Learn Spanish in Malaga
Malaga, located on the south coast, is the capital
of the Costa del Sol. The town has a distinct character in stark
contrast to the surrounding holiday beach resorts. With its leafy
boulevards, white washed buildings and cobbled alleyways the town
is an insight into the real spain.
History
Malaga was established in the 8th century BC
by Phoenician traders, who are credited with planting the area's
first vineyards. In the Muslim era the city flourished, but the
fall of Granada to the Christians and the expulsion of the Moriscos
led to a decline and contributed to famine and epidemics in the
17th century. Prosperity returned in the 19th century with a dynamic
middle class who founded textile factories, sugar mills, shipyards
and steel mills. By the 1920s tourism had reached the city and it
had become the favourite winter resort of rich madrileños.
In the 1930s the Spanish civil war ravaged the city and province.
During the Franco era tourism prospered on the Costa del Sol and
since then the city has flourished.
City Sights
The Alcazaba
The Muslim Palace fortress dominates the city centre. Begun in 1057,
it has a double wall and a large number of defensive towers.
The Alcazaba is open Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm and
from 5 to 8pm. On Saturday and Sunday it is open from 10am to 2pm.
The Gibralfaro
Above the Alcazaba, towers the older Muslim castle, the Gibralfaro.
Originally built in the 8th century, it was rebuilt in the 14th
and 15th centuries when Malaga was the main port for the Emirate
of Granada.
It is open daily from 9am to 1.50pm and 4 to 8pm.
Cathedral
Malaga's cathedral was begun in the 16th century on the site of
the former main mosque and took two centuries to complete. Like
many of the cities old buildings, it is falling down, but restoration
has recently begun. It is known locally as La Manquita (the One-Armed)
because only the west tower was ever completed.
The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 4.30
to 6.30pm.
Day Trips
Marbella
Less than an hour away by bus, has recovered from its bad dip and
decline of the 1980s, and has regained its reputation as the quality
beach resort on the Costa del Sol. The beaches are clean and the
facilities are excellent.
Mijas
This pretty little town of Muslim origin situated in the hills between
Malaga and Marbella. It has great views and the white washed houses
are typically Andalucian. Unfortunately many tourists seem to know
of its whereabouts which makes it very busy.
Granada
Famous for La Alhambra, Granada is a beautiful Moorish City, less
than 2 hours from Malaga by bus and definitely worth a visit.
Seville
Approximately 3 hours from Malaga, is another fascinating city and
boasts one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This city is
perfect for wandering, especially in the old Jewish quarter with
its traditional houses and meandering streets.
Shopping
There are a number of good bookshops on El Corte
Ingles, opposite the post office. They stock English-Language guides
and novels. Libreria de Occasion on Calle Salinas, 7, also has books
in English.
Special Events
Easter Semana Santa
The procession for Semana Santa in Malaga is solemn and spectacular.
Events reach their climax on Good Friday.
16 July Procesion de la Virgen del Carmen
Held at dusk in Malaga and in towns along the coast. Fleets of fishing
boats are cast out to sea with the lead boat bearing the image of
the virgin. On the shore, crowds cheer and set off fireworks.
12 - 20 August Feria de Malaga
The August fair takes place in the city centre and in fairgrounds
on the outskirts. The busy programme includes bullfights, flamenco
dancing and rock concerts.
Where Can I Find The……?
Tourist Office
The multi-lingual tourist office is at Pasaje Chinitas, 4, an alley
just off Plaza de la Constitución. The office is open Monday
to Friday from 9am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to 7pm and Sunday
from 10am to 2pm.
Post and Communications
The main post office (postcode 29080) is at Avenida de Andalucia
1.
Medical and Emergency Services
Located on Avenida de la Rosaleda 19 on the east side of the Rio
Guadalmedina. The Hospital Cruz Roja tel: 225 04 50 or 222 22 22
in emergency, is at Avenida Jorge Silvela. The Policia Local can
be contacted on tel: 260 00 92 or 092 in an emergency. They are
number 64, a kilometre further north.
Foreign Consulates
Edificio Duquesa
c/Duquesa de Parcent, 8
28001 Malaga
Telephone: (34) (952) 352300
Facsimile: (34) (952) 359211
Banks
There are a number of banks with ATM's on Calle Puerta del Mar and
Calle Marques de Larios.
Airport Transfers
Malaga's busy International airport is 10km
west of the city centre. Buses from and to the airport run every
30 minutes, departing from the city centre at stops located on the
south side of the cathedral. Trains, which take 20 minutes, also
run at 30 minutes intervals.
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