Guide to Malaga on the costa del sol, andalucia, Malaga hotels and car hire, visit Malaga, spain, Malaga tourist guide and info, Malaga airport and car hire
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Places in Spain - Malaga, Costa del Sol, Andalucia

 

Malaga, located in Andalucia is the capital city of the Costa del Sol and is steeped in over 3,000 years' history. It has been inhabited by the Romans, the Moors and the Carthaginians all of which have left their mark on this wonderful city.

 

Malaga serves as both a major port and an industrial centre for the south of Spain. Having a large international airport, it is also an important gateway to the rest of the world, Malaga airport is the largest in Spain and during 2001 handled a record 10 million passengers.

Malaga is easy to get to by means of the N340 highway and the coastal railway. Trains will drop you at the Malaga Central which is located next to the main post office and just a short walk from the main tourist attractions. As you leave the station, turn right and you will find the first tourist office who will issue you with a free plan of the city. Carry on over the bridge down Alameda Principal to find the Cathedral.

 

The Cathedral is known as La Manquita which means 'the little one armed lady.' The Cathedral incorporates renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical styles due to the length of time it took to construct.
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The Cathedral has only one tower. There was to be a second but this was never completed due to lack of money. Inside, one can find a Gothic altar and a statue of the Virgin Mary. There are fine carvings of saints in the choir area. Explore the Cathedral from every angle as every facade is very different.

 

Five minutes away from the cathedral is the Alcazabar, a 15th century Moorish fort. It will take you at least an hour to explore the many parts of the Alcazabar, most of which have been restored. You will see several good examples of Roman stonework, some of which have clear inscriptions. At the entrance to the fort lies a first century Roman theatre which is currently being restored.

The Alcazabar is one of the most important in the area. The upper part has been remodelled to incorporate a museum in the near future. From the top, wonderful panoramic views of the city and port can be had.

The Alcazabar is open every day except Mondays; summer 9.30am-8.00pm and winter 8.30am-7.00pm.

Pictured left is another photo of the Alcazabar, note the pile of Roman columns, strewn on the path. Entrance to the Alcazabar is very low and well worth the walk.

 

Next stop is the Castle. The easiest way to get there is by means of the number 35 bus that leaves from Paseo del Parque although you can walk from the Alcazabar. The walled corridor that joins the Alcazabar with the castle was built in 1333. It is clearly visible from the port area.

 

The castle stands on Monte del Faro (Lighthouse Mountain) which suggests that a lighthouse existed in a previous period. The current construction has been remodelled many times. All the same it is very impressive and the views from the top are splendid.

At the foot of the hill, next to the beautiful gardens of Pedro Luis Alonso, you will find the Ayuntamiento (Council) building. Close to this you will find one of the city's museums in the Palacio de la Aduana.

 

The city has a wealth of historical buildings, many of which you will stumble across such as the Banco Espana building (right). One of the best ways to see Malaga is by means of the open-top tourist bus. A ticket is valid for 24 hours and you can hop on and off at 13 stops. The well planned route takes in 13 of the most important sights. First departure is at 9.30am from the bus station.

 

 

Malaga has more than its fair share of squares and parks. One of the best green areas being the Paseo del Parque that runs alongside the port area. Exotic trees cover various resting places that hide statues and water features. In this area you could soon forget that you were in a big city. The city also offers an explosion of culture with theatres, cinemas, museums and exhibitions. The Christmas celebrations are among the biggest in the province with more than a million coloured light bulbs illuminating the city streets.
Roman Malaga
Behind the cathedral is the Palacio Episcopal which has been converted to a large and modern exhibition hall. There is currently a fantastic exhibition showing 'Malaga under your feet'. There are numerous rooms containing important Roman artefacts, discovered in the city. Entrance is free.

 

Fiestas
When it comes to fiestas, Malaga does it in style. In the middle of August, shops close and banks reduce their staff to enable as many people as possible to join in with the August fair. During the ten days the city swells and comes alive with firework displays and carnivals. During the day the festivities are on the city centre streets where people dance and sing.

 

 

By night, the centre is empty and the party has moved to the outskirts of the city in Cortijo de Torres. This is a new area that is expanding. Here artists perform and dances and concerts go on all night. The celebration program includes something for everyone, regardless of age. Even though there is a modern fair as we know it, Malaga also offers bullfights, Flamenco dances and other more traditional celebrations. Although the fair is on for ten days, celebrations start way before this and go on right to the end, until the last firework pops.

Unusual you might imagine for a large city, Malaga also offers a long, clean beach. Each year, hundreds of thousands of holiday-makers arrive to enjoy the clear Mediterranean waters. Whatever time of year you visit Malaga, you will receive a friendly welcome.

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