A large and bustling seaport, Malaga city is Andalucias’ second city, (after Seville).
It is the main hub for visitors to the Costa Del Sol but is many times overlooked. Other than the great weather Malaga offers tourists, it is a very cultural centre and a great starting off point for travellers wanting to visit the rest of Andalucia.
It has a great transport infrastructure with the Malaga Airport, Malaga port which is one of the largest in Spain and a great train transport network with the Malaga Train Station.
The river Guadalmedina bisects the East and West of the city. Its main avenue is Avenida de Andalucia which eventually leads to Paseo del Parque.
You cannot fail to be impressed by the magnificent Malaga Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle which dominate malaga city and overlook the Casco Antiguo, (Old Town), with its typically narrow and winding streets.
Malaga Cathedral is strikingly beautiful and another great reason to visit this city.
The renowned painter Pablo Picasso was born here in Malaga City and when visiting the city you can see the casa natal (the birthplace) of Picasso and the Picasso Museum.
You will also find quite an impressive bullring, here in Malaga. I do not personally like or agree with bullfighting, however I know there are many people who love the sport.
If you do enjoy it, you might want to consider visiting Malaga during their Feria de Malaga. They hold an annual bullfighting festival, along with lots of street parties and flamenco dancers during this week in august.
NB: Before going check to see the exact dates the feria is to be held as it can vary from year to year.
When in Malaga City it might be an idea to buy a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus, which takes you passed all the main sights in the city.
A vist to Malaga would not be complete without stopping at one of its many tavernas where the typical Andalucian food is served and sample the traditional Malaga wine (Vino Malaga) which although quite sweet is certainly high in alcohol.
Located on the Costa Del Sol, Malaga is surrounded by beaches, the most lively of which is La Malagueta. The tourist bus also makes this beach one of its stops.
Here you can indulge in all types of water sports and a vist to the beach would not be complete without samplying the beach bars (chiringuitos).
The typical menu at these beach bars consist of freshly cooked fish in addition to paella and seafood of all types.
Sardines on a skewer (sardinas al espeto) grilled over an open fire are delicious but the menus can be extensive and clams cooked in wine and garlic are one of my favourites.
The night life is superb and although you will be spoilt for choice in the great variety of restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs with live music and dancing.
It is customary amongst the Spanish youth to purchase their bottles of alcohol in supermarkets and congregate at different points of the city with their friends (El Botellon) before going clubbing.
If this sounds like a place you would like to visit shop around because you can find some great cheap flights to Malaga.
If you are planning on going to Malaga please take a look at our Malaga Tourist Information page, with many useful numbers.
