When people go on a citybreak in Spain, most of the time they are visiting the usual suspects: " Barcelona" , "Madrid", " Valencia",... . But Malaga, which is located at the Costa Del Sol, has one of the busiest airports in spain, but mainly with people who want to spend their holiday sunbathing along the Costa Del Sol in the main tourism resorts: "Nerja", "Torremolinos","Estepona",...But Malaga City is a forgotten gem. Malaga is a world apart from the tourism resorts of Costa Del Sol. The historic city is steeped in history. Walking through the small streets ligned with shops, you can't miss the beautiful historic buildings in the city.
Starting at the Paseo del Muelle Dos, the new waterfront promenade which is popular for evening strolls with the Malaguenos, walk towards the historic city centre. In between the modern shops and bars, you find the Chapel of the port of Malaga. The chapel, which houses the chapel on the ground floor and the Chaplain's quarters on the first floor, was carved in pink sandstone from the local quarries.In the seventies, it was moved to it's current location due to building works.
Within the historic city of Malaga, you could easily wander around the small streets, eat some tapa's and just enjoy the architecture. Nearby the foot of the famous Alcazaba, you find the remains of the Teatro Romano (Roman theatre), build in the first century BC under Emperor Augustus. On the other side of the theatre, you find the quaint street Calle Zegri. One of Malaga's most famous Bodegas " El Pimpi" is situated here . El Pimpi was opened in 1971 inside an old 18th century mansion house. The place is frequented by celebrities, Malenguenos and tourists. The Bodega is divided in many different rooms, one is called the barrel hall where many of the wine barrels have been signed by celebrities. Another fun room is the patio de los Geranios, a sun filled room full of plants.
Another great location is Patatas Paco jose which is located nearby the Atarazanas market. On the outside, you could be forgiven to think you have reached Willy Wonka's shop. Only difference is that this small but busy shop specializes in Patatas Fritas (Crisps). In the window, you can admire the largest box full of homemade crisps.
Walking through Malaga, we find ourselves looking up alot admiring the lovely architecture. There are so many little streets with great restaurants, shops and museums. One of these must visit museums is Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga, an art museum housing the most comprehensive collection of 19th century Spanish paintings. The museum is located in the Palacio de Villalon. During renovations of the building, Roman remains were discovered in the soil .
Walking through the narrow streets, you stummble sometimes upon some great shops. For example, Viva La Feria is a shop which specializes in Flamenco fashion. Flamenco is huge in Malaga, and you will find many Flamenco shops selling the latest fashion for the aspiring Flamenco dancer.
We loved Malaga a lot and would recommend this great city to anybody.
This post was originally published on Outdoor Fitness Ligo.
