Malaga is an Andalusian highlight that deserves to be explored. This southern port city has one of the most picturesque bays in the world and at least 15 Mediterranean Sea beaches to enjoy.
The capital of Spain’s sunshine coast boasts year round warm weather, a wealth of diverse beaches, excellent nightlife and easy access to some famous (but thrilling) interior sightseeing locations.
The beach life
If you’re looking for stretches of sand where you can relax, enjoy a beach party or even workout then Malaga will hit the right note. The beaches are only a quick walk from the city-centre and many, such as the popular Playa de El Palo and Pedregalejo, provide easy access to bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Head to Baños del Carmen, a local landmark area, and you’ll find a restaurant right on the sands – don’t be surprised to find impromptu parties and concerts occurring here during the summer months.
Into the interior
If you’re a thrill-seeker with a head for heights then you might already be aware that the Caminito del Ray walkway lies not too far from Malaga. Regarded as one of the world’s scariest hiking routes due to the dizzying heights and sheer rock walls, this El Chorro gorge activity also provides a wealth of stunning viewpoints..
The village of El Choro in the mountainous Guadalhorce Natural Park is well worth a visit and the surrounding area is ideal for sport’s lovers due to the abundance of rock-climbing spots and cycling routes. You can reach this natural beauty spot within 40 minutes by jumping on a train from the city.
Malaga nightlife
Once you’ve spent some time on the beaches and visited famous attractions such as the Picasso Museum, the jaw-dropping cathedral and the 11th century Alcazaba fortress, it’s probably time to explore the nightlife. Malaga does exude a fun atmosphere at night and there are plenty of music bars and clubs in the city centre or down at Muelle Uno in the port area; the open-air, waterside terraces are the ideal place to spend a summer evening.
If you’re looking to experience flamenco dancing, then the famous Ole! on Avda de los Guindos is home to some of the best performers in the region, and it’s open until 6am. A must visit is the Plaza de la Merced, Picasso’s birthplace and a lively area where the student population hang out in the many bars, cocktail lounges and cafes.
Most visitors to Andalucía will take flights to Malaga International Airport before moving on, but it would be a shame not to experience the delights of this beautiful city. More travelers are realizing just how much fun this destination can be and it’s a city deserves to be explored at least once.
Image by Chema ^^, shared under a Creative Commons License
Image by Leo Hidalgo shared under a Creative Commons License
