Malaga

Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol, founded by the Phoenicians as a colony some 3000 years ago it has come under the rule of the Romans, the Carthaginians and the Moors. A city of some 600,000 inhabitants, it lives a Janus faced life as both a busy port & industrial centre for the South of Spain, and the gateway to one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Often competing with its neighbour, Seville, as to which claims to be the capital of the region of Andalusia - in reality neither is officially recognised, though this doesn't lessen the rivalry between the two cities. The city was conquered by the Reyes Catolicos (Catholic Kings) in 1487. Famous for its still uncompleted Cathedral Alcazaba (Moorish Castle), Gibralfaro (fortress) and wonderful gardens, Malaga boasts many beautiful sights. Pablo Picasso was born in the City and today his house is a popular tourist attraction (Plaza de la Merced). One of the most interesting areas for the visitor is the old historic quarter, which still carries the mark of nearly eight hundred years of Moorish rule.

Places to see

Outstanding in Malaga are the baroque Cathderal and the Arab fortress, with a double wall and three interior palaces. The Museum of Fine Arts houses a collection from the 19th century and works by Picasso. Larios Street is the main business artery of the city. From the top of the Gibralfaro castle there are views of the city and the port. Benalmádena has a lovely, well-cared-for old town in the Andalusian style. The best of Mijas is its balcony, with a wonderful view of the sea. In Marbella visit the old town, surrounding the Orange Square, the Town Hall, the Casa del Corregidor, the jail and the hermitage of Santiago. A very different stroll leads one to the luxury housing estates of Puente Romano, Pinomar, Rincón Andaluz, Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús and Cabopino. No trip is complete without a visit to beautiful old Ronda. On the eastern part of the coast, Nerja has lovely little coves and its famous vantage point over the sea, the Balcony of Europe. Nearby are the famous caves of Nerja. Inland, Fuengirola is a "white village", well cared for and clean.car rental malaga

travel to malaga

From Malaga Airport there is a regular train service (it takes 30 minutes) along the coast as far as Fuengirola and obviously back into Malaga. This is the recommended mode of transport to and from the Malaga Airport for people staying in or out of town. (From the Arrivals Hall go up one floor to the Salidas or Departure Hall take any exit and then turn right to reach a pedestrian overpass at the end of the building. Malaga AirportFollow the signs for "Ferrocarril" to the platform - you can buy tickets on the train which runs every half hour from 7.00am until 11.45pm. A word of warning: the motor way along the coast the N340 is one of the most dangerous in Europe, if you hire a car and use this route exercise extreme caution!

out and about in málaga

Malaga is a bustling little city, the old and the new meet on Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitución and Calle de Granada, which form the backbone of the shopping area and the thriving nightlife. The narrow side streets form a confusing maze of alleys crammed with tapas bars and bodegas - old fashioned wine shops brimming with casks including the local sweet wine which is similar to Port. However, November is out of season and some of the local bars will only have Spanish speaking staff so use the Speaking Spanish section below if you are stuck Along the coast from Malaga will no doubt be HQ for many supporters travelling to this match, and why not? The Costa Del Sol in what was once Pagan Andalucia is a magnet for Summer sunseekers from all over Europe. Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella all roll of the tongue of the dedicated holidaymaker.car rental malaga and Information on trains is available from the local RENFE office in Malaga at the aptly named Calle Strachan. If you are staying in Malaga and only when you've done the Picasso museum, try a train trip out to Torremolinos and enjoy a stroll along its 5 mile long beach. Remember there's more nightlife there than in any other spot along the Costa del Sol.

Zona el Palo

At the beautiful promenade along the sea-side you fill find many fish-restaurants as well as fashionable locals. In a warmsummer-night the terraces are an ideal starting-point for your exploration of Malaga by night.

Zona la Malagueta

This is a more modern part of the town, with several fashionable locals for young people.
Cheers - Cafe Bar Plaza del Obispo, No.1 (Malaga)
A new American bar in the style of the Cheers T.V. series. Situated right opposite Málaga Cathedral. A nice place to enjoy an afternoon drink or to socialize for a night-out.
La Guagua Bar, C/ Alfambra 7 (Malaga)
Homely bar where you can enjoy a drink, listen to good music and meet good friends. With a good selection of international

beers.

Liceo, C/ Beatas, 21 (Malaga)
Popular bar/disco with students, foreigners and tourists. Located in a large City house it spans 2 floors with an interesting
balcony and 4 different types of music/dance floors. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays "happy hour" from 23:30 to 00.30
O'Neill's, Irish Pub, C/ Luis de Veláquez, 3 (Málaga)car rental malaga
Large Irish bar. A well established meeting place among Malaguenians, especially busy around midnight. Draught Guinness
available (of course)! Visit our website at www.oneillspubs.com
Pub Swan, Plaza Sol Y Mar (Benalmádena)
English style pub, busy at weekends with tourists, pleasant decor.
Sol Y Mar, Plaza Sol Y Mar (Benalmádena)
Lively bar full of young people, busy all week with both tourists and locals