Recharge your batteries with a traditional Arab bath experience — rotating between hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and optional massages. The space is calm and atmospheric, with arches, mosaics, and soft lighting that make it feel miles away from the city, even though you’re right in the centre. Good spot for a proper reset after a long day of sightseeing.

The Lille suburb of Villeneuve-d'Ascq is worth the trip if only for its singular Modern Art Museum (Musée d'Art Moderne, d'Art Contemporain et d'Art Brut – LaM), which showcases works by celebrated modernists (such as Picasso and Modigliani, to name a couple), along with a noteworthy collection of outsider art.

Malaga’s coastline runs right along the city, so you don’t need to go far for a swim. The main stretch starts near the port along the Paseo de Pablo Ruiz Picasso. La Malagueta is the most central beach — about 10 minutes from the Old Town — with dark sand, showers, toilets, and sunbeds for hire. You’ll spot the big Malagueta sign where everyone stops for photos. The beach is lined with chiringuitos, casual seafood spots where you can try grilled sardines (espetos) cooked over open fire. La Caleta, just a bit further east, is quieter but has the same setup — clean, calm water, and easy access.