By: Tanya Palta
Millions of travellers flock to the port city of Malaga every year and the pulsating town is the ideal mesh of a metropolis and a historic center. Flanked with the azure Mediterranean Sea, Malaga is the perfect getaway for those looking for a respite from their mundane urban existence or who crave a hearty dose of seaside and sunshine. A dream destination for anyone who wants picturesque villages, pristine beaches, fascinating history and stunning landscapes, Malaga is a captivating mélange of the old and the new.
For the uninitiated, Malaga is a municipality in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain and is the second most populous city of Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain. Located on the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean Sea, about 100 km east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km north of Africa, the city is blessed with subtropical-Mediterranean climate and hence is a favorite among tourists and revelers. The city also has an intriguing history, and is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, since the Phoenicians discovered it around 770 BC.
The town may be firmly rooted in history, but Malaga also has an unmistakable cosmopolitan flavor. The port city is dotted with nightclubs and pubs and the nightlife rivals any other European city. The town is famously lively and is known to celebrate local folklores and customs with great aplomb. Some of the more famous events include; the three Magi event in January, the Easter-Week celebrations and the flamenco based Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales event, which takes place on December 28 (April Fool’s Day in Spain).
Those who aspire to see the local culture and history of this great Andalusian city can also make trips to the local museums and cultural centers. The Picasso Museum is a good place to start since the legendary artist was from Malaga itself. One can drop in at his birth house at the Plaza de la Merced 1 or head towards the museum at the Palacio de Buenavista at Calle San Augustin. History buffs shouldn’t give the cathedral of Malaga a miss, which was built in 1528 by Pedro Lopez and Diego Siloe or visit the eclectic old market, which lies west of the cathedral. Malaga’s Harbor Area and the Castle of Alcazaba should also be visited, the latter was built upon Roman ruins in the 14th century by the Nasrides.
This seaside town is speckled with bed and breakfasts, quaint inns, luxury hotels and even student hostels. So be it the backpacker, the luxury aficionado or the budget traveller, there is plenty of accommodation choices. One can reach the town by land, air or sea and Malaga also has an international airport with connections to other European cities. Malaga with its unspoilt beaches, quaint historic center, exuberant native population and expansive landscape is the perfect holiday spot and a must visit for those who are looking for an unforgettable holiday experience.
