City Breaks In Malaga

The ancient City of Mlaga, situated in the centre of the Costa del Sol has until recently been overlooked by many tourists

. Arriving by air, it is easy to bypass the city traveling east or west and not return until it is time to take your leave of Spain. This is without doubt a mistake. Mlaga has so much to offer the visitor, from the heights of the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro overlooking the old town and the port to its narrow streets that team with endless life around the restaurants, shops and tapas bars.

Pablo Picasso, Mlaga's favourite son, is celebrated in the Mlaga Picasso Museum a short walk from the Baroque Cathedral built on the site of the old Moorish mosque. The cathedral is locally referred to as 'La Manquita' (The One Armed Woman), since it only boasts one bell tower and is open all year round. Walking east from here you can find the Plaza de Toros, fully operational during the 10 day Feria de Malaga held in the second week of August. Then you can enjoy a stroll back along the tree lined Paseo del Parque and the Paseo de Espana to the foot of Calle Larios.

Calle Larios, a beautiful marbled pedestrian street, offers quality and stylish shopping along its length, while forays into the smaller side streets reveal hidden insights into the Mlagueno lifestyle. Here you will find monuments, character buildings and peaceful squares in which to take some refreshment. You may find the aromas from the restaurants hard to resist but as the choice ranges from ultra modern to traditional you will surely find one to suit so take the time to enjoy a relaxing meal. For light refreshment explore the numerous tapas bars or one of the Moorish tearooms (teterias).

West of Calle Larios towards to port is the busy street, the Alamada Principal, cooled by vast overhanging trees wonderfully decorated at Christmas with spiraling white lights If you look carefully you will discover Mlaga's oldest wine bar (bodega) in the old customs house. They continue to serve various local wines from vast wooden barrels lined along one wall in their traditional fashion and your bill is written in chalk on the table in front of you. Enjoy a glass or two from their extensive range but beware of its deceptive strength. Across the river Guadalmedina, lies the El Corte Ingles department store where there is plenty of opportunity for more shopping.

Mlaga loves to party and its celebrations during the Feria in August as well as the Christmas and Easter processions will take your breath away. The Plaza de la Constitucin, on the north end of Calle Larios, is the focal point of these lengthy activities. The Feria celebrations in the city quietens down around nine in the evening but after a break for dinner the party continues at full pace on the purpose built fairground close to the airport. You may come away wondering if the locals ever sleep but the sheer scale and beauty of these cultural and religious events make a little fatigue worthwhile. So be prepared to stay up late and if you are planning to stay in a Malaga hotel, make your reservations early because although the city is well supplied with good accommodation they do fill up rapidly during these times.

For lazy days the city has long sandy beaches either side of the port, the more attractive being in the eastern end. Even in the height of summer you will find plenty of space to enjoy yourself. Try the beach bars (chiringuitos) whose food specialty is sardines cooked on skewers in front of an open fire (espetos). With the mild climate, the beaches can be enjoyed all year round. Alternatively, the hop on-hop off tour buses provide an excellent way to see more of the city.

by: Richards Wilson

POST COMMENT

All About Cataract Operations Build Enviable Six Pack Abdominals! Couples Massage Relieve Pain Faster While Spending Time Together Have A Birthday Bash On 50th Birthday Party Celebration Aluminium Gates From Ardengates.co.uk Nail Care For Your Dog A Brief Intorduction On Sfyh How To Start An Isp A Quick Look At The Akiles Megabind 1e Battery Rebuild-retrofit What Is Inside A Cell Chip? Andy Jenkins Kajabi All About Chadar Trek