The City of Malaga · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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The City of Málaga
By Edward Kirwan

The ancient City of Málaga, situated in the centre of the Costa del Sol has until recently been overlooked by many tourists. Arriving by air, it is easy to bypass the city traveling east or west and not return until it is time to leave Spain. This is without doubt a mistake. Málaga has so much to offer the visitor, from the heights of the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro overlooking the old town and the port to its narrow streets that team with endless life around the restaurants, shops and tapas bars.

Pablo Picasso, Málaga’s favourite son, is celebrated in the Málaga Picasso Museum a short walk from the Baroque Cathedral built on the site of the old Moorish mosque. The cathedral is locally referred to as ‘La Manquita’ (The One Armed Woman), since it only boasts one bell tower and is open all year round. Walking east from here you can find the Plaza de Toros, (bull ring), fully operational during the 10 day Feria de Malaga held in the second week of August. Then you can enjoy a stroll back along the tree lined Paso Del Parquet and the Paso de Espuma to the foot of Calle Larios.

Calle Larios, a beautiful marbled pedestrian street, offers quality and stylish shopping along its length, while forays into the smaller side streets reveal hidden insights into the Málagagueno lifestyle. Here you will find monuments, character buildings and peaceful squares in which to take some refreshment. You may find the aromas from the restaurants hard to resist but as the choice ranges from ultra modern to traditional you will surely find one to suit so take the time to enjoy a relaxing meal. For light refreshment explore the numerous tapas bars or one of the Moorish tearooms (tetras).

West of Calle Larios towards to port is the busy street, the Alameda Principal, cooled by vast overhanging trees wonderfully decorated at Christmas with spiraling white lights If you look carefully you will discover Málaga’s oldest bodega (wine bar) in the old customs house. They continue to serve various local wines from vast wooden barrels lined along one wall in their traditional fashion and your bill is written in chalk on the table in front of you. Enjoy a glass or two from their extensive range but beware of its deceptive strength. Across the river Guadalmedina, lies the El Corte Ingles department store and other indoor malls where there is plenty of opportunity for more shopping.

Málaga loves to party and its celebrations during the Málaga in August as well as the Christmas and Easter processions will take your breath away. The Plaza de la Constitución, on the north end of Calle Larios, is the focal point of these lengthy activities. The Feria celebrations in the city quietens down around nine in the evening but after a break for dinner the party continues at full pace on the purpose built fairground close to the airport. You may come away wondering if the locals ever sleep but the sheer scale and beauty of these cultural and religious events make a little fatigue worthwhile. So be prepared to stay up late and to make your reservations early because although the city is well supplied with good accommodation they do fill up rapidly during these times.
For lazy days the city has long sandy beaches either side of the port, the more attractive being in the eastern end. Even in the height of summer you will find plenty of space to enjoy yourself. Try the beach bars (chiringuitos) whose food specialty is sardines cooked on skewers in front of an open fire (espetos). With the mild climate, the beaches can be enjoyed all year round. Alternatively, the hop on-hop off tour buses provide an excellent way to see more of the city.

Málaga is easily accessible from the Pablo Ruiz Picasso International airport by car, train or bus so make sure to visit this vibrant and historic city which is currently bidding to become the European Culture Capital in 2016.

Edward Kirwan resides in Southern Spain and is co-founder of Finca Fantastica Travel.

Article Source: The City of Malaga · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU