Malaga with its international airport is the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Many people bypass the town and in doing so miss out on a splendid holiday destination. As well as sun, sand, sea and a vibrant nightlife, Malaga the birthplace of Picasso, is a city of culture with its many historic buildings, monuments and museums.
Malaga with its ancient centre has grown into a modern affluent city. There are many reasons for taking a Malaga holiday. Visitors can explore its historical past while benefiting from its twenty first century amenities. The beaches are invitingly clean with good water sporting facilities, excellent food is served in the many cafes and restaurants and the nightlife is vibrant.
Malaga has widespread appeal. The beaches in the area with safe bathing attract families with young children. Water sports provide exercise and excitement for the more energetic of visitors. Golfers need not travel far to find a good course, while those interested in history will find much to fascinate them in Malaga.
Although Malaga is a year round holiday destination, the summer holiday period is the most popular time to go, with its guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. However, it is also a good place to escape the damp British winter.
Malaga now a modern city has an ancient past. Gibralfaro, an old Arab fortress from the eleventh century, sits on a hill above the town. Evidence of earlier settlers is seen in the remains of the Roman theatre and ancient artefacts that are housed in some of Malaga’s many museums. The baroque cathedral and churches such as Inglesia de la Victoria, founded in 1490 and displaying Picasso’s baptismal certificate, are well worth a visit.
Among the beautiful gardens in the town centre is La Concepcion with its brilliant floral displays and its monuments and sculptures.
There are many good sandy beaches in the area. Caleta Beach offers safe bathing and is very popular with families. It is a favourite beach for locals who come to picnic in the cooling on-shore breeze. El Candado Beach is ideal for wind surfing, sailing and diving, while El Palo Beach is chosen for fishing and scuba diving. Shady pines line the promenades that run behind the beaches giving shade to the many cafes and bars which offer daylong refreshments.
The town centre provides excellent shopping opportunities as well as fine restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Malaga is a vivacious city with many bars, pubs, discos and night clubs. The Pedragalejo area is the most fashionable with dusk to dawn nightclubs. La Malagueta district is very lively and popular with the young.
As expected in a modern city, Malaga has shopping malls with many international chain stores. There are also large numbers of designer boutiques and specialist shops. The coastal area of Malaga is where you will find the gift and souvenir shops frequented by those looking for holiday mementoes.
The choice of food in Malaga is almost limitless. Traditional fish restaurants and tapas bars rub shoulders with fast food outlets and steak houses. The promenade area of El Palo has wonderful fish restaurants serving many shrimp and small fried fish dishes. Local wines are a great accompaniment to these dishes and are good value.
