Malaga

The 11th-century Alcazaba and 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle are two of the city’s main, historic attractions. Both were constructed by the occupying Arab Hammudid dynasty before being seized by the Spanish during the Reconquista. A pathway called “La Coracha” links the two sites. Today, you can walk across the fortification walls to gaze out over the magnificent view of the bay. 

Built on the site of a former mosque, the Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación is a Renaissance and Baroque masterpiece. The construction of the cathedral was ordered by the Catholic kings after the Reconquista. The cathedral is nicknamed “La Manquita”, meaning “The One-armed Lady”, because of its second, incomplete tower. And don’t forget to look at the cathedral’s stunning interior.

Picasso, who was born in Málaga, has his own museum in Buenavista Palace.  The city pays homage to his artistic genius in an exhibition of his paintings, sketches, engravings and more. Over 200 works of art have been donated to the museum by Picasso’s family. This collection is often enriched by some very interesting temporary exhibitions.

The port of Málaga has been cleverly planned to give the area plenty of appeal.  You can walk peacefully down the Paseo del Parque which runs along the harbour, pleasantly sheltered by trees. Not far away, Pier 1 gets a little lively once the sun goes down! It’s the ideal place for a drink and a spot of Spanish cuisine. 

You have to experience the buzz of Atarazanas market.  It’s the beating heart of the city and attracts visitors in search of high-quality local produce. The market sells local and regional produce so you can whisk up some of the coast’s speciality dishes. Ingredients to make sangria, mountains of olives and dried fruit will make your mouth water.

Málaga is known for its boquerones, as well as its sardine skewers, of course. Boquerones Victorianos, local anchovies from the Málaga coast, come marinated in vinegar or fried. They’re sometimes served with calamari or other seafood.

If you have a sweet-tooth, you won’t be disappointed.  In Andalusia, they cook delicious Spanish biscuits and pastries. Pestiños have a way of making you happy. Pestiños are little fritters flavoured with sesame, fried in olive oil and then dipped in honey. They have a similar taste to oriental pastries.