Marbella & Costa del Sol Property

Malaga

Malaga is a sophisticated metropolis and one of Spain’s largest cities. Popular amongst the young and pleasure-seeking, downtown Malaga is known for its excellent restaurants, thriving nightlife and cultural hotspots. This modern city paints 21st century style on a rich, historical canvas and is immensely popular with tourists eager to explore one of the most exciting cities on the Costa del Sol. Part of Malaga’s appeal is its accessibility; its airport is the central port of access for most tourists visiting the area, and other cities such as Seville and Granada are easily reached by car, bus or train. Madrid can also be reached within just two and a half hours thanks to the new high-speed train service brought into operation in 2007.

Centre of Malaga

Malaga’s rich cultural attractions are at least partly responsible for the millions of tourists who flock there every year. Since presenting a bid to the European Union to win the title of European Cultural Capital for 2016, Malaga has been endeavouring to showcase its rich historic background. There are countless churches of architectural and historic interest, and the great Baroque Cathedral which was never completed and as a result is known as La Manquita, or ‘the one-armed woman’ due to its lop-sided appearance, is not to be missed.

In homage to the artist Pablo Picasso, who was born in the city, Malaga opened the highly acclaimed Picasso Museum in 2003, attracting art lovers from across the globe. Home to over 200 Picasso works, the museum charts Picasso’s life and works within a stately 16th century building just a few minutes’ walk from the site of Picasso’s birthplace. Other noteworthy attractions include the Plaza de Toros bullring, the CMC Contemporary Art Centre and Malaga Port, which features some of the world’s best seafood and tapas bars.

Cultural Centre of Malaga

Against the setting of this historic city is some incredibly shopping; Malaga is home to the boutiques of top fashion houses and classy cocktail bars and cafes. Off Calle Lurios, Malaga’s busiest and most famous street, is a honeycomb of unique and interesting shops and the bustling fresh food market, Mercado Central de la Atarazanas.

Malaga’s calendar is as packed as you would expect; the Spanish are renowned for their love of fiestas and Malaga is absolutely no exception. Tourists who visit Malaga in February may be lucky enough to see the Carnival, Spain’s answer to Mardi Gras, but the biggest festival is the Feria de Malaga, a ten-day celebration to commemorate the re-conquest of the city by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487. The festival is one big street party in which Andalucians take to the streets to sing, dance, drink and revel in the celebrations.

Within 25 kilometres of Malaga International Airport is the town of Fuengirola. Its fabulous beaches combined with excellent shopping and beauty outlets have resulted in the previously tiny fishing village evolving into a thriving holiday destination. Everything you could possibly want is but a stone’s throw away in Fuengirola and so it is particularly suitable for families who are looking for a friendly town which provides all the modern conveniences in a traditional Spanish setting.

Alternatively, holidaymakers and home-hunters could look to nearby Benalmadena, only 19km from Malaga International. Benalmadena Costa showcases an astonishingly diversity in restaurants serving food from all over the globe. There are dozens of British pubs, many of which screen live sporting events, but also plenty of opportunities to sample traditional Spanish fare including fresh seafood. Night owls won’t be disappointed by the numerous bars and discos offering evening entertainment that caters for every possible taste, from live jazz and salsa clubs to the latest Clubland sounds with top DJs.

Malaga Bullring and Port