On the coast about 80 miles (129km) southeast of
Seville, the lively city of Malaga is the gateway to Spain's
popular Costa del Sol holiday resort region. It offers sun, sand,
and sea, but also an historical treasure trove, making it a good
choice for culture vulture wanting a beach holiday.
Like most Andalusian cities, the holiday retreat of
Malaga has Moorish roots and its illustrious past has left an
imprint on the historic centre, particularly around the fortress of
La Alcazaba, dating from 1065, which is now an archaeological
museum.
The city was also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso,
and features several galleries displaying his work. Most notable is
the 16th-century Museum of Fine Arts, alongside the cathedral.
Picasso's birthplace in Plaza Merced is open to the public and
showcases his life and works. The city's famous botanical garden,
situated on the Calle Alameda, dates from the days when the Malaga
area was a popular winter holiday resort for the rich and famous
and is also worth a visit.
Of course, the beaches are also a big draw for the
numerous holidaymakers who descend on this Spanish city, and
watersports and other coastal diversions abound. A range of
activities beckon offshore: scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, and
kite surfing are all popular in the warm waters. The more
adventurous tourists in Malaga can take short daytrips to the
beautiful beaches of Nerja or Motril.
For those who can pull themselves away from the
beaches, this region of Spain has been playfully dubbed the 'Costa
del Golf' due to its 39 golf courses. Year-round sunny weather and
low course fees make a round or two a great option.
Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and has
the varied, high-quality nightlife to match. Tourists in Malaga
need only take their pick from the varied nightlife venues, which
include nightclubs, tapas bars, and traditional flamenco
performances. Some of the best bars and clubs can be found around
Plaza del Merced and Plaza Uncibay, while the areas of Malagueta
and Pedragalejo have lively beach bars in summer.
