MALAGA

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol with major links to Europe via its international airport, road network, city port and railway.

An extremely important historical city dating back to the Phoenicians the city of Malaga has been regarded as one of southern Europe’s main trading centres since then. It was occupied by the Moors until the 15th Century and the long list of ancient civilisations has left their imprint throughout this fascinating city. Parking can be troublesome here.

If you drive into Malaga you are better off paying to park in proper, legal car parks as road parking can often be problematic and the city’s one way system is a nightmare, just because the locals get away with it, doesn’t mean you will!!…If in doubt…don’t!!

One of the easiest ways to orientate Malaga is on the Malaga tour bus. An open topped double-decker bus that has twelve stops around the city and you are able to buy a 24hr ticket which enables you to hop on and off wherever you choose. The complete round trip takes 90 minutes and sets off from the bus station (near the port area) at 9.00am and every 30 minutes there after.

The port itself has a small marina and beach area but is still quite an industrial port with large tankers and freight ships and various cruise liners call into Malaga on their Mediterranean cruises. Working your way back from the port you’ll come across Paseo del Parque which are beautiful gardens dating back to the late 1800’s when Malaga was a popular winter resort for the wealthy. It has many species of plants and flowers as well as squares and monuments dedicated to famous malaguenos. There are often live music performances in the summer months.

Near to this park area are situated the bus and train stations. Local trains run west as far as Fuengirola, but the long distance Spanish network runs from here.

Malaga is positively steeped in history, and the whole city boasts amazing architecture and a thriving culture. La Alcazaba is a fortress dating back to 1065 and now houses a fascinating archaeological museum. There is the equally interesting Castillo de Gibralfaro which stands at the rear of Malaga and overlooks this spectacular city. It is walkable, although quite a hike, but buses and taxis are easy to come by. Once there, the beautiful gardens allow you to sit back and enjoy the view.

Not far from this is the Majestic Cathedral called ‘La Manquita’ or ‘the one armed lady’, so called because it only has one tower as building work was stopped due to lack of funds at the time.

Other churches of interest are the Santuario de la Virgen de la Victoria which has fascinating crypts and tombs and La Iglesia del Sagrario which was built on a Moorish mosque and has interesting relief's and sculptures.

Malaga has an impressive bullring. Started in 1874 it is an amazing piece of architecture and still offers weekly bullfights.

Picasso is Malaga’s most famous son and his birthplace on Plaza Mercad is now a museum of the great mans life and works. Entry is free and is open all year round. Several galleries throughout the city show his work including the Museo Picasso located in the historic centre on Calle San Agustin.

Open daily from 10.00am more information is available on 952 127 600.

Other Galleries in Malaga include Galleria Arte and Diseno on Calle Afligados. Telephone 952 609 761 and the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo on Calle Alemania. Telephone 952 120 055. The Teatro Cervantes in Calle Ramos Marin has an interesting programme of opera, music, theatre and dance.

Telephone 952 224 109 for more information.

Malaga is still very much a traditional Spanish city and has great choices when it comes to eating out. It has the most wonderful tapas bars where it is possible to try a variety of different local specialities at very reasonable prices. The oldest tapas bar in Malaga is Antigua Casa de la Guardia to the north of the Alameda.

El Palo to the east of the city was the fisherman’s quarters and is still one of the better places to get fresh fish. La Malagueta area of the city is modern and appeals to the fashionable and young people while the area known as Pedragalejo is another fashionable area packed with bars and restaurants.

Although there are many Centro Commericals (shopping centres) around Malaga, and the El Corte Ingles department store, the main area for shopping is around Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitucion and Calle de Granada. Narrow alleys and lanes snake off these areas with a wealth of boutiques, bars and restaurants.

The ferias in Malaga really are something else!! As well as the usual nationwide fiesta’s, Malaga’s own Three Kings Fiesta on the 5th and 6th of January is a great one for all the family.

Their Semana Santa (Easter week) Feria is extremely impressive where there is a week long catalogue of daily processions and worship through the streets of Malaga.

The 3rd week of August traditionally has the Feria de Verona where Flamenco dance and Spanish horses are very much in celebration and finally a bizarre fiesta on 28th December where people congregate in an area known as Venta del Tunnel and dance flamenco to the point of exhaustion all night long!!

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