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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.
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day weather forecast
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.
To
book a Spanish Program in Malaga
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