Malaga

Highlights Malaga

Malaga City, gateway to southern Spain and the Costa del Sol, birthplace of Picasso and boasting one of the best climates in Europe. Underrated for so many years, Malaga City is now justifiably one of Spain’s hottest cultural, gastronomic and leisure destinations.
The city’s eclectic mix of Moorish, Renaissance and Modernist cultural landmarks are all within walking distance. The vibrant streets of the old town, the uber cool area of SOHO, where some of the world’s most important urban artists have left their mark, the super modern Muelle Uno port, with its Michelin star restaurants, cocktail bars and fashion boutiques, and no less than 15 golden sand beaches within the city limit, all come together to create a destination of excellence. 

Malaga history
The urban metropolis is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to 770 bc. Originally a Phoenician settlement, called Malaka. Throughout the centuries it was occupied by the Carthaginians, Romans and Arab Maurer, until 1487 when it was conquered by the Christians. More than 600,000 ‘Malagueños’ reside in this luminous Mediterranean city and in recent years the city has grown popular with foreign expats. Youngsters from all over the world come to Malaga to learn Spanish, many opting to stay on and live in the city. It’s now a melting pot of nationalities, although, unlike many of its Costa del Sol counterparts, Malaga City has managed to retain its rich Andalusian culture.

Places to visit
Malaga swells with cultural and historical attractions. Around every corner you’ll find something to explore. Visitors who want to delve into Malaga’s history are in for a treat; within the city’s ancient walls there lie several important historical buildings.
First stop for many, is the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress set high on a hill overlooking the city. The easiest way to get up to the Alcazaba is via a lift on Calle Guillen Sotelo. Alternatively you can catch the city tour bus, which drops visitors off and picks them up, take a taxi, or if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk up to the top.  The views from the ancient walled fortress look out across the city and out to the Mediterranean sea and make the visit extra special. Down in the city centre visitors continue their exploration of Malaga’s Moorish past at the Gibralfaro Castle, the lower fortress and royal residence, linked to the Alcazaba.  

Malaga’s Renaissance cathedral has a dominating presence in the heart of the old town. Construction started in 1528 after the city was conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella, and finished in 1782, although the building work was never completed. Much of the facade was eventually completed in the Baroque style, although the south tower was never constructed, hence the cathedral’s local nickname, La Manquita (the one armed lady).

Malaga has always been fiercely proud of its artistic heritage. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, the city has three main art spaces: Picasso Museum, Thyssen Museum and the CAC - Contemporary Art Centre, and the art scene continues to flourish. The upcoming area of SOHO, once a downtrodden neighbourhood, that fudged the old town and port area, is now the location for an urban street art explosion, part of the Maus Project, an urban regeneration initiative, globally renowned street artists have left their art and their tag on SoHo’s streets and buildings.  In 2015 Malaga’s art circuit will be further enhanced, with the opening of the Pompidou Centre in the Muelle Uno port area.

If you want to get a good sense of a city’s character, visit its markets. Malaga’s Atarazanas Market is a great place to get to know Malaga’s exuberant and quirky nature. The Mercado Central (central market) is a utopia for foodies and most of Malaga’s restaurant scene purchase fresh fish, shellfish, meats, vegetables, fruits, spices and more from Atarazanas. Check out our Insider’s Guide to Atarazanas Market.
The super modern port area, Muelle Uno, is a must visit zone for shopping, dining and just walking out to be seen. It’s also the location for the projected Pompidou Centre, which is to set to become a fixture from 2015. Some of the world’s largest cruisers dock at Muelle Uno; their guests step off, with umbrellas to protect them from the sun and head off into Malaga to soak up the atmosphere for a few hours. 

See & Do

There are not many destinations where you can be visiting world-class museums in the morning and eating lunch on the beach in the afternoon; Malaga is amongst those destinations. 

Malaga City beaches

There are 15 beaches within Malaga’s city limits, from the chichi beach of Baños del Carmen, to the dark golden stretch of sand of Playa de la Misericordia. The beaches are clean, family-friendly and accessible, with restaurant bars and beach clubs offering everything from traditional Pescaito Malagueño (fried mixed fish), to Moroccan-style couscous and mint tea, to hip beach party nights. Check out our Malaga City Beach Guide. 

Where to shop

The main shopping thoroughfare of Malaga is the centrally located Calle Larios, with its mixture of well-known chain stores and independent boutiques, cafeteria’s and ice cream parlours. There are often temporary exhibitions set-up for shoppers and strollers to enjoy, well as street entertainers and musicians. Off of Calle Larios you’ll find a ravel of streets where you find much of the same shops and boutiques and plenty of restaurants and bars. Shops are generally open to 10pm and later during the summer months. 
The port area of Muelle Uno is another shopping option. Expensive boutiques line the sunny boulevard and there are a selection of cocktail bars to enjoy a Cosmopolitan in your cosmopolitan Malaga. 
In the newly regenerated art district of SOHO, you’ll find trendy boutiques, quirky gift stores, mingling with family-run shops and hairdressers that survived the facelift. For more basic shopping needs, head out of the centre, to the west, close to the train station (Renfe), you’ll find the the Larios Centre a typical shopping centre with hypermarket and chain stores. Across the road you have Spain’s iconic El Corte Inglés store. 
And don’t forget the Atarazanas Market for fresh produce, fish and vegetables. 

Malaga City Bus Tour
You can see most of Malaga’s main attractions on foot, you don’t need public transport to get around this handbag size city by the sea. But if the sun is shining, passing half a day taking in the sights from an open top bus is also fun. The bus also takes you up to visit the Alcazaba, saving you some energy for afternoon beach fun. 

Malaga’s beautiful and historical Jardín Botánico de la Concepción (botanical gardens), situated 4kms north of the city centre, dazzles in the Mediterranean sunshine. The gardens date from the 19th century, designed in the English-style of the time, it’s a pleasurable experience to stroll through the gardens, grabbing shade from the midday sun.
City, beach, rural escape. Staying in Malaga means you get the best of all worlds. Malaga enjoys a backdrop of mountain scenery and beyond there is rural country just waiting to be explore. One of the closest natural routes, where you can take in the city and Mediterranean is the Montes de Malaga Natural Park. Just 14kms from the city centre, the Montes de Malaga is a  pine forest landscape, with deep valleys, gorges and impressive wildlife. There are hiking routes for all abilities, picnic areas, restaurants, viewpoints and campsites. Just in case you decide to spend a night under the summer stars. 

Back in town, but feeling lethargic, why don’t you hop on a Segway, for a tour with a difference. Malaga Segway Tours are guided tours on these self-balancing electric vehicles. Tours last 1-2 hours. For more ideas on what to see and where to go in Malaga, the social media website Foursquare listed the Top 10 Places to Visit in Malaga according to its users. 

Malaga Fiestas

Malaga is a cheerful and upbeat city, maybe it’s because of the year-round sunshine, healthy and delicious cuisine or its deeply rooted culture, whatever the reason, Malaga is happy and the locals are always up for a party. Easter Week, or Semana Santa as it’s known in Spain, is as solemn, as it is alegre; if that’s possible. Its a hugely important festival in Andalusia and celebrations for Semana Santa in Malaga are second-only to Easter Week in Seville.  

Noche en Blanco takes place annually in May. A night of culture, music and entertainment, which mostly takes place on the streets, and all for free! First launched in Paris, the concept came to Malaga a few years back and has now become a notable evening in Malaga’s calendar. Activities start at 8pm, there’s lots of fun activities for children and carry on through the night. Malaga Feria attracts millions of visitors every year; one of the most popular and longest festivals in the Spanish calendar, the annual party takes place in August; playing out non-stop for nine days and nights.  The feria is divided up into the daytime activities, which take place throughout the city centre, and the night feria, which you’ll find just outside the city centre, next to the Palacio de Congresos. Check out all the fun of the fair in a special Malaga Feria article. 

Gastronomy & Nightlife
Malaga hasn’t just come on as a cultural destination; it’s now also one of the of foremost gastronomical destinations in Spain. From humble tapas to Michelin star restaurants, it’s worth visiting the city, just to savour its restaurant scene. 

Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Spanish cuisine, is tapas, and Malaga has some of the best tapas bars in the country. Much of which is fish and shellfish-focused, due to its Mediterranean location. Our guide to Malaga’s best tapas bars is a good place to start if you’re new to tapas dishes. 

In the centre of town, you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants, from traditional Spanish and seafood, to Asian, Moroccan and South American. The new port of Muelle Uno is heaven for foodies, with plenty of high quality restaurants and bars. Along with Malaga's emerging food scene, is a wine tradition that dates back to the Phoenicians. Best known for its sweet wines made from the Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez grape varieties; visitors mustn't go home without visiting one of Malaga's traditional wine bodegas. 

Fancy a night at the cinema or the theatre? Malaga has an impressive performing arts agenda; so if you want to enjoy a night of live music, dance or theatre, you’ll find a great choice. The Cervantes Theatre (Teatro) is the city’s main and central auditorium, where you can enjoy artists and theatre coming from all four corners of the globe. There are several cinemas dotted around town, one of which, the iconic Albéniz Cinema, screens independent films, which you won’t find on anywhere else. 

Malaga Party Nights! 

When it comes to hitting the town for a night out, Malaga delivers; the city rarely sleeps before 4 or 5am. The residents of Malaga tend to eat later, around 10-11pm. At this time you’ll find the centre heaving with families and groups of friends, enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere. There’s plenty of choice of music bars and nightclubs, for whatever style of party you’re looking for. Why don't you check out one of Malaga's rooftop terrace bars.

And during the hot summer months, the party switches from the centre of town to the beach. Beach bars from La Malagueta to Pedregalejo fill up with a mix of locals, foreign students and holidaymakers, all out to refresh the hot summer city nights, with some beach fun.

WELCOME TO MALAGA!

Nerja is situated at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga, 50 kilometres from the city of Malaga and within an hour and a half’s drive from Granada and the ski resort of the Sierra Nevada. Sheltered by the impressive Sierra Almijara mountain range, Sierra Almijara, this once sleepy fishing village is now one of the most popular tourist resorts along the coast, with a population of over 12,000. The town has resisted too much re-development and high rise apartment blocks, preferring to stay a charming seaside town, attracting the more discerning holidaymaker; the town is often referred to as the ‘’Jewel of the Costa del Sol’.
One of the town’s most impressive attractions is the Balcón de Europa (the Balcony of Europe), a wonderful promenade, stretching along the edge of a soaring cliff top, which was once the location of a Moorish castle. The platform has spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline, with its backdrop of mountains.
The deep Andalusian culture that the town exudes, perfect climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere, has made Nerja one of the most attractive holiday hotspots on the Costa del Sol.

Beaches
Nerja has more than its fair share of fabulous beaches, boasting 16 kilometres of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear and calm water, and a splattering of small coves. All major water sports are available along the coastline, including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. The main beaches are Burriana and Torrecilla, both have been awarded the blue flag. Favourite amongst locals and visitors alike is Burriana Beach, where you can enjoy good food, including delicious shellfish barbecues on the beach and the speciality lunchtime monster paella. Or if you can enjoy a lovely English steak and kidney pie, washed down by a traditional pint at the Black Horse.

Around town
The old quarter of the town is still virtually unchanged with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses with wrought iron terraces overflowing with geraniums, on which a canary can sometimes be heard singing.
Visitors can hire a horse-drawn carriage and explore the town’s most interesting streets and attractions. When in Nerja visits to the 17th Century Church of El Salvador and the Gardens of Capistrano Playa are essential.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here to choose from, and lots of lovely plazas (squares) where you can sit and watch the world pass by.

Places to visit
Only 3 km from the town centre and very easy to find, following the directional signs, you can visit the famous Cueves de Nerja, the Nerja Caves; underground caverns with stalagmites, stalactites and tall columns.  The caves incorporate the world’s widest column, the grand centre column in the Sala del Cataclismo (Cataclysm Hall), which reaches a height of 32 metres. Also the Karstic cavities formed by erosion of marble by water and view the Palaeolithic wall paintings, dating back over 20,000 years. There is a restaurant attached to the caves with lovely views, and a museum and gift shop. These are breathtaking beautiful caves and should not be missed when you are visiting Nerja. Each July a festival of flamenco music and dance is held inside the caves. Further inland there are miles and miles of Andalucian countryside to explore. In the mountains behind Nerja, there are some beautifully preserved and picturesque whitewashed Pueblos Blancos (white villages); one such is Frigiliana, which has little changed over the centuries. Here you can enjoy panoramic views to Nerja and the sea. Frigiliana is a charming and dramatically sited Andalucian village built on a mountainside, approximately 6 km from the resort of Nerja.

Cuisine
As with most of Spain, Tapas is an integral part of the local cuisine, and there are lots of great tapas bars in and around Nerja; order a drink and you will often receive a few tapa. does have its own speciality dishes including De La Doncella (Red Mullet dish) and Pescaito Frito (platter of fried fish). There are a wide variety of different cuisines on offer in Nerja; you will be spoilt for choice.

Climate
Nerja enjoys some 3,500 hours of annual sunshine and temperatures that average 30ºC in summer and 15º during the short winter.

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Velez Malaga

Velez Malaga is the capital of the Axarquia region in Malaga, situated 1 kilometre inland from the coast of Torre del Mar and 26 kilometres from the city of Malaga. It sits on the scenic Route of Sun and Avocado, which follows the sunny, white washed villages, whose agricultural lands produce succulent avocados. It is the largest town in the Axarquia and yet despite its close proximity to the coast, it hasn’t yet developed into a major tourist resort.

History
The origins of Velez Malaga date back to the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, and a good deal of ancient remains from these civilizations have been in the local area. The Greek settlement of Mainake is said to be have been located in this area. Under Roman rule Velez Malaga was an important city for trade and under the Moors was an important strategic and cultural centre.

Around town
Velez Malaga is very much a working Spanish town, which lies in a valley where the River Velez flows. Being a working town you have all the amenities needed to enjoy your holiday to the full including bars, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, chemists, etc. The bustling old town with its narrow, cobbled streets and Mudejar architecture is very picturesque.
There is a weekly market every Thursday.

Cultural attractions
The town has some interesting architectural examples and monuments, including the 13th century Fortaleza castle, which stands in the centre of town in the district of Arrabal de San Sebastian. The Palace of the Marquises of Beniel is located in San Sebastian and is a wonderful example of Mudejar architecture. Other Mudejar style buildings in Velez Malaga include the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor and the Church of San Juan Bautista. There are also ancient convents and monasteries, which are well worth a visit.

Places to visit
The whole of the beautiful Axarquia region is a great place to explore if you enjoy rambling and getting out into the great outdoors and away from the droves of the coastal towns. Along the coast are the pretty resorts of Nerja and Frigiliana and the ski resort of the Sierra Nevada and the historical city of Granada are just one hour’s drive
away.

Eating out
There are some fabulous traditional Spanish restaurants and tapas bars, and a few international restaurants, although less than some of its Costa del Sol counterparts.

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Torre del Mar

The town of Torre del Mar is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Costa del Sol, located in eastern part of the coast, in the region known as the Axarquia in the Andalusian province of Malaga. The town is situated just 28 kilometres from Malaga and forms a part of the scenic Route of Sun and Avocado, which follows the route of villages and towns in the Axarquia region.

History
There are unsupported claims that Torre de Mar was once a part of an ancient Greek settlement called Manake, which was destroyed by the Carthaginians. However, recorded history dates back to the Phoenicians.

About town
The town is a magnet for tourists, mainly Spanish, who come to enjoy the perfect all-year-round warm climate, kilometres of clean sandy beaches and upbeat atmosphere.There is a wonderful promenade that extends all the way to the marina at Caleta de Velez. The town has a great atmosphere and is equipped with good amenities for holidaymakers, including
supermarkets, restaurants, bars, discos, and much more. The 500 metre beachside stretch of El Copo is a parade of bars and discos, which in the summer open until 6am. There is also a summer night market open until 3am on another stretch of beachfront.

Beaches
The town boasts wide sandy beaches, with a lovely long promenade, which takes you along the coast to the neighbouring fishing town of La Caleta de Velez.

Eating out
Torre de Mar offers an excellent selection of restaurants, from traditional Spanish, wonderful seafood restaurants and a host of international cuisines.

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Torrox Costa

Torrox Costa is a popular seaside resort, which is linked to Torrox Pueblo, which is 4 kilometres inland from the coastal area. The area is very popular with tourists during the summer, but still hasn’t got as built up as some of its counterparts of the Costa del Sol.

Around town
Much of this resort is made up of modern apartment blocks, which are mainly owned by Spanish and German nationals, who have second residence here. It’s definitely not a package holiday resort and the life is a lot more refined and laid-back than some of the other busier resorts. Much of the Torrox’s amenities: bars, restaurants and shops, can be found on the main Paseo Maritimo (promenade). During the summer market stalls set up selling various arts, crafts and souvenirs and there are supermarkets and banks in town for your convenience. If you like to keep up with your exercise routine whilst on holiday then Torrox Costa offers you lots of fitness options, including installations for football, basketball, volleyball, aerobic, tennis, swimming and much more.

Beaches
Torrox Costa boasts the beautiful blue flag beach of El Peñoncillo.where there is a nautical school where windsurfing and canoeing can be practiced.

Places to visit
The whole of the beautiful Axarquia region is a great place to explore if you enjoy rambling and getting out into the great outdoors and away from the droves of the coastal towns. Plus the Sierra Nevada and the historical city of Granada are just one hour’s drive away.
All year long, cultural and leisure activities take place in Torrox Costa, including theatre, exhibitions, music concerts, flamenco and traditional dance.

Eating out and Nightlife
Torrox Costa offers a wide selection of good eateries and bars, the main leisure area being along the Paseo Maritimo and the side streets leading to the beach. During the summer, some bars along the coast offer music shows and flamenco performances. And for the young at heart, there are a selection of pubs and discos. On the blue flag beach of "El Peñoncillo" there is a nautical school where windsurfing and canoeing can be practised. Besides there are almost infinite possibilities for trekking or mountain cycling.

Cuisine
The cuisine in Torrox is typical of the Axarquia region; specialties include Ajoblanco con Uvas (Garlic Soup with Grapes), Chota a la Cazadora (Kid in Almond Sauce), Cordero Asado al Horno (Roast Marinated Lamb) and sweet Churros, fried dough sticks, a bit like donuts, dipped in hot chocolate, delicious!

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Caleta de Vélez

The name Calete de Vélez translates to the bay of Vélez. It is a charming little fishing village to the east of Málaga, a kilometre away from the popular beach resort of Torre del Mar. A journey into the centre of Málaga will take you around 35 minutes. The village is a wonderful place to stay to enjoy a calm, peaceful environment with excellent access to the rest of the coast.

Fishing Culture
Caleta de Vélez has a vibrant fish market and harbour; the fish from the region comes from the Alborán Sea, a passage of water between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, which transfuses itself every hundred years and brings an abundant array of sea life with it. The area is rich in plankton and the different temperatures of the sea make the marine life rich and give the fish that are caught a special flavour distinct to the area.

Beach
The beach at Caleta de Vélez is clean and remains fairly quiet throughout the year. The beach extends east to Algorrobo Costa and west to Torre del Mar.

Cuisine
As a fishing village it is not surprising that most of the village’s restaurant serve mainly seafood. In Caleta de Vélez you will enjoy dining out on the freshest of fish, including sardines, anchovies, octopus, red bream and mackerel.

Golf
The newly completed and highly attractive golf course Baviera Golf lies directly behind Caleta de Vélez.

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Frigiliana

Frigiliana is situated in the eastern part of the Axarquía region, in the foothills of the Almijara mountain range, just on the border of the Sierras de Tejeda y Almijara Nature Park. The typical ‘pueblo blanco’ (white village) of Frigiliana, boasts spectacular panoramic views to the Higueron River, which lies in the Chillar Valley. To the north-west the municipality borders on Cómpeta, to the west, Torrox and to the south, Nerja. The village is a labyrinth of steep and narrow cobbled streets, lined by whitewashed houses, their wrought-iron balconies filled with planters of brilliant red geraniums. Frigiliana is best explored by foot.

History
The area has been inhabited since pre-history times. During the Roman occupation a fortress was built, which no longer exists. In the old quarter of the village there are 12 mosaics, which depict the history of Frigiliana.

Around town
Small plazas provide shady seating while the village bars are popular with visitors who come here to taste the locally produced wine. There are several excellent shops selling locally made pottery and ceramics, linen and basket ware.

Places to visit
Malaga, Torrox, Nerja and Torre del Mar are all within a day visit distance by car. The beautiful Almijara Natural Park is perfect for outdoor lovers, who can enjoy rambling, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching, amongst others.

Cuisine
There are many excellent restaurants offering good value and excellent cuisine in Frigiliana, in the main plaza (square) there are some lovely places to eat and if you explore a little further you will find little restaurants tucked away in the villages cobbled streets. Head up to the Mirador (viewing point) at the top of the village, here you can enjoy a bite to eat and wonderful views.

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La Vinuela

The charming village of La Vinuela (Little Vineyard) is situated 45 kilometres from Malaga and 19 kilometres from the coastal town of Torre del Mar, in the stunning natural surroundings of the Axarquia region. The village is on the famous Route of Olive Oil and Mountains, which takes you through the villages and countryside of the Axarquia olive groves and scenic mountain ranges. The landscape consists of low lying hills, covered in olive and cereal plantations, which are served by the local reservoir, when it has enough water. From here you can see right across to the Sierra Tejeda and the Boquete de Zafarraya Mountains, and flowing beneath is the River Guaro.

History
La Vinuela is actually a fairly new town in Axarquia terms, dating from the 17th century, although records show that the area has been inhabited since middle Palaeolithic times, after which the region, as many, became a Roman settlement. Although the cultivation of olives has been the main stay of industry since Roman times, in the 19th century the area also became a great producer of raisins.

Natural surroundings
The tiny village of La Vinuela lies amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in Andalusia. Close by is the main-made reservoir Lake Vinuela, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province of Malaga, and which not only serves to feed the land around, but is also a perfect area for a picnic and where you can take light pleasure craft, canoes etc.

It’s a great get-away spot, where the only sounds you hear are the calling of the birds and small animals that inhabit the countryside and olive groves.

Around town
The village of La Vinuela has been referred to by some locals as The Oasis of the Axarquia, as the town started off as an Inn on a royal road between Vélez and Granada, and from there it grew. The inn still exists on the main street of La Vinuela. There are some interesting monuments around town, including the San Josñe Church, the hermitage of La Virgen de las Angustias and the Torre de la Atalaya (watchtower).

Festival
Each September La Viñuela holds a two-day festival, the Festival de la Pasa, to celebrate the raisin harvest in the local area.

Cuisine
The cuisine in Las Vinuelas is typical of the Axarquia region; specialties include Ajoblanco con Uvas (Garlic Soup with Grapes), Chota a la Cazadora (Kid in Almond Sauce), Cordero Asado al Horno (Roast Marinated Lamb) and sweet Churros, fried dough sticks, a bit like donuts, dipped in hot chocolate, delicious!