Malaga is set in the South of Spain (Costa del Sol) in the Andalucian region renowned for its beautiful historical architecture and the council in Malaga have bid for the title of 'European City of Culture' for 2016 meaning that there are constant efforts to improve the city in order to gain this title. The tiny streets are packed with Spanish Tapas bars and designer shops and festivals regularly take place in the city, the next being over easter where there's a colourful party atmosphere.
Who Comes To Malaga?
Most people visiting Malaga come here to enjoy historical scenery, cosmopolitan culture and vibrant nightlife. Malaga tourists include European visitors, many from surrounding areas of Spain and the UK, and plenty of tourists fly in from the US to experience a mix of modern and historic Spain.
When does the Season Begin in Malaga?
This is a great city to visit all year round although Malaga can be cold during winter months of November to February (around 13 degrees) however most people tend to visit from early April when the temperatures rise to 20 degrees. Being a city, Malaga can get hot in main summer months and gets extremely busy.
Airport Information
The airport that serves visitors to Malaga is Malaga International Airport, also known as Pablo Ruiz Picasso, which is only 8km from Malaga city and from here you can book car rentals, take a train, bus or taxi. Buses run regularly until midnight and travelling into the city is just under 4Euros, transfer by luxury car for up to four people is 35Euros.
Malaga Nightlife
Both locals and holidaymakers go out to find the best bars and clubs with the night beginning at around midnight after dinner and drinks. Nights go on until dawn, all year round, and bar owners will often not close until the last person has left (usually for breakfast!). There is an array of different styles of bars and clubs – from flamenco to dance to Irish – so everybody is catered for. For a warming bar to begin the night that claims its drinks are cheap at an average 3Euros, try La Botellita – it's found in Malaga old Town near the Cathedral which is one of the livelier areas to spend your evening. There's a good selection of nightclubs in Malaga, one of which Paka Paya is found in the centre of Malaga. Most clubs charge an entrance fee which is variable, but it's understood that some females will be let in free by some of the nicer bouncers!
Local Drinks
Bacardi rum is made in Malaga so you'll find it's available everywhere. As are the Andalucian wines, chardonnays and champagnes. If you want a beer in a glass, a 'tubo' is what to ask for as Cerveza will usually be served in a bottle. The beer you'll find most of is Spanish 'San Miguel' or 'Cruzcampo', which can average on 2-3Euros with international beers like Fosters costing more. Cocktails and Sangria can be found for around 3Euros.
Local Cuisine
Selections of restaurants include Traditional and humble Spanish Tapas Bars, elegant contemporary cuisine at places like the 'Cafe de Paris' (not a club like it's London equivalent) or delightful seafood at 'Casa Pedro' or 'Cobertizo' both of which are by the sea. Tapas can be as little as 3.5Euros per person.
Boy/Girl Ratio
The male to female balance in Malaga can be around 8:1 at high season, however some clubs and bars try to control the male/female ratio and may, at times, not let in large single-sex groups. A good idea if you are travelling in a party of all males or females is to break up when entering clubs so that you aren't all turned away. Because of the high ratio, ladies are expected to take care and stay with friends rather than wandering off on their own.
Malaga Beaches
La Malaqueta beach is a man-made beach which was made by importing dark sand from the Sahara and it's in the middle of the city which makes it easy to walk to. For a smaller beach with equally easy access (and disabled access) you can visit La Caleta beach. Some other beaches include La Misericordia beach (outskirts of Malaga), Las Acacias beach which is ideal for families with children, and El Palo beach with soft sand.