Malaga, Costa del Sol
Malaga - Overview:
Malaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andalucian city with a Spanish vibrance, relatively untouched by tourism and, to a large extent, the passage of time.
Malaga - History:
The Moors occupied the city of Malaga until the mid 15th Century, after which it grew to become one of the foremost merchant centres in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum.
Also worth a visit is the nearby castle which was rebuilt by the Moors and is today a traditional parador hotel affording superb panoramic views.
During the 19th Century, Malaga was a popular winter resort for the wealthy, famed for its elegance and sophistication. The impressive botanical park on Calle Alameda dates back to this era and is recognised as being one of the most celebrated botanical collections in Europe. During the winter, open air concerts are held here every Sunday.
Malaga - Culture:
Pablo Picasso is the city of Malaga's most famous son. There are several galleries exhibiting Picasso's work, including the 16th Century Museum of Fine Arts, adjacent to the Cathedral. Picasso's birthplace in Plaza Merced is today an archive of his life and works and open to the public.
Malaga is also the birthplace of Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas and he once trod the boards at Malaga's main theatre - the Teatro Cervantes.
Malaga - Gastronomy:
As well as being a cultural centre, Malaga is also a great place to eat out. The Malaguenos love their food and the bars and restaurants here are where the real social life takes place. The choice is unlimited and, on the whole, reasonable with some bars offering a menu of the day with bread and wine for as little as 6 euros. Tapas, small portions of many different dishes is an Andalucian tradition and a wonderfully inexpensive way to sample a variety of local food.
The best known local fayre in Malaga is pescaito frito, an assortment of fried fish, including small sardines and red mullet, best washed down with a glass of ice cold fino at one of the many old fashioned bodegas in town.
El Palo, to the east of the city is a typical fishing village and the place to go if you want that veritable catch of the day freshness. In the centre you can sample a tapas and a glass of Malaga wine at Malaga's oldest tapas bar called Antigua Casa de la Guardia. Malaga is always closed during the afternoons for siesta, so this is a perfect time for a long relaxing lunch.
Malaga - Sightseeing:
Malaga prides itself on being a modern city with the heart of commerce dominated by Calle Larios which is the local Bond Street equivalent. This is the recommended place to start exploring the city as it is surrounded by attractive small streets and plazas, as well as the magnificent cathedral (Renaissance cathedral with a Baroque faade and choir by Pedro de Mena) which offers daily guided tours.
Botanists won't be disappointed in Malaga either. At the centre of the city is the beautiful Alameda Gardens, and just outside Malaga, on the way to Antequera, are the extensive Jardines de la Concepcion.
Malaga - Getting there:
Malaga airport is of course one of the major airports in Spain due to the number of tourist arrivals on charter flights from Northern Europe using Malaga airport as a gateway to the Costa del Sol.
Malaga - Our holiday accommodation and service:
Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy privileged, sophisticated holiday destinations in the Costa del Sol, including Malaga. Privately owned villas, apartments, villas with pools and hotels, in beautiful coastal and rural locations, hand-picked for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Spain.
So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking; exploring Spain's fascinating villages, towns and historic cities such as Malaga, Marbella or Nerja; fancy a spot of sailing, SCUBA diving, wind surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great beaches (much of Spain's south coast is also ideal for a spot of winter sun); or you just want to simply escape the tourist masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Spain, ferry travel and holiday car hire.
