'''Malaga''' is a large city in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia. Situated along the Mediterranean, it has a temperate climate and is also the birthplace of the artist Picasso. You can see the entire city in a couple of days, including a variety of activities such as the beach, hiking, architectural sites, art museums, shopping and cuisine. More laid back than Madrid or Barcelona, Malaga offers a relaxing yet enriching reprieve on any European city tour.
Get in
By Bus
The bus station is right next to the train station, a km or so west of the centre.
By train
The train station is right next to the bus station, a km or so west of the centre.
By car
The '''A-7 E-15''' motorway runs along the coast to from Gibraltar to Almeria and through Murcia and on.
The '''A-45''' motorway runs from Cordoba to Malaga.
By plane
Malaga has the third biggest international airport (AGP) in Spain, which many budget airlines fly to. From there you can get a train, a bus or a taxi into town, or hire a car. A taxi to the city center will cost about 15?. Bus no. 19 costs 1? and is very convenient, running every 30 minutes and stopping at Alameda Principal and Paseo del Parque, where most of the local buses that serve the city stop as well. Renting a car at Malaga's airport is relatively cheap, but it is advisable to book in advance.
By boat
There is a ferry route between Malaga and Melilla in North Africa. Book early.
Get around
See
'''Castillo de Gibralfaro''' and '''Alcazaba'''. Moorish castles which are interesting to see, the former giving the visitor an incredible view of the city and neighbouring suburbs. Together, these two attractions will cost an adult about ?3. If you only have time for one, make it the easier to access and more decorated Alcazaba; the Castillo is a hefty hike up the mountain (or take bus number 35). Free Sunday afternoons after 2PM, Closed on Mondays.
'''Interactive Museum of Music'''. Has one of the largest collections of musical instruments in Europe.
'''Picasso's birthplace''', ''Plaza de la Merced, City Centre'' with loads of objects and some paintings that the most famous artist of the 20th century created during his childhood. Entrance ?1.
'''Picasso Museum''' Maximum cost ?8. Exclusive paintings, and exhibitions. Check the opening times stated by its website, which are sometimes 'economical with the truth.'
'''Centro de Arte Contemporaneo''' located in a former wholesale trade market, it houses a good collection of works of art and installations. Guided visits. Free entrance. Closed on Mondays.
'''Catedral de Malaga'''. This is located right in the heart of the city centre and is well worth visiting. It costs ?3.50 to enter. Opening times: Mon-Fri 10AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Closed on Sundays and Holidays.
Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta. aseo de Reding. Malaga's bullring. Opening times: 10AM-1PM and 5-8PM, closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
Malaga web offers information and resources about [http://www.malagaweb.com/ Malaga], the Costa del Sol. Forum, pictures, restaurants and bars guide, [http://www.malagaweb.com/sightseeing.php Malaga sightseeing].
La Conception Botanical & Historical Garden. otanical Garden. amino del Jardin Botanico, no 3 - 29014 Malaga. 34 95 225-2148. ttp://laconcepcion.malaga.eu. :30AM - 8:30PM. ?. Botanical and historical garden located in Malaga city. 4? is the basic price, but there are also guided visits and special prices for children. Beautiful contrast into the city from this garden and worth a visit.
Do
'''Cycle'''. Hire a bicycle or take a bicycle tour.
Bike2Malaga. /Victoria 15 court yard (Victoria Street) just few meters from Picasso birth place. . 34 650 677 063. ttp://www.bike2malaga.com/. bicycle rental, maps, information
'''Malaga Bike Tour''': Tiny back streets and pass through hidden plazas that most visitors never get to see.The cost of the approximately 4-hour tour is 23 ?. reservations: tel: (+34) 606 978 513, email: info@malagabiketours.eu, [http://www.malagabiketours.eu].
'''Rock Climb'''. There is lots of great rock climbing in and around Malaga. The amazing El Chorro gorge is 50 minutes drive to the North West and this also features the 'Kings Walkway' - an amazing pathway suspended high above the gorge. There is also Via Ferrata and rock climbing at El Torcal near Antequerra. [http://www.rockclimbingcompany.co.uk Rock Climbing Company] can provide climbing equipment and courses.
'''Beaches''': The nearest beach to the centre is La Malagueta - this is fine for a day's sunbathing although quieter and prettier beaches can be found further east. It can be a nice (if rather long!) walk along the waterfront to reach these beaches, otherwise you could get a bus from near the bull ring in the direction of El Palo (e.g. line 33).
Buy
'''Libreria de Idiomas''', on the Plaza de la Merced. A valuable resource, offering textbooks and dictionaries for learning just about any European language you could desire.
'''The market''' is north of the Alamada Principal and is well worth a visit.
Eat
'''Cafeteria Cordoba 7''', Situated in street Cordoba, no 7 in '''Malaga center, between the Port and Alameda Principal'''. Offers traditional and typical andalucian dishes, including soups, salads, meats and fishes or sandwiches, cakes, croissants or baguettes. Star dishes include: '''Gazpacho andaluz, Paella, Porra Antequerana, Rabo de Toro, Croquetas caseras''', and many more. Breakfasts and meals with inexpensive prices.
Along the coast there are dozens of restaurants and ''chiringuitos'' (beach restaurants) where you can have fish, seafood, paella, sangria, etc. One of the most famous chiringuitos is '''El Tintero''', at the east end, where there is no menu: the waiters sing out what they are carrying and they leave you a plate at your signal. From time to time, one of them offers to give you the bill.
The most typical thing to eat in Malaga is '''''espetos''''', sardines squewered on a bamboo stick and grilled over a fire (typically driftwood); and '''''pescaito frito''''': all types of deep-fried fish from anchovies to squid. A speciality of Andalucia is fish (most commonly dogfish "cazon", although sometimes other fish such as tuna, "atun") marinated in a garlic and vinegar preparation - look on the menu for "'''''Cazon en adobo'''''". Try also the '''''coquinas''''' (small clams cooked in white wine). Simply delicious!
Jamon is a regional specialty, and is an aged, smoked ham, from acorn-fed pork, similar to prosciutto.
Do not forget to visit the restaurants, there are Nouvelle Cuisine Restaurants, Asian, Vegetarian, etc. A famous one is actor Antonio Banderas' '''La posada de Antonio''' where the typical dishes from his hometown are served at inexpensive prices.
Famous sweet Malaga wine can be tasted in popular pubs in the city center, like the famous old '''La Casa del Guardia''' (Avenue Alameda Principal) or the very typical '''El Pimpi''' where everyone, from celebrities to local teens meet.
'''Restaurante Gallego Candamil'''. Cuarteles 15. Tel.:''+34 95'' 232-3907. On the street leading from the train station to the centre, this Galician restaurant is very popular with the locals. This is understandable when you see the great range of quality tapas at fantastic prices, e.g. tapa of empanada ?1.25, glass of cider ?1.15.
'''A Casa Gallega'''. Fernan Nunez 2. Tel.: ''+34 95'' 204-2332. Another Galician haunt a little further towards, although still outside, the center, this one does not have any menu but relies on the clientele knowing what they want. Good empanada, pimientos de Padron. Atmospheric.
'''Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro''', Castillo de Gibralfaro, Tel.: ''+34 95'' 222-1902, [http://www.parador.es]. Some report being disappointed by the restaurant at the Parador. The food was sub par, but the service by contrast was exemplary, together with all the nice little free appetizers, aperitifs, etc. Wine list tended towards the expensive but with the excellent idea of a monthly wine choice 'balancing quality and value', for example a very palatable Ribera del Duero Crianza at ?10. Set menu ?27 pp (plus VAT). Fantastic view of the city, especially from the terrace.
'''Las Garrafas'''. Calle Mendez Nunez 6. Tel.: ''+34 95'' 222-3589. Winery and "taperia". Typical Malaga cuisine in a large and clean locale. Delicious and reasonably-priced food. Especially recommended are the mouth-watering "albondigones," large meatballs served alongside french fries.
Drink
Malaga nightlife will make you think that nobody sleeps in this town even during the work week! However, it is especially busy from Thursday to Sunday, where people buy their drinks in the supermarkets and have them at night in controlled areas known as "botellodromos" in the city center, before going into the clubs:
Metropol, Cosa Nostra, Vaticano, Anden (big busy Latin club)
Velvet Club (aka Sonic, plays metal, hardcore, punk) [not open Sundays]
Nyx, Urbano, Village Green (Rock, Indie, etc).
White, Abyssinia, Bar El Sound (Rap, Hip Hop, R&B)
Paradise/Punto G, Warhol (gay)
ChillHouse ( house-dance music)
El Pimpi. alle Granada. round the corner from the Picasso Museum. Famous for its sweet yet strong local wine. Tapas and other bites.
There are several nice Moroccan-style '''tea houses''' in town, serving an amazing variety of teas in addition to other interesting non-alcoholic drinks.
Learn
'''Spanish''': Take an intensive Spanish course at Malaga University [http://malaga-university.org/] and put it into practice at one of the city's many exciting bars.
'''Salsa''': Many bars and discos in Malaga offer free Salsa classes, such as '''The Sound''' in the center and '''The Swan''' in the trendy suburb town of Pedregalejo.
Sleep
There are basically two good locations for tourist lodging in town: At the beach, or in or near the pedestrian zone in the center. The cheapest beds are found in the red light district between the center and the port.
Budget
Picasso's Corner. an Juan de Letran, 9. 34 95 221-2287. ttp://www.picassoscorner.com/. Right in the historic district. Bar and lounge, food and disco shows!
Hostel La Palma. alle Martinez 7, 29005 Malaga. 34 95 222-6772. Run by a friendly lady, this cheap and cheerful place has rooms starting from ?20 Euros.
Pension Costa Rica. alle Cordoba 5, E-29001 Malaga. 34 95 221-3577. rom ?20 Euros. Very primitive and in the middle of the red light district, but it seems to be one of the cheapest available.
Down Town Hostel. asaje de Clemens 11. 34 952 223 292. ttp://www.hostelsdowntown.com/. 1.00. 1.00. 6-20. Just under the alcazaba, in a quiet street. Not too far from the beach, close to the city center. Free wifi, nice people, nice rooftop.
Mid Range
Hotel Santa Rosa. arretera Malaga-Almeria 125. Torrox Costa El Morche, Malaga 29793 Spain. 34952530790. http://www.hoteles-santarosa.com. 2 p.m. p.m. 5-98 ?. 6.7358628. 3.9811844. Hotel Santa Rosa is a small but welcoming hotel situated on the sea front
Malaga Hotel. cacias de Guadalmar, 153 - 29004 Malaga. 34 95 217-6061. nfo@malagahotelpicasso.com. 34 9521756552. PM. 2PM. 60 - 119" url="http://malagahotelpicasso.com. <br> Malaga Hotel is located on Guadalmar beach and is close to the airport, Torremolinos, Plaza Mayor Malaga, Golf. Charming 3 star hotel with garden, swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant. Boardwalk with beach restaurants (chiringuitos).
Silken Puerta Malaga. eroe de Sostoa 17. 34 93 280-2988. ttp://www.hoteles-silken.com/. Very stylish four-star from the Silken chain, opposite the main train station. Beautifully decorated rooms and bathrooms, with great attention to detail. Good discounted rates in winter (?56-69+VAT).
Oficentro Suites. / Tomas Heredia, 8. CP-29001. MALAGA. ear City Center. 52213447. ttp://www.oficentro-suites.es/malaga-apartment.html. nfo@oficentro-suites.es. The apartment is fully furnished and cleaning is done weekly. The contact person is Jose.
Splurge
Hostal Alameda. treet Casas de campos, 3 (corner street Cordoba,9). ext to the harbor.. 34 95 222-2099. nfo@hotelalamedamalaga.com. http://www.hotelalamedamalaga.com]. Economic budget, centrally situated in Malaga center, between historical center and the Port. All rooms have private bathrooms, television and air-conditioning or heating.
NH Malaga. venida Rio Guadalmedina. 34 95 207-1323. http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/spain/malaga/nh-malaga.html?action=search]. Situated in the historic and commercial center of Malaga, next to the 'Puente de la Esperanza' and a short stroll from the 'Museo de la Expiracion'. Its excellent location makes it easy to enjoy Malaga's unique personality.
Hotel del Pintor. lamos 27. 34 95 206-0980. ttp://www.hoteldelpintor.com. Opened in 2005, the Hotel del Pintor is a small urban hotel that combines design and technology with personalized attention. Central location in the historic center, near Picasso's birthplace. ?74-121.
Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro. astillo de Gibralfaro. 34 95 222-1902. ttp://www.paradores.es. 35 euros +VAT, breakfast 11 euros. Fantastic location with spectacular views (best on 3rd floor) over the city. Sitting area and balcony.
Hotel Monte Malaga. ttp://www.hotelesmonte.com/hotel-malaga-montemalaga-EN.html. 4 star luxury hotel with good infrastructure. On the seafront, a few minutes walk from the Picasso Museum and very close to the recently opened AVE High Speed Railway Station.
Get out
Malaga has exceptional road and motorway links, making it an unrivaled base for exploring the nearby villages and towns. Wonderful drives inland reveal the real gems of this region, with small restaurants nestling in the hills where you can experience a truly authentic taste of Andalucia.
There are also several tourist holiday resorts within reach: Torremolinos, Nerja, Marbella