Málaga

A port city with an unprecedented food and bar scene, a strong flamenco legacy, and extensive history, is Málaga. Located on the South West coast, and is known to most as the Capital of the ‘Costa del Sol’ (Sun coast), Málaga is so much more than just a seaside city. Somewhat of an anomaly along the coast, Malaga has somehow evaded the huge expansion and development that many other cities have had to undergo, maintaining the traditional Spanish culture that is prevalent throughout the city. 

Here, you can learn about Spain’s Islamic past at the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, pay homage to Pablo Picasso, visit some world-renowned blue flag beaches or golf courses, or pay a visit to El Palo, one of the cities original fishing communities. Anything you’re looking for, Málaga likely will have. From extensive nightlife, and a huge tapas scene (a few hundred tapas bars in the historical centre alone), Málaga is set to impress in the entertainment department. 

For a fun start to the evening, enjoy a ‘tapas crawl’ throughout the center. Most tapas bars and bodegas provide free tapas when you order drinks, so take full advantage. You could bar hop all afternoon/evening and eat your fill in different Spanish tapas throughout the city. If you’re willing to spend some dinero to try out some higher end ones, a few Euros typically go a long way. It’s also a great way to try out some cuisine that you may not typically order!

If you’re into the arts and museum scene, a trip to Málaga should be on the top of your list. Pablo Picasso, an icon, and one of the most influential artists in the 20thcentury was born here, and has works in museums and galleries throughout the city. You can pay a visit to a large display of his paintings at the Picasso Museum, which highlights his early work and growth over the years. A couple minutes away you can head to his birthplace, Casa Natal on Plaza de la Merced where his parents rented the first floor at the start of the 1880’s.

For a more historical day around the city, there are many sights to check out including the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Gibralfaro, and Cathedral. These are all within walking distance from one another, making it a great way to spend a day exploring the historical centre of the city (and getting a small ‘hike’ in).

Alcazaba & Gibralfaro

Set on top of a hill in the cities historical center lays the Alcazaba. A valuable monument from the Islamic era, it is a Moorish palace with walls visible from most of the city. It was first built in the 8thcentury, though expanded over the subsequent 500 years. On this hill are 2 sets of walls, protecting both the inner and outer palaces.

The outer palace walls hold the immaculate gardens with fountains and arches built out of old Roman columns that the Arabs built. Within the inner set of walls are the castle and several residences, spread across 3 courtyards and gardens. In my opinion, this is arguably the most significant and impressive historical monument in the city.

Just down the hill from the Alcazaba, is the greatest ancient monument in the city – the Roman Theatre. The Theatre was used for ~300 years up to the 3rd century, but eventually forgotten before being used as a quarry during the Moorish period. The monument was rediscovered in 1951 and is it relatively good shape today given its history. A few tiers of seating of the 16m high semi-circle Theatre remain in tact, and a few artifacts were discovered, now on display in the recently opened visitor center. The Theatre is free to visit, and if you’re heading to the Alcazaba, you’ll likely walk right past this on your way.

A 15 minute (or so) walk uphill past the Alcazaba will take you to the Gibralfaro. Like the Alcazaba, this hilltop fortress is powerfully situated above the city and the walk up provides stunning viewpoints of the city of Málaga. The Gibralfaro had a more warlike purpose, with many lookout towers and fortifications still intact today. This castle was the scene of the crucial siege in 1487 – the Spanish Inquisition. The Muslim Malagueños held out for 3 months against King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella before waving the white flag when they ran out of food, surrendering control of their empire they had built in much of Spain. The Gibralfaro is far less impressive to me in terms of architecture, but the history behind, and the views along the way make this a must see whilst in the city.

Málaga Cathedral

As with most of the significant cities in Spain, Málaga also has a very impressive historical Cathedral. It took more than 150 years to build, and as a result is a mix of both renaissance and Spanish Baroque styles. The façade was one of the last parts to be completed, and has immaculate arches, columns and monuments depicting saints. The Cathedrals Northern tower is the 2nd tallest in Andalucía (Seville has the tallest) at 84 m tall, and initial designs of the Cathedral had planned for a second, tower in the South, but funds were instead used to help America gain independence from the British.