Reasons Why You Should Visit Málaga, Spain

Málaga is the birthplace of everyone’s favourite neo-classical Cubist, Pablo Picasso, which makes it a fitting location for a museum dedicated to his career. The Picasso Museum Málaga contains more than 200 separate works, deliberately curated into distinct exhibitions to help visitors gain a greater insight into his artistic process. If Picasso’s works are a little too square for you, there are several other museums to enjoy. Check out the 19th-century paintings at the Carmen Thyssen Museum or the temporary exhibitions at the Center of Contemporary Art.

Málaga’s history dates back around 2,800 years, and various empires have all had a crack at holding it down. In the centre of the city lies the Roman Theatre, which entertained locals between 1 and 3 BCE. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Moorish settlers used the location as a quarry while they built the nearby Alcazaba Fortress (a vast must-visit stone citadel). The theatre was lost for five centuries until it was rediscovered in 1951. Now, it hosts public performances once more, with locals performing poetry readings and stage shows since 2011.

The annual Feria de Málaga is a week-long party that descends on the city in the third week of August, bringing with it flamenco, fireworks and fino (sherry). Get involved with some finger-snappin’, toe-tappin’ and street dancing, or head above street level to soak up the vibrant atmosphere from one of the rooftop bars in the city. If you’re in Málaga on June 23, you can celebrate the Summer Solstice on the Night of San Juan. Locals mark the occasion with a ritual of making dummies of public figures, chucking them onto bonfires and dancing around the flames.

If you want to eat like a local, make sure pescaíto frito is on the menu. Less glamorously known as fried fish, it’s a lunch staple for Malagueños, which is served in restaurants across the city, with nothing more than a squeeze of fresh lemon. But, if the thought of fish makes you green around the gills, don’t worry – there’s sure to be a tapas dish (or three) for you. El Mesón de Cervantes features a seasonal menu that blends Spanish and Argentinian cooking. Be sure to order the juicy lamb chops if you’re a carnivore.

The MAUS (Málaga Arte Urbano Soho) project has transformed the formerly grim and dirty Soho quarter into a haven for alternative art lovers. Practically every building is tagged with street art from creators such as Obey and D*Face, turning the neighbourhood into a giant, open-air gallery. Pick up some indy comics from the local stores, or head to the skate park at the dried-out Guadalmedina river bed, and watch the local kids practice their kickflips.

The Costa del Sol is called that for a reason – this stretch of coastline basks in sunshine almost every day of the year. Going to Málaga and not going to the beach would be unimaginable. Start at Playa de la Malagueta, a popular spot among both tourists and locals. The beach is just a 10-minute stroll from the city centre and is a great place to give jet-skiing or sailing a try. But, if that sounds like too much effort, you can always just rent a hammock and recline with a book. Cala del Moral is an ideal snorkelling spot. Its reefs house several protected species – you might even see a seahorse or two.

When Picasso wasn’t sketching away, he was having it large at Antigua Casa Guardia – the oldest bar in Málaga is rumoured to have been Pablo’s favourite hangout. It’s a traditional wine bar that serves authentic sweet wine from the huge barrels that line the walls, as well as tapas if you need to line your stomach. Make sure to try the homemade vermouth while you’re here, then continue proceedings at La Terraza Valeria, ordering a pina colada to sip from its rooftop bar.

Need to get out of the sun and find some shade? La Alameda Park is an ideal place to relax after a day of walking around the city. Several monuments are dotted around the area, such as the 143-year-old Caracola Nymph and the Nymph Fountain of Cantaro. You can learn about these sculptures, plus the park’s non-nymph-related statues, on one of the many walking tours available. There’s also an auditorium, which hosts special events throughout the year.