Cultural highlights
The
Picasso Museum draws art lovers to its fascinating mix of Picasso ceramics and paintings in a 16th- century palace. View the permanent collection's Juan Muñoz sculptures and provocative Damien Hirst works at the
Contemporary Arts Centre. Rising majestically above Málaga, the 11th-century
Alcazaba fortress
is a Moorish maze of hidden patios and keyhole arches with a Roman amphitheatre guarding the entrance. Trace the bougainvillea-draped ramparts of 14th-century
Gibralfaro Castle for views over the city and port. The
Cervantes Theatre stages opera, flamenco and theatre.
Spanish flavours
Malagueños breakfast in the Old Town's
patisseries and
buzzy cafés, dunking skinny
churros doughnuts into bitter hot chocolate. Plaza de la Constitución is popular for
alfresco lunches - try
fried fish with sweet Málaga wine. Eat like a local with a well-heaped plate of fresh sardines and calamari at one of the good-value
chiringuitos (beach shacks) in the old fishing village of El Palo. Foodies dress up for creative Andalusian cuisine at Malagueta's
seafront restaurants. No Málaga city break is complete without a visit to one of the lively
tapas bars in the centre.
Relaxing escapes
Málaga hotels are strung along the Mediterranean shore. Flop on
Malagueta's sandy beach or in
Pedregalejo's arching bays. Plane trees cool
Paseo del Parque or seek shade in the fountain- dotted
Puerta Oscura Gardens, in the shadow of the Alcazaba.
La Concepción Botanical Gardens, 4km north, is lush with cypress trees, palms and fragrant wisteria. Golf fans can take their pick of a variety of Málaga's
18-hole courses with their dramatic sea and mountain backdrops. For the ultimate unwind, head to the domed
Arabian Baths for a hammam followed by a sweet almond oil massage.
