Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol region, once over shadowed by its neighboring capital Seville today Malaga stands on its own two feet and competes at every level. Since the opening of the Malaga Picasso museum in 2003 culture vultures have been flocking to this city in their droves. Malaga is the birth place of Pablo Picasso and his museum now stands proudly amongst the completely refurbished city center.



The best way to fully understand what Malaga has to offer tourists is to understand how the city began and how it has evolved. The city is divided into several "Barrios" they are essentially different neighborhoods. Individually these unique areas are interesting and have much to offer tourists but if you consider that all of theses areas are part of one city there is an unbelievable wealth of attractions.

The estimated population of Murcia last year including small connected satellite towns was just in excess of one million inhabitants. This means it is officially the fifth largest metropolitan area in Spain today. Surrounded by mountains Malaga lies in the Southern base of the Axarquia hills as you fly over the top it looks like a sparking jewel on the coast nestled in the mountains and divided by two beautiful meandering rivers. The Guadalmedina is fed by the lakes created by the moors in the historic village of Guadalest. The old center of Malaga town can be found on the river's left bank and the Guadalhorce River which flows west of the city and out into the Mediterranean.

The inner city of Malaga is present just behind the port. Today the city still gains as much income through fishing and agriculture as well as tourism. Malaga is still very much a functioning industrial town as well as an interesting tourist location.

By far the most imposing land mark in Malaga has to be the grandiose La Alcazaba. The thick fortified walls, towering remains and ostentatious powerful architecture make this fortress in Malaga a sight not to be missed. It can be reached by a quick saunter from the Plaza de Anduana, The Fortress dates back to the early 700s but the majority of the vast structure was built in the mid eleventh century. The door way which will take you inside the fort is know as Christ's door it marks the place where the Christians of Malaga held their first Mass after the defeat of the Moors.

The winding path will take you through stunning landscaped gardens, you be amazed at this haven of tranquility right in the middle of bustling Malaga city center. Fountains and terraces follow the path closely until you reach the inner courtyards of the fort. One of the first buildings you will come across is a small palace which now houses the Archeological museum. This building grants you fantastic views of the city; all the way from the industrial port to the dominating mountains in the distance. Whilst you'll easily be distracted by the beauty and sheer presence of this building make sure you don't miss the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre. Located just below the entrance of La Alcazaba it is an excellently preserved example of Roman building and a glimpse back through time at the way this unique area of Spain once looked. From here the more adventurous can follow the steep path to the very top of Gibralfaro Hill and explore the majestic castle.

In true Spanish style once the Moors had been defeated Christian Spaniards set about construction of an impressive stirring Cathedral. Set in a square know as the Plaza de la Cathedral it is located on the site of a previous mosque. Built in bright local limestone construction began in 1528 by Pedro Lopez and Diego Siloe. As many Cathedrals in Spain this particular one shares an inter mingled amalgamation of building styles, in fact it's still not completely finished try to spot the la manquita or unfinished tower. The cathedral is a perfect stop for a momentary escape from the vicious mid day heat and noise of Malaga.

Arguably the most famous former resident of Malaga has to be Pablo Picasso, there is a fantastic museum sited n the Palacio de Buenavista, here you will find one of the worlds greatest tribute to the artists and finest collections of his work in one place. Foe the real art aficionados you can even visit the house in which Picasso was born.

Malaga has an indoor market which is an absolute must see stop for anyone visiting the city. Perfect for a lunch time visit the streets outside are filled with busy cafes offering honest genuine Spanish fare. The Malaga region produces some excellent wines so be sure to sample these over a leisurely lunch. The market is located west of the cathedral and can supply you with any thing you can imagine from tones of fresh fish to flowers or cloth. Malaga is the perfect destination for a holiday break or a day trip adventure.