Malaga City And Costa Del Sol in Spain

Benalmádena Marina, Costa del Sol, Spain Español: Puerto Deportivo de Benalmádena, Málaga, España (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spain has not only firmly established in world football, but as well in the cruise sector it is has a prominent position. Thus Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, has become in recent years an important cruise ship destination in Spain.

Overall, Malaga has experienced in the last 15 years a rapid economic development and is representing today a meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and an ideal city destination. Ready accessibility by sea, land and air, the climate, the historical old town with impressive buildings and the wide range of gastronomic and cultural offer, with 23 museums, such as for example, the Picasso Museum (Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso) make the city worth visiting and encourage guests to chose Malaga for a trip and combine it with a stay of one or more nights.

Since the port is a few steps away from the old town of Malaga, cruise guests can easily explore the downtown area of Malaga on their own. Also, the recently expanded Malaga airport is conveniently situated only a few kilometres from the capital of the Costa del Sol.

As a main tourist destination of the province, the Costa del Sol offers a large amount of opportunities to enjoy leisure, the beaches and the climate and to make the holiday stay eventful. All these opportunities have turned Malaga over the years into one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Iberian Peninsula for domestic and foreign visitors.

In this section of coast are the largest towns of the province which have made tourism, sun and beach their trademark: Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Estepona and of course Marbella, are the most visited towns on the Costa del Sol.

In addition to these communities visitors can find the smaller villages situated next the coast, enjoying a great location between sea and mountains, such as Casares, Benahavis, Manilva, Mijas, etc., to name a few. In these places you can enjoy the fantastic surroundings of nature and an impressive view of the coast.

These places can be reached best with a car and it is advisable to reserve a car hire at Malaga airport in advance, because here the transport is scarce. Discover during your stay the other side of the Costa del Sol, which offers so many cultural, historic and beautiful natural places.

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Malaga Guide for smartphones in nine languages

Smartphones & tourism

New technologies are available for tourism in Malaga through mobile applications.

Malaga City Council presented yesterday at the Tourism Fair of Madrid the new Apps for iPhone and Android, which collect information from the audio guides of the Department of Tourism.

In the city of Malaga there are currently eight tourist routes, of which five are prepared to offer information through mobile phones. These are the routes Traditional, Botany, Sacred, Monumental and Picasso. Within days, these tours can be downloaded in Spanish, to become available finally in nine languages.

In total, will be accessible 97 points of interest, 97 photographs and 85 audios. In addition, the Apps include information of the six municipal information offices, with their respective schedules and contacts, and 17 museums and exhibition centres, with telephone numbers and connection to their websites, and additional information about the Cathedral, the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle or the Roman Theatre. In addition, they also contain information of all these points in text format for those with hearing difficulties.

History, art and culture in Malaga

View of Alcazaba

The Costa del Sol in the province of Malaga is one of the most popular areas in Spain. Malaga is the capital of this area with a high concentration of wealth in history, culture and art. Whatever the direction you take in the city, you will find the ruins, art and history that date back hundreds of years. Thanks to the vibrant nightlife of this Mediterranean city, you can get an idea of contemporary culture as well.

A monument to see in Malaga is the Alcazaba, a former Moorish palace of the XI century, surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains leading to a close by Roman amphitheater. Nowadays it houses the Archaeological Museum. There you will find many fascinating exhibits showing pieces from other Mediterranean cultures and the Paleolithic times.

The Cathedral of Malaga is an important milestone in the area. This cathedral was founded by the Catholic Monarchs and took from 1528 to 1782 to be built and actually never has been completely finished.

Besides the museums and churches Malaga, Pablo Picasso’s birthplace in the Plaza de la Merced is another obligation on any sightseeing in the city. This famous artist was born in Malaga in 1881. You can see his birthplace, and as well visit the Picasso Museum which exhibits some of his works.

Like all Andalusian cities, Malaga is a very nice capital, both during day and night and especially when there is some traditional celebration, such as Epiphany, Easter or the Malaga fair during August. However, you do not have to wait for a celebration to experience the spirit of Malaga.

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Malaga, city of Museums on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea

Picasso birth house

Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol situated on the shores of the mediterranean, is now a major economic centre for the country due to its port, international airport and high-speed rail station. It is also a cultural centre thanks to its great historical legacy.

Malaga in the beginning was founded by the Phoenicians and later belonged to the Roman Empire; it became the first industrial city in the country during the nineteenth century and between the 70′s and 80´s the city was leading the tourism boom.

The city now hosts more than 20 museums, mostly located in the historic centre. And because of its variety, there are many options to suit the tastes of all tourists. So when you are in Malaga take advantage of a car hire to visit the many museums and watch from religious art to modern art. For example, among the most important cultural sites of the city is the Picasso Museum which hosts over 200 artworks made ​​by the great painter throughout his life.

Malaga has the advantage of combining culture and museums with seaside promenades, historic downtown to enjoy a coffee on a terrace or go shopping in the pedestrian streets and dive into the nightlife, and this throughout the year thanks to its mild climate. Therefore, this charming town is ideal not only for a longer holiday but also for a weekend getaway.

If you are thinking about visiting Malaga, I recommend to check the useful information below:

• Malaga airport
• Malaga website
• Taxis and tours in Malaga

Family holidays in Malaga

Image via Wikipedia

Those who want to learn about southern Spanish culture and life style should visit Malaga on the Costa del Sol. Malaga is a modern city that nevertheless has preserved its culture and tradition. In addition, the andalusian port city offers a very peasant climate all year round. So you can always spend a pleasant holiday. Malaga also has many museums and monuments that are definitely worth a visit. There you can also learn more about the history and background of the country. But the city has to offer far more.

In Malaga you can also visit the birthplace and the museum of the famous painter Pablo Picasso; the Cathedral which was built over the old Mosque; the old Arabian fortress Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castle on an hill top, overlooking the Bay and the charming old city centre with plenty of terraces and museums inviting for a stroll or the large park close to the city centre and the harbor, with subtropical plants and trees…

No matter whether you enjoy travelling alone, with friends or with the whole family, Malaga is a great option for a language course as well as a family holiday.

In addition to a lot of culture, Malaga also offers nightlife, entertainment and of course plenty of beaches. Along the popular city beaches and beach promenades there are a large number of beach bars where you absolutely should sample the famous local seafood specialties.

Anyone interested in a trip to Malaga can easily book everything online. You do not need to have advanced knowledge of the Internet to book a trip online. The websites of the providers have an easy design and thus anyone can quickly and easily book a flight to Malaga. For this you have only enter the place of departure and destination and enthe date when you want to travel. Within seconds you will receive an overview with free offers. Similarly, you can book online your car hire in Malaga. This not only saves a lot of time, but usually also a lot of money.

Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain

Image via Wikipedia

Have you think yet where to go for your holidays this summer?

Why not Malaga and the Costa del Sol in Spain, have you ever visited this place? if not…explore this blog and the related websites, you will find that Malaga is an excellent choice for your summer holidays.

Malaga airport is a modern airport from where you will be able to get Malaga airport transfers or pickup your car hire at Malaga airport, depending on your transportation needs.

Malaga is a very popular destination, if you just decided coming to Malaga, do not leave your online bookings for the last minute, start right now to make your reservations.

Some Malaga travel offers:

• Car hire deals at Malaga airport with Malagacar.com, the leading company for car rental in Malaga. If you are considering hiring a car, avoid possible problems using this company.
• Hotel deals in Malaga from a local travel agency, forget using international travel agencies, local companies can recommend you other options if you are not sure where to stay.
• Flights to Malaga airport , check this website if you have not yet booked your flight to Malaga.

From the websites above you will not only get cheap prices, but a quality customer service…something that many other online companies does not take in consideration.

Malaga is a great holiday destination, start your vacation with the right step!

Tourists place Malaga at the head of the cities with more cultural and urban appeal

Image via Wikipedia

Tourists place Malaga at the head of the cities with more cultural and urban appeal

Malaga is positioned for the first time as a leader in the group of Spanish cities that are part of the urban cultural tourism segment with increased numbers in both travelers and stays.

Malaga becomes an interesting destination for cultural tourism. The figures leave no doubt. During the month of May, a total of 88,541 people stayed in hotels in the capital of the Costa del Sol, which is an increase of 13 % over the same month last year.

The motivation of the tourists visiting the city is very diverse, but fundamentally for leisure. However, it should be noted the growing demand that exists for the city as a destination for Spanish students. Malaga is a modern Andalusian city, offering historic and artistic heritage, along with culture and wide and varied range of leisure.

There are many reasons that many travelers from all corners of the world spend their holiday in Malaga, a city that each year provides more and better attractions for visitors. The significant relation of Picasso to this city has contributed greatly to making Malaga a leading cultural destination.

The Picasso Foundation, his birth house and the Picasso Museum are the three jewels of the itinerary of the Picasso Route, all of them situated within the old town. Closeby are also situated the monumental castle Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba, the Roman theatre and the Cathedral.

Thus, with an important offer of leisure and cultural activities, Malaga, the chosen city for “sun and beach” tourism is converting into an ideal destination to combine leisure and culture at its best. Furthermore, the excellent communications with Malaga make it the perfect place to enjoy a “city break”, a type of tourism that is increasingly gaining followers. Malaga is one of those destinations that allow, thanks to the excellent communications and leisure, entertainment and culture, to make the most of a weekend.

Holiday destination Malaga, Spain

Image by TickleJR via Flickr

Both for those interested in culture and for shoppers is the bustling port city of Malaga a great proposal for the next holidays. Being the capital of the Costa del Sol also beach-lovers from nearby resorts appreciate to visit the southern Spanish town, whether for a shopping spree or for a sightseeing tour.

Malaga is after Seville the second largest city of Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain. The city founded by the Phoenicians was very significant during the Muslim period. Above the city stands the Alcazaba, which was built between the 8th and the11th Century. The building is one of the largest Muslim fortresses of Andalusia and was once the seat of the Moorish kings. Here is housed nowadays the Museum of Archaeology featuring exhibits from the Phoenician and Roman times.

On a trip to Malaga vacationers should visit Gibralfaro castle from the 14th Century. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the harbor and the bay. Below the castle there are places of interest like the Roman Theatre, the bull ring, and the beautiful old town of Malaga. The historic town with its charming streets, avenues and squares is also worth seeing.

Birthplace of Picasso

If you stroll through the streets of Malaga, you will as well pass by the Plaza de la Merced. Here is situated another highlight of the trip to Malaga: the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. In 2004, was opened the Picasso Museum in the Palacio de Buena Vista. The permanent exhibition includes about 200 works from private collections.

In the centre of Malaga stands the most important building in the city: the cathedral “La Manquita” which roughly means “the one-armed Lady.” It was built by the Catholic Monarchs and got its nickname because of the south tower remained unfinished up to now. The imposing temple is one of the most beautiful religious buildings of the Andalusian Renaissance, and is essential to the program of a trip to Malaga.

Discoveries in the hinterland

A good time for a trip to Malaga is especially the Easter season. With impressive processions the celebrations are among the event highlights of the year. Who is traveling to Malaga this time of the year should, however, book early a hotel and a rental car at Malaga airport. There are Hotels to suit every taste – from the historic city hotel to the stylish design hostel.

Gastronomically, Malaga also provides several discoveries: nice cafes, small tapas bars and fine seafood restaurants. Travelers will also find everywhere the opportunity to taste the most famous specialty of the region: the Malaga wine (Muscat).

Anyone who spends his holidays in Malaga should also plan a trip to the beautiful hinterland. Here we find pretty white villages, vast natural parks and not to forget stunning mountain ranges. Last but not least thanks to the mild climate and a vast selection of famous golf courses is Malaga one of the most popular destinations in Spain.

Malaga culture

Image via Wikipedia

Malaga has among its attractions a great cultural activity, especially in regard to theatre and music along with the construction of several buildings dedicated to recreation and culture as well as the organization of events like the Book Fair or the creation of important places such as the University of Malaga.

So from these milestones began to develop more rapidly the cultural landscape of the city based on the many excellent museums in Malaga and a variety of events organized by various local municipalities.

Among these events are the recovery of emblematic sites such as the Cervantes Theatre in Malaga, the Cinema Festival, the Picasso Foundation and a lot of measures that drove the development of culture in Malaga.

This has, besides its beautiful natural environment, has contributed that Malaga is becoming an increasingly chosen city to visit both domestic and foreign tourists.

According to statistics, a large number of tourists choose Malaga for holidays for the combination of natural life and cultural amenities offered throughout the region.

A day in the capital of the Costa del Sol can start early touring the museums and the narrow cobbled streets of the historic district; then continue along the beach sunbathing while sipping a regional delicacy; and finish the day enjoying a play or the Philharmonic Orchestra performing some of the major events organized throughout the season.

This is one of the reasons why Malaga is usually one of the most preferred destinations by tourists and one of the few which, just having left the city we already make plans to return someday.

For more information about the culture in Malaga:

• Malaga culture (Malaga blog)

Museums in Malaga

Image via Wikipedia

With over twenty museums, fifteen of them concentrated in one area, Malaga has become a true City of Museums. Only the old quarter will bring together, with the addition of new projects (Museum of Fine Arts) up to 24 museum spaces that make Malaga to one of the cities with the highest density of museums in its historical centre.

You can do themed tours or focus on the most important museums; certainly there are options for all tastes, from religious art to contemporary art, popular art or the interactive museum, while highlighting, obviously, the figure of Picasso represented by the Picasso Birthplace Museum and the Picasso Museum Malaga.

We would also like to mention the Art Natura Malaga, a large complex of cultural entertainment where sciences, arts, cultural performances and cuisine combine to surprise and entertain the whole family. These installations also hold the world’s largest permanent exposition of gemstones.

Art Natura is located in the emblematic and elegant complex of buildings of the former Tabacalera de Málaga, next to the sea, 10 minutes from Malaga airport and the historical center and 5 minutes from the city railway station, easily accessible from anywhere in the Costa del Sol.

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