| Malaga Tourist Information Tourism in Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain
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Malaga Tourist / Tourism Malaga has been popular with foreign tourists for many years; though initially as a gateway to some of the Costa's more exclusive offerings (namely Puerto Banus and Marbella). The Costa del Sol was promoted internationally for tourism as early as the 1940's, though then attracting (mainly) native Spaniards. It was not until the 50's that things really started to take off, with celebrities such as Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Marlon Brando, and European royalty visiting. Interest gathered pace and in 1962 the first flight connections were established between Malaga's international airport and several major European cities. By 1968 a new terminal and control tower had been added, and that year 100,000 passengers passed through. The interest of the international community was official, and the package tour holiday industry was born. Many fishermen and farmers became hoteliers and restaurateurs as the Costa's newfound business swept southwards from its starting point in Torremolinos. Quite how much Malaga would prosper over the years was unforeseeable; today it is Spain's 5th most important city, much of it built with the income from the tourist industry. Home to some 600,000 inhabitants it still performs a mixed role as a busy port and industrial centre, as well as the gateway to one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Strangely the city seems untainted by tourism, though it has become increasingly popular in recent years. Part of Malaga's attraction is its intriguing layout, making it particularly appealing to explore. It is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings and landmarks, quaint old fashioned shops, stately gardens, and bustling squares. Its people are welcoming and hospitable, and its atmosphere vibrant. If you are visiting Malaga for the purpose of shopping, eating or for an evening drink the places to head for are the entwined Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitucion and Calle de Granada. These three streets form the backbone of the shopping district and the cities thriving nightlife. Most of the narrow side streets in the area are filled with tapas bars and bodegas (old fashioned wine shops). The weekends are of course the best time to enjoy the nightlife here, but do be aware it can become very busy, with many locals beginning their evening at 11/12pm and not returning home until the early hours. Malaga is of course an ancient city; founded by Phoenician traders some 3000 years ago, and having experienced Carthaginian, Roman and Moorish rule. This has left an indelible mark on its people, culture and tradition, as well as a physical one in the form of countless architectural treasures. Most of the main sights are to be found (as is usually the case) around the town centre and port. Any sightseeing tour of Malaga must begin with the infamous Alcazaba fortification and Gibralfaro castle, placed on a hilltop overlooking the older parts of the city. Below lays a Roman theatre (one of the first in Spain) and farther down still a captivating Muslim Patio with orange trees and brightly coloured flower beds. The cities Cathedral is worth a visit, itself an interesting mix of architectural styles resulting from the 200 or so years it took to construct. The Cathedral's interior is now home to many artistic treasures, as is the nearby Bishop's Palace, or at least the half of it that is home to the Museum of Religious Art. This leads us onto the 16th century Buena Vista Palace which houses the Museum of Fine Arts, a large establishment with 20 or so rooms showing many works including some of those by Picasso. Picasso is of course Malaga's most famous son; the house where he was born (in the Plaza de Mercad) is open to the public, hosting an archive of his life and work. The last stop before the ancient city walls should be the Las Atarazanas market, an Arabic bazaar within the walls of an ancient (roofless) mosque; and to the Paseo del Parque (park promenade) a 100 year old botanical masterpiece. All things considered Malaga is definitely worth a visit, whether by day or by night. It has much to offer its visitors; though an equally good place to have lunch, do some shopping, or take a leisurely stroll. Malaga Tourist Offices Tel +34 952 213445 Tel +34 952 058694 Tel +34 952 061280
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Malaga Tourist Information, Tourism in Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain
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Malaga Tourist Information, Tourist in Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain. Holiday, Property and Tourist Information. Malaga Information, general information on Malaga. Costa del Sol, Spain. |