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Spain : Malaga - June 2010

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Malaga’s summer is long and sultry, perfect for enjoying late-night tapas, cool cathedrals and the urban coastline. Historic landmarks dot this bustling city, against a backdrop of wide blue sky and mountains. Fiona Klonarides discovers the simple luxuries: chilled wine, grilled fish and a sun that shines all day

Getting around

Malaga Airport is 9km south-west of the city centre.

Bus: The No.19 leaves from outside arrivals every 30 minutes, from 6.25am to 11.30pm. Tickets cost €1.
Taxi: A journey from the airport to the city centre costs approximately €15 to €18.
Tourist information: The main office is at 1 Plaza de la Marina (tel. , malagaturismo.com).

HISTORIC CENTRE

Savour the flavour of Malaga’s heart and soul in the centro historico. It’s the gateway to Andalucia, where North Africa begins just across the water.

Sleep soundly – You can sight-see, shop, hit the beach and cool off in the rooftop pool without straying too far from the Hotel Molina Lario (20-22 Calle Molina Lario, tel. , hotel molinalario.com, rooms from €80).

Culture vultures – Admire art by Malaga’s most famous son at the Picasso Museum (Palacio de Buenavista, 8 Calle San Agustín), in a 16th-century palace.

Must eat – Gorki (6 Calle Strachan, tel. ) offers delicious ham, creative canapés and wines by region.

Must drink – Jazz bars in Malaga are few and far between, but El Cantor de Jazz (7 Calle Lazcano) offers a friendly, laid-back vibe and good performances.

Dance the night away – It has to be El Pimpi (62 Calle Granada) for late-night drinks and music. Part bodega, part flamenco venue, it’s legendary – Antonio Banderas stops by when he’s in town.

Shop til you drop – Malaga’s smart boutique street is Marqués de Larios, home to Mango and other designers. Or browse the honey, sweet wine and olive oil at La Malagueña (San Juan/Coronel).

PLAYA DE LA MALAGUETA

Locals love La Malagueta, and there are plenty of chiringuitos (bars) on this easy-to-reach city beach.

Culture vultures – Hop on the Open Top Sightseeing Bus (stop 5) for a tour of Malaga’s monuments, then hop off 90 minutes later in time for lunch.

Must eat – Bullfighters and celebs eat at Antonio Martin (Plaza de la Malagueta/ Paseo Maritimo, tel. ), where the fritura malagueña (mixed fried fish) is crisp and the breeze is cool.

Must drink – Steps from the sea, Chiringuito Picasso (Paseo Maritimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso) is on the beach and always busy. Relax with a drink in your hand and the sand at your feet.

GIBRALFARO

Perched high on a hillside just west of the city are the Parador, Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba fortress – it’s Malaga’s most romantic spot.

Sleep soundly – Soak up the views from the rooftop pool at Parador Gibralfaro (Castillo de Gibralfaro, tel. parador.es, rooms from €110, book ahead). Catch the distant buzz of the bullring below, cocktail in hand, and watch the cruise ships sail out to sea.

Culture vultures – For history and more views, visit the Maldonado Tower at the Alcazaba, Spain’s best-preserved Moorish fortress below the castle.

ZONA RENFE – MARIA ZAMBRANO STATION

Catch the super-fast AVE to Madrid (you’ll be there and back the same day) or explore Andalucia by train from this convenient base by the new station.

Sleep soundly – Step off the train into the designer oasis of the Barcelo Málaga (Estacion Vialia Maria Zambrano, 2 Heroe de Sostoa, tel. , barcelo.com, rooms from €77), just 10 minutes by bus to the old town.

Must drink – The Barcelo’s futuristic B-Lounge is worth a visit before hitting the old town for late-night drinks.

Shop til you drop – Next door to the Barcelo, the sparkling, glass-fronted Vialia Centre features fashion boutiques, cafés, newsagents and tapas bars – plus you can pop in to the El Corte Inglés supermarket two streets away for Spanish deli treats to take with you on the train.

Compiled by Fiona Klonarides