Guide to Malaga

Malaga is a bustling town nestled between hills to the north and the Mediterranean to the south. Settlement in the area has developed over the last 3,000 years as Phoenicians, Romans and Moors used the city as a major trading port. The area has over 300 days of sunshine and temperatures exceed 30C (86F) on summer days- wonderful! The city of Malaga itself is a huge display of the history of past centuries with an array of cultural sites and informative centres. Catch performances of flamenco in during a night out in the city and relish the sounds and sights of enthralling dancers and musicians. The warmth, long summer days and beautiful beaches draw more than 10 million people to the city and surrounding area each year.

The little streets of the town teem with old shops wonderful for little curiosities and gifts. Visitors can soak in the naturally lush surroundings of the Calle Alameda or the El Parque located in front of the Palacio de Aduana. It is nice to wander along the tree-lined streets, the dark shadowy lanes branching to the old part of the city. The city centre is a nice area for good eateries that serve up good quality food including the local speciality of fried fish, pescaito frito, served with slices of lemon.
Born here in Malaga in 1881 Pablo Picasso is the city�s most famous son. The Museo Picasso Malaga, located a few minutes from his birthplace, houses an extensive collection of more than 200 works by the artist.�Malaga Cathedral dates from the 16th century and took almost two centuries to build. Gothic and Renaissance influences are evident through out the building fondly referred to as La Manquita, or one-armed lady because of the incomplete second tower. The Archaeological Museum, located in the Alcazaba Fortress built by the Moors in the 10th century, provides a definitive guide to what has happened in the region in centuries past.

Local beaches provide a nice escape from the city and at El Candado and La Malagueta good facilities for children and water sports for adults are available. Driving inland one reaches the lake district of Andalucia . With turquoise blue lakes and forests of pine trees, hideaway shores are wonderful to bathe and picnic on or take a swim in the cool waters. During February, the almond trees blossom in the surrounding countryside and are worth driving through the country for the sight and scents. The village of El Chorro provides a good base for walking trips, rock climbing or horse riding. The surrounding region is world famous for the rock formations to which people from all over the world travel to climb. Marbella, to the south west of Malaga is a retreat for the rich and famous. The exceptionally mild weather of more than 320 days of sun each year ensures that the marina is filled large yachts along side local fisher�s boats.

Please contact the local tourist office for further information and updates:
Oficino Municipal de Turismo,
Plaza de la Marina, 11.
29001 Malaga
+34 (0) 952 122 020