Phoenicians, Greeks,
Carthaginians, Romans... the major Mediterranean civilizations more
than two thousand years ago found in Málaga an exceptional
site to establish trade routes, thanks to the strategic position
of its port. The Citadel (8th-11th centuries) is, as well as one
of the city's symbols, one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia.
The Archaeological Museum is located in this building, which contains
valuable pieces from the Phoenician and Roman periods.
The Castle of Gibralfaro (14th century), joined to the Citadel by
a stretch of wall, gives the best views of the city, which opens
out onto the sea with the port and the promenade of La Farola, one
of the major leisure areas in the city. At the foot of Gibralfaro
is the Roman Theatre, the bullring (known as "La Malagueta")
and the historic quarter of the city.
In the centre stands the Cathedral (16th-18th centuries), also
known as “la Manquita” because of its unfinished right
tower. This temple, beautifully executed in the Renaissance style,
preserves an interesting series of chapels which contain fine examples
of Andalusian images. In the old town, other prominent churches
are Santiago (15th-18th centuries), with a beautiful Mudejar tower,
los Mártires, Sagrado Corazón and Santo Cristo de
la Salud.
Historic Málaga offers countless spots and corners full
of local colour. The façade of the City Hall, from the early
20th century, can be admired, as can the Merced square, dominated
by the Monument to Torrijos and where the house in which the famous
painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born is situated. A tour of the historic
quarter must take in the busy Pasaje de Chinitas, calle Granada,
with the Fine Arts Museum, or calle Larios, the old town's main
thoroughfare.
Málaga provincial capital also has extensive green areas,
such as the Park, the Alameda Principal, the gardens of Puerta Oscura
and Pedro Luis Alonso.
But a visit to the centre of the city is not all we recommend.
It is also worth taking in and getting a taste of the flavour of
everyday life in the different adjacent neighbourhoods, such as
El Perchel, El Egido or La Trinidad.
Gastronomy, festivals and surrounding area
A good time to visit Málaga is during Holy Week. This festival,
declared in Málaga to be of International Tourist Interest,
stands out because of its tremendous floats and the popular fervour
it arouses in each neighbourhood. One of the best options for accomodation
in Málaga is the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, located
next to the Castle. It is a good idea, however, to book well ahead
at this time of year.
The surrounding area of Málaga invites you to tour a province
marked by sharp contrasts between the towns inland and those on
the coast.The Costa del Sol is dotted with towns of considerable
tourist tradition, such as Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola,
Marbella or Estepona. It is also possible on this stretch of coast
to enjoy hotel establishments such as the Parador de Málaga
Golf or its sister establishment in Nerja.
Golf lovers have an extra incentive to visit Málaga, since
it has some thirty courses scattered around the entire province,
some of which are ranked among the best in Europe.
There are several natural spaces in the provinces's interior, such
as Alcornocales-Sierra del Aljibe Nature Reserve, the Montes de
Málaga Nature Reserve or the Sierra de las Nieves Nature
Reserve. The paradors of Ronda and Antequera stand out among the
hotels available in the province's interior. Products from the sea
and inland give rise to a rich and varied gastronomy. On the coast,
the most famous dish is “pescaíto frito” (fried
fish), although also typical, among others, are seafood rice, monkfish
with potatoes and noodle casserole.
Soups occupy an important place in Málaga's cuisine, with
specialities such as "gazpachuelo" (soup made from potatoes
and mayonnaise) and "gazpacho malagueño" or "ajoblanco"
(a kind of cold soup with almonds, oil, garlic and grapes). These
dishes can be accompanied by the wines with Designation of Origin
Málaga status.
For dessert, the choice includes sweet potato (roasted or covered
in syrup), oil pancakes or raisins from Axarquía.
Places to be visited
Museum
of Picasso
Alcazaba (Málaga)tel. +34 952227230
Catedral de Málaga (Málaga) tel. +34 952215917
Teatro romano de Málaga (Málaga) tel. +34 951041400
Where to eat
Adolfo €€€
Paseo Maritimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 12
Teléfono : 952.60.19.14
Antonio Martín €€€
Pza. de la Malagueta, s/n
Teléfono : 95 222 73 82
Cañadú €€
Pza. de la Merced, 21
zona : Centro
Teléfono : 95.222.90.56
Vegetarian
Circus €€
P.º de Reding, 41
Málaga
Teléfono : 95 222 00 85
Pizza & Pasta
Clandestino €€
Calle Niño de Guevara Nº: 3
Málaga
zona : Centro
Tef. 952 219 390
Where to sleep
Hotel Amaragua (****). Los Nidos, 23. Tel: 952 384 700.
Hotel Cervantes (****). Las Mercedes, s/n. Tel: 952 384 033.
Hotel Don Pablo (****). Paseo Marítimo, s/n. Tel: 952 383 888.
Hotel El Pinar (****). Urbanización El Pinar. Tel: 952 374
737.
Meliá Costa del Sol (****). Paseo Marítimo El Bajondillo.
Tel: 952 386 677.
Hotel Tropicana (****). Trópico, 6. Tel: 952 386 600.
Tourist information:
Plaza de Blas Infante, 1. 29620.
Phone: 952 379 511 Fax: 952 379 551
Malaga on the Web:
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