Málaga - sights in the heart of Andalusia is written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs.
Real Spanish charm in Málaga
Málaga is in many ways the ideal destination if you dream of a combined city and beach holiday in the south Spain.
Here are the lovely beaches on the Costa del Sol right at your feet, while up in the city's old narrow streets await lots of culinary experiences and exciting sights. Last but not least, in Málaga you have the perfect base from which to explore the rest of Andalusia.
The heart of Andalusia and the gateway to southern Spain
Málaga is an important gateway to the south Spain and not least to the fantastic sun coast, but traditionally only a small part of the many holidaymakers have taken the time to explore the city itself before the trip continued towards the coastal seaside resorts.
In recent years, however, more and more travelers have realized that Málaga is not just an airport, but also an exciting destination in its own right. It is also important to note that the city has recently undergone a remarkable resurgence, with a renewed port area, numerous new museums and a wealth of newly opened restaurants and hotels.
Despite the development, however, the beautiful port city has managed to retain its original Spanish charm.
It was the Phoenicians who founded Málaga around 800 BC. Over time, the city, with its strategically important location, has been under Greek, Roman and Moorish rule.
You can clearly sense the rich and sometimes dramatic history on a walk around the labyrinthine streets of the old town, or if you visit the 14th-century Castillo de Gibralfaro castle. From here you have a breathtaking view of almost the entire city and the Mediterranean .
You should also make your way past the impressive Moorish Alcazaba fortress, another of Málaga's sights, and the Roman amphitheater, first rediscovered in 1951.
In the footsteps of Pablo Picasso
However, it is not only long-gone peoples who have left their mark on the city. More recently, Málaga is also known as the birthplace of the world-famous artist Pablo Picasso.
Anyone with an interest in art should visit the Picasso Museum, housed in the beautiful Palacio de Buenavista, where you can see hundreds of Picasso's works.
After a day of sightseeing in the city or relaxing on one of the nearby beaches, you can venture into the old town to enjoy the wide range of eateries. Here you will have ample opportunity to get to know Andalusian specialties such as paella, Espeto de Sardinas, air-dried Serrano ham and, not least, the excellent local wines.
After the restaurants in the 1960s began to serve dishes with an international touch to meet the taste buds of tourists, many restaurants have in recent years increasingly found their way back to the region's proud gastronomic traditions and original recipes.
You can therefore look forward to a holiday with unique culinary experiences, which is well on its way to becoming one of the major attractions of Málaga.
Excursions from Málaga up and down the coast
You can easily get a few days to go just visiting the sights of Málaga itself, but you should also set aside plenty of time to take excursions to some of the other fascinating cities and attractions in the region.
There are good road connections from Málaga both up and down the coast and inland, so if you have rented a car, the problem will not be getting around, but rather choosing from the many exciting excursion destinations.
Frigiliana, the white village
An hour's drive east from Málaga lies what is often called one of Spain most beautiful villages, Frigiliana. It belongs to the white villages so characteristic of the region, 'pueblos blancos', which are located high in the terrain with steep cobbled streets and not least whitewashed houses.
The city is not big, but you can still easily end up spending a few hours strolling around the idyllic, winding streets with their cozy restaurants and charming small shops. Possibly settle down with a plate of delicious tapas and enjoy the view of the countryside down to the coast.
Frigiliana is located right on the edge of the Sierras de Tejeda National Park, Almijara y Alhama, so if you have a pair of solid hiking shoes with you, it is obvious to go for a walk along one of the many trails in the scenic area.
You can finish by driving down to nearby Nerja to take a dip from one of the lovely sandy beaches or enjoy the sea view from the Balcón de Europa.
Ronda - bullfighting, Arab baths and spectacular views
In the town of Ronda, which is located about 100 kilometers west of Málaga and therefore within reasonable distance for a day trip, you can see one of Spain's oldest bullrings from 1785, La Plaza de Toros, with the official name Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda. One of the attractions in the Málaga area that you simply must see.
The town is just as famous for its spectacular location right on the edge of a steep cliff. Ronda's landmark Puente Nuevo – 'The New Bridge' – stands over the deep El Tajo gorge that divides the town. The views from here are unforgettable.
Also make your way to the Arab baths, Baños Árabes de Ronda, which are among the best preserved of their kind on the Iberian Peninsula.
Córdoba - impressive world heritage site north of Málaga
If you drive 160 kilometers north, you will find Córdoba, one of Spain's oldest cities. One building in particular stands out: the stunning La Mezquita, known as 'The Mosque', which houses a cathedral.
The former mosque may not be quite as magnificent as it was before the Christian conquest of the area in the 1400th century, but it is fully deserved to be included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Incidentally, this also applies to the rest of Córdoba's old town, making the city a fine excursion destination as a break from the sights of Málaga itself.
It is a great experience to walk around inside the pillars of La Mezquita, but it is not to be missed that Andalusia's greatest historical sight is the Alhambra in Granada.
Alhambra in Granada - Andalusia's historic attraction
The breathtaking palace city, located about an hour and a half drive from Málaga, is without question the most beautiful relic of the time of Moorish rule in Spain and attracts thousands of visitors almost daily. It is therefore advisable to reserve your entrance tickets in advance via the internet if you do not want to end up in the long queue and risk not getting in.
Granada itself is also worth exploring. Especially the old Arab quarter El Albaicín with its small courtyards and narrow cobblestone streets. Take a break at the viewing terrace in Plaza de San Nicolas, from which there is a breathtaking view over to the Alhambra. Granada and the Alhambra can easily compete with the sights of Málaga and are very much worth the drive.
Easy to rent a car in Málaga
Although Málaga is a hub for the region's bus traffic, renting a car is usually an advantage for tourists. Then you are completely independent of timetables and have more freedom to explore the region's many sights at your own pace.
Often it is most convenient to rent a car at the airport, which is operated by numerous car rental companies. But if you first want to spend a few days exploring the city itself and therefore do not need a car right away, it is of course also possible to pick up a rental car from a rental office inside the city.
Although it's generally cheap to rent a car in Málaga and there is a large selection of car rental companies, it is always a good idea to check the prices in advance and book his car from home.
Have a nice trip to Andalusia and Southern Spain and enjoy all the sights of Málaga!
What to see in Málaga? Malaga's sights and attractions
- Córdoba
- Alhambra
- Ronda
- Frigiliana
- Art by Pablo Picasso
- Ronda Arab Baths
- Ronda Royal Cavalry Maestranza
- Puente Nuevo
- Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama National Parks
Did you know: Here are the 7 cities in Europe with the most hours of sunshine
7: Nice in France – 342 hours/month
6: Valencia in Spain – 343 hours/month
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Sponsored post. This article is written in collaboration with Mikkel Houmøller and car rental.info, a Danish website that mediates the best car rental offers, i.a. in Spain.
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