Malaga is Andalusia’s second largest city with 600,000 inhabitants and is located on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
The city dates right back to 800bc and has over the centuries been marked by the Greeks, Romans and Arab Maurer. In recent years the city has expanded rapidly and is now a melting pot of nationalities with many foreigners residing in around the city on the famous Costa del Sol coastline.
Since it is bidding for European Culture Capital 2016 it has undergone quite an extensive rehabilitation program and many of the city’s historic buildings and structures, which were destroyed during the Civil War, have now been restored to their former glory.
What attracts many people to Malaga is the all year round warm climate, although it can get very hot in the summer months, the breeze from the sea cools the city down to a more comfortable level.
The city is built around a port and has many Moorish hallmarks; in fact the two major landmarks are both Arabic structures: the old Arabic Fortress, the Alcazaba, dating back to the 8th Century and the Gibralfaro Castle, a Moorish castle built by Yusef 1 of Granada in the 14th Century.
There is also a beautiful cathedral with both Baroque and Renaissance influences. And when staying on the Mediterranean coast your break wouldn’t be complete without visiting a beach Chiringuito (beach bar) and eating a traditional plate of ‘espeto’ Sardines or Pescaíto Frito Malagueño – Fried Mixed Fish Malaga style.
Malaga is also not short of art and cultural attractions. The birthplace of Picasso you will find a museum about the artist himself and also the acclaimed Picasso Museum dedicated to his works.
Getting around Malaga is easy, you can walk around the city without a problem and there is easy access by train or by bus to both Malaga airport and some of the nearby beachside towns.
Alcazaba Fortress
This impressive building, built mostly in the 11th century, was the palace-fortress of the city’s governing Muslims. It was built on the summit of a hill, adapted to the relief.
It is formed by two walled areas, the lower, which is a huge space that follows the topography of the hill and surrounds the upper part completely. This latter, within which the palace stands, is also adapted to the lines of the hill and has strong defensive elements at each end. It has a lift that runs from calle Guillén Sotelo, behind the Town Hall.
Malaga Cathedral
”La Manquita” means the one-armed and that’s the nickname of the Cathedral in Malaga. Building on the Cathedral began in the first half of the 16th century – although it is still unfinished as it is missing the top part of the main façade and the south tower – therefore the nickname.
Nevertheless, this fact has over time become an original feature. The Cathedral is outstanding and is definitely word a visit. The Cathedral is situated right in the centre of the city.
Malaga Beaches
Like Malaga City offers you many different kinds of cultural things and attractions – then it also offers your 320 days of sunshine a year. That gives you the possibility to enjoy some of the lovely beaches and Malaga has some very nice beaches.
A few minutes walking from the centre of the city and you are at the beach – we can recommend you to enjoy the sun and try some of the activities. And also try one of the many beach bars (in Spanish called “Chiringuitos”) where you can enjoy a cold beer and a big variation of fish dishes
Holy Week
All over Andalusia they celebrate Easter – and Malaga is no exception. In the northern part of Europe Easter is well known – but in Spain they celebrate it very different. Holy Week in Malaga, is an ancient tradition that dates back to the age of the Catholic Monarchs and are famous countrywide. Processions start on Palm Sunday and continue until Easter Sunday with the most dramatic and solemn on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Images from the Passion on huge ornate “tronos” (floats or thrones) some with more than 5.000 kilos carried by more than 250 members shape the processions that go for the streets with penitents dressed in long purple robes, often with pointed hats, followed by women in black carrying candles. Drums and trumpets play solemn music and occasionally someone spontaneously sings a mournful saeta dedicated to the floats as it makes its way slowly round the streets. This is an amazing opportunity to see something special and we can highly recommend it – don’t miss it.
Pablo Picasso
”Casa Natal de Picasso” is the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso – he was born in Malaga in 1891. His birthplace is situated close to Plaza de la Merced in the centre of the city. Today the building holds some of Picasso’s personal things and a few of his personal objects. Beside his birthplace you will find his second home in Malaga where he lived from he was two years – today it is private and not public.
Malaga fair
Every year in August Malaga celebrate ”La Feria” which is the Fair of Malaga. The Fair is celebrated in the centre of Malaga and on “Plaza de la Feria” which is close to the centre. In the centre you can see different kinds of arrangements such as music, flamenco and a big party.
The Fair is an experience and all over you see people in the traditional Spanish costumes – dancing and singing. The city is full of life and you get moved by the atmosphere. You can try the locale wine and the famous national dish “Tapas”. On the “Plaza de la Feria” you will find a very big Tivoli and a lot of tents with the possibility to dance, eat and what you can imagine.
Plaza de la Merced
Close to the birthplace of Picasso you will find Plaza de la Merced which was the place where the famous artist made his first drawings in the sand. To day the square is full of life and you will find many bars and restaurants. The square is also centre of many language schools and foreigners – so if you are in Malaga to learn Spanish – this is the place.
Pablo Picasso Museum
The museum is situated very close to his birthplace and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Malaga. The museum holds 155 works of Picasso – painting, drawings, ceramic and sculptures. All the works are donated by Christina and Bernard Ruiz Picasso – which is the daughter in law and his grandchild. The museum is unique and very exciting and you can see works from the entire life of the artist.
Plaza de la Constitucion
This square is the centre of Malaga and in a way it connects to all the attractions. This is where people meet to celebrate New Year and it is also the centre of the Feria, Holy week and many other official occasions. From the square you can walk down Calle Larios which is the pedestrian area – here you will find different kinds of shops and normally the area is full of life. You will also find a lot of nice restaurants where you can enjoy the famous tapas.
Gibralfaro Castle
Castillo de Gibralfaro is situated very close to Alcazaba – a few minutes walk. The castle dates back to the beginning of the 14th century and still it is very well kept. Here you have the opportunity of and amazing walk in beautiful surroundings with a fantastic view towards the city and Malaga bullfighting ring – in fact you can look right into it. You can go there by car or you can choose the beautiful walk from the city centre.