Once seen as the gateway to holidays in Southern Spain, Málaga is now the epitome of the Andalucían renaissance. Picasso’s home town has modern art and ancient landmarks, an always-on-the-go port and laid-back tapas bars. For foodies, there are more than half a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants here. And if you’ve time to break out from the city itself, you’ll be sandwiched between golden beaches and lunar-like hills.
CULTURE
Málaga is a cultural layer cake. On the surface are contemporary galleries and museums – such as the eclectic fashion and classic car combination in Museo Automovilístico, or street art showcase MAUS. And, of course, there’s Casa Natal del Picasso and Museo Picasso – dedicated to the local lad who became a legend. But delve deeper, and you’ll see remnants of ancient Málaga: the Roman amphitheatre, the Moorish Alcazaba palace, and the arts and archaeology housed in Museo de Málaga. The cherry on top is Málaga Cathedral. Built in the 16th-century, there are 15 chapels and views from the domed roof (cubiertas) that’ll have you scrambling for your camera.
NATURE
Pack your walking shoes as well as sandals – Málaga province is known for its dramatically diverse landscapes. A visit to El Torcal de Antequera’s rocky ridges will have you feeling as though you’ve landed on the moon. While El Chorro is Spain’s own lake district, with gorge-backed turquoise lakes that are stunning picnic spots. Plus, Málaga’s beach-within-reach setting means you can combine city break with coastal escape. Playa de la Malagueta is closest to the city, with El Palo a touch further along. Both are excellent places for afternoons by the ocean – and evenings spent sharing seafood platters.
GOLF
Almost guaranteed blue skies and pristine greens make Malaga a golfer’s playground. Challenge yourself at the water holes dotted around the manicured green of Torrequebrada. Or play at the foothills of mountains at Seve Ballesteros’ Alhaurin. The avocado and orange trees peppered around Santana Golf Course make it a particularly pretty setting.
Those with a head for heights can don hard hats and walk the infamous Caminito del Rey – an extraordinary rock’s-edge walkway high up in the blush canyons, known as ‘the little path of the King’.