Malaga - Do & See
Malaga is in a good location for various day trips along the coast, up to the small mountain villages or to one of the larger Andalucian cities. It is approximately a two hours’ drive from Granada, Córdoba or Seville in a hired car or by bus. In Granada, you must not miss the fabulous Moorish palace Alhambra, the Gothic cathedral and the Arab quarters in the Albaicín.
In Córdoba, a walk to the old Jewish quarters and La Mezquita is recommended. In Seville, the capital of Andalucia, you should visit the Santa Cruz and Real Alcázar districts at the heart of the city. Along the entire Costa del Sol it is easy to take a bus or train to most cities such as Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Marbella. Here there are lovely beaches, nice bars and restaurants as well as good opportunities for shopping. Tips for families are Tivoli World in Benalmádena (www.tivolicostadelsol.com), Aqualand in Torremolinos (www.aqualand.es/torremolinos) and Selwo in Estepona (www.selwo.es).
In Puerto Banús you can view the gigantic luxury yachts, enjoy designer name shopping and mix with the rich and famous at the chic bars on the sea front. There are also yachts, discothèques, bars and restaurants in Puerto Marina in Benalmádena. Ronda is a picturesque town located on a precipitous limestone cliff. The road leading there from San Pedro de Alcántara on the coast is a dizzy mountain trip.
Alcazaba
Alcazaba and Gibralfaro are military forts dating from the period of Arab rule. There is a palace inside the walls with a beautiful garden and spectacular views. The Roman theatre just beneath was built during the first century A.D. and has recently been restored and renovated after many years of neglect.
The Cathedral
Malaga’s cathedral was built between 1500-1700 on the site was once occupied by the Aljama Mosque. Renaissance style with a Baroque main façade and décor.
Museo Picasso
This beautiful museum from the 16th-century Buenavista Palace is a must for all visitors to Malaga, young and old. Thanks to the grandmaster’s daughter-in-law, Christine, and grandchild Bernard, the museum boasts a collection of nearly 200 works of art. Just a stone’s throw away, at Plaza de la Merced, the house where Picasso was born, is also open to the public.
Jardín Botanico
The affluent couple Jorge Loring and Amalia Heredia created this fantastic garden around their Hacienda La Concepción in the 19th-century. Here you can find 30.000 square meters with 500 tropical plants.
Baños Arabes
Enjoy Arab baths in a cosy, relaxing environment in the centre of Malaga’s old town, near Plaza de la Merced.
City Bike Tour
Buses and taxis should not be underestimated, but the best way to experience Malaga is to get on a bike and see the sights with wind in your hair. You will enjoy the freedom of the ride and appreciate the different perspective of the beautiful city.
