DESTINATIONS — SPAIN & PORTUGAL
The city is so much more than a gateway to the Costa del Sol, finds Meera Dattani
MAKE THE MOST OF MALAGA
the Costa del Sol, perhaps west to Marbella or Torremolinos, east to Nerja or inland to the mountains. Yet Malaga itself is one of Spain’s most likeable cities, a compact town with beaches, museums, bars and shops in abundance, and friendly locals justifiably proud of their home town. With the year-round popularity of the Costa del Sol, it is easy to add a short stay in Malaga. A 12-minute train ride from the airport, the birthplace of Picasso is culturally rich, has a spruced-up harbour and cruise terminal, city beaches and countless tapas bars. The tourist office at Plaza de la Marina offers
M
plenty of resources for city-breakers, such as free self-guided iPod tours, tickets for the hop-on hop-off Malaga tour bus and what’s on listings. When suggesting itineraries, remember that some museums close on Mondays. For Sunday visitors, highlight the ‘rastro’ market, which is a short bus ride away, for bargains and buzz.
l DAY ONE 09.00: Start with coffee and a spot of people- watching at Café Central on the main square, Plaza de la Constitucion. On the ground are bronze plaques that recreate newspaper front pages from December 7, 1978, when the Spanish constitution was approved.
IN MALAGA HOURS
10.00: Stroll eastwards through the historic centre and along Calle San Agustín to the Palacio de Buenavista. The impressive building is home to the Museo Picasso, which opened in 2003 to fulfil the artist’s wish that his work be exhibited in his home town. More than 200 pieces, from paintings to ceramics, showcase Picasso’s changing styles. Guided tours and audio guides are available. The museum is closed on Mondays.
12.30: Locals tend to ask visitors if they know why Malaga’s cathedral is known as La Manquita, or the ‘one-armed lady’, so tell customers
15 January 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 85
ost people who fly to Malaga leave immediately. They flock instead towards
SPAIN & PORTUGAL
travelweekly.co.uk/destinations
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