Malaga – Andalucian springboard to the Costa del Sol

"From the fine sands of exuberant Torremolinos to the chic allure of exclusive Marbella, southern Spain is a vibrant mix of sun, sea and spectacular sights."

Andalucia embodies all that is typically Spanish...sun-soaked beaches, passionate flamenco dancers, Moorish castles, orange groves, proud matadors and sleepy whitewashed towns perched on dramatic hillsides. Malaga is the perfect gateway to this quintessential picture of Spain and offers so much more besides, including the sun-baked delights of the Costa del Sol. From the cosmopolitan marinas of Marbella to the top class golf courses of Fuengirola, from the glittering sands of Torremolinos to the lively tapas bars of Nerja, the resorts that make up Spain's 'sunshine coast' offer all ages a fascinating spectrum of sights and activities, both by day and night.

Beaches

Averaging 300 days' sunshine a year, it's little wonder that the Costa del Sol is widely acknowledged as the playground of Europe. The coastline is famed for its miles of wide, sandy beaches lapped by the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Legendary Torremolinos has a 7km stretch of unbroken sandy shoreline while Nerja is known for its pretty coves tucked under cliffs - perfect if you're looking for a little more seclusion. Benalmadina, Fuengirola and Marbella comprise the remaining principal beach resorts, with most offering a wide range of watersports.

Shopping

From Torremolinos’ bucket and spade shops to Marbella’s classy boutiques, the Costa del Sol overflows with shops of all shapes and sizes. For those who want to flex their credit cards, Malaga offers a wide variety of shopping experiences. From the famous Spanish department store, El Corte Ingles, to the elegant 19th-century architecture of Malaga’s Central Market, the Atarazanas, you’ll find something to tempt you. Near the bus and railway station, the Larios Centre plays host to a multitude of shops all under one roof. Further along the coast, Fuengirola is the setting for the largest street market on the Costa del Sol. Every Tuesday stall holders come from near and far to sell their wares - leather goods are particularly good value, as is the ubiquitous Andalucian blue and white coloured pottery. Do remember to haggle with the traders though in order to pick up some real bargains to take home as presents or mementos.

Eating out

Southern Spain is the birthplace of tapas. Sometimes called pinchos, tapas are small bar snacks that are usually served as an accompaniment to a glass of sherry, wine or beer. Even the smallest of villages in Andalucia play host to at least one tapas bar where locals head in the evenings to enjoy a drink, a bite to eat and of course a chat with friends. Whet your appetite with jamon serrano, salt-cured ham that's dried out in the mountain air, or tortilla espanola, Spanish omelette made from potato and onions bound with eggs. Other tempting dishes include calamares fritos, deep fried squid rings drizzled with lemon juice, albondigas, meatballs served in a rich tomato sauce, and queso manchego, a mature sheep's cheese. Tapas are normally eaten standing rather than sitting down which adds to the vibrant atmosphere experienced in the bar.

Nightlife

If you like to relax by day and party by night, you'll love the cheerful exuberance of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola. The streets are lined with an abundance of lively bars, discos and clubs where you can dance the night away, take to the stage in a karaoke contest or laugh at a comedian on the cabaret circuit. In Malaga’s old town you’ll also find a host of vibrant bars and clubs pumping out the latest sounds which are particularly popular with young Spaniards. In contrast, evenings in Estepona, Nerja and Marbella are more low key. Visitors often prefer to enjoy the buzz of local tapas bars, the romantic allure of waterfront restaurants or the beguiling draw of a flamenco show where you can experience the compelling rhythm of a Spanish guitarist and the flashing moves of a dazzling dancer.

Sightseeing

Malaga
Founded in ancient times by the Phoenicians as a port, Malaga rose to the fore during the 1800’s when sweet Malaga wine was Europe’s most popular tipple. At the centre of the city stands the 16th-century cathedral. Built on the site of a mosque, it forms a bizarre mix of architectural styles, including Renaissance and Baroque, and is known as ‘La Manquita’ or ‘one-armed woman’ as lack of funds meant that only one of the two planned towers was completed. Occupied by the Moors until the 15th-century, Malaga still displays much of its Moorish influence, and nowhere more so than around La Alcazaba, a hillside fortress dating back to 1057 which now hosts a fascinating archaeological museum. Nearby is the 14th-century Moorish castle, Castillo de Gibralfaro, with superb panoramic views of the city and the bay below. Without a doubt Pablo Picasso is Malaga’s most famous son and for those who wish to sample some artistic culture head to the Museo de Bellas Artes which has a selection of his works. Picasso’s birthplace in Plaza Merced is open to the public and also serves as the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation.

Seville
Inland from Malaga is Andalucia's picturesque capital, Seville. The home of flamenco and tapas, this Moorish city is a treasure trove of history and art. Bask in the warm sunshine as you relax in one of the many pavement cafés that flank the orange-tree lined banks of the River Guadalquivir. Stroll through the tranquil grounds that surround the monumental Plaza de Espana and climb to the top of the soaring 12th-century La Giralda bell tower for majestic views over the city. And don’t forget Seville cathedral - the largest Gothic church in the world, it plays host to the tomb of the famous explorer Christopher Colombus. The city's Arabic past can be unearthed at the awe-inspiring Alcazar, an exquisite Moorish palace in the very heart of the city.

Granada
During the Arab occupation of Spain, Malaga was the principle port of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. A drive inland takes you to the heart of this wonderful city and its celebrated centrepiece, the breathtaking Alhambra Palace. It's easy to see why locals refer to the Alhambra as the eighth wonder of the world. Set beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it's a delightful blend of lush gardens, shady patios and intricate Moorish stone masonry. Without a doubt, the palace is one of the most sensual pieces of architecture in Spain.

Ronda
Another Spanish gem within easy distance from the Costa del Sol is enigmatic Ronda. Spectacularly located upon a rocky outcrop, the city is famed for its 18th-century bridge which spans a great gorge that separates Ronda in two. The El Mercadillo quarter is home to the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, and as such, Ronda has become the spiritual home of bullfighting.

Cordoba
Once the capital of Islamic Spain, Cordoba is filled with a rich tapestry of monuments. Jews, Muslims and Christians all lived side by side in the city for centuries, leaving behind a culture that is utterly unique. Wander down the narrow winding streets, through charming plazas and past centuries-old inns serving tapas and cold gazpacho soup. Standing at the heart of the city is the world-famous Mezquita, Cordoba’s great mosque which dates back 12 centuries. Conquering Christians in the 1500’s built a stunning cathedral within the walls of the Mezquita, thereby fusing Arabic and European styles.

Sierra Nevada
From Malaga you can reach the Sierra Nevada, one of the highest ski resorts in Europe. Skiers are treated to spectacular views from the top of the Veleta across to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco! Despite the resort’s southern situation, its high altitude ensures good snow cover all winter - with the added aid of plenty of snow-making equipment. Close to the city of Granada, the resort boasts Spanish-influenced nightlife, with a cosmopolitan, friendly atmosphere.

Useful links

www.andalucia.com
www.andalucia.org
www.travelinginspain.com
www.spain-info.com
www.visitcostadelsol.com
www.torremolinos.com
www.benalmadena.com
www.fuengirola.org
www.nerja.org
www.sevilla.org
www.granadainfo.com
www.aboutgranada.com
www.granada.org
www.alhambra.org
www.turismoderonda.es
www.ayuncordoba.es

Annual events

		April to October
		Bullfighting season The most important bullfighting ferias are held to coincide with Andalucia’s yearly festivals, where ritual and skill combine to present a cruel but compelling display. In Ronda, a mountainous town in the province of Malaga, there is the oldest and most beautiful bullring in Spain, built in 1785. Here a very popular type of bullfight known as a “corrida goyesca” is held in early September, in which the fighters dress in the costumes shown in Goya's famous 18th century engravings.
		August
		Malaga Summer Fair The Feria de Malaga takes place every August and transforms the centre of Malaga into an exuberant week long street party. Horses carry people dressed in traditional costume, decorated food stalls sell local delicacies and there is plenty of music and dance. The fair commemorates the re-conquest of the city from the Moors by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487 and lasts for ten festive days.
		December
		Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales Every year on 28th December, the festival of the Holy Innocents, a big celebration is held in the Puerto de la Torre district of Malaga. The event marks the end of a week during which the Pandas de Verdiales, or local folk music bands, visit the farmsteads, inns and wine presses in the vicinity and finally compete on stage in traditional costumes and with plenty of potent Malaga wine!