Spending a Weekend in Malaga

Sizzling on the “Sun Coast”!

Located on the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast) of Spain, Malaga has a fantastic climate year round. Although the summers can be a bit on the warmer side, the low humidity in the area keeps it from becoming unbearable. In the winter, the combination of the mountains blocking the cooler air from the north and the warm winds coming off of the Mediterranean keep the temperatures mild and pleasant.

Malaga is Spain’s second largest city and has served as a major port city for the Roman, Moorish, and Christian empires over time. It remains an important hub today, being a convenient and much-utilized transition point between southern Europe and Northern Africa.

The Birthplace of Picasso

Culture hounds will love the history of Malaga. It was an important holding of both Moorish and Christian rulers, a fact that is evident in the beautifully blended architecture in the region. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, and the Picasso Foundation is headquartered in the city. The Museo de Picasso displays many of his works.

Altar of Church of Santiago, Malaga, Spain

Altar of Church of Santiago in Malaga

The Iglesia Santiago is the oldest Christian building in Malaga, and is also where Pablo Picasso was baptised. Its beauty lies both in its architectural elements and the richly detailed works of art displayed in altars throughout the space. Picasso admirers should be sure to visit this church, as it is the site of the late artist’s baptism, and the baptismal font is still in the church today.

A Photographer’s Dream

For those who are more interested in the political history of Malaga, a visit to the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro are a must! The Alcazaba is a double-walled fortress with an interesting history of occupation and use by both Moorish and Christian rulers of Spain. The winding pathways and architectural details are a photographer’s dream, and the views from the Gibralfaro will absolutely take your breath away.

Photos of the Alcazaba, Malaga

Plan on at least half a day to fully explore both structures. Photographers, historians, and architecture buffs will each find something to love about the old city fortifications, and everyone will be mesmerized by the views, which take in the port, the city’s old quarter, and the Malaga Mountains.

The “Sagrada Familia” of Malaga

No visit to Malaga would be complete without a visit to the One-Armed Lady. The Catedral de Malaga is known as such because this stunning cathedral was never completed; the original plans called for two towers to complete the final product, but the money that was to be spent on the construction of the cathedral was diverted to another project.

Malaga Cathedral, the “One-armed Lady”

There have been plans more recently to complete the cathedral to match its original design, but the fact that it remains unfinished has become an important part of Malaga and greater Spain’s history.

Getting around Malaga’s sights

You can see all these sights and more using the Malaga hop-on hop-off buses – they have stops all over the city so you can explore as much as you like without worrying about mounting travel costs or getting lost!

Malaga’s vibrant culture, exciting history and unsurpassed beauty make it a definite contender for the top must-see cities in Europe. You will remember your sun- and fun-filled vacation to this beautiful port city for a lifetime!