South Spain (around Malaga)

Malaga is a preferred travel destination all year around, with mild climate and historical city.
Do not miss the lively Christmas and New Years Eve at Malaga. During early January, temperatures during day time is around 18-20 C degrees and night time is around 10-15 C degrees.

The main street, Calle Larios is wonderful with lights. Every evening at 18:30, there is a light show and music in this street for 15 minutes. At Plaza de la Constitucion, there is live music and count down at New Years midnight.

The international airport is very near to city. Taxi is the best option, only 15 minutes and around 20 Euros.

Our preference is to stay at a rental apartment, Genteel Home Trinidad Grund. This company has different apartments, located close to historical city.

Historical city

Take a walk in historical city, dates back 3 000 years, starting with Malaga Cathedral. Often referred as “One armed woman”. At 16th century, the cathedral had one tower completed, however the second towers construction was lasting 200 years.

Interior is great, high ceilings and 2 gorgeous organs.

 

On the way to old Theatre and Alcazaba, there is Picasso Museum. Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and the museum is a few steps far from where Picasso was born.

Before you visit uphill Alcazaba, you can have a lunch at famous el Pimpi, famous with tapas and wine

Alcazaba is located a hilltop overlooking the city of Malaga, is a Moorish palace from 11th century. You can here see traditional Islamic architecture and classic gardens and fountains.

If you still have the time and the energy, I recommend you to walk uphill to Castilla de Gibralfaro. It is around 30 minutes walking. The castle dates back to 10th century, it was served as a lighthouse and military barracks. There is perfect view of Costa Del Sol coastline and Malaga city below.

When you go back to old city, you can finish the day visiting Mercado Merced, a paradise of food, from seafood to meat, cheese and famous sliced Jamon Iberico. There are plenty of cafes outside Mercado Merced.

Port and Malagueta Beach

Start with Pompidou centre, especially art lovers, as outpost of Paris Pompidou Centre. It is a colourful glass cube at Malaga Port, there are exhibitions.

Port of Malaga, has been in use for 3 000 years. Today, the port is remodelled. There are trendy boutique shops, restaurants and cafes here.

Beach at Malagueta, is just 15 minutes walk, other side of the port. There are beachfront cafes here and you can also taste fresh grilled seafood at the rest´truants that are on the sand.

 

Best sunset view is from roof oh Marriott hotel, you pay an entrance fee and get a drink at the roof bar.

Shopping
There are many stores around Calle Larios

El corte Ingeles is one of the biggest shopping mall chains in Spain, offers home decoration, clothes, accessories,…

Gastronomy
You can also reserve a food tour at Malaga, 3,5 hours experience at the historical city. We preferred to discover ourselves, there are plenty of good restaurants and food is delicious here.

Wendy’s Gamba: Here only shrimp is served, a shrimp speciality. I tried the shrimp tartar, delicious:)

Around Malaga

Nerja:

Drive through the coastline with Mediterranean Sea view around one hour (56 km to east), you reach Nerja. It is a small village next to Sierra Almijara mountains. At the heart of Nerja is Balcon de Europa, a plan lined viewpoint.

Caves of Nerja: we did not have the time, but definitely worth to visit Nerja Caves. Drive to A7, highway, you will see the exit 295.
There are old paintings and large columns naturally formed.

Ronda:

I would recommend to stay at Ronda for a night, especially the photos of Puenta Nuevo will be great at sunset, blue hour and sunrise. Puenta Nuevo is in fact not new, is from 18th century. It stands over the Guadalevin River, El Tajo gorge with 100 meter height.
The best location is Hotel Don Miguel, a room with bridge view will give the best location for your photographs.

The hilltop Ronda is located at El Tajo gorge, separates the town to old part and the new part. Ronda is very easy to discover, just walk at the old city. Enjoy narrow streets, ancient town, stop for a lunch, tapas or a beer.

Wine museum, Bodagas La Sangre de Ronda is worth to see. You pay 5 Euro for entrance and taste 3 wines from the region.

Drive from Ronda to Marbella, amazing road at the mountains with beautiful viewpoints.

Marbella:

Nice small town with historical part, beach and port.

There was a construction boom at Costa del Sol and mainly this area. You will clearly see the urbanization areas when you drive the coast road (not A7). (also further to Fuengirola and Torremolinos) There are the areas only touristic with high buildings.

This region has most sunny days over the year and has mild climate. Even in January, we had very pleasant and sunny days during one week.

Another travel alternative is to Granada, famous with El Alhambra palace and Sierra Nevada.

Coming soon: my blog for Granada.

Why not renting a car and driving to Granada, Sevilla and Cordoba?