Introduction to the Province of Malaga
Down in the south of Spain, Malaga is Andalucia’s smallest province but it is probably its most well known. The Costa del Sol is located here, which of course has long been a favourite holiday destination. Away from Malaga’s famous coastline however, the inland part of the province is very different, and Malaga city itself is a vibrant place to visit.

Malaga City
The city of Malaga, the capital of the province, is a vastly underrated place, but it is a cosmopolitan, lively and attractive destination in its own right.

A good place to start your exploration of Malaga is in its historic centre, where you will also find the city’s fine 16th Century Cathedral. The streets around the Cathedral are delightful to explore on foot and it is here that you will also encounter the Palacio del Obispo (The Archbishop’s Palace) which has a beautiful façade and which now houses the Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro (The Museum of Sacred Art). In the same area is the Alcazaba, a former Moorish fortress, stunning when illuminated at night, from where you can also access the Castillo Gibralfaro, which overlooks the city.

Malaga is of course home to the Museo Picasso (Picasso Museum), which is housed in the 16th Century Buenavista Palace. Here there is a permanent collection of Pablo Picasso’s works as well as regularly changing temporary exhibitions.

The tree and flower-seller lined avenue, Paseo del Parque, with its gardens, sculptures and fountains makes for a lovely shady walk and will lead you to the port area of Malaga where there is also a marine museum (Museo Acuario Aula del Mar) from where boat trips can be had. Malaga’s beach is clean and sandy and the “chiringuitos” (beachside bars and restaurants) make for welcome refuelling stops along its length. Behind the beach is Malaga’s English Cemetery where you will find the gravestones of many eminent expats who ended their days in the region.

Malaga city is a shopper’s delight, with big department stores such as El Corte Ingles, fashion outlets and street stalls. Make sure to visit the covered market to stock up on daily fresh produce. Malaga has plenty of tapas bars and Moroccan-style tea-shops, so you won’t go hungry. Read more below on the gastronomy of Malaga.

Around Malaga City and Beyond
To the west of Malaga city, spread the Costa del Sol with its well known holiday destinations of Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas all of which have tourist attractions, such as amusement and water parks, zoos and shows, aplenty and of course miles of beaches. The town of Marbella may be considered as a playboy’s paradise but it is an interesting place to explore and definitely for people watching!

East of Malaga city, the coastline is not so overly developed. The town of Nerja has some lovely beaches which are always less crowded than those along the Costa del Sol. A visit to the fascinating Cuevas de Nerja (Nerja Caves, actually in the nearby village of Maro) is a must on a hot, summer’s day.

The inland area of Malaga behind the town of Velez-Malaga is a fine area for walking and exploring by car. The hillside towns of Competa and Frigiliana are pretty places to stop off at.

Heading further up into Malaga’s interior, you may be surprised at how mountainous it is. If you head via Pizarra and Alora in the direction of Campillos you will reach the town of Ardales, near to which is the stunningly beautiful area known as El Chorro. The lakes and scenery here are superb and the area is a magnet for rock climbers from all over the world.

The historic and beautiful town of Antequera is dominated by the rock formation known locally as “Geronimo”, due to its resemblance (from a certain angle) to the profile of a Native American. Its real name is the Peña de los Enamorados (Lovers’ Hill). There are three very impressive prehistoric “dolmens” (burial chambers) just outside the town. 16km south of Antequera is the jaw-droppingly stunning Natural Park of El Torcal with its incredible rock formations that appear to have landed from outer space. A little further on north from Antequera is Fuente de Piedra, famous for its lagoon and breeding colony of flamingos.

The town of Ronda is the largest of the famous “pueblos blancos” (white villages) and is known as the capital of bullfighting. Ronda has a stunning 18th Century bridge (The Puente Nuevo) spanning the deep gorge that bisects the town.

The Gastronomy of Malaga
Malaga’s coastal region is famed for its variety and quality of fish and seafood. Try Fritura Malagueño (fried fish), Zarzuela de Pescado (a fish stew) and Bacalao (cod). Porra Antequerana is a tomato and garlic soup, thickened with bread that is typical of the Antequera region and from the same town come Molletes, which are small soft bread rolls. You must sample Berenjenas con Miel, fried battered slices of aubergine (eggplant) served with honey. Malaga produces fine honey, particularly that from the town of Colmenar.

Malaga is also famed for its sweet dessert wines, made mainly from the Moscatel grape variety. The same fruit produces also the raisins for which the province is renowned.

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