By Spain has long been a region that has enchanted and intrigued me. My European experiences thus far have only seen me tackle Scotland and England, but this guest post from Erica Tapley has me looking at Spain once again. Up until recently, my friends Stephanie and Richard (from Our Food Future) were temporarily calling the country home, and their photos paint a wonderfully appealing picture.
Top Things to do in Malaga
Located in the south of Spain is a little slice of coastal heaven — the city of Malaga. Known for its pristine beaches and culturally rich in history and tradition, it’s no wonder the area draws in thousands of visitors every year.
Once you experience the area for yourself, it can be difficult to leave. But for those of you still not convinced it’s worth the trip, check out some of the top sights the area has to offer, and see if you can resist packing your bags.
The Picasso Museum
While everyone has heard of the world-famous artist, very few know that Picasso was born in Malaga. Not surprisingly, one of the best museums dedicated to the famous painter’s memory is located right in his home city. Known as the Museo Picasso Málaga, the museum shows over 40 pieces of his work spanning his entire career from 1892 to 1972. This timespan covers the revolutionary innovations of his career, as well as the wide variety of styles, materials and techniques that he employed in his storied career.
Whether you’re an art lover or just somebody who appreciates the significant cultural contribution the man made, it’s a must see museum. As such an important part of the city’s culture, the citizens’ pride for the beloved local is evident in every inch of this well-kept monument to his talents.
Costa Del Sol
While you’re visiting the south of Spain, you’ll of course want to check out the sparkling beaches. As British Airways confirms here, the coastline of Costa Del Sol is one of the biggest attractions for Malaga visitors. Every year, tourists flock to the area to enjoy the white sand beaches and deep blue waters.
Not only can you soak in the sun while lounging and taking in the sounds of the surf, but lining the beach you’ll find amazing shops filled with local styles along with a slew of restaurants and tapas bars to quench your thirst and sate your appetite. As Malaga has just recently embraced a trend for traditional cuisine, some of the finest restaurants along the surf are offering up plates of classics regarded as some of the most decadent dishes in the area.
Historic Castles
One of the benefits of exploring an older city is that you get numerous glimpses of its past. In Malaga, however, you get much more than that. You can’t miss taking in the city’s history, especially when it’s in the form of two enormous castles, one of which is located right in the city’s center.
Built by the Hammudid dynasty around the 11th century, the Alcazaba of Malaga is a well preserved castle located in the heart of the city. Guests can explore the inner and outer citadels in addition to admiring the views overlooking the city centre and Mediterranean Sea.
There’s another historic castle in Malaga: the Gibralfaro Fortress, which was built in 929 AD. Calling the castle a “fortress” makes it sound a bit intimidating. However, as Andilucia.com notes here, the stunning architectural detail and meticulously kept gardens surrounding the castle make it a stunning, must-see piece of Malaga history.
The Museum of Glass and Crystal
The Museum of Glass and Crystal is always highly regarded as a worthwhile stop among Malaga’s long list of must-see attractions. If you can’t already guess from the name of the venue, it features different decorative art pieces shaped out of crystal and glass.
This particular museum is located in a carefully restored 18th century house that’s beautiful enough in its own right, and visitors can learn about and admire the evolution of these man-made pieces of art by viewing over 3,000 works of art. Some of them are from as far back as the Phoenician times; while others reflect the more modern designs of the 1900s.
The Botanical Gardens
Established in 1855 by the Marquis of Casa Loring, the absolutely beautiful Historical Botanical Gardens are situated in north Malaga. The greenhouses and outdoor gardens contain tropical and subtropical plants and vegetation from parts of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
In additional to hundreds of species of plant life, there are several species of birds that call the gardens home. Some are taken care of by garden staff while other, wild species have created homes in the plants all on their own.
Make sure you set aside a few hours to explore everything on the beautiful grounds. Just like the rest of Malaga’s best offerings, the garden is an easy place in which to willingly lose yourself.
Your Say
Have you been to Malaga and have a favourite of your own to share?