The Capital of the province with more than half a million (568.300 in 2009) inhabitants is the economic heart of the "Costa del Sol" (sun coast) region. Since the 70’s the trade city of Málaga and its coast transformed itself to the number one tourist area in Andalusia. One good reason is the mild climate all over the year. The native town of Pablo Picasso is famous for its celebrations, especially the Holy Week and the August Feria.

Classification

Alcazaba – Moorish fortress, constructed during the 11th century over a Roman basement. Reconstructed completely in the 30s of the 20th century. Inside, the Archaeological Museum.
It offers, together with the higher located ruins of the Gibralfaro Castle, excellent views over the town and the bay.

Great Cathedral – constructed between the 16th and 18th century in a style mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Curiosity: is has just one tower. Inside beautiful wooden choir stools of mahogany and 103 statues of saints. In its garden a sacred chapel with a beautiful doorway.

Iglesia de Santiago – church (15th century) with a tower in Gothic Arab style. Located at Plaza de la Merced. Just a few feet away is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso with a small library inside. A new Picasso Museum will be opened nearby in the Renaissance Palacio de Buenavista, where today you can find the Fine Arts Museum with works of Murillo, Zurbarán and Picasso.

Museum Picasso  - located in the "La Judería" quarter (C/ San Agustin 8). Open since october 2003. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions, a library, am auditory and teaching center.

Integrates as well the Museo de Bellas Artes with works of Murillo, Zurbarán and Picasso.

Art and Popular Customs Museum – housed in a 17th century inn dedicated to the customs and art products of the region an its people.

La Caleta – waterside walkway

Parque Retiro - 15 kms/9 miles southeast Garden with plants, seeded in the 17th and 18th century. Bird exhibition. (Actually closed!)

Montes de Málaga Natural Park – the hilly region with thickly grown pine woods a few miles north of the Capital preserves the city against inundations.

Tourist information
Pasaje de Chinitas 1

Airport (international terminal)

Avda. de Cervantes 1

Traffic connections
International airport Pablo Picasso (10 kms/6 miles), daily domestic and international flights.

Trains (RENFE) to Córdoba, Seville, Granada, Algeciras, Madrid; Regional trains to Fuengirola, Álora/Ronda.

Highways and motorways to Granada, Seville; National roads to Córdoba, Algeciras, Almería.

Ships to Cádiz/Canary Islands, Melilla, Ceuta, Tanger, Barcelona, Balearic Islands/Genoa (Italy).

Accommodation
More than 70 hotels and hosteles of all categories and prices. Might be difficult to find accommodation during the Holy Week and the Feria in August. 

Hotel check

Tapas bars
Endless possibilities offered in the numerous bars in the centre.

Restaurants

Shopping
Shopping district between Calle Marqués de Larios, Calle Puerta del Mar and Calle Nueva.