The Moors occupied Malaga until the mid 15th century. Their imprint can be seen in buildings like La Alcazaba. Situated on the hill overlooking the town, this Muslim fortress dates back to 1057. Sporting a double wall and numerous defensive towers, the Alcazaba is now a fascinating archaeological museum.
High above it lies the Gibralfaro - a Muslim castle built by the Cordoban emir Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century.
Malaga’s cathedral, on Calle Molina Lario, was built in the 16th century on the site of the main mosque. It has a fine baroque facade and beautifully carved wooden choir stalls.
The Palacio de Jos Condes de Buenavista on Calle San Agustin will be home to the superb new Museo Picasso when it opens in 2001. The museum will feature a large collection of the artist’s work. You can visit the house where he was born on Plaza de la Merced 15. Recently restored, it is now an archive of his life and works.
The Museum of Popular Arts is also well worth a visit. Situated in an old inn on Pasillo Santa Isabel, it has a fine collection of barros (painted clay figures).
Stroll along the palm-fringed Paseo del Parque. Laid out in the 19th century, the garden running along its southern side is planted with eye-catching tropical plants.
The impressive park on Calle Alameda has one of the best botanical collections in Europe. Open air concerts are held here every Sunday in winter.
Malaga is famous for its pescaito frito, a selection of small fried fish such as sardines and red mullet. Try some cold soups -gazpacho, sopa de ajo (garlic soup) and the refreshing sopa de almendra conuvas (almond soup with grapes).
For bars and restaurants
head for the Plaza de la Constitucion. The Plaza de Uncibay has particularly
good tapas bars. A swim off one of the town’s surrounding beaches is a
refreshing way to beat the heat!