Where is Malaga?
Malaga, the capital city of the famous Costa del Sol, or Coast of the Sun, lies at roughly the midway point of the southernmost stretch of Spain’s coastline.
Situated at the base of the Axarquia hills, this beautiful city is nestled between the mountains to the north and the harbour area and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches to the south. It also lies between the Guadalmedina and Guadalhorce rivers.
What kind of place is Malaga?
Malaga was described by the poet Vicente Aleixandre as ‘a paradise between the sky and the earth’ and has been known for many years as one the most spectacular and popular holiday resorts in Europe. It is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with a resident population of just over 566,000.
What is there to do and see in Malaga?
With shops, parks, churches, museums and historical sites galore to explore, not to mention a vast array of bars and restaurants in which to sample the delights of the Spanish cuisine, Malaga city offers numerous attractions to keep its many visitors fascinated and entertained.
The main city itself lies behind the harbour, and from here, a walk towards the city will lead you past the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortification which dates back to the 8th century and sits behind a Roman outdoor theatre, the castle of Gibralfaro and the cathedral.
The city has three main tourist areas, Calle Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitution and Calle de Granada, all of which are renowned for their shops, nightlife and cultural entertainment. The first of these is a chic pedestrianised street which offers a delight for anyone with an eye for the designer outlet, as well as those who simply want to sit and relax in one of the many elegant cafes and take in the beautifully restored buildings.
The Plaza de la Constitution, meanwhile, is the cultural centre of the city and the focus for the local religious and traditional celebrations. If you visit the Plaza during Easter Holy Week, you might even spot one of Malaga’s famous citizens. Antonio Banderas, who was born in the city, often still takes part in the celebrations as he did when he was a child.
As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, no visit to the city would be complete without taking in the Picasso Museum, located in the Palacio de Buena Vista.
During the evenings, the city comes alive, especially around the Plaza de Uncibay and the Calles Granada and Beatas. Here you will find cocktail bars and nightclubs where you can drink and dance until the early hours of the morning, and all against the backdrop of the glorious Mediterranean.
What is there to do and see in the area generally?
As if the city itself did not have enough to keep you occupied, the beaches and the surrounding area offer even more pleasures. Those who enjoy outdoor pursuits can take part in a variety of watersports, horse riding, tennis and, of course, golf. There are also a number of theme parks for the youngsters – or the young-at-heart. The region itself offers numerous picturesque little villages, all just waiting to be explored.