Málaga is an overlooked gem; this lively, enticing city is the birthplace of Picasso, offers an excellent tapas scene, great beaches and noble historical buildings.
In fact Málaga couldn’t be more different from its nearby coastal resorts along the Costa del Sol where English is the lingua franca and all-day British breakfasts displace traditional tortilla.
The Picasso Museum is Málaga’s major drawcard and has encouraged the rise of boutique hotels and flashy restaurants. In Málaga’s historic centre, the Moorish fortress and Christian castle loftily jut into the sky, overlooking a handsome cathedral, glitzy shopping streets, and a spider’s web of narrow pedestrian lanes within the old town.
Beyond the busy port, the city beach is surprisingly good, and further stretches of sand lie along the eastern suburbs, where traditional fried fish is washed down with cold beer at chiringuitos (beach bars).
Endowed with such assets, Málaga is more than just a gateway; it’s a destination in its own right.
Málaga Top Attractions
Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881 and this collection of around 160 of his works is housed in a 16th-century Andalucian palace. It includes paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics from his earliest works up to the 1970s and is notable for the portrayal of the women and children in the artist’s life.
Calle San Agustín 8
Tel: 902 443 377.
Website: www.museopicassomalaga.org
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs & Sun 1000-2000; Fri-Sat 1000-2100.
Admission charge: Y.
Catedral
Built between the 16th and the 18th centuries, although never finished, Málaga’s cathedral is an impressive soaring structure. Don’t miss the carved choir stalls or the two organs. Opposite, the imposing Bishop’s Palace stages art exhibitions.
Calle Molina Lario 9
Tel: (95) 221 5917.
Website: www.malagaturismo.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-2000; Sat 1000-1700.
Admission charge: Y.
Museo de Artes Populares
Set in a charming 17th-century house, this museum of bygones is packed with fascinating colourful displays of ordinary Andalucian life from the last three centuries, including farming, wine, fashion, bullfighting, ceramics and fishing.
Pasillo de Santa Isabel 10
Tel: (95) 221 7137.
Website: www.museoartespopulares.com
Opening hours: Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1330 & 1600-1900, Sat 1000-1330 (winter); Mon-Fri 1000-1330, Sat 1000-1330 (summer).
Admission charge: Y.
Plaza de la Merced
This handsome square is Málaga’s liveliest, lined with popular bars, cafes and restaurants. It is home to the Fundación Picasso Museo Casa Natal, the artist’s birthplace, now an interesting little museum.
Plaza de la Merced 15
Tel: (95) 206 0215.
Website: www.fundacionpicasso.es
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0930-2000.
Admission charge: Y.
Alcazaba
This mini-Alhambra, with its horseshoe arches and geometric Islamic decoration, was the palace-fortress of the city’s Moorish rulers. It was built mostly in the 11th century, hugging the hillside with beautiful terraced gardens (best viewed from the fountain on Paseo del Parque) and a Roman amphitheatre below. The interior has an archaeological museum and the upper levels offer fine views.
Calle Alcazabilla
Tel: (95) 2216 005.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 0930-1900.
Admission charge: Y.
Castillo de Gibralfaro
Málaga’s highest ground is occupied by the crenellated walls and towers of this 14th-century fortress built to defend the Alcazaba immediately below. It now offers a small museum, peaceful pretty gardens and wonderful views.
Camino Gibralfaro s/n
Tel: (95) 221 7646.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800 (winter); daily 0900-2000 (summer).
