Costa Blanca homeowners ensures that you are living in a beautiful place all year round but, to experience something different it can be nice to getaway. This is even better if there are no long journeys involved and the Andalusian city of Malaga is perfect for a visit within Spain and just a 5.5-hour drive south on the A7 motorway.
Malaga is a city that will provide those who live in the Costa Blanca with a complete change of scene, it has stunning beaches and, of course, we have those too but, it also has great historical and cultural places of interest. Although linked within the Iberian Peninsula the various regions of Spain were once also separate and distinct kingdoms which over time have unified to become the country we know today. This means that each area, while sharing much of their history, do have subtle differences that can be seen in the architecture, traditions, dialect and cuisine of each area.
This is a city full of historical landmarks starting at the Alcazaba which is Moorish citadel with brilliant views over the city. Gibralfaro Castle is another great hilltop location to enjoy magnificent views. Prior to the arrival of the Moors in Spain this area was also occupied by the Romans and in Malaga there is wonderfully preserved memory of this period of time at the Roman Theatre. The history of Spain can be seen in many parts of this Mediterranean city.
Malaga Cathedral has the affectionate nickname of “La Manqita” because its tower has never been completed but, is a Renaissance masterpiece. There is also a museum dedicated to the life and work of the artist Pablo Picasso, 19th century art can be admired at the Carmen Thyssen Museum and for those who enjoy contemporary art the uniquely designed Centre Pomidou is the place for you.
If you are more interested in mechanical achievements or fashion you will thoroughly enjoy the Museo del Automovil y la Moda de Malaga and music enthusiasts can become completely involved with the Interactive Music Museum.
Visiting a city like Malaga offers those of us who live in the Costa Blanca a complete change while still learning more about our adopted country.
The shopping district is in the Calle Larios and is a place where you can shop ‘til you drop and then enjoy a meal or soak up the lively atmosphere with a Café con Leche. The best place to enjoy a traditional Spanish shopping experience and atmosphere is the Mercado Central where you can find a variety of fresh local delicacies. After shopping and sightseeing you can enjoy walking alongside the Malagueta beach and perhaps even take a break to sunbathe and swim. Another wonderful place to relax is the Parque de Malaga, this green city centre oasis is a lovely place to enjoy a walk and a picnic. The Parque de la Paloma is a park with a zoo, a botanical garden and a playground giving families a chance to do something more suited to the children in their group.
The Mediterranean provides us with some delicious fish and seafood including grilled sardines and refreshing Andalusian cold soups like gazpacho and salmorejo must be tried when here. Perhaps finish your dining experience with the local sweet Malaga wine, a dessert wine, this area has perfected the art of producing luscious, fortified wines and the vineyards have been lovingly nurtured through history since the Phoenicians first introduced the plants by Greeks, Romans, Moors and on to the present day.
There are a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget but, do try to stay in the historic centre to have easy access to the main attractions. Ensure that your chosen place of rest also has somewhere to park your car during your stay. If you can’t find something to suit you that is centrally located, don’t worry the public transport system in the city is efficient and includes buses and the metro if you don’t want to spend out on taxis.
Malaga is a magical and interesting city full of history, art and gastronomic delights and it is so easy to get here from our homes in the Costa Blanca that it would be a shame not to make the journey at least once.