A city for cyclists
With well over 300 days of sun and warm temperatures, Málaga is recommended any time of the year. Tourists often use Málaga as a base (Granada is under two hours away), but the city has its own gems.
A great way to visit the city is by bike through one of the many rental companies to see some of the main sights, like the Alcazaba fortress--similar to yet more modest than Granada’s Alhambra, also a reminder of Spain’s Moorish history.
The Málaga Cathedral, designed by Diego de Siloé and towering 84m high, is a wonderful example of the Andalusian Renaissance. It’s not to be missed--even if some of the building is technically missing, as the south tower remains unfished!
Also reachable by bike is the Guadalhorce River Nature Reserve, 67 hectares along the estuary and a perfect place for bird-lovers…
A reinvigorated art scene
Red brick buildings and the city harbour are reminders of Málaga’s industrial past, adding to the city’s charm. In fact, the Soho art district, once in a state of disrepair, is now buzzing with creative talent, with plenty of art galleries and street art by international graffiti artists, including Obey, D*FACE, and more. The Málaga Arte Urbano Soho (MAUS) offers a map and artist profiles so visitors can easily track down their favourite works.
The city of Málaga has spent over €100m in the arts over the last decade, reinvigorating the city’s cultural scene.
As part of the cultural rebirth, 2003 marked the opening of the Picasso Museum, where visitors can take a chronological tour, tracing his earlier days through Cubism and Europe’s years of conflict all the way to the Spanish Golden Age. The museum, located next to Picasso’s birth home, also has a variety of exhibitions: the much-anticipated “Warhol. Mechanical Art” exhibition celebrating the Pop Art legend will kick off on 31 May 2018 and run through 16 September 2018.
Fans of art also can’t miss the one of the city’s most iconic museums, the Centre Pompidou Málaga, part of which is housed on the harbour in the colourful structure dubbed “The Cube”. The museum is devoted to 20th and 21st century artwork, with the gallery housing works by Frida Kahlo, Max Ernst, and more.
Rooftop nightlife
Málaga locals are nicknamed boquerones, or anchovies, because of the quantities they eat. From fresh sardines to wines from some of the oldest regions in the world, there’s plenty to taste. For a feast for the senses, try the covered Atarazanas Market to sample some of the local specialties.
Dining al fresco is popular even outside summer months, but for an extra stylish night out, visit one of the rooftop bars or restaurants, like the terrace of Alcazaba or the Chinitas Lounge. But don’t start too early: the nightlife doesn’t kick off until around 10pm…
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