Most of us only consider Malaga to be the place we fly into before travelling down to the coastal areas of Spain, but what does Malaga have to offer as a city for visitors? Recently, Sam was given the opportunity to experience Malaga for 48 hours as part of an educational trip.
Here Sam gives her account of her Malaga experience and her recommendations of where to visit…
Staying in the Tryp Guadalmar Hotel, a modern stylish atmosphere with fully equipped rooms and fantastic sea views I used the Hotel as my base for exploring……..its location was ideal for travelling around experiencing what Malaga had to offer.
Waking up to the sounds of the sea hitting the rocks outside the room you completely forget that you’re situated within a city, and yet Malaga has everything you would imagine from a Spanish city, with cobbled streets and a traditional Spanish feel.
Where to visit
#1 La Alcazaba Moorish Fortress and Roman Theatre
If you like to explore, I would recommend a visit to La Alcazaba Moorish Fortress and Roman Theatre. This 11th-century building was the palace and fortress of Muslims governing the city and the Roman theatre which is situated at the foot of the Alcazaba was used until the 3rd Century.
#2 Malaga Cathedral
A real treat and short distance from the fortress is the Malaga Cathedral, which was built in the 18th Century. If you are feeling energetic, 200 steps above take you up through the chapels and Sixteenth Century Staircase. These steps lead you to reach the top, where you can walk the perimeters of the Cathedral, this provides a 360-degree breathtaking view over the city – and is well worth the walk!
#3 Malaga Picasso Museum
From Malaga Cathedral, you can walk to Malaga Picasso Museum. The Museum is located in the Buenavista Palace which has housed over 230 works by Pablo Picasso (the world’s largest private collection) a fantastic museum for all to appreciate.
#5 Automobile and Fashion Museum
On the outskirts of the city, is the Automobile and Fashion Museum which houses vintage cars and fashion dresses. A unique experience and unusual combination, the collection is housed inside one of the most famous buildings in Malaga, the former tobacco factory.
#6 Flamenco Show
Taking a visit to Malaga is not complete without seeing a traditional local Flamenco show. A completely authentic experience, you find yourself toe tapping to the Spanish beat and immersing you in the music. There are many opportunities which can either be pre-booked before you travel or with the Hotel during your stay.
#7 Centre Pompidou Malaga
This world-famous gallery opened its doors in Malaga in 2015 and is housed in a large glass cube situated in the newly refurbished Malaga port. From here you can walk around the port, stopping for a spot of lunch, or a refreshing drink at the waterside cafes and bars. If you want a spot of retail therapy there are an array of different shops to purchase a wide range of goods. This area has a relaxing feel and in the height of summer would generate a real atmosphere.
#8 La Conception Botanical Gardens
Take a trip up into the mountains to see La Concepcion Botanical Gardens. These are most important gardens in Spain and one of the best within Europe due to being steeped in history. Recently restored back to their former glory, it has been taken over by Malaga Town Hall and is a real treat for any visitor.
#9 Hamman Al Andalus Arab Baths of Malaga
For relaxation, head to the Hamman Al Andalus Arab Baths of Malaga. Here you can enjoy the scenery, breathe in the atmosphere, light and characteristics of the area whilst making time for massages and rituals to let your emotions flow. Move around the different pools with a range of temperatures and for a true experience taste a traditional Hammam tea.
Finally food…………there are so many options and tastes available but I enjoyed the Mediterranean Tapas that was available in so many places the most. Malaga proved to me that it is not just a place to fly into when visiting the Costa Del Sol, but a modern and historic place to visit in itself. I also recommend getting the best of both worlds by twinning a city break to Malaga with a few days on the beach down the coast of the Costa Del Sol.
If you want to know more just call in and see me at Destina, or you can contact me on the following:
T: 01562 883795
E: enquiry@destinatravel.co.uk
