Costa del Sol
Málaga
If you are thinking of buying property in Málaga, the major coastal city of Andalucía, is a genuine and typical Andaluz city with a gritty individualism untouched by tourism and, to a large extent, the passage of time.
The Moors occupied the city until the mid 15th century, after which it grew to become one of the foremost merchant centres in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazabaa fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum. Also worth a visit is the nearby castle which was rebuilt by the Moors and is today a traditional parador (state hotel) with superb panoramic views.
Pablo Picasso is the city’s famous son (not counting Antonio Banderas of course!) and there are several galleries showing his work, including the 16th century Museum of Fine Arts, adjacent to the Cathedral.
As well as being a cultural centre, Málaga is also a great place to eat out. The Malagueños love their food and the bars and restaurants here are where the real social life takes place. The choice is unlimited and, on the whole, reasonable with some bars offering a menu of the day with bread and wine for as little as 6 euros. Tapas (small portions of many different dishes) is an Andalusian tradition and a wonderfully inexpensive way to try a variety of local food. The best known local fare in Málaga is pescaito frito, an assortment of fried fish, including small sardines and red mullet, best washed down with a glass of ice cold fino at one of the many old fashioned bodegas in town. But it is El Palo, to the east of the city, which is a typical fisherman’s village and the place to go if you want that veritable "catch of the day" freshness.
Málaga is always closed for the siesta period, so this is a perfect time for a long relaxing lunch. These days, Málaga prides itself on being a modern city with the heart of commerce dominated by Calle Larios which is the local Bond Street equivalent. This is the recommended place to start exploring the city as it is surrounded by attractive small streets and plazas, as well as the magnificent cathedral.