Andalucia Coast and Country
Travel, Lifestyle and Property in Andalucia
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Andalucia Coast and Country Travel, Lifestyle and Property in Andalucia |
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Malaga - Undiscovered Gem of the Costa de Sol!The historic coastal city of Malaga is, for many people, the gateway to Andalucia. Unfortunately it is usually nothing more than that, as the millions who arrive at Malaga airport each year speed past the city’s bleak western outskirts, returning only on the day of their flight home.
Malaga’s principal assets are situated to the east of the city centre. The elegant tree-lined boulevard of the Avenida de Andalucia leads eastwards into the gorgeous Paseo del Parque. This beautiful stretch of tropical greenery divides the port on the one side from the atmospheric historic quarter on the other. Tall palms and other exotic species collected from all over the world grow enthusiastically in Malaga’s benign climate and create a tranquil oasis in which adults can relax and children play. You can also pick up a horsedrawn carriage ride here. Benches decorated with typical Andalucian tiles are provided for rest.
The crowning glory of this area is now the Picasso Museum opened in 2003 and set in the restored Renaissance Palacio de Buenavista. Picasso always wished for his works to be shown in the city of his birth and you can see more than 150 of them here, donated by the artist’s daughter-in-law and grandson. The collection (the third largest Picasso collection in the world) spans the length of his career and shows not only Cubist works but many other styles as well.
From the bullring you can head down to the nearby beach, and amble along the palm-fringed boulevard known as the Paseo Maritimo Pablo Picasso. This eastern part of Malaga is known as La Malagüeta and is home to the most expensive real estate in the city. There are many elegant old villas, smart cafés and bars. Continuing east we reach the beachside suburbs of Pedregalejo and El Palo, once the old fisherman’s quarter but now very sought-after as well! This are area is very popular with Malaga’s student population by night and the bars and restaurants are busy here all year round. El Palo beach is the location of perhaps the most enjoyable restaurant in Spain, El Tintero (read our review!) - a paradise for lovers of fresh fish and seafood! Malagüeños (natives of Malaga) adore the summer months and throw themselves into the summer lifestyle with gusto. The enjoyment reaches a climax with the August feria, where the city celebrates for two weeks by nights and by day. Visitors will notice the shops selling the exuberant gypsy dresses that Andalucian women often wear at Feria time. Small children are also extravagantly decked out in traditional Andalucian dress. The beach bars are busy into the early hours. But spending time in Malaga will lighten a work-weary heart at any time of year. Malagüeños seem to carry the summer spirit with them all year round! Accomodation in Malaga is plentiful, as you might expect, ranging from simple hostels to luxury hotels. You can find a wide range of hotels available through lastminute.com hotels.com or expedia.co.uk. Don't forget to visit our Books on Andalucia page to buy the best guidebooks before your trip! |
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| More inspiration for your holiday in Andalucia! Plus articles on Andalucian Food and Drink! Eating and Drinking in Andalucia
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Yet those
who do take the time to explore Malaga
are often seduced by its vibrant character and down-to-earth charm. This
relaxed city, with its excellent year-round climate and friendly people, is an
excellent place to experience authentic Andalucian culture, without embellishments
designed only for tourists. A city where the summer is more a state of mind
than a time of year!
Behind the Paseo
del Parque is the historic quarter of the city – a rambling area of narrow
streets, fascinating shops and enticing tapas bars, not to mention the
impressive Cathedral. A lot of money has been spent on the city in recent
years, and the historic quarter has been one of the main beneficiaries of this.
Many of the old buildings have now been sympathetically restored and the area
is an excellent place to wander, while sampling exquisite jamon and the fine sweet
wines of Malaga
in some of the ancient bars. Malaga’s covered Mercado Central is also well
worth a visit, where you can pick up delicious fresh fish, spices, luxuriant
fruits and vegetables, and the first class cured jamones and chorizos
beloved of every Andalucian. Children will love the gorgeous cakes, chocolates
and ice-creams at the Cafeteria Lepanto on the pedestrianised Calle Larios – a
wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by!
At the end
of the Paseo del Parque is the bullring, where Spain’s most famous bullfighters
can be seen in action during the August Feria. Dominating this part of the city
is the imposing Alcazaba fortress, begun by the Romans and extended by the
Moors. Those who climb up through the beautiful terraced gardens are rewarded
by stunning views over the bay
of Malaga. A further walk
brings you to the Gibralfaro castle, site of a Parador hotel, where a drink on the
terrace is a great way to recover from your walk!