Tourism growth in Malaga old town

With year on year tourism growth, people are visiting for the first time or having enjoyed themselves so much on a previous visit, they are coming back again to bask in Malaga old twon. Coming in search of sunshine, beautiful sandy beaches and the opportunity to go out for a drink and a meal with friends and family without breaking the bank, Malaga old town has seen a growth of 16.9% in the number of visitors since 2011.

Costa del Sol

Malaga old twon is located on the aptly named Costa del Sol, or Sunshine Coast., With an average of 330 sunny days per year, it’s name has been chosen wisely. With so many days of sunshine, it’s the ideal place to explore all year round.

Málaga coast

Malaga city

Gastronomy of Malaga

What to see and do in Malaga

One of Malaga’s most obvious attractions is its 14km stretch of beaches. The beaches are within easy access of the city and are generally closed off from main roads by wide esplanades, perfect for walking on when the sand just doesn’t appeal. There are a total of 16 beaches along the Malaga coastline, with the most popular being La Malagueta, San Andrés, La Misericordia, El Palo and San Julián. Each of these have great services, facilities and beach bars from which you an enjoy an ice cold beer on a hot day and watch the world go by.

The Cathedral

Malaga old town has several historic sites of interest. One of the main historical and religious places to visit in Malaga old town is the cathedral. Malaga cathedral’s full title is Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Our Lady of Incarnation), however, in Malaga city it is known more informally as the Cathedral, or catedral in Spanish. Work began on the cathedral in 1530 and it was completed in the 17th century. With a wealth of carvings, Gothic and Renaissance styles and two wonderful organs, it really is a must-see place to visit.

Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba

The castillo de Gibralfaro was constructed in the 14th century to protect the Alcazaba, the Arab fortress built in the 11th century to defend the town by Badis, King of the Berber Taifa of Granada. Materials from the Roman ampitheatre were used to build the Alcazaba. There are still excellent remains of the Roman theatre today which are also worth a visit. The castle and Alcazaba’s enviable location overlooking the sea still boast amazing views today. Once considered one of Spain’s most impregnable castles, it played a key role in the Catholic Kings reconquest of Spain, it is a fascinating place to visit and perfect for those who like to explore historical sites at their own pace.

The Picasso museum

Born in Malaga in 1881, Pablo Picasso is known worldwide for his groundbreaking art, and perhaps his most famous masterpiece, Guernica. Located in the Buenavista Palace, the museum has 233 works in its collection which spans 11 rooms. An artist of many disciplines, he is one of Malaga’s most famous sons and a trip to Malaga old town would not be complete without a visit to this museum.

Malaga old town: Cathedral

Malaga old town: Alcazaba of Malaga

Picasso Museum of Malaga

Eat like a local Malaga old town

As well as a wide range of international food on offer, Malaga city has a fine representation of Spanish cuisine for you to try out. The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits with tomatoes, olives, olive oil, freshly-baked bread, meat, fish and fruit forming some of the essential elements of this sometimes simple yet rich cuisine. Malaga has over 4,000 places to eat, 1,000 of which are restaurants. Recommended dishes include freshly-caught fish, sardines and anchovies.

An absolute must-eat when in Malaga old town are tapas. Now a well-known Spanish food concept, you simply purchase a local beer or wine and your choice of tapa and keep on ordering more until you are full. It’s a great way to try new dishes and you can even share within your group of friends until you come up with a favourite! You should find locally made wine as well as wine from all of the Spanish major wine regions available in Malaga. Make sure you try a glass of Sherry – it comes from Jerez, just a short drive away and is perfect served chilled with a tapa on a warm summer’s evening.

Shop ’til you drop in Malaga old town!

Malaga old town centre has some fantastic shopping opportunities. From Zara to Mango you’re guaranteed to find something you like to pair with some locally bought brand new leather shoes or that bag you just had to have. The historical quarter of Malaga has some fantastic shops and excellent parking facilities so if you plan to fill your suitcase with Spanish handicrafts and fashion, this is the place to be!

Malaga is very well connected with most major European cities. For many years the airport has been the place where holidaymakers jetted into before making their way along the Costa del Sol to one of the resorts. There’s more to the Costa del Sol though than the resorts, so we recommend staying in one of our apartments in the city centre and exploring the city’s sights.