Malaga City Guide

Eclectic

Malaga has remained unspoilt, untouched by mass tourism despite its bustling airport. It is also rare that it is not visited by sun-seekers, even though it has wide sandy beaches. These are the same style as the ones in Torremolinos, Marbella or Fuengirola. Moreover, what lies in front is more traditionally Spanish.

Traditional "espeto" grilled fish in Malaga... a local culinary delicacy

There are no British cafés, Irish pubs, beach clubs or designer boutiques lining the promenade. Malaga has several traditional chiringuitos, tapas bars and seafood restaurants. In conclusion, if you like this, visit, relax and enjoy the beach in the same manner as a local would.

The city's location in southwestern Spain ensures its weather is warm all year round. In summer it gets hot, but not uncomfortably so like Sevilla and Córdoba, while winters are rarely cold.

Buzzing Modernity... and Rich History

The lengthy promenade throbs with activity throughout the year, attracting Malaga residents of all ages: black-clad older folk amble along, stopping intermittently to enjoy the horizon from the comfort of a shaded bench; fitness enthusiasts cycle, jog or roller-blade past, weaving in and out of the skateboarding or moped-riding teens that frequent the area in a refreshingly non-threatening manner.

Much of Malaga is also characterised by gleaming contemporary buildings, the bus station connects the city with much of the rest of Spain, and every department store, supermarket, pharmacy and medical facility can be found here – all impressively modern, efficiently-run and easily accessible.

One of the Mediterranean's most popular cruise ship ports

In the stunning old town area of the city, Malaga's rich history comes to life in the form of many intriguing and often spectacular sights. The excellent Picasso Museum (Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, not far from where Antonio Banderas now has a penthouse)  is one of the finest of its kind in Europe, while the faded majesty of the Alcazaba and the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle hints at a history defined by battle and glory. The beautifully baroque cathedral is flanked by fragrant gardens, a pretty café-lined square and the ever-present horse-drawn carriage stations.

Day-Time Pursuits and Evening Pleasures

The atmosphere in Malaga's tightly woven cobbled streets – particularly during the hot summer months – is intoxicating, almost Bohemian, particularly in the vibrant Plaza de la Constitución and Soho district, while the boutiques and technology stores that populate the chic Calle Larios offer a glimpse of a city that has come to terms with its unique position at the heart of southern Spain’s premier tourist destination.

Iconic cathedral rises majestically above Malaga city

No longer does the city completely shut down for siesta; no longer does it kowtow to the ostensible cultural might and historic dominance of Sevilla; and no longer does it view its own charms as somehow less worthy – Malaga has found its voice.

If the city is finally finding its voice, you'll soon lose yours after a night out. Ferociously loud, eclectic and vibrant, the streets of Malaga are swamped at the weekend with mostly young revellers enjoying plenty of affordable tapas and beers, chattering with friends and frequenting a diverse array of music venues, ranging from earthy live-music gatherings to slick nightclubs and edgy techno houses.

International Refinement

For something a little more refined, the wonderful Cervantes Theatre has a year-long schedule of internationally acclaimed shows, acts, performers and artists; and the city’s burgeoning cultural attractions include (also to the Picasso) the Pompidou Centre, Carmen Thyssen Museum, Contemporary Art Centre, St Petersburg Collection Russian Museum, Classic Cars Museum, Wine Museum and (on the city outskirts in Churriana, near the airport) the Gerald Brenan House.

Dining out in Malaga is an inexpensive pleasure. While the city does what pretty much every Spanish city does – offer beautifully fresh and varied tapas on almost every street corner – Malaga also has a fine vegetarian gourmet scene, and the city's huge port ensures a fabulous seafood meal can be enjoyed at nearly all restaurants across the city.

Modern port-side Pompidou Centre setting in Malaga