Miles of beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic weather has turned the Costa del Sol into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with the resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella particularly popular.
Founded by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago, Malaga is the capital city of the area and is often overlooked in the panic to get to the regimented rows of sun loungers along the coast.
Nicknamed the Lady of Andalucia, Malaga’s position at the centre of the Costa del Sol means that all the average tourist is likely to see is the beach and thin strip of burger bars before the huge, waterfront hotels begin - which just proves what I’ve always said about the damage caused by sun tan lotion to the brain.
Of course, not being an ‘average’ tourist you’ll undoubtedly venture into the city itself - and be awarded for your troubles - with its endless narrow streets, palaces and quaint shops that which have remained largely unchanged despite the passage of time.
Tell Me More About The City
According to MalagaWeb, the place is a bustling little city of the old and the new. “The narrow side streets form a confusing maze of alleys crammed with tapas bars and bodegas - old fashioned wine shops brimming with casks including the local sweet wine which is similar to Port.
“At weekends the area is full of young people going out to enjoy the thriving nightlife in one of the cities many bars, bar de copas (wine bars), or nightclubs. Locals often don’t go out until midnight and will continue until morning light, catching some breakfast on the way home.”
What About A Little History
The city is famous for its uncompleted Cathedral, the Alcazaba Moorish Castle in the beautiful historic quarter, the fortress of Gibralfaro and wonderful gardens. For the artistic amongst you, Picasso was born in the Malaga and his house is a popular tourist attraction.
Special Events
The city comes alive at Easter for Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the streets are packed until the early hours of the morning with music and processions. It’s one of the largest festivals in Spain.
The Malaga Feria is the cities summer fair and is held every August. Apparently it’s the second largest fair in Europe with ‘traditional’ Andalusian style celebrations – what ever that is!
So More Than Just A Beach Then? Why Wasn’t I told?
I’m telling you now! A Moorish old city, palaces, Picasso, Italianate architecture, monumental plazas, and museums galore. What’s more, your shopping can be done in the high-end fashion emporiums or bartered over in the open-air markets, which are more like the Arab bazaars of the past.
And The Gay Thing?
Didn’t you read what I said about the shopping? There’s a large gay community in the Costa del Sol with lots of bars and clubs catering to our every whim, but the pleasure seeking populace and the warm lazy nights in cafes leads to a great deal of integration. Not so much ‘gay friendly’ as just ‘friendly’.
However, it has to be said that the main gay destination is Torremolinos, which isn’t too far away by taxi. The La Nogalera centre is in middle of the town and caters for locals and tourists throughout the day and night.
What About Beaches?
There’s a few gay friendly beaches along the coast, the most popular being the Las Dunas nudist beach at Cabopino. Otherwise the Campo de Golf is a mixed nudist beach that’s rather cruisy.
But didn’t you hear what I was saying about the delights of the city itself? Stay off the beach and explore all the diversions this city has to offer. You can find dunes and sand anywhere, but only Malaga can give you a lazy afternoon in a sun splashed courtyard, drink in hand, watching the gorgeous locals saunter past.
So How Do I Get There?
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