It
is easy to understand why Malaga
City is dubbed the Capital of the
Costa del Sol. Whereas it was once
considered to be the poor cousin
of Andalusia’s capital city,
Seville, it now competes successfully
for attention. Since the opening
of the already well acclaimed Picasso
Museum in 2003, cultural tourists
have been flocking to this and the
now beautifully refurbished birthplace
of the great artist, all in the heart
of the historic centre of the city.
Climate
Sea
breezes from the Mediterranean coastline
regulates the summer heat
to a more comfortable levels than
the inland Andalusian towns and the
Malaga Mountains form the perfect
barrier to protect the city from
the colder weather in winter. It
can still be very hot in July and
August and it can be colder (minimum
of around 13 °C) between December
and February. Some much needed rainfall
is to be expected in the colder months,
but it usually does not usually last
for long.
History and Monuments
As well as
homage to the great Picasso, other
great historic monuments include
the imposing Baroque Cathedral, popularly
known as ‘La Manquita’ (One
Armed Woman), referring to its rather
lopsided appearance due to the missing
east bell tower. High on the hill
above the city is the Parador (state
run hotel) of great historic importance.
It was once a Moorish castle and
is a wonderful place to either stay
the night or have a long lunch enjoying
these privileged surroundings with
panoramic views over Malaga city
and out across the port to sea.
Although there was much destruction
in Malaga, especially during the
time of the Spanish Civil War, there
is still plenty of proof of the Moorish
occupation. Today you can visit the
Moorish Alcazaba fortress, dating
back to 1065, which also now features
a very interesting archaeological
museum.
There are also many churches
in and around the centre, of great
architectural
and historic interest well worth
visiting.
Shopping & Festivities & Things
to do
Malaga centre is not only the
perfect place to explore the many
historical
monuments, atmospheric little streets
and squares with delightful café culture,
but it is also a wonderful shopping
centre. The main street to head for
runs perpendicular to the stunning
tree lined avenue, the Alameda, and
starts at the Plaza Marina, near
the port. Calle Marqués de
Larios (often simply referred to
as ‘Larios’) was made
pedestrian in 2002 as part of the
overall improvements being made to
Malaga centre. The result is a busy
chic area with many boutiques, designer
shops and classy cafes, all surrounded
by beautifully restored buildings.
At the top of Larios is the main
square, Plaza de la Constitución,
which is centre of attention throughout
the year when cultural, traditional
and religious events are being celebrated.
It is especially pretty in December,
when a huge Christmas tree and decorations
are the focal point. During Semana
Santa (Easter Holy Week), Malaga
is taken over by incredible religion
processions and the square is decked
out with tiers of seats for spectators.
Notably during this very important
week of religious celebration, Antonio
Banderas often continues to take
part as he has done since he was
a young boy.
Also a the main square at the north
end of Larios is the entrance to
the five star Larios Hotel, whose
visitors include big names such as
Malaga born Antonio Banderas and
wife Melanie Griffiths. There is
a very sophisticated cocktail bar
on the six floor of the Larios Hotel,
from which there are stunning views
across to the top of the Cathedral – especially
spectacular at night when it is floodlight.
As well as cocktails and other drinks,
the bar has food and snacks and there
is often live music on – a
magical venue at any time of year
and especially on a balmy summer
night.
Off Calle Larios, in the melee of
tiny streets and interesting tapa
bars, restaurants and even teterías
(Moorish tearooms) you will find
other interesting shops and also
the bustling main fresh food market,
Mercado Central de Atarazanas.
There are also several indoor commercial
shopping malls, one just behind the
landmark building of the huge quality
department store, El Corte Ingles.
Whereas previously, Malaga centre
used to live up to the southern tradition
of keeping the siesta time sacred,
more and more shops are now open
all day. Some of the smaller, family
run businesses may still lock up
for a long lunch. But the commercial
shopping centres, El Corte Ingles
and many of the shops in Calle Larios
stay open all day, to meet the demand
of the resident or tourist who enjoys
the freedom of longer shopping hours.
During the summer months and leading
up to Christmas and Kings Day (January
6 th) many specialist shops, such
as El Corte Ingles department store
extend their hours to open on certain
Sundays.
The urban sprawl around the city
is undergoing expansion and development
as the population of Malaga grows
year on year. Included in the many
on-going Municipal projects is the
construction of a Metro (underground)
system to link up key areas including
the large University Campus and the
International Congress Centre to
the West.
There are many festivals celebrated
throughout the year in Malaga, such
as the International Jazz Festival
(at the beginning of November) and
Film Festival (held early in March)
and much more. The main theatre and
location these and many such events
as well as excellent theatre and
music is the beautiful Teatro Cervantes
(Cervantes Theatre)
Eating
and Drinking in Malaga
In Malaga there is no shortage of places to eat and drink. From top notch, Michelin
rated restaurants to the most humble tapas bar, there is everything in between.
If you find yourself in a Malaga chiringuito (beach bar) then the traditional ‘espeto’ sardines
cooked outside on a skewer is not only delicious, but also an integral part of
the healthy Mediterranean diet. There are many other delicious fresh fish dishes
to choose from on most menus and generally at a very reasonable price.
Sightseeing
A great way to get a good overall impression of Malaga is to hop on the Official
Malaga Tour Bus. The whole tour takes under one and a half hours and is well
worth it at around 15 euros per adult. The Tour Bus ticket not only allows
the enjoyment of taking in all the sights of the city, but it also offers
a free voucher for bust transport to the beautiful botanical gardens on the
outskirts of Malaga, Jardines de la Concepcion, on the main road to Antequera.
There are many beautifully kept
gardens in Malaga also worth seeing.
Malaga viert op 8 september het
feest van de schutspatroon van Virgen
de la Victoria
Proef de zoete lekkernij Monjas Clarisas (door nonnen bereid) in de
straat Zumaya 1
