where the painter was born. The museum contains drawings and other works done by Picasso as well as videos, photos and other material about this legendary artist’s life and work. To see his more of his work, the Museum allows you to see 155 works.

The La Alcazaba Archaeological Museum has ceramics from the Phoenicians through to the Moorish period. There’s the Contemporary Art Centre, and Interactive Science and Technology Museum. And it won’t come as any surprise that there’s a bullfighting museum, La Malagueta.