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Alcazaba: This impressive 11th-century fortress, which rises at the foot of Gibralfaro hill, was for centuries the palace of the Moorish governors of Málaga. Built over different levels, it has 11 defensive towers, wonderful arches and passages decorated with geometric Islamic motifs, and lovely gardens with ornate fountains that enchant the visitor. Stand on the highest level in order to enjoy a gorgeous view over the city. A Roman amphitheatre from the 2nd century has been excavated next to the entrance.
Address: Calle Alcazabilla 2, 29012 Málaga, www.alcazaba-info.com

Castillo de Gibralfaro: Climb up to the citadel of Málaga in order to admire the grand Gibralfaro castle, built in the 14th-15th century to provide protection for Alcazaba palace. Visit the small museum that tells the story of the castle’s past, stroll through the relaxing gardens and stand on the ramparts for a panoramic view over the port, the cathedral and the bullring of Málaga.
Address: Camino De Gibralfaro 11, 29016 Málaga

Málaga Cathedral: Construction of Málaga Cathedral started in the 16th century, on the site of the Aljama mosque and two centuries were required for it to achieve its current form: an amalgamation of Gothic and renaissance influences in its decoration and with a baroque facade from the 18th century. The locals call it La Manquita (the One-Armed Lady) since the original designs included the construction of a south tower, which was never built. The sole north tower of the church dominates the Málaga horizon.
Address: Calle Molina Lario 9, 29015 Málaga

Museo de Picasso: Since 2003, Pablo Picasso’s birthplace has been home to an important museum dedicated to the artist. Housed in the emblematic 16th-century Palacio de Buenavista in the old Jewish district of the city, it contains over 200 works by the master, from his early period until the 1970s. The collection includes oil paintings, sculptures, sketches, pottery and drawings. You must also visit the Museo Casa Natal (Plaza de la Merced 15), the house in which the great Spanish artist was born and which is today a museum.
Address: Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Agustín 8, 29015 Málaga, www.museopicassomalaga.org

Jardin Botanico La Concepciόn: These delightful gardens, 4 km north of the centre of Málaga, were created in 1855 by the Marquis and Marchioness of Loring. They are an oasis of tropical and subtropical vegetation with hundreds of exotic trees and plants, a lake and a wonderful view over the city. 
Address: Camino del Jardín Botánico 3, 29014 Málaga, www.laconcepcion.malaga.eu

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC): The temple of contemporary art in Málaga is dedicated to the promotion of 20th and 21st century art. The brilliant white spaces inside the building – the old wholesale market of Málaga – house wonderful temporary exhibitions and international collections of extremely high quality. The permanent collection includes works by Louise Bourgeois, Olafur Eliasson, Damien Hirst, Juan Muñoz, Miquel Barceló, Santiago Sierra and others. 
Address: Calle Alemania 2, 29001 Málaga, www.cacmalaga.eu

Centre Pompidou Málaga: The latest addition to the amazing range of museums in Málaga is the Spanish annex of the Paris-based Centre Pompidou. Its modern architecture, with a colourful cube in its roof as its symbol, makes it stand out in the district of the new port. Its permanent exhibition includes works by Kader Attia, Francis Bacon, Frida Kahlo and Antoni Tàpies, while its temporary exhibitions host celebrated international artists. The museum opened its doors in 2015 and will remain in Málaga for 5 years. 
Address: Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, Muelle Uno, Málaga, www.centrepompidou-malaga.eu

Museo Carmen Thyssen: One of the most amazing art galleries in Málaga is housed in the stunning 16th-century Palacio de Villalón and is centred on the private collection of Baroness Carmen Cervera Thyssen. The collection spreads out over four floors, covering the old masters of Spanish and European painting (13th-17th centuries), romanticism and naturalism in Spain, as well as the wonderful works of the Spanish fin-de-siècle.
Address: Plaza Carmen Thyssen, Calle Compañía 10, 29008 Málaga, www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org

Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares: The Museum of the Popular Arts and Costumes takes you on a thrilling journey in time to the daily lives of the Malagueños in the late 19th century through the exhibits that are connected to the professions of the era. Keep an eye out for the cabinets with the barros (painted clay figures inspired by local tradition), which stimulate the imaginations of young and old. 
Address: Pasillo de Santa Isabel 10, 29005 Málaga, www.museoartespopulares.com

MAUS: Thanks to a group of restless street artists and the Málaga Arte Urbano en el Soho urban regeneration movement, one of the districts of Málaga that had been most abandoned for decades has been transformed into the alternative artistic district of SoHo. The imaginative murals on the walls of the seven-storey buildings, the ethnic restaurants, trendy cafés and street markets make a stroll through this “Barrio de las Artes” a wonderful experience.

The elegant Calle Marqués de Larios, which extends from the central Alameda Principal boulevard to Plaza de la Constitución, is Málaga’s main pedestrian shopping area. Here you will find all the global Spanish fashion chains as well as popular international brands. In parallel with this street are Calle San Juan and Calle Nueva, both of which have a wide range of fashion stores, accessories and shops specialising in high-quality local souvenirs. Buy painted pottery of Andalusia, embroideries and olive oil as well as the sweet wine (vino dulce) of the region. 
Combine a stroll along the promenade with shopping at Muelle Uno (Pier 1) in the new port and if you’re looking for more sophisticated markets explore the arty boutiques of Soho. 

The freshest produce on the local food scene is available daily in the historic Mercado Central Atarazanas, the covered market housed in an old Moorish shipyard from the 14th century. The atmosphere is amazing, as is the central stained glass window with emblematic buildings of Málaga. Don’t miss the Sunday bazaar of Rastro Market for great opportunities in clothes, shoes, antiques and gadgets. 

El Corte Inglés, the famous Spanish department store, and the Vialia Mall (opposite the María Zambrano railway station) offer countless choices for shopping and entertainment all beneath the same roof.

Málaga is famous for its seafood. Fresh fish and shellfish have the place of honour in the locals’ favourite marisquerías (fish restaurants) and chiringuitos (small open-air beach restaurants, especially those located in the districts of El Palo and Pedregalejo. Fritura malagueña (variety of deep-fried seafood), espetos de sardinas (skewered sardines), ajoblanco (cold creamy garlic soup with almonds and raisins), porra antequerana (thick gazpacho), gazpachuelo malagueño (fish soup), ensalada malagueña (cod, olive and boiled egg salad), boquerones en vinagre (anchovies marinaded in vinegar) and gambas al pil (garlic shrimps) are just some of the specialities that you should try in the traditional tapas bars of the historic centre and in the modern gastrobars of stylish Malagueta or alternative SoHo. Don’t forget to try the famous local sweet wine, known as muscatel or vino dulce. 

Start your day with a generous dose of delicious churros (a fried-dough pastry) at one of the many churrerías in the Old Town, dipping the puffy dough sticks into hot chocolate, as the ritual demands.  

Nightlife

Málaga is a city that never sleeps. The young Malagueños follow the tradition of botellón (night-time street drinking) in controlled zones known as botellódromos, before piling into the after-midnight clubs to party until the early hours. The most popular venues can be found in the historic centre, in the area between Plaza de la Merced and Plaza Uncibay in SoHo and the coastal zone, from the neighbourhood of Malagueta as far as the beaches of Pedregalejo. 

For a more lounge bar experience, visit the rooftop bars of the luxury hotels in the region around the castle and enjoy a fantastic cocktail with a view over the city and the port.

• Semana Santa: Celebrations for Holy Week in Málaga are spectacular and devout. The rituals include daily processions with statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary on huge, heavy platforms known as tronos, each of which needs 150 people to hold it. The passing of the procession each evening through the central streets of the city, accompanied with funereal music and hooded repentant worshippers is a sight to behold.
• Feria de Málaga: All those visiting Málaga in mid-August can enjoy the biggest summer festival in the whole of Andalusia. The days are filled with flamenco music, dance, food and wine, while horses and their riders parade through the city. This is also the period when the local bullfighting is held. At nights, the action shifts to the huge Cortijo de Torres fairground, 4 km southwest of the centre. The festivities last for 9 days.  
• Festival Internacional de Jazz de Málaga: The most important date in the calendar for lovers of jazz and blues music in Málaga for 30 years now, with the participation of Spanish and international stars of the genre. Every November (8-13/11) in the Teatro Cervantes and various stages across the city.
• Festival de Cine Español de Málaga: Each April for 20 years now, the heart of contemporary Spanish cinema beats in the historic Teatro Cervantes of Málaga. Ten days filled with films, special events, masterclasses, awards and the glamour of many stars on the red carpet.

Getting to the city from the airport

Aegean Airlines lands at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, a modern airport that is the main gateway to the popular resorts of the Costa del Sol. Here you will find currency exchanges and ATMs, duty free shops and shops selling fashion, gifts, a delicatessen, electrical goods and books, as well as a wide range of cafés, bars, fast food diners and restaurants serving local and international dishes, a pharmacy, medical services, baby care room, play area and multi-faith chapel. Wi-fi is free in all areas of the airport while you can also rent a portable wi-fi router.

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is located 8 km southwest of Málaga. To reach the city from the airport you must take a train, bus or taxi. Line C1 (Fuengirola - Malaga Centro/Alameda) of the local train service connects the airport (Terminal 3) with the city centre every 20 minutes, from 6.44 am until 12.54 am. The journey time is 12 minutes. Bus Express A (Aeropuerto - Centro Ciudad) also connects the airport with the city centre, with 10 stops at central points of Málaga. Buses run every 20-25 minutes, from 7.00 to 24.00.