Malaga, the birth place of Picasso is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, with everything from historical sites and stunning architecture to miles of white sandy beaches and a relentless night-time bar and disco scene. Examples of Baroque building design and unique Moorish settlements combined with the renowned hospitality of the Andalusian people make this a place that many return to time and again. The close proximity of Malaga city to the international airport and a wide array of attractions in the surrounding areas make it the perfect base for a host of great daytrips.
Benalmadena, only a 20-minute drive from Malaga, has a number of interesting attractions on offer. The cable car is a great way to start your Andalusian exploration. You will ascend 700 meters into a mountain, of which the summit soars over spectacular views spanning the rugged coast to the east and the Rock of Gibraltar to the west. The landscape is a mix of colours and visions, with the white-washed houses of the Andalusian countryside nestled among luscious green pine forests.
If the beautiful scenery doesn't whet your appetite, Tivoli is a world of adventure, with over 30 rides and a range of performances and shows from around the world set amid garden walkways and fountains. The underwater walkthrough of Selwo Marina offers an insight into oceanic wildlife from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. After, take a stroll along the seaside promenade and enjoy an ice-cream while watching the world go by.
Tourist destinations along the Costa del Sol are never ending one-stop resorts with everything that a tourist could possibly need. Two of these include Fuengirola and Torromolinos. Fuengirola, with its miles of sandy beaches, has a number of interesting local markets.
Malaga rental autos The Saturday street market offers everything from clothes to local crafts, while the boot leg market on Tuesdays has a varied selection of goods at outrageously low prices. Whether you are particularly interested in shopping or not, the buzz and atmosphere of these markets are a great insight into another side of Spanish culture.
Torremolinos, hardly recognisable today from its days as a sleepy fishing village, has as many tacky yet amazingly fun attractions, including Aqualand, the Crocodile Park and Magic Palace, where internationally respected performers keep crowds amazed for hours with entertainment.
For a step back in pace and a look at old world Andalusian life, take a trip into the mountains, dotted with quaint, picturesque white-washed villages. You will get an enchanting insight into local traditions and culture and the tranquil rhythm of life, which have changed little in centuries. The villages of Mijas, Frigiliana and Ronda can be reached by bus, but for a free ramble into the wilderness of the mountains, it is best to hire a car.
At times, the roads can be a bit unnerving but are worth the challenging moments of anxiety for endless, alluring landscapes. Frigiliana has been recognised by the Spanish government as the most picturesque town in Spain and deservedly so. A stroll around the town offers endless aesthetic treats and an insight into local history, with tiled plaques dotted in various locations. Malaga's hinterlands also offer some of the best of rural cuisine, or bring a picnic and park up at one of the many lookout points.
A 90-minute drive from Malaga will take you to the capital of Andalusia, Granada. One of the treasures of the region, its main attraction is the palace compound of Alhambra. This outstanding example of Moorish architecture with beautiful gardens has a wealth of history attached to its proud name.
Pre-book Malaga car hire Opposite the monument, there is a labyrinth of houses and narrow streets ascending a hill. A hike to the summit affords spectacular views of the monument with the towering Sierra Nevada mountain range behind. The city itself is lovely for a little shopping or a relaxing glass of wine in one its many bistros.
To add a little adventure to your Andalusian holiday, the 112-mile (180km) journey to Tarifa is well worth the price of gas. It is the prime location for wind surfing and its situation on the rugged, southern tip of Spain is abound with plant and animal life. There is a range of exciting adventure sports to partake in, including horseback riding along the beach, hand-gliding, kite-surfing, rock climbing and diving, and amazingly you will see the Rif mountains of Africa across the ocean. The charming town has a number of shops and tapas bars and a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for a tranquil stroll.
For the sophisticated sun seeker, Marbella is the Costa del Sol's number one high-class spot. Only 28 miles (45kms) from Malaga, it is a cosmopolitan world for the rich, famous and those who enjoy an ambience of refined sophistication. This is a busy hub of activity both day and night, with a selection of art galleries, stately buildings, chic bistros and charming bars.
Attend one of the summer performances at the amphitheatre for an old style European evening of class. There are miles of perfect sandy beaches, while the promenade, one of the most pleasant in the region, is lined with cafs and bars, the perfect place to spot the rich and famous. Evening time Marbella does not loose any of its class, with a range of alfresco restaurants and live music jazz and blues bars. What more could you ask for?
