I always thought of Malaga as the airport you flew into when you were going on holidays to the Costa del Sol, and never a place to stay. Wow was I wrong! If you are looking for a city break holiday with a difference, then Malaga is most definitely the city for you! There is sightseeing, beaches, amazing museums, sun, sand, shopping, food to die for… the list is endless. So I’ll do my best to give you a little sampler.
From the moment I left the airport, I was taken by the city, and yes this is a city. If you have a smartphone, download an app called CityHook (it’s free!) Having checked out the app, I knew I could get a bus for €2.00 into the city centre where my hotel was – perfect. I stayed in the 4-star, Malaga Centro Hotel – ideally located for getting to know the city.
For those who like to do something authentic while abroad, I’d highly recommend Bodegas el Pimpi, a tapas bar really popular with the locals. It was here I got probably one of the best meals I have eaten in Spain! It is located in the heart of the historical centre of Malaga, where an evening stroll through the cobbled streets, via the Alcazaba and the old Roman Theatre is a must. The views from the Alcazaba are amazing on a clear day.
I also visited the Cathedral which was stunning and the Botanical Gardens. But an absolute MUST do is the Automobile Museum of Malaga, housed in an old tobacco factory. I was a little hesitant at first as cars really wouldn’t be my thing, but wow oh wow! I actually wish I had had far more time there as it was by far the most interesting museum I have ever visited! I even got to sit in President Theodore Roosevelt’s car – seriously, wow! I will definitely be back.
Malaga’s port area has recently undergone a huge regeneration. It is now fantastic for eating out, or if you want to indulge in a little bargain hunting there are some great little boutiques around the area. It is known as Palmeral de las Sorpesas, and a recommendation for a great meal on the waterfront is Gorki Restaurant, which is located at Muelle Uno. Once again, most things are served in the traditional tapas way!
There are some stunning beaches in Malaga itself, so you don’t need to leave the city for an afternoon on the beach, but as I was only there for a 2 night/3 day break, I was thrilled that my hotel had a lovely roof top pool, where I got to chill out for an afternoon, lapping up the rays.
One of the main attractions of Malaga is the house where Pablo Picasso grew up. As I was going in to the centre to do some shopping I popped in to see it expecting very little, but again my expectations were shattered! It houses the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation Museum which contains many original paintings never been displayed before.
After visiting the museum, I moved on to do some shopping. Malaga has every high street chain known to mankind, and all on one street! And then of course there is the massive El Corte Ingles, where you really can buy anything you want at great prices.
The only downside to my holiday to Malaga was that I had to leave. I really am looking forward to going back, and of course it is so easy to get to. Aer Lingus flies from Dublin twice daily, from Cork once daily and (from March to October) from Belfast once daily. There really is no excuse for not going!
– Lisa Kiernan.
More Information
– Malaga Tourist Board
– Wikipedia
– City breaks holidays in Malaga from ClickandGo, including accommodation & return flights from Dublin.
I have the same thought of Malaga too. I’m glad I’ve read your post. I like this “city break holiday with a difference”. Sounds cool and interesting. I hope I can visit Malaga this year. Thanks for sharing.