From Malaga, with Passion

Malaga is enchanting… always! 

The aromas of the sweet house wine, the refined and traditional delicacies and the spontaneous joy, in every corner, make us happy. In Malaga, we are always willing to dance and, most of the time, while listening to the pure sound of wise, warm and gentle guitars. Flamenco is all around us! We can listen to it, dance to it and feel it. 

The green spaces, the typical neighborhoods and the bustling and large avenues coexist in perfect harmony and under a special light: here the sun shines almost every day with the marvelous deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea at its feet.

It is a city that takes care of itself, takes care of its past and will take care of itself in the future. It is young and adult. It is charming and challenging. It lives like if it was the last day. In us, we truly believe that it can live forever.

With stories to tell

Malaga holds treasures from many different epochs and artistic styles that you should appreciate with calm and detail. You’ll find palaces, churches and monuments (from the oldest to the modern ones) which tell us the history that was witnessed by the city over the years. Here the past is so well preserved that you can even travel in time!  

To begin with, you can take a leap to the Renaissance splendour by visiting the Cathedral of Malaga or La Manquita (as it is also known). It was built between the 16th and 18th Centuries and it was originally designed to have two imposing towers, which, in fact, did not happen due to a lack of funds. In the end, it was built with only one tower, but is so beautiful that it looks like it is complete. 

Now, it’s time to take another leap in time, heading to the oldest monument in Malaga – the Roman Theatre. It is placed on a hill called Gibralfaro, in the western part of the city, and dates back to the 1st Century. It was only discovered in 1951 and, nowadays, is one of the greatest symbols of the Roman Empire’s presence in Malaga. It’s also a place where you can learn more about the ancient Roman way of life and traditions. Visiting this museum really can be a very interesting experience as you’ll be led through a highly recommended interactive exhibition. It will make our personal past discovery a lot more fun.

Nearby, you’ll find the Fort of Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro Castle, two ancient buildings that will lead you again to another period: the Moorish times. The Moorish occupied the city until the middle of the 15th Century, when Malaga became one of the most important trading centres in the Iberian Peninsula. The Fort dates from 1065 and is one of the most important (and well preserved) archaeological  museums in Spain. On the other hand, the castle was the final set for the conquest of Malaga (by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487) and nowadays is one of the most significant landmarks of the city’s history. It is also from this beautiful hill that you will be able to see one of the most charming malagueñas landscapes. Take our advice and seize the moment and the view. Have a nice short rest, there is still a lot to see afterwards!

Pablo Picasso, a genius from Malaga 

It was in Malaga, in 1881, that one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 20th Century was born. The Museum House, where Picasso lived until 1884, is situated in the Plaza de la Merced, right in the historic heart of the city. In all its corners, you’ll be able to learn more about Picasso’s life and, of course, about the importance of his art and visions, always with a clear view of the world. From the most personal and intimate memories to his ceramic works, drawings, paintings and books, it is an authentic "indoors" journey through the universe of one of the most important names in the Art History. There is a constant artistic movement in this house: in addition to the permanent collection, there are temporary exhibitions and other cultural activities.

The love between Picasso and Malaga is mutual and due to that special bond, the painter gave the city part of his legacy, which can be found in the Picasso Malaga Museum at the Buenavista Palace.

In the middle of the city, places for nature

Green spaces abound in Malaga. Thanks to the pleasant and constant climate, it is a privileged place for many species and true wonders of Botany. The Park of Malaga is one of the most visited and is located in Paseo de España, between the old town and the new port. It was built in the late 19th Century and, nowadays, is a perfect spot to go with the family or friends, to rest or even to read a good book or share a tasty picnic. It is also here that a lot of cultural events take place – and, as we all know, Malaga loves culture.

But there is more: La Finca de la Concepción is one of the most important botanical gardens in Spain and is located about 5 kilometres from the city centre. Its existence dates back to late 19th Century -  however, it only opened to the public in 1994. There are about 23 hectares filled with more than 25 thousand plants and flowers of different species. Among such a variety, you can also find fountains, waterfalls and a museum - the Loringiano Museum, which houses some of the archeological artefacts found in excavations made in the region.

And, of course, the beaches!

It would not be possible to write about Malaga without mentioning the beautiful beaches that fill the city’s 40 kilometers of coastline. In this Andalusian town, very well protected from the north winds by the mountains, there are beaches for all tastes. Some have fine and clear sand, some are rockier, other beaches are more urban, and then there are the wild ones that are so close to an idyllic imaginary.

La Malagueta, San Julian, El Candado, La Caleta, La Misericordia, Las Acacias, Nerja, El Palo or Playa del Cabo are just some examples of what you can include in your beach tour. As for the sunset (which is truly unforgettable anywhere in Malaga) we recommend that you enjoy it on the beach Baños del Carmen, a special place and part of the city’s history. It is here that the old bathhouse Baños del Carmen stands and there are many who say that it is perfect for a relaxing moment with the surrounding landscape.

Malaga loves fiesta!

And the Feira de Malaga is a fine example! Held since 1489, it takes place in the middle of the summer (in August) and is the biggest party in town, whether it’s day or night. During the day, the celebration happens right in the center, however, when the night comes, the festivity continues in a special place called Cortijo de Torre.

During a whole week, we can taste and feel everything that is good: traditional food, the Cartojal (the sweet white wine that you drink around here), the passionate flamenco chords and moves, the typical costumes, the most beautiful light decorations, cheerful and colourful balloons, cultural events, concerts of various musical genres, the spontaneous singing on the streets and, of course, the maximum expression of the malagueño spirit. It is indeed a week of pure joy, but since we are in Malaga, the celebration and the joyful city spirit extend throughout the year and everywhere, even at the table.

There are tapas and rounds for everyone!

Eating out in Malaga is a wonderful experience. It’s a very nice excuse to be with your friends, always with a fiesta spirit! There’s a lot of will to live around the table and also a lovely will to share. Let’s talk about the tapas – small portions of various typical local dishes, which are one of the tastiest traditions in the region of Andalusia. Salir de tapas (going out for tapas) is a well-known expression around here (as it is in many Spanish cities) and it means to eat in several restaurants or bodegas and taste as many as of the region’s flavours region as you can.

The boquerones (a dish made with sardines), the tortilla, the pescaito (fried fish), the ham or prosciutto, the fresh oysters and the most refined cheese selection are just some examples of the rich gastronomy that Malaga has to offer (and we guarantee you that there’s a lot more). And now, something to drink: well, we are in a region known for its wine production, therefore, we suggest one of the house wines. As it happens with the tapas, the offer is diverse and the choice never easy.

Malaga by night

The nightlife In Malaga is highly recommended. There’s always a good atmosphere, a lot of movement, joy, smiles and toasts to life! It’s an eclectic night and serves all ages. Among the many streets and squares, where the malagueños bars are concentrated, we highlight a few: the Plaza de la Constitución, the Plaza de la Merced, the Calle Granada, the Calle Alcazabilla, the La Malagueta and the Calle Larios. You’ll be able to choose between the quiet bars (perfect for a calm night) and the more agitated bars where people usually warm up for the rest of the epic night which often continues  in the city’s famous discos that stay open until dawn. Around here, the beautiful sun rises every day with a typical malagueño glow. Every morning, there’s a promise: here, you will be happy.