With its golden beaches, laid-back resorts and thriving dining scene, Malaga has all the bases covered when it comes to a checklist for the perfect getaway.
But this is a city that’s also a master of reinvention. You’ll see it in the revitalised port area and clutch of handsome galleries and museums that all point to a location in the throes of a spectacular rebirth.
Home of Picasso
Fittingly for the birthplace of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Malaga has learned to fully embrace its artistic roots.
Pablo Picasso himself is celebrated in some style at Museo Picasso Malaga, which offers an exploration of the versatility and diversity of his work. Stroll through the cool rooms to witness the triumphs of his Rose Period, his journey into Cubism and a wide collection of nebulous portraits.
On the banks of the Guadalmedina river, the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Malaga contains a kind of greatest hits of some of the contemporary art world’s big hitters. You’ll find works from British enfant terrible Damien Hirst hanging alongside those of legendary pop artist RoyLichtenstein. Meanwhile, the focus at the Carmen Thyssen Museum is predominantly on 19th-century Spanish painting.
Malaga’s history stretches back to the 8th century BC and its pair of hilltop citadels offer a window to the city’s storied past. Both the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro are legacies of Moorish rule, though the latter is now a ruin.
The Alcazaba is a must-see. Perched high on a hilltop, this palatial fortress boasts incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the 11th century, the stronghold also overlooks the city’s modern skyline, a perfect marriage of Malaga old and new.
Malaga’s beaches
As well as being a culture vulture’s dream, Malaga really is the perfect place to just sit back and relax. There are a host of wonderful beaches in the city including Playa Malagueta, with golden sand and perfectly blue waters – the ideal spot to spend a few tranquil hours before lunch on the promenade.
Head along the AP-7 and take your pick from one the many stunning beaches along the way, including Adelfa Beach in Marbella. Rightly lauded as one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, it also gives you a chance to check out the glamorous town, with its yacht-lined harbour and buzzing nightlife.
Road trip time
Malaga is an area of stunning natural beauty. Sweeping mountain ranges and secret, untouched coves are a mere drive away. Take the A-7 to the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs in just under an hour for a complete change of pace. This protected area is home to towering cliffs and pocket-sized beaches that teem with marine life.
Add a little variety to your days on the beach by travelling inland to Córdoba via the A-45. This medieval city is a sight to behold, with both a Roman and Islamic heritage.
Plan a bigger trip and even an overnight stay in Madrid, home to the Royal Palace and world-class European art collections, just five hours away.
There are a lengthy list of towns to stop off at along the way, including the ancient city of Toledo, before arriving in Spain’s capital with its incredible architecture and vibrant bar and restaurant scene.
With car hire in Malaga, the delights of the Costa Del Sol and the whole of southern Spain are yours to explore.
