Your Guide To Malaga, Spain

Sometimes overlooked in favour of other great Spanish cities, or even other sunny Mediterranean destinations, Malaga is one of Spain’s (and Europe’s, really) most incredible spots for international travellers. Situated in the south of Spain very near the Costa del Sol, it’s a city steeped in history and natural beauty, and one unlike any other you’ll see in your travels. If this sounds interesting to you, here’s a bit more on visiting Malaga!

First and foremost, you should know that the temperature and climate in general is every bit as pleasant as what you might ordinarily associate with a Mediterranean destination. In its guide to Malaga travel, British Airways makes note of this aspect and cites “year-round warm temperature” and coaxing potential visitors to take a dip in the sparkling Mediterranean at the nearby beaches. Indeed, World Weather Online backs up the claim, noting even spring and autumn temperatures in the 20-30 degrees Celsius range at times.

As for the beaches themselves, there are plenty of specific areas to choose from, depending on what you prefer in a coastal visit: crowds or open space, inviting beaches or picturesque rocky coastlines, etc. Naturally there are plenty of different lists and rankings of beaches in the area—and on Costa del Sol in general. However, the best way to gain an understanding for the beach areas around Malaga is to look through the stunning images visitors have uploaded to Pinterest.

It’s also important to acknowledge that Malaga is far more than a coastal destination with outstanding beaches. The city itself is a remarkable place as well, largely thanks to the blend of histories associated with it. The south of Spain has long been known as a sort of historical crossroads, and it shows in a simple walk or bus tour through Malaga. You’ll see medieval fortresses, ancient cathedrals, and in the middle of the city even a coliseum that resembles Roman theatres of old. And for those more interested in specific artistic history, Malaga has one of the most fascinating claims to fame, in this regard, in all of Europe: it’s the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and the Picasso Museum in town boasts well over 200 of the artist’s original works, donated in large part by the Picasso family itself.

And finally, there’s the cuisine, which contributes to making Malaga the true coastal paradise many visitors find it to be. All over Spain, you can find wonderful wine and world class seafood, and these pleasures are said by some to be even greater in Malaga. Naturally, the seafood is incredibly fresh, and the Mediterranean climate also yields some of the best grapes and wine you’ll find in Europe. But it’s the restaurants and chefs in the region, in particular, that have helped to establish Malaga’s reputation for cuisine. Don Quijote’s guide to Malaga cuisine gives you a few restaurants to keep in mind and looks at the food in the region at its foundation, mentioning the fishing shacks and inexpensive cafés you’re sure to stumble upon. But we’d add that a certain gourmet scene has also been established throughout the city in recent years.

What more could you want? Summing up Malaga is simple: it’s a beautiful, seaside destination overflowing with history and offering a pleasant population, great food, and fantastic wine.