Malaga is a popular city of around 560,000 people in Andalusia. It is the sixth most populous city in Spain. It sits on the Costa del Sol.
Although better known these days as a touristy town, Malaga has a rich history dating back around 2,800 years. It is also the birth place of Pablo Picasso and more recently, actor Antonio Banderas.
The city has no shortage of places to see. The Alcazaba is the old Moorish fortress with plenty of guided tours available to learn its history. The Museo Picasso Malaga honours the cities most famous citizen. Malaga Cathedral is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. It has the nickname La Manquita or “one-armed lady” because only one of its towers was ever built.
Calle Larios is the main shopping and pedestrian area of the city. The paved streets and beautiful buildings make it a wonderful place to shop, stroll and stop for something to eat.
The port area is also quite nice with newly developed places to eat and plenty of paths to walk or ride near the water.
Malaga Carnival happens in February and March. The carnival includes parades and traditional street bands as well as traditional costumes.
The night of San Juan takes place on the Summer solstice. Figurines of public figures are burnt along with old furniture (sometimes) and as the flames die down people will leap over the flames. There are also plenty of parties and dancing as well.
Málaga Feria or Malaga Fair is held every August. It celebrates the re-conquest of the city by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487. The fair starts with fireworks on the first day, best seen from the port area. The fair lasts for ten days. It features street parties with plenty of Flamenco dancing and sherry (fino).
On the 8th September each year, the procession of La Virgen de la Victoria. This celebrates victory over the Moores. It includes speeches, processions and various activities.
Malaga’s most famous son, Picasso, is celebrate during Picasso month in October. During the month there are a range of activities including exhibitions, concerts and competitions. Each year an award is granted to an aspiring artist.
At the end of December, the Verdiales Festival is celebrated. This festival is all about the Flamenco style of dance from the Olive region.
Malaga airport is Spain’s fourth busiest airport. It is the main airport for the Costa del Sol. Malaga is about a 2 hour 40 minute flight from London with a number of airlines having regular flights. Flights are available from most European capitals as well as most major Spanish cities.
Malaga is just over a 3 hours by train from Madrid.
By train it is over 2 hours and goes via Cordoba
If driving, the trip from Madrid will take about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Seville is a 2 hour 30 minute drive away.