The Spanish destination with 300 days of sunshine a year

IF you’re after a cultural, gastronomic holiday with the chance of a dip in the sea – here is our guide to visiting Malaga, Spain.

Dubbed The City of Museums with over 30 to choose from, it is the best of culture and history but also beaches.

4

WHY SHOULD I GO?

FOR the best of culture, history and beaches, too. Head to and stay in the old town with lovely old buildings, the trendiest shops and lunch of fresh fish on the nearby beach.

4

More than 300 days of sun make for a cultural, gastronomic holiday with the chance of a dip in the sea.

Make it your short-stay destination or spend a few nights before exploring more of the Costa del Sol, or inland Andalucia.

ARE THESE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

4

A lot of the old part of town is pedestrianised so on foot is the way to see the city. Calle Larios is the most famous street, especially for its Christmas lights.

Malaga is also known as The City of Museums with over 30 to choose, from including the Picasso Museum as this is the city where he was born.

But the best is the Car Museum (Museo Automovilístico) a bus ride away and featuring around 100 classic motors, partnered with vintage fashion of the different eras.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?

4

Malaga’s mighty 11th-century fortress Alcazaba. Built on the city’s only hill, it’s a steady climb until you get to those huge, lookout-post views of the Med and across the city.

If you don’t mind a climb but don’t want to pay the entry fee, look for the Alcazaba walkway, a metal viewing platform between Calle Alcazabilla and Alcazaba. Gibralfaro Castle, built in the 14th century to protect the city below is a fair hike or easy bus ride to get to, however the mood takes you.

For art without visiting a museum head to Soho, Malaga’s street-art district, to admire stunning murals.

And while in Spain, a bit of flamenco maybe? MIMMA — the Malaga Interactive Music Museum — holds flamenco shows several times a week. See musicaenaccion.com/en

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

In summer, nothing beats freshly cooked fish from a local beach bar. La Malagueta is the nearest beach to the old town, is a sandy stretch of more than 1,200 metres.

If you prefer a roof over your head, food market Mercado Atarazanas has an amazing choice of fresh produce and tapas, open from early in the morning until 2pm to 3pm.

In the evening, the narrow side streets off Calle Larios come alive with many bars and restaurants.

Or the Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro offers some of the best views in the city but a reservation is advised.

I FANCY A DRINK

El Pimpi, the oldest bar in town, is a great spot. Sit outside and you’ll have views of the Alcazaba, or sit inside among old barrels and photos signed by famous visitors.

If you want to try the local wine, head to Antigua Casa de Guardia for a choice of local wines from wooden barrels behind the bar.

For a craft beer or two you can’t beat the pub La Botica de la Cerveza, on Calle Victoria, with tipples from here, there and everywhere.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

Handy for the old district, beach and to port is the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio. The rooftop is magical — swim in its pool by day and see those 360-degree twinkling lights at night with the sea and port in front and the cathedral and city behind.

There’s also decent-sized rooms and roof-top dining with nearby parking if you hire a car. Rates vary greatly from low to high season, but become a member for best prices.