For anyone who is not familiar with Málaga, it is situated on the southern tip of Spain. Compared to Barcelona or Madrid, visitors come here for pure and simple relaxation. Known for its sunny weather and sandy beaches, Málaga is as charming as any Mediterranean getaway with a fascinating blend of beauty and history.
Getting to Málaga
For international visitors, you can get to Málaga by flight or from Madrid or Barcelona. Alternatively, you can board the high-speed train from Madrid to Málaga's María Zambrano station. It is best to purchase train tickets prior to visiting Spain (if you include Málaga in the itinerary). Book the train ride online @https://renfe.spainrail.com
At first glance, Málaga has a bohemian vibe with a Mediterranean touch. Thanks to its abundance of quirky places of interests and stylish F&B outlets, you will be amazed by the mix of traditional and contemporary culture and lifestyle.
Málaga is also the home of the famous artist, Pablo Ruiz Picasso where he was born. If you are an admirer of Picasso, this is the museum (below) to visit where you can stroll along the huge hallways and be amazed at his timeless artwork. Entry ticket to the museum is about 8 € (Euros) each.
The opening of the Picasso Museum in 2003 triggered the city's cultural rebirth and visitors are now flocking to this port city. Málaga boasts an excellent transport, fine cuisine, and fascinating monuments from Moorish and Roman times.
The Alcazaba is Málaga's most important landmark and provides the 360 degree view of the city from the hilltop. The Alcazaba is the best-preserved Moorish fortress palace and is one of the most visited historical monuments. From Plaza Aduana, you can take the Calle Juan Temboury route and follow the path up the hill.
Opening Hours : Summer: 09.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs (1st April to 31st October) Winter: 09.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs (1st November to 31st March) Tickets: 3.50 Euro
One remnant of Málaga’s Islamic past is the Castillo de Gibralfaro or Castle of Gibralfaro, spectacularly located high on the hill overlooking the city and the blue sea.
Originally built by the Cordoban ruler Abd ar-Rahman I, it was rebuilt in the 14th century when Málaga was the main port for Spain. The castle was converted into a lighthouse and military barracks.
There is a sense of regal splendour when you visit Castle of Gibralfaro. The airy walkway around the fortress or castle provide the best views over Málaga city.
Being a cosmopolitan city, Málaga is attractive to both visitors; especially couples or families. Getting around the city is best enjoyed by foot or you can take a taxi to get you to the next spot. You can stroll along the beautiful gardens adorned with exotic flowers and venture to the nearby scenic Málaga port.
The Málaga port was a fenced area with restricted access and separate from the city. After extensive work, it has been created with a modern design that connects the historic centre to the cruise terminal. The fine dining restaurants and al fresco cafes along the port provide the gastronomic offer by the sea. The F&B outlets and shops in the port of Málaga are open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
The sun and sea is synonmous to Málaga. Lovely beige sand stretch along the blue sea and the coast of Málaga from La Malagueta to Torremollino beach.
The beaches nearby the city make Málaga particularly inviting. The Playa Malagueta is the closest and easily reached by a 10-minute walk along the lovely promenade of Málaga’s great port. The long stretch of fine sand provides the perfect setting for a refreshing dip and a dose of Andalusian sun.
The sun and sea is synonmous to Malaga. Lovely beige sand stretch along the blue sea and the coast of Malaga from La Malagueta to Torremollino beach. The city does have its share of bus tours and routes to various beaches but you can head to La Cala del Moral – known as the best beach in the area – located about nine miles away from the downtown city.
For accommodation, I stayed at the Hotel del Pintor which is located along the quiet street of No 27 at Calle Álamos. It is near to the popular attractions such as the Museo Interactivo de la Musica and Plaza de la Merced.
Stylish and sensual, it is definitely a worthwhile experience if you enjoy the novelty of boutique hotels. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staffs who arready to assist with luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, and concierge services. I would personally give this hotel a 5 Star rating for service, hospitality, and comfort! Check out more of the hotel at http://hoteldelpintor.com/en/.