Whether it’s spending time soaking up the sun on its golden beaches or visiting the Picasso Museum, Málaga really does cater for all tastes.
The winding streets in the heart of the city are lined with chic boutiques, tapas bars and cool cafés, while the waterfront has been revitalised with a promenade, bars, restaurants and shops.
Art for all
As you would expect in the birthplace of the 20th century’s most important artist, the city’s Picasso Museum doesn’t disappoint.
Take a stroll through the cubist artist’s life with exhibits that chart his progress from the late 19th century until his death in 1973.
The museum is a few minutes away from the house where Picasso was born, on Plaza de la Merced (also open to the public as a museum).
A short distance from here is the superb Carmen Thyssen Málaga Museum where most of the works on display are from the 19th century, with the emphasis placed on Andalucían art.
Malaga’s CAC – Contemporary Art Centre - has also gained quite the reputation internationally for the quality of its exhibitions.
As if that weren’t enough, the city has three new artistic attractions: a branch of the St Petersburg State Russian Museum, showcasing art from the 15th to the 20th centuries; the Pompidou Centre, in a glamorous glass cube at Muelle Uno on the waterfront; and Málaga’s new Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology.
Moorish delights
Standing on the site of Malaga’s main mosque, the city’s cathedral, built in the 16th century, is a glorious mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements.
One of its towers was never completed, resulting in the iconic lop-sided effect you see today.
Strategically situated overlooking the sea and the city, the Alcazaba is Málaga’s equivalent of the Alhambra in Granada. The fortress, built in the 11th century by Malaga’s Arab rulers, also served as a palace.
Rising above the Alcazaba is the Gibralfaro castle, built in the 14th century to protect the fortress. Its outdoor café is a great place from which to enjoy the panoramic views.
Beaches to spare
Málaga has no fewer than 15 beaches within its city boundaries and with your rental car you can explore other seaside delights along Spain’s sunshine coast.
The pick of the urban beaches is Playa de la Malagueta, a 1km long stretch of sand nestled in a gently curved bay lined with shops and excellent fish restaurants.
Less than an hour east on the A-7 is the charming former fishing village of Nerja which has several lovely beaches to choose from.
The ever popular Playa Burriana makes a great lunch stop with its row of chiringuitos, or beach shacks, serving fantastic seafood.
Garden of Eden
Drive 20 minutes north of the centre of Málaga and discover La Concepción, rated as one of the best botanic gardens in Europe.
This tropical paradise, which combines formal gardens with a lush green forest, was created in the mid-19th century and is the perfect setting for a serene stroll.
Head for the hills
Just over an hour and half drive from Málaga is Granada, one of the most dramatic sights in all of Spain.
Set on seven hills below the Sierra Nevada, the city is dominated by the magical Alhambra, a vast complex of stunning palaces, fortress and gardens and one of the best examples of Islamic architecture and craftsmanship in the world.
Car rental in Málaga allows you to discover more of this magnificent destination and the must-see sights that surround it – all at your own pace.
