Postcards from Malaga
Over the past few years (2018), the Costa del Sol's capital has been moving higher on the visitor list. With a vibrant outdoors offering endless possibilities for sightseeing and gastronomic trends, Malaga has been crowned a cultural hub since its nomination in 2016 for the European Capital of Culture. The launch of Paris George Pompidou Centre’s first international outpost, the Automobile Museum, the Picasso museum and the Contemporary Art Centre all contribute to the sheer wealth of arts in Malaga city.
We based our stay at the newly refurbished Gran Hotel Miramar. Thanks to its central location, we were able to cycle through the stunningly beautiful beach, Playa de la Caleta. In the evening, we visited Malaga’s arts district, Soho. It has developed into a hip neighbourhood after a wave of young entrepreneurs have traded their day jobs for their dreams. The area exudes an unexpected charm, with pockets of graffiti serenading old walls and shops windows displaying mod items that contrast very differently from the rest of the city. Not to be overlooked is La Fábrica brewpub, an industrial-style space with a bar to enjoy the finest craft beer, a restaurant area and a space for activities in groups. For fine coffee, we recommend Santa Canela, a speciality coffee shop and creperie that has been uniting the neighbourhood since December 2015 on Tomás Heredia street.
For rest and relaxation, the city has an abundance of shopping options on Marques de Larios. In addition to the leisure scene, you can indulge in the gastronomic offerings in the lively Mercado Central de Atarazanas. High up on the itinerary list should also be a visit to bodega bar El Pimpi. Situated in a former 18th-century mansion, you can enjoy the southern tradition of local food and wines among the joyful personalities. We combined a visit to the Alcazaba de Málaga, the former fortress-palace of the Muslim rulers of the city, sitting on a hill on the slope of Mount Gibralfaro. Its main characteristic is the three concentric walls that adhere to it, giving it a maximum security military character among the other similar constructions of Muslim Spain.
With so many things to see and do in Malaga city, we recommend combining it with a slower-paced destination to enjoy the numerous beaches along the coast. No matter where you base your stay, a sandy beach is never too far to visit.
