Malaga, Andalucia
"Costa del Sol's best kept secret"
Malaga, the Provinces Capital is easily accessible via the newly built motorway or the rail link to Alora and Cortijo Valverde Rural Country Hotel. With its metropolitan population exceeding 1.5 million, Malaga is now the 5th largest city in Spain. The port city of Andalucia and the provincial capital of the region, Malaga has become the centre of commerce, international trade and airport hub for holiday destinations in the Costa del Sol. Malaga is the undiscovered treasure of Costa del Sol with its beautiful sandy beach, wonderfully maintained parks, amazingly restored Moorish Alcazaba, fantastic shopping centres and fascinating old quarters. Many visitors to Costa del Sol miss out on a great city that is rich in architecture, history, gastronomy and a wonderful place to visit. It is no wonder that this hidden gem was the winner of the prestigious "European City of Culture" for 2016. 
Founded by Phoenicians in 1000 BC and named Malaka, the name was probably derived from the word for Salt (Mela in Hebrew & Mil in Arabic). Malaga has a rich history and architecture dating back to Visigoth's (500BC-300BC), Romans (300 BC- 100 AD), and Moors (800 AD- 1500 AD). Malaga was one of the last places to fall during the Reconquista (1487). Malaga also suffered heavy bombing during the Spanish Civil War by both General Franco’s Artillery and Italian Air Force. This period witnessed the darkest day in Malaga's history when the Nationalist Artillery, Italian Navy and German Luftwaffe killed 40,000 fleeing civilians on the road to Almeria, the last stronghold of the Republicans.
The harsh life for Andalucia under Franco did not dampen Malaga's zest for life. Malaga is famed for its fiestas and its enormous appetite for throwing the best City Parties in Spain. Malaga Feria is a 11-day festival of street parties, free concerts, market stalls and general merry making, which moves on to the purpose-built "Feria" grounds each evening with a massive Fair Ground for the Children and an amazing party for the adults. Malaga does not sleep for 11-nights, which requires not only energy but uncommon stamina for partying!
Malaga is also famed for its Christmas Lights, each year stunning the nation with its ever elaborate and larger displays. In 2007 Malaga displayed over 3.5 million lights in the city (up from 3 million record in 2006!), which attracts Spanish visitors from all over the country. The 3-Kings parade and celebration is yet another excuse for a street party, with the parade arriving at the Port and winding its way through the old centre taking nealy four hours to complete!
The inner city of Málaga is just behind the harbour. The quarters of El Perchel, La Trinidad and Lagunillas surround this centre. A popular walk leads up the hill to the Gibralfaro castle (now a Parador), offering extensive views over the city. The castle is next to the Alcazaba, which in turn is next to the inner city of Málaga. By taking the Paseo del Parque, a promenade that runs alongside Park de Andalucia with many palm trees and statues, one can walk from the Alcazaba to the harbour.
Some of the most interesting tourist places to visit in Malaga include:
- - Alcazaba (Moorish for fortress)
- - Gibralfaro Castle (the name means The Giant Flame) as it was used as a light house as well as a castle during the Moorish rule.
- - The cathedral, in the Græco-Roman style, on the site of an ancient Moorish mosque, was begun in 1528 and completed in 1719.
- - The Picasso Foundation - Native Home Museum of Picass.
- - Museo Picasso Málaga CAC Málaga (museum of modern art).
- - Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares (Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions).
- - Cathedral of the Encarnation (neoclasical).
- - Palacio Episcopal (Bishop's Palace).
- - Iglesia del Sagrario (church).
- - Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago (St James's church).
- - Palacio de los Condes de Buenavista.
- - Plaza de Toros (bullring).
Remember, Malaga is a city with over 1.5 million people so the best way to see it is to leave your car behind at the train station and use the excellent public service. You will be glad you did!
